Control system for a top drive

• US 9,249,655 B1
• Filed: 05/31/2012
• Issued: 02/02/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Larry G. Keast
• Original Assignee: Larry G. Keast
• Inventors: Keast, Larry G., Gerhauser, Stephen Lee Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): PATEL, RAMESH B
• Application Number:
  US13/485,533
• Time in Patent Office: 1,342 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 19/06 Elevators, i.e. rod- or tube-gripping devices
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 21/02 Swivel joints in hose-lines
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 3/022 Top drives
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 44/00 Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systems; Systems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 44/02 Automatic control of the tool feed E21B44/005, E21B44/10 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 44/04 in response to the torque of the drive ; Measuring drilling torque E21B44/06 takes precedence; measuring stresses in a well bore pipe E21B47/007

Abstract

A top drive control system with a remote control having a processor and data storage connected to a torque pin sensor, a speed sensor, a remote control, which enables a user to actuate automatic remote rocking, drilling, orienting and making-up of a drill string using the top drive and provides simultaneous right hand and left hand torque applied to the drill string while simultaneously controlling speed of turning of the drill string. The top drive control system includes computer instructions for automated orienting of drill pipe, automated drilling with drill pipe and automated making-up of drill pipe into a drill string.

Claims

1. An automatically executing control system for a top drive for a drilling rig wherein the control system communicates with a hydraulic pump and a prime mover, wherein the control system comprises:

(i) at least one processor;

(ii) data storage connected to the at least one processor;

(iii) a torque pin sensor connected to the at least one processor and mounted between the top drive and a torque track slide assembly for moving the top drive; and

(iv) a speed sensor connected to at least one of the processors and mounted integrally within the top drive;

b. a remote control connected to the processor, enabling a user to remotely perform at least one of four modes of operations at least partially automatically using the drill string by the top drive comprising a drill mode, a make-up mode, an orient mode, and a rocking mode, and wherein the remote control comprises;

(i) a torque control and monitor comprising;

1. a right hand torque and left hand torque display connected to the torque pin sensor for displaying simultaneously and in real time right hand torque pressure and left hand torque pressure applied to the drill string by a member of the group, comprising;

a. lithe top drive;

b. a mud motor; and

c. combinations thereof;

2. a torque release actuator;

3. a drill torque control connected to the hydraulic pump;

4. a make-up torque control connected to the processor; and

5. a mode of operation selection means;

(ii) a speed control and monitor comprising;

1. a speed display in revolutions per minute connected to the speed sensor for displaying revolutions per minute applied to the drill string in real time by the top drive;

2. a speed selection means connected to at least one of the processors; and

3. a rotational selection means to control rotation of the drill string wherein the rotational selection means allows a rotational direction to be selected, wherein the rotational direction comprises a clockwise rotation, a counter-clockwise rotation, and a stop;

c. computer instructions in the data storage to compare data from the torque pin sensor to a top drive torque maximum or a specified number of turns for the drill string to rock the drill string;

d. computer instructions in the data storage for establishing a maximum torque while drilling in a clockwise direction or a specified number of turns for the drill string in a clockwise direction; and

e. computer instructions in the data storage for establishing a maximum torque while rotating the drill string in a counter-clockwise direction or a specified number of turns for the drill string in a counter-clockwise direction.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the remote control has a grabber control for controlling a grabber on the top drive, and the grabber control comprises:

a. a grabber closed indicator;

b. an open and grab switch;

c. an up and down switch electrically connected to an up and down hydraulic means on the top drive; and

d. computer instructions in the data storage to operate the grabber to automatically close the grabber to grab wellbore equipment of wellbore operations; and

to open the grabber when the open and grab switch is actuated from the remote control;

(i) computer instructions for automatically moving the grabber up or down along the drill string using the top drive, when the up and down switch is actuated;

(ii) computer instructions for turning on the grabber closed indicator when the grabber is in a closed position; and

(iii) computer instructions for automatically floating the grabber when the grabber is engaged on the drill string.

3. The control system of claim 1, wherein the remote control further comprises:

a. a blowout preventer opening and closing means connected to a valved inside blow out preventer of the top drive;

b. and wherein the data storage further includes;

(i) computer instructions in the data storage for automatically opening the inside blow out preventer with the top drive;

automatically closing the inside blow out preventer with the top drive when actuated by the blowout preventer opening and closing means; and

(ii) computer instructions in the data storage for preventing the operation of the inside blow out preventer if any rotation is detected on the drill string.

4. The control system of claim 1, wherein the remote control further comprises:

a brake set and release connected to a brake of the top drive to stop rotation of the top drive; and

wherein the data storage comprises computer instructions for automatically setting the brake of the top drive; and

computer instructions in the data storage for automatically releasing the brake of the top drive depending on the commands from the brake set and release.

5. The control system of claim 4, wherein the remote control further comprises a prime mover control in communication with the processor wherein the prime mover control comprises:

(i) a prime mover is off indicator light connected to the processor and a prime mover for the top drive;

(ii) an emergency kill switch for the prime mover connected to the processor;

(iii) a remote start/run means for the prime mover comprising;

1. a start actuation;

2. a run actuation; and

3. a kill actuation; and

(iv) wherein the data storage further comprises;

a. computer instructions for providing an automatic emergency kill sequence for the prime mover, wherein the automatic emergency kill sequence consists of;

i. stopping the prime mover;

ii. setting the brake of the top drive, and

iii. locking the drill string from turning; and

b. computer instructions for providing an automatic start, run, and kill sequence comprising;

i. starting the prime mover;

ii. running the prime mover;

iii. killing the prime mover;

iv. setting the brake of the top drive; and

v. locking the drill string from turning.

6. The control system of claim 4, wherein the remote control further comprises:

a. a low hydraulic oil warning indicator connected to a hydraulic oil level sensor on a hydraulic tank for supplying hydraulic fluid to the top drive;

b. a low hydraulic oil shutdown indicator in communication with the processor to actuate computer instructions in the data storage to automatically shut down the prime mover and the hydraulic pump on the top drive, and to automatically actuate the brake to stop the drill string from turning;

c. computer instructions in the data storage for turning on the low hydraulic oil warning indicator when the hydraulic oil level sensor detects a hydraulic oil level below a preset level; and

d. computer instructions in the data storage to automatically prevent the operation of the prime mover and operation of the hydraulic pump when the hydraulic oil level sensor detects a hydraulic oil level below a preset level.

7. The control system of claim 4, wherein the remote control further comprises:

a. a hydraulic oil temperature warning indicator connected to the processor and to a hydraulic oil temperature transducer on the top drive and to the prime mover of the top drive; and

b. a hydraulic oil temperature shutdown indicator connected to a hydraulic oil temperature transducer on the top drive; and

further wherein the processor communicates with the hydraulic oil temperature transducer using;

(i) computer instructions in the data storage to engage the hydraulic oil temperature warning indicator and limit prime mover speed when the hydraulic oil temperature exceeds a preset maximum of degrees Fahrenheit; and

(ii) computer instructions in the data storage to automatically activate the hydraulic shut down warning indicator for the shutting down of the hydraulic pump and the prime mover, and setting the brake when the hydraulic oil temperature exceeds a preset maximum of degrees Fahrenheit.

8. The control system of claim 4, wherein the remote control further communicates with a hydraulic charge pressure sensor and a servo pressure sensor and the remote control comprises:

a. a first hydraulic oil low pressure warning indicator that communicates with a hydraulic charge pressure sensor, located in a pressurized hydraulic charge line for the hydraulic pump and further wherein the hydraulic oil low pressure warning indicator operates with computer instructions to compare oil pressures to preset level, actuate the warning indicator and to automatically shut down the prime mover and hydraulic pump when the charge pressure drops below a preset limit and set the brake on the top drive; and

b. a second hydraulic oil low pressure warning indicator that communicates with the servo pressure sensor, located in a pressurized hydraulic servo line for the hydraulic pump, and further wherein the hydraulic oil low pressure warning indicator operates with computer instructions to automatically shut down the prime mover and hydraulic pump when the servo pressure drops below a preset limit, and set the brake on the top drive.

9. The control system of claim 4, wherein the remote control further comprises:

a. a no cool oil circulation indicator connected to the processor, and a cool oil circulation sensor mounted to a hydraulic fluid line on the top drive; and

b. computer instructions in the data storage for detecting cool oil flow in the hydraulic fluid line, and then automatically shutting down the main hydraulic pump, and the prime mover when no cool oil flow is detected by the cool oil circulation sensor and setting the brake of the top drive.

10. The control system of claim 1, wherein the remote control further comprising:

(i) an out, hold, and back switch in communication with a kick-out solenoid on the top drive, wherein the kick-out solenoid provides bidirectional hydraulic fluid flow to at least one hydraulic cylinder and further wherein the at least one hydraulic cylinder moves at least one elevator link, of an elevator kick-out of the top drive to an extended or into a retracted position; and

(ii) a float actuation device connected to a float solenoid which overrides the at least one hydraulic cylinder to allow for floating and centering of a drill pipe for making-up into a drill string.

11. The control system of claim 1, wherein the mode of operation selection means includes actuation of indicator lights for each of the modes of operation selected from the group consisting of:

drilling, make-up, orient, and rocking, and wherein each light is a drill mode light, a make-up mode light, an orient mode light, or a rocking mode light; and

wherein each mode light connects to the processor and to computer instructions in the data storage wherein the computer instructions prevent the mode lights from glowing if a sequence of predefined operational steps have not occurred.

12. The control system of claim 11, further comprising:

a. computer instructions for operating the top drive in a drilling mode wherein the top drive operates at a 100 percent maximum drill torque and an 80 percent maximum hydraulic pump displacement;

b. computer instructions for operating the top drive in an orient mode for orienting a drill bit attached to a drill string supported by the top drive, wherein the top drive operates at a 100 percent maximum drill torque and an 80 percent maximum hydraulic pump displacement; and

c. computer instructions for operating the top drive in a make-up drill pipe mode, wherein the top drive operates at a 100 percent maximum make-up torque and a 33 percent maximum hydraulic pump displacement.

13. The control system of claim 1, further comprising computer instructions for operating the top drive in rocking mode, wherein the top drive operates at a 38 percent maximum torque and a 33 percent maximum hydraulic pump displacement.

14. An accelerated method for rocking a drill string using a top drive control system with a remote control, wherein the method comprises:

a. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct a processor connected to the data storage to initiate rock mode;

b. using computer instructions to automatically increase a speed of the prime mover to a preset prime mover limit;

c. using a make-up torque control and a torque control, both a right hand rock torque applied to the drill string is reduced to zero and a left hand rock torque applied to the drill string is reduced to zero;

d. using computer instructions to limit the right hand torque and the left hand torque to a preset torque percentage that is less than 100 inside blow out preventer torque on the drill string;

e. using a rotational selection means to control a rotation of the drill string to change rotation of the top drive from stop to a first directional rotation;

f. using a first torque control to increase torque pressure in the first rotational direction and increase hydraulic fluid flow from hydraulic pump to a hydraulic motor of the top drive to establish a maximum torque pressure or a specified number of turns for the top drive in the first rotational direction;

g. using the rotational selection means for selecting rotation of the drill string to stop pipe drill pipe rotation;

h. using the rotational selection means for selecting rotation of the drill string to start rotation of the drill pipe in a second rotational direction;

i. using a second torque control to increase torque pressure in the second rotational direction and increase hydraulic fluid flow from hydraulic pump to a hydraulic motor of the top drive to establish a maximum torque pressure or a specified number of turns for the top drive in the second rotational direction;

j. using the rotational selection means to control rotation of the drill string to stop pipe drill pipe rotations;

k. adjusting the speed of the drill string using a speed selection means simultaneously while rotating the drill pipe in the first or second rotational direction;

adjusting right hand torque on the drill string while rotating the drill string in the first or second rotational direction, adjusting left hand torque on the drill string while rotating the drill string in the first or second rotational direction, or combinations thereof;

l. using computer instructions that increase hydraulic fluid flow from the hydraulic pump to the established maximum torque pressure or specified number of turns for the top drive in the first rotational direction;

m. using computer instructions to verify that the drill pipe has stopped rotating in the first rotational direction and then change rotation from stop to a second directional rotation;

n. using computer instructions that increase hydraulic fluid flow from the hydraulic pump to the established maximum torque pressure or specified number of turns for the top drive in the second rotational direction;

o. using computer instructions to verify that the drill pipe has stopped rotating in the second rotational direction and then change rotation from stop to the first directional rotation;

p. using computer instructions to repeat the changing of rotational directions for as long as indicated by a user; and

q. using computer instructions to display drill string speed and right hand torque and left hand torque on the drill string continuously to a user while operating the top drive in rocking mode.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising using computer instructions to adjust a speed of the drill string while using computer instructions simultaneously.

16. An at least partially automated method for rotating a drill string for making-up drill pipe using a top drive control system with a remote control, wherein the method comprises:

a. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to initiate make-up mode;

b. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to grab drill pipe with the grabber;

c. using a rotational selection means for selecting rotation of the drill string to select a rotation of the top drive;

d. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to set a speed of rotation of the drill pipe to a maximum speed;

e. increasing the speed of rotation by at least 10 percent using a speed selection means until the pipe breaks out or makes up; and

f. releasing the drill pipe with the grabber.

17. An at least partially automated method for orienting a drill string in a wellbore using a top drive control system with a remote control, wherein the method comprises:

a. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to initiate orient mode;

b. using computer instructions in the data storage of the control system to limit rotation of the drill string to no more than 10 percent of maximum revolutions per minute of the top drive;

c. using a rotational selection means to control rotation of the drill string to a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction;

d. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to increase a speed of rotation of the drill pipe to a orient the drill string to a user selected position;

e. setting the brake of the top drive using a brake set and release; and

f. using the rotational selection means to control rotation of the drill string to stop drill string rotations.

18. An automated method for setting torque for drilling mode of a top drive using a top drive control system with a remote control, wherein the method comprises:

a. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to stop rotation of the drill string;

b. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to release the brake of the top drive;

c. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to set speed of rotation to a minimum speed;

d. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to set the grabber to grab the drill string;

e. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to set the mode of operation to drill mode;

f. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to set drill torque pressure to a minimum setting;

g. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to change a preset maximum torque value for drilling in the data storage to zero;

h. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to start turning the drill string in a clockwise rotational direction;

i. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to increase speed of rotation of the drill string by at least 10 inside blow out preventer;

j. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to increase torque pressure while drilling to a desired maximum pressure;

k. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to decrease speed of rotation of the drill string in rpm to zero;

l. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct a processor to stop drill string rotation;

m. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to set a grabber position to open;

n. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to limit torque pressure while drilling to a desired maximum pressure; and

o. using computer instructions in data storage of the control system of the top drive to instruct the processor to display drill string speed and right and torque and left hand torque on the drill string continuously to a user while operating the top drive in drilling mode.

19. An automated method for setting torque for make-up mode of a top drive for a drill string using a top drive control system with a remote control, wherein the method comprises:

a. using computer instructions to set torque for make-up mode;

b. using computer instructions to instruct the processor to stop rotation of the drill string;

c. using computer instructions to instruct the processor to release the brake of the top drive;

d. using computer instructions to instruct the processor to set speed of rotation of the top drive to a minimum speed of rotation;

e. using computer instructions to instruct the processor to grab drill pipe with the grabber;

f. using computer instructions to instruct the processor to operate the top drive in make-up mode;

g. using computer instructions to instruct the processor to set make-up torque pressure to minimum, and then using computer instructions to instruct the processor to change a preset maximum torque value in the data storage to zero;

h. using computer instructions to instruct the processor (i) to rotate the drill string in a clockwise rotational direction;

(ii) to increase the speed of rotation by at least 10 percent;

(iii) to increase torque pressure to a desired maximum;

(iv) to decrease drill pipe rotation speed to zero;

(v) to verify rotation of the drill pipe has stopped and to open the grabber; and

i. using computer instructions to instruct the processor to display drill string speed and torque continuously to a user while orienting the top drive.