Latch Assembly for Torque Management

This disclosure generally relates to machines, tools, systems, and the like used in the oil and gas industry for torque management (e.g., restraint) of a drilling machine, such as a power swivel. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a quick connect latch assembly, which may be used for managing torque generated by operation of a machine (a power swivel or the like). The latch assembly can be a quick connect assembly. The disclosure further pertains to a cable or wire rope quick connect assembly for torque reaction.

When drilling for oil or gas, a wellbore is typically drilled using a drill bit attached to the lower end of a “drill string.” The process of drilling a well typically includes a series of drilling, tripping, casing and cementing, and repeating as necessary. The process of doing well servicing on a previously drilled, completed, and producing well uses many of the same operations although rotation is only required for operations such as milling out a packer and/or sometimes for drilling the well deeper.

Normally, relatively large drilling rigs are used for these wells, which utilize a ‘kelly’ table and associated equipment. Rigs of this sort take up an enormous amount of surface area and are typically capable of generating rotary torques of 35,000 foot-pounds (47,460 joules) or more.

shows a simplified view of a conventional drilling operationusing a powerful driver. A derrick(or drilling rig) is configured to rotate a drill stringthat has a drill bitdisposed at a lower end of the drill string, typically using a driver unitand associated equipment. The driver unitrotates the stringand the drill bitto do drilling or milling work downhole in the wellbore

Near the derrick, a plurality of tubular membersare often stored on a pipe rack(s). The pipe rackis relatively near the ground, and substantially below the rig floor. Therefore, tubulars,must be transported to the rig floorjoint by joint for use in drilling or servicing operations.

Pipe handling systems are utilized to transport the tubularfrom the pipe rackand present the tubularto rig floorfor use by rig floor personnel. Such pipe handling systems are commonly available from rental companies, well servicing or drilling companies, and the like. These systems are typically known as pipe handlers or hydraulic catwalks, which are operated to move the tubular(s)from a horizontal position on the catwalk, up an inclined ramp or V-door, to the rig floor in the derrickwhere rig floor personnel can latch on with an elevator and raise the pipe to a vertical position.

The derrick structures of these large drilling rigs require high capital and operating cost, including significant transport logistics. The rigs may be assembled on site and must be capable of withstanding rotary torques and other loads. As a result of size and strength, the derrick structure of these assembled drilling rigs need not require guy wire torsional or other support of these derrick structures.

For operations of less demand, and that do not require larger torques, a reduced-size and portable workover rig may be used.shows a simplified view of a conventional drilling operationthat utilizes a workover rig. The rigmay have mastsuitable for erecting onsite, thus avoiding the need for a large derrick that requires complete assembly. The mastmay have a first portionand a second portionthat telescope together for easy transport.

The rigis positioned, and the mastis raised proximate the well/wellhead. Rotation is typically accomplished using driver, namely, a power swivel, thus eliminating the need for the kelly and associated equipment. To manage torque, torque reaction cables are used to mitigate torque loads generated by the power swivel, which is typically supported on a hook or travelling block. Resultant torque from operation is reacted through an arm of the power swivelcoupled with a wire line or torque cable that is tensioned on the rig between top or crown and bottom or rig floor. In this manner, the power swivelcan apply torque to a tubular (e.g.,,) while moving up or down the rigwith the pipestring.

Torques generated by the power swivelare known to be limited, given the limited size of the rigFor example, a torque limit of 2500 ft-lbs (3390 joules) is typical. Even with these torque limitations, there are unwanted safety risks, hardware damage risks, or other problems. To accommodate torque management, the power swivelis configured with a torque arm bail pin, as well as a telescoping bar and tube. The end of the bar has historically been coupled with a torque reaction cable, such as via a shackle or hoop (with the cable passing therethrough.

The drawbacks of this configuration are numerous. For example, after continuous use the sliding friction between the shackle and (wire) cable can suffer integral damage, thus causing them to break, resulting in chance of injury to personnel and/or damage to equipment. Moreover, when torque is applied on the shackle, this results in sliding friction against the cable, which then increases stresses resulting in eventual cable failure/breaking. On top of rig floor, the shackle bolt needs to be removed to put over the wire. This results in a safety hazard if the bolt or shackle or tools are dropped on personnel below.

For a more elegant solution, torque arm rollers/pulleys/sheaves may be used which roll up and down the wire rope.shows a conventional torque arm roller assemblythat may be coupled with a telescoping rodmovable within torque arm housing. The torque arm housingmay extend outward (such as laterally) from the power swivel. As the power swivelmoves up/down to with the pipe string, the torque arm roller assemblyfollows along the torque guide cable(via sheaves or rollers).

The use of the torque arm roller assembly, while useful for managing torque reaction, is cumbersome. Every time the rigis erected, the roller assemblymust be disassembled and assembled in order to receive the cabletherein (or if lowered, remove the cabletherefrom).

A need exits for torque management that addresses these deficiencies and concerns. There is a need in the art for an assembly useful for torque management of a power swivel that may save time and increase safety. There is a need for rapid attachment and detachment. The ability to increase efficiency and save operational time and expense while increasing safety leads to considerable competition in the marketplace. Achieving any ability to save time, or ultimately cost, while increasing safety leads to an immediate competitive advantage.

Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to a latch assembly useful for torque management related to operation of a driver, such as a power swivel. The latch assembly may be configured for rapid or quick attachment/detachment.

Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a latch assembly that may include a first portion coupled (such as movably) with a second portion. The first portion may include a first housing, a first middle or body, and a first handle. The first housing may include an at least one roller. The first portion may have the first housing proximate to the first body. The first body may have a first body hook or latch. The first portion may have a first mount.

Other embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a latch assembly that may include a first portion or subassembly, and a second portion or subassembly. The first and second portions may be coupled (such as movably) together.

The first portion may include a number of subcomponents, such as a first body, which may have a first body hook. There may be a first handle associated or coupled with the first body.

The second portion may include a respective or second body. There may be a second handle movably coupled or associated with the second body. The second handle may be configured with a second handle hook and/or a second handle hook slot.

In aspects, when the latch assembly is in a first (e.g., closed) position, the first body hook may be engaged with the second handle hook slot. In the first position the second body hook may be engaged with the first handle hook slot.

The first body may include a first body hook slot. The second handle hook may be configured to engage and disengage with the first body hook slot.

The second body may be configured with a second body hook. The first handle may be configured with a first handle hook slot.

In aspects, when the latch assembly is in a second (e.g., open) position, the first body hook may be disengaged from the second handle hook slot, and/or the second body hook may be disengaged from the first handle hook slot. The latch assembly may be movable from the second position to the first position regardless of (user) interaction with the first handle and the second handle.

When the latch assembly is in the first position, the first handle hook may be engaged with the second body hook slot, and/or the second handle hook may be engaged with the first body hook slot.

The latch assembly may be movable from the first position to the second position only when at least one of the first handle and the second handle is moved to a respective handle open position.

The first portion may be identical to the second portion. The first portion may be oriented 180 degrees around a reference point as compared to the second portion.

The first portion may include comprises a first housing, which may have an at least one roller operably disposed therein. The second portion may include a second housing, which may have a respective portion roller operably disposed therein. The housings may be integral to the respective bodies. The portions may have other housings/rollers.

While in the first position, a cable may be disposed or maintained within the latch assembly. In this respect, the cable may be in contact with the at least one roller. A power swivel may be coupled with the latch assembly. A torque arm housing may be configured with a telescoping rod. The telescoping rod may be configured with a telescoping rod end coupled with the latch assembly.

The latch assembly may include a frame coupled with the first portion and the second portion. There may be a hinge member disposed through each of the first portion, the second portion, the telescoping rod end, and/or the frame.

Yet other embodiments of the disclosure may pertain to a torque management system that may have any of: a rig, a pliable member, and a latch assembly. The rig may have a top end and a bottom end. The pliable member may have a first member end connected to the top end and a second member end connected to the bottom end.

The latch assembly may be configured to have the pliable member engaged and disengaged therefrom. The latch assembly may include a first portion having a first body configured with a first body hook. The latch assembly may include a second portion movably coupled with the first portion. The second portion may have a second handle configured with a second handle hook slot.

When the latch assembly is in a first position, the first body hook may be engaged with the second handle hook slot in a manner whereby the pliable member is maintained therein. The latch assembly may have a second position, whereby the first body hook and the second handle hook slot may be decoupled in a manner such that the pliable member may be able to be removed from the latch assembly.

In aspects, a driver such as a power swivel may be coupled with the latch assembly. The power swivel may have a torque arm housing configured with a (telescoping) rod. The rod may be configured with a telescoping rod end coupled with the latch assembly. There may be a bolt or other type of coupling used therewith, thus forming a hinge or pivot point therebetween.

Embodiments herein may pertain to a torque management system. The system may be used for a drilling operation. There may be a rig having a top end and a bottom end. There may be a cable having a first cable end connected to the top end and a second cable end connected to the bottom end. There may be a power swivel operatively connected with the rig. There may be a latch assembly coupled with the power swivel. The latch assembly may be configured to have the cable engaged and disengaged therefrom. The latch assembly may include a first portion, and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion may be directly and/or indirectly coupled with each other. When the latch assembly is in a first position, the first portion and the second portion may couple together in a manner whereby the cable is maintained therein. When the latch assembly is in a second position, the first portion and the second portion may be decoupled in a manner whereby the cable may be readily and freely removed from the latch assembly.

Yet other embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a latch assembly that may have a first subassembly comprising a first contact surface; and a second subassembly movingly coupled with the first subassembly. The second subassembly may include a second contact surface. The first subassembly may be identical to the second subassembly. The second subassembly may be movingly coupled with the first subassembly in a 180 degree opposite orientation with respect to a reference point. The first contact surface may be engaged with the second contact surface when the latch assembly is in a closed position.

These and other embodiments, features and advantages will be apparent in the following detailed description and drawings.

Regardless of whether presently claimed herein or in another application related to or from this application, herein disclosed are novel apparatuses, units, systems, and methods that pertain to improved handling of tubulars, details of which are described herein. Such novel apparatuses may also have uses in applications unrelated to improved handling of tubulars, such as a latch assembly for managing torque.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, such as to mean, for example, “including, but not limited to . . . ”. While the disclosure may be described with reference to relevant apparatuses, systems, and methods, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown or described. Rather, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of configurations may be implemented in accordance with embodiments herein.

Although not necessary, like elements in the various figures may be denoted by like reference numerals for consistency and ease of understanding. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure; however, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Directional terms, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” etc., are used for convenience and to refer to general direction and/or orientation, and are only intended for illustrative purposes only, and not to limit the disclosure.

Connection(s), couplings, or other forms of contact between parts, components, and so forth may include conventional items, such as lubricant, additional sealing materials, such as a gasket between flanges, PTFE between threads, and the like. The make and manufacture of any particular component, subcomponent, etc., may be as would be apparent to one of skill in the art, such as molding, forming, press extrusion, machining, or additive manufacturing. Embodiments of the disclosure provide for one or more components to be new, used, and/or retrofitted to existing machines and systems.

Various equipment may be in fluid communication directly or indirectly with other equipment. Fluid communication may occur via one or more transfer lines and respective connectors, couplings, valving, piping, and so forth. Fluid movers, such as pumps, may be utilized as would be apparent to one of skill in the art.

Numerical ranges in this disclosure may be approximate, and thus may include values outside of the range unless otherwise indicated. Numerical ranges include all values from and including the expressed lower and the upper values, in increments of smaller units. As an example, if a compositional, physical or other property, such as, for example, molecular weight, viscosity, melt index, etc., is from 100 to 1,000. it is intended that all individual values, such as 100, 101, 102, etc., and sub ranges, such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc., are expressly enumerated. It is intended that decimals or fractions thereof be included. For ranges containing values which are less than one or containing fractional numbers greater than one (e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc.), smaller units may be considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, etc. as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated, are to be considered to be expressly stated in this disclosure. Numerical ranges are provided within this disclosure for, among other things, the relative amount of reactants, surfactants, catalysts, etc. by itself or in a mixture or mass, and various temperature and other process parameters.

The term “connected” as used herein may refer to a connection between a respective component (or subcomponent) and another component (or another subcomponent), which may be fixed, movable, direct, indirect, and analogous to engaged, coupled, disposed, etc., and may be by screw, nut/bolt, weld, and so forth. Any use of any form of the terms “connect”, “engage”, “couple”, “attach”, “mount”, etc. or any other term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the elements described.

The term “fluid” as used herein may refer to a liquid, gas, slurry, single phase, multi-phase, pure, impure, etc. and is not limited to any particular type of fluid such as hydrocarbons.

The term “fluid connection”, “fluid communication,” “fluidly communicable,” and the like, as used herein may refer to two or more components, systems, etc. being coupled whereby fluid from one may flow or otherwise be transferrable to the other. The coupling may be direct, indirect, selective, alternative, and so forth. For example, valves, flow meters, pumps, mixing tanks, holding tanks, tubulars, separation systems, and the like may be disposed between two or more components that are in fluid communication.

The term “pipe”, “conduit”, “line”, “tubular”, or the like as used herein may refer to any fluid transmission means, and may (but need not) be tubular in nature.

The term “engine” as used herein may refer to a machine with moving parts that converts power into motion, such as rotary motion. The engine may be powered by a source, such as internal combustion.

The term “motor” as used herein may be analogous to engine. The motor may be powered by a source, such as electricity, pneumatic, or hydraulic.

The term “pump” as used herein may refer to a mechanical device suitable to use an action such as suction or pressure to raise or move liquids, compress gases, and so forth. ‘Pump’ can further refer to or include all necessary subcomponents operable together, such as impeller (or vanes, etc.), housing, drive shaft, bearings, etc. Although not always the case, ‘pump’ may further include reference to a driver, such as an engine and drive shaft. Types of pumps include gas powered, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical.

The term “utility fluid” as used herein may refer to a fluid used in connection with the operation of a heat generating device, such as a lubricant or water. The utility fluid may be for heating, cooling, lubricating, or other type of utility. ‘Utility fluid’ may also be referred to and interchangeable with ‘service fluid’ or comparable.