Drilling rig masts and methods of assembly and erecting masts
First Claim
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1. A method for connecting two parts of a mast of a drilling rig, the method comprising:
- positioning a substructure at a location, said substructure having an open area therein that is defined by a space between a first side of said substructure and a second side of said substructure, said open area being adapted to at least partially receive a bottom mast section of said mast;
positioning said bottom mast section at least partially in said open area, the bottom mast section having a bottom connection apparatus,moving a second mast section adjacent the bottom mast section, the second mast section having a second connection apparatus, andmoving the bottom mast section so that the bottom connection apparatus contacts the second connection apparatus and engages the second connection apparatus to attach the bottom mast section to the second mast section.
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Abstract
Methods for connection parts of a mast of a drilling rig without using a crane or other lifting machine are disclosed. In certain aspects, these methods include moving parts of a mast to be assembled with trucks and positioning the parts with the trucks to facilitate their connection. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
120 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for connecting two parts of a mast of a drilling rig, the method comprising:
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positioning a substructure at a location, said substructure having an open area therein that is defined by a space between a first side of said substructure and a second side of said substructure, said open area being adapted to at least partially receive a bottom mast section of said mast; positioning said bottom mast section at least partially in said open area, the bottom mast section having a bottom connection apparatus, moving a second mast section adjacent the bottom mast section, the second mast section having a second connection apparatus, and moving the bottom mast section so that the bottom connection apparatus contacts the second connection apparatus and engages the second connection apparatus to attach the bottom mast section to the second mast section. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification