Adjustable Tubular Elevator

This patent application claims the benefit of priority as a continuation-in-part of Krijnen et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/626,981, entitled “ADJUSTABLE rig floor slip,” filed on Apr. 4, 2024 (Attorney Docket No. 5233.362US1), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to drill rigs. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to tubular elevators.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

Operating a drill rig can involve a range of activities, such as drilling wells, installing well casings, tripping of the drill string (e.g., during which drill pipes are lowered into (tripping in (e.g., running into hole (RIH))) or pulled out of (tripping out (e.g., pulling out of hole (POOH))) a well), etc. A tubular elevator can be used to grip a drill pipe, such as to suspend a drill string or a pipe stand that is being added or removed from a drill string. A tubular elevator can be suspended from a traveling block of a drill rig, and can be configured to impinge on a tubular to support the tubular from the drill rig mast. The tubular elevator can be manually engaged or disengaged. During drilling operations, a variety of pipe sizes can be used. Moreover, drill collar can have a larger diameter than drill pipe even though they each form a part of the same drill string. Separate, differently sized, tubular elevators or parts (e.g., size components) may need to be used (e.g., during various operations) to accommodate the different sizes.

In an example, a tubular elevator for a drill rig can include a plurality of size adjusting systems radially arranged about a housing of the tubular elevator and which can be configured to cooperate to adjust a diameter of a through opening of the tubular elevator to accommodate various tubular sizes. The tubular elevator can also include a slip component which can include a wedge arranged on a radially inner portion of each of the size adjusting systems and which can be configured to cooperate to further constrict the diameter of the through opening when a tubular can be suspended by the tubular elevator.

In an example, a tubular elevator for a drill rig can include two or more slip assemblies, arranged around a perimeter of a housing of the tubular elevator, where one or more of the slip assemblies can include an outer wedge, generally fixed relative to the housing, where a radially inward portion of the outer wedge can include a first inclined plane facing radially inward, where a bottom portion of the first inclined plane can be radially inward compared to a top portion of the first inclined plane. The tubular elevator can also include an intermediate wedge, where a radially outward portion of the intermediate wedge can be slidably engaged with the first inclined plane, where the intermediate wedge can move towards a center axis of a through opening of the tubular elevator when the intermediate wedge slides downward, where a radially inward portion of the intermediate wedge can include a second inclined plane facing radially inward, where a bottom portion of the second inclined plane can be radially inward compared to a top portion of the second inclined plane. The tubular elevator can also include an inner wedge, where a radially outward portion of the inner wedge can be slidably engaged with the second inclined plane, where the inner wedge can move towards the center axis of the through opening when the inner wedge slides downward.

In an example, a method of using a tubular elevator can include opening one or more elevator doors of the tubular elevator, passing a tubular laterally into a through opening of the tubular elevator through the elevator doors while the tubular elevator can be in a retracted position, and closing the one or more elevator doors. The method can also include engaging three slip assemblies of the tubular elevator with the tubular, centering the tubular within the through opening, and transferring a weight of the tubular to the tubular elevator.

A tubular elevator that can handle a range of tubular sizes (e.g., drill collar, drill pipe, well casing) can provide one or more benefits such as a reduction in human contact with the drilling process (e.g., any operation undertaken using a drilling rig, such as tripping, increasing a size or depth of a well bore, etc.), a reduction in human physical exertion during drilling, or an increase in the speed of operation of a drill rig. These benefits can arise because the tubular elevator does not need to be swapped out or adjusted to handle a range of tubular sizes. Additionally, a tubular elevator that is at least partially automated can provide one or more benefits, such as a reduction in human contact with the drilling process, a reduction in human physical exertion during drilling, an increase in the speed of operation of a drill rig, or an increase or other adjustment of the precision of the tubular elevator. In some examples, the tubular elevator can be operated manually, by another power source, or both. In some examples, the tubular elevator can provide position feedback, which can include an indication of whether or not a tubular is engaged with the tubular elevator. In some examples, the tubular elevator can grip a range of tubulars (e.g., range of tubular configurations, range of tubular sizes), such as without having to change size components (e.g., slips, inserts). In some examples, the tubular elevator can be at least partially automated (e.g., capable of being controlled remotely), which can help to remove the need for personnel to be near the center of the drill floor (e.g., in the red zone) or in a position to operate the tubular elevator manually (e.g., near a fingerboard).

Turning now to, a drill rigof the present disclosure is shown. The drill rigmay be configured for onshore oil drilling in some embodiments. However, in other embodiments, other drilling rigs of the present disclosure may be configured for other drilling operations, including offshore drilling. The drill rigmay be configured to be a mobile or stationary rig. The drill rigmay generally have a drill floor, a mast, and a pipe handling system.

The drill floormay include a platform positioned above or over a well and supported by a support structure. As shown, the drill floormay be configured to provide a working space for drilling operations and/or a storage space for equipment and drill pipe. The drill floormay have an opening arranged at or near well center (e.g., the well access hole) for accessing the well during drilling or tripping operations.

The mastmay extend from the drill floor with a height suitable for accommodating and/or building single, double, triple, quadruple, or other sized drill pipe stands. For example, the mastmay have a height of up to 50 feet, 100 feet 150 feet, 200 feet, or more. In other embodiments, the mastmay have any other suitable height or height range.

The lifting system may be configured for supporting the load of a tubular (e.g., pipe stand, drill string) during drilling, tripping in, tripping out, and/or other pipe handling operations. A tubular elevatorconfigured for coupling to a drill pipe may extend from the traveling block. In some embodiments, the tubular elevatormay be incorporated into a top drive, which may be coupled to the traveling blockvia a hook dolly or the tubular elevatormay be more directly coupled to the traveling blockvia a hook dolly. In either case, the traveling blockmay be configured to raise and lower the tubular elevator, so as to raise and lower a length or stand of pipe, between the drill floorand the crown block. The traveling blockmay include one or more sheaves through which the main drill line may be reeved. The use of a tubular elevator of the present disclosure is believed to apply, at least in part, to any drill rig configuration, and is not limited to the drill rig shown in.

The drill rigcan also include a rig floor slip. The rig floor slipmay be arranged in or on the drill floor. For example, the rig floor slipcan be positioned in the well access hole. The well access holecan be an opening (e.g., a hole) of any shape in the drill floor. During operation of the drill rig, operators may insert, feed, or otherwise pass a tubularthrough the rig floor slip, the well access hole, or both.

shows a perspective view of a tubular elevatorsuspended from a coupling.shows that the tubular elevatorcan be connected to the couplingby a first linkand a second link. The first linkcan connect to a first link connection pointof the tubular elevator. The second linkcan connect to a second link connection pointof the tubular elevator. In an example, the tubular elevatorcan include other means for suspension than the first link connection pointand the second link connection point. The couplingcan be coupled to the traveling block. In an example, the couplingcan be a portion of a top-drive system.

In an example, the tubular elevatorneed not be coupled to a traveling block and/or used with a top-drive system. For example, the tubular elevatorcan be coupled to a robot (e.g., a robotic arm, an at least partially autonomous system), which can lift and/or guide pipes.

shows a perspective view of the tubular elevatorof. The tubular elevatorcan be configured to grasp one or more cylindrical objects, such as a tubular (e.g., a drilling pipe, a drill casing, a pipe string, a drill string, or any number of tubulars employed in operations on a drill rig). The tubular elevatorcan be configured to carry a portion or all of the weight of the tubular, such as when the tubular is released from a rig floor slip, which can transfer the weight (e.g., the load) of the tubular to the tubular elevator. The tubular elevatorcan include two or more slip assemblies. The slip assemblies(e.g., elevator slip assemblies) can be arranged around a perimeter of a through openingof the tubular elevator. The tubular elevatorcan also include a housing(e.g., an outer load-holding body), such as can be configured to interface with the first link connection point, the second link connection point, and the slip assemblies.

The tubular elevatorcan include two slip assemblies, three slip assemblies, four slip assemblies, five slip assemblies, six slip assemblies(e.g., as shown in), seven slip assemblies, eight slip assemblies, or nine or more slip assemblies. The slip assembliescan be equally spaced radially around the perimeter of the tubular elevator(e.g., three slip assemblies 120 degrees apart, six slip assemblies 60 degrees apart), or the slip assembliescan be distributed radially in any other fashion.

A slip assemblycan include a size adjusting system and a slip component. The tubular elevator can include a plurality of slip assemblies(e.g., a plurality of size adjusting systems, each with a corresponding slip component), which can be radially arranged about the housingof the tubular elevator. The size adjusting systems can be configured to cooperate to adjust the diameter of a through opening(e.g., the diameter formed by the radially inner most portion of the plurality of slip components). The plurality of size adjusting systems can help allow the tubular elevatorto accommodate various tubular sizes. The slip component can include a wedge arranged on a radially inner portion of each of the size adjusting systems. The slip components can be configured to cooperate to further constrict the diameter of the through opening when a tubular is suspended by the tubular elevator.

The tubular elevatorcan also include one or more elevator doorsand one or more hinges. The elevator doorscan be included in or form a portion of the housing. Respective hingescan be coupled to respective ones of the elevator doors. The hingescan be configured to let the elevator doorspivot relative to the housing, which can include pivoting radially outward, for example, about a longitudinally extending axis. In an example, a slip assemblycan be mounted on an elevator door. The elevator doorscan be coupled to a system that controls the position of the elevator doors (not shown). For example, an automated system can be configured to open and/or close the elevator doors. In an example, the elevator doorscan be opened and/or closed manually. There can be a latch or other locking mechanism (not shown) configured to hold the elevator doorsin a closed position, an open position, or both.

shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a slip assemblyof the tubular elevatorof. In the example of, the slip assemblyis in the retracted (e.g., fully retracted) position.includes an arrow indicating the radially inward direction. The slip assemblycan be configured to one or more of (1) clamp or release a tubular, such as at least partially automatically (e.g., at the command of a processor or other controller) or (2) adjust a size of tubular that the tubular elevator is configured to engage with. In an example, the slip assemblyneed not be automated, and may be mechanical in nature (e.g., only mechanical clamping, only mechanical operation (e.g., manual operation)). The slip assemblycan be configured such that the slip assemblyclamps the tubular with a force that increases as a weight of the tubular carried by the tubular elevatorincreases (e.g., a force proportional to the weight of the tubular). The slip assemblycan include an outer wedge, an intermediate wedge, and an inner wedge. The outer wedgeand the intermediate wedgecan be included in the size adjusting system. The inner wedgecan be included in the slip component.

The outer wedge, can be generally fixed relative to the housing. For example, a radially outer portion of the outer wedgecan be fixed to the housing. In the example of, the housingmay include the outer wedge(e.g., the outer wedgeneed not be a separate component from the housing). For example, respective portions of the housingmay define the outer wedgefor respective ones of the slip assemblies. The outer wedgecan be configured to provide a mounting connection for the slip assembly, and can be configured to provide a surface for the intermediate wedgeto interface with. A radially inward portion of the outer wedgecan include a first inclined planefacing radially inward (e.g., the open face of the first inclined planeis oriented at least partially towards the through opening, such as directly facing the through opening, or at an angle of less than 90 degrees from the radially inward axis). A bottom portion of the first inclined planecan be radially inward compared to a top portion of the first inclined plane(e.g., the first inclined planeis facing upward and sloping radially inward). The outer wedge(e.g., the housing) can be one piece of material (e.g., a cast or machined part), or can include two or more parts fastened together.

The intermediate wedgecan be configured to interface with the outer wedge. Together, the portions of the outer wedge(e.g., all of the outer wedge), portions of the intermediate wedge(e.g., all of the intermediate wedge), and optionally one or more other components can form a size adjusting system. The size adjusting system can be configured to adjust a size of tubular that the tubular elevatoris configured to engage with (e.g., adjusting a size of the opening formed by the plurality of slip assemblies), engage or release a tubular (e.g., by moving the slip assemblyinto or out of contact with the tubular), or both. A radially outward portionof the intermediate wedgecan be slidably engaged with the first inclined plane. The size adjusting system can be configured such that the intermediate wedgemoves towards a center axis of the through openingwhen the intermediate wedgeslides downward, such as due to the configuration of the first inclined plane. This motion towards the center of the through openingcan help to provide one or more functions of the size adjusting system, such as adjusting a diameter of the through openingor engaging and releasing a tubular. The intermediate wedgecan be one piece of material (e.g., a cast or machined part), or can include two or more parts fastened together.

A radially inward portion of the intermediate wedgecan include a second inclined planefacing radially inward. A bottom portion of the second inclined planecan be radially inward compared to a top portion of the second inclined plane.

The slip assemblycan also include one or more actuators, such as can form a portion of the size adjusting system. An actuatorcan be configured to extend and retract longitudinally (e.g., a linear actuator). The actuatorcan include a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a screw drive, a rack/pinion, an electrical cylinder, a linear motor, or another type of linear actuator. A first end of the actuatorcan be coupled to the outer wedgeand a second end of the actuatorcan be coupled to the intermediate wedge. In an example, the first end of the actuatorcan be coupled to the housing. The actuatorcan be configured to adjust a position of the intermediate wedgealong the first inclined planeof the outer wedge, such as to adjust the size adjusting system. The actuatorcan be positioned between the outer wedgeand the intermediate wedge, which can include being positioned within an actuator cavity of the intermediate wedge, the outer wedge, or both. In an example, the slip assemblycan include two actuators. The actuatorscan be positioned on opposite radially tangential sides of the slip assembly. In this example, the actuatorsneed not be positioned in an actuator cavity. In an example, the actuatorcan be positioned between the first inclined planeand the radially outward portion.

The outer wedge, the intermediate wedge, or both, can include one or more features configured to keep the first inclined planefrom separating from the radially outward portion, such as a retaining groove, retaining guides, or both. The intermediate wedgecan include the retaining groove. The outer wedgecan include the retaining guides. The retaining guidescan be attached to or form a part of the outer wedge. For example, the retaining guidescan be attached to the outer wedgeusing a plurality of fasteners. The retaining groovecan be integral to the intermediate wedge(e.g., machined into the intermediate wedge, as shown in), or can be a separate component fastened to the intermediate wedgeusing one or more fasteners. The retaining guidescan be configured to interface with the retaining groove, such as to limit radially inward motion of the intermediate wedgerelative to the outer wedge, radially tangential (e.g., lateral) motion of the intermediate wedgerelative to the outer wedge, or both. In an example, the retaining guidescan be substantially “T-shaped” when viewed along the axis of the first inclined plane. The retaining groovecan have a corresponding “t-shaped” profile. This can help to allow the intermediate wedgeto be able to translate along the first inclined plane, without separating radially or tangentially from the first inclined plane.

The inner wedgecan form a portion or all of a slip component. The slip component can be configured to further constrict a diameter of the through openingof the tubular elevatorwhen a tubular is suspended by the tubular elevator. The inner wedgecan be configured to interface with the intermediate wedge. A radially outward portionof the inner wedge can be slidably engaged with the second inclined plane. The inner wedgecan be configured to move towards the center axis of the through openingwhen the inner wedgeslides downward. The inner wedgeand the intermediate wedgecan be configured so that the second inclined planedoes not separate from the radially outward portion(e.g., similarly to the intermediate wedgeand the outer wedge). The inner wedgecan be one piece of material (e.g., a cast or machined part), or can include two or more parts fastened together.

A radially inner surfaceof the inner wedge(e.g., the slip component) can be configured to engage with a tubular. The radially inner surfacecan include teeth or other texture to increase or otherwise tailor a friction or grip force against the tubular. The radially inner surfacecan include a curvature when viewed from above or below (e.g., as discussed with more detail with respect to) to provide a larger area of contact with the tubular. In an example, the radially inner surfacecan include one or more alloy strips (e.g., CuNiAl), which can be configured to be wear resistant, provide a specified level of friction, or both. For example, the alloy strips can provide a replaceable wear surface. The tubular elevatorcan be configured to engage with a range of tubular sizes ranging from at least 1⅛ inches (e.g., the tubular sizes that can be engaged span at least 1⅛ inches in diameter), at least two inches, at least four inches, at least six inches, at least eight inches, or at least 12 inches. In an example, the tubular elevatorcan engage with a range including a nominal size down to a smaller size (e.g., having a range of 4″ and a set nominal of 14″ grips from 14″ down to 10,″ such as without size component swap out). In an example, the tubular elevator(e.g., including the slip assemblies) can be configured so that the radially inner surfaceof the inner wedgeis generally parallel to the tubular across the range of tubular sizes. In an example, the tubular elevatorcan be configured to engage with a mix of casing sizes, for example, a 9⅝ inch casing as well as a 10¾ inch thick wall casing.

In an example, one or more portions of the slip assemblycan be replaced to accommodate a different range of tubular sizes. For example, one configuration of the tubular elevatorcan accommodate tubulars from 3 and ⅛ inch to 7 and ⅝ inch (e.g., measured in diameter of the outer surface of the tubular). The tubular elevatorcan be reconfigured to accommodate a range from 5 and ½ inch to 10 inch or a range from 9 and ½ inch to 14 inch. For example, one or more of the outer wedge, the intermediate wedge, or the inner wedgecan be exchanged for a corresponding outer wedge, intermediate wedge, or inner wedgeof a different size. In an example, the entire slip assemblycan be replaced. In an example, the outer wedgeand the intermediate wedgecan be reused, and the inner wedgecan be replaced. In an example, the size adjusting system can be replaced, and the inner wedgecan be reused. In an example, the housingis used across multiple tubular size ranges. In an example, the housingis replaced to accommodate one or more tubular size ranges. In an example, the entire tubular elevatorcan be replaced to accommodate a different tubular size range. In an example, the entire tubular elevatorcan be replaced, such as to accommodate a different tubular size or range of tubular sizes.

In an example, one or more portions of the tubular elevatorcan be configured differently. For example, the size adjusting component of the tubular elevatorcan include a hydraulic cylinder that is faced generally radially inward. The radially outward portion of the hydraulic cylinder can be mounted to the housing. The inner wedgeor the intermediate wedgecan be mounted on the radially inward portion of the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder can be configured to adjust a size of the through opening. The hydraulic cylinder can be configured to carry a portion of the weight of the tubular (e.g., the hydraulic cylinder is braced to be substantially rigid when the downward load of the tubular is applied to the inner wedge). In other examples, a worm drive may be used in lieu of a hydraulic cylinder or another non-reversing device may be provided.

In an example, the housingcan be a closed (e.g., continuous) ring. In an example, the housingcan be a hinged split ring (e.g., as shown and discussed with respect to), such as can allow for removing a tubular from the through openinglaterally (e.g., while a tubular is passing through or arranged within the tubular elevator).

andshow a cross-sectional view of an example of portions of a slip assembly. In use and operation of the tubular elevator, one or more of the plurality of size adjusting systems can be configured to travel between a retracted position, where the respective slip components need not be contacting the tubular, and an engaged position, where the respective slip components can be contacting the tubular. In the example ofand, the slip assemblycan be in the engaged position. For example, the actuatorcan be configured to control a position of the intermediate wedgealong the first inclined plane. The actuatorcan control the slip assemblybetween a retracted position, where the slip assembly may not be contacting a tubular, and an engaged position, where the slip assembly can be contacting the tubular. In an example, the movement of the size adjusting systems can serve the function of engaging and disengaging the tubular, accommodating various tubular sizes, or both.

shows the slip assemblyin a retracted position, which can include a fully retracted position.shows the slip assemblyin an engaged position, which can include an engaged position at the end of a configured travel of the size adjusting system. In an example, the slip assemblycan contact the tubular before reaching the end of travel. The actuatorcan apply a force against the tubular (e.g., an inward force). In an example, the force provided by the actuatorcan be small compared to the force caused by the operation of the slip component, such as can include one half as large or less, one tenth as large or less, or one hundredth as large or less.

shows an example where the size adjusting system is engaged and a portion of the weight of the tubular has been shifted to the tubular elevator.shows that the inner wedgehas moved downward, applying an increased inward force on the tubular, such as can increase a frictional force between the inner wedgeand the tubular, which can help allow the tubular to be suspended by the tubular elevator.shows that the intermediate wedgehas not moved from the position shown in. In an example, the intermediate wedgecan move slightly or significantly in response to the tubular loading the tubular elevator.

The inner wedgecan be biased in an upward direction along the second inclined plane, such as by a spring (not shown). The spring can return the inner wedgeto or towards the initial position when the tubular elevatoris not suspending the tubular. From the initial position, the inner wedgecan be configured to engage the tubular, such as to provide a full clamping travel of the inner wedge. The bias force of the spring can be configured to be overcome by the weight of the tubular (e.g., the spring can support the weight of the inner wedgebut not the weight of the inner wedgein addition to the downward force applied by the tubular) when the weight of the tubular is transferred to the tubular elevator.

shows that the inner wedge axisof the second inclined planerelative to the center axisof the through openingcan form a second angle. The intermediate wedge axisof the first inclined planerelative to the center axiscan form a first angle. In an example, the second angleis less than the first angle(e.g., as shown in). In an example, the second angleis between 9 and 14 degrees, or between 10 and 12 degrees, or 11 degrees. In an example, the first angleis between 14 and 35 degrees, or between 20 and 30 degrees, or between 23 and 28 degrees, or 25 degrees. In an example, the second angleis 10 degrees and the first angleis 20 degrees.

When a portion of the weight of the tubular is suspended by the slip assembly, there can be a generally upward force (e.g., acting on an axis between the inner wedge axisand the intermediate wedge axis) acting on the intermediate wedgeas a result of the configuration of the slip assembly. The upward force on the intermediate wedgecan be caused by the differing angles of the first inclined planeand the second inclined plane. In an example, the slip assemblycan be configured such that the frictional forces acting on the intermediate wedge(e.g., the frictional force acting to hold the intermediate wedgestationary) exceed the upward force acting on the intermediate wedge. For example, the interfaces between the outer wedgeand the intermediate wedge, the intermediate wedgeand the inner wedge, or both, can be configured to increase a frictional force (e.g., using surface roughness, using materials with a large coefficient of friction). In an example, a force from one or more actuatorscan at least partially offset (e.g., completely offset, less than completely offset) the upward force acting on the intermediate wedge.

In an example, the tubular elevatorcan be configured to engage with a portion of a tubular that has a consistent diameter (e.g., a cylindrical portion). In an example, the tubular elevatorcan be configured to engage with a tubular that has a consistent diameter (e.g., a consistent diameter across the entire tubular, a well casing). For example, the tubular elevatormay be able to engage with a tubular without requiring the outer surface of the tubular to have a contour (e.g., engaging with a uniform portion of the tubular, as opposed to an expanded tool end).

shows a perspective view of an example of the tubular elevatorofwith the elevator doorsopen.shows that the elevator doorshave pivoted radially outward on hinges, creating a lateral opening in the tubular elevator. This can allow a tubular to be passed laterally into the through opening, such as in a way that would contact the housingif the elevator doorswere not open. For example, if the tubular elevatordid not include elevator doors, a tubular may need to be passed into the through openinglongitudinally from the top and/or bottom.

show a close up top view of the inner wedgeof.shows that the inner wedgecan include two or more engagement arms. The engagement arms can include engagement faces, which can form the radially inner surface. The engagement armscan be mounted on hinges. The engagement armscan be configured to rotate about the hinges. In an example, the rotation of the engagement armsabout respective hingescan be limited to a specified range (e.g., within 10 degrees of a neutral position, within 15 degrees of a neutral position). The rotation of the engagement armscan help to allow the engagement facesto be substantially tangential to a surface of the tubular (e.g., the engagement faceforms a tangent, or is substantially tangential, at the point of intersection with the tubular) across a range of tubular sizes.

shows that a first anglecan be formed by the engagement arms. The first anglecan help to allow the engagement facesto be substantially tangential to the surface of a tubular with a first radius.shows that a second anglecan be formed by the engagement armswhen engaging a tubular with a second radius. The second anglecan help to allow the engagement facesto be substantially tangential to the surface of a tubular with the second radius. The second radiuscan be larger than the first radius. The second anglecan be smaller than the first angle.

In an example, the angle formed by the engagement armsis configured to be adjusted by a force from a tubular engaging with the engagement arms. For example, the engagement armscan be biased (e.g., spring biased) towards a neutral position, which may result in the engagement facesbeing substantially tangential to a tubular with a specified radius. When a tubular with a radius other than the specified radius is engaged, the biasing force may be overcome (e.g., by the force of the tubular pressing against the engagement faces) and the engagement armsmay pivot to a position where the engagement facesare substantially tangential to the tubular surface.

shows a diagram depicting an example of portions of a methodof operating a tubular elevator (e.g., the tubular elevator). At step, one or more elevator doors (e.g., elevator doors) of the tubular elevator can be opened. This operation can be performed by an actuator, or can be performed manually.

At step, a tubular can be passed laterally into a through opening of the tubular elevator through the elevator doors, such as while the tubular elevator is in a retracted position. For example, the tubular elevator may be passed laterally onto a drill string or a pipe stand.

At step, one or more elevator doors can be closed. In an example, stepcan include locking one or more of the elevator doors, such as after they have been closed. For example, a latching mechanism can be engaged to disable one or more of the hingesor prevent the elevator doorsfrom moving relative to each other. This can help to increase a load carrying capacity of the tubular elevator. For example, the slip assembliescan apply an radially outward force, such as when supporting a portion (e.g., all) of the weight of a tubular or tubular string. This radially outward force can force the elevator doorsradially outward, and the latching mechanism can help to resist this outward force.

At step, two or more slip assemblies (e.g., three) of the tubular elevator can be engaged with the tubular. For example, two opposing slip assemblies can move to contact the tubular, or three radially spaced slip assemblies can move to contact the tubular.

At step, the tubular can be centered within the through opening of the tubular elevator. The tubular can be centered in the through opening using the slip assemblies engaged in step. In an example, centering the tubular within the well access hole can include monitoring respective positions of the slip assemblies. For example, a position of one or more actuators can be monitored, such as through position feedback from a sensor on the actuator. In an example, a servo technique can be used, which can enable position control of the actuator. The servo technique can include a feedback system configured to monitor a position of the actuator and drive the actuator towards a specified position (e.g., a new position, maintaining the same position). Monitoring a position of the slip assemblies (e.g., the three slip assemblies) can include monitoring respective actuators of the three slip assemblies, such as the actuators. In other examples, a leveling beam can be used to monitor the position of the slip assemblies.

Centering the tubular can also include adjusting the two or more slip assemblies so that the tubular is centered within the well access hole. For example, if one slip assembly is determined to be in a different position from one or more other slip assemblies, the slip assemblies can be adjusted to approximately match positions. In an example, position monitoring may not be used when three slip assemblies are used to center the tubular.

In an example, centering the tubular within the through opening can include one or more of engaging the three slip assemblies so that each of the slip assemblies starts a specified distance from a center axis of the through opening or travels at a same rate toward the center axis of the well access hole. For example, the actuatorscan be configured to all travel at a constant rate such as using one or more of proportional valves, flow divertors, or a servo technique. The slip assembliescan start from the fully retracted position (e.g., the same position). In an example, the slip assembliescan start from a preset position, such as relative to the pipe size to be engaged, such as can reduce the closing or opening cycle time. In this example, because the slip assembliesstart in the same position and travel at the same rate (e.g., due to proportional valves and/or position feedback), their positions can continue to match, which can center the tubular. In an example, the methodcan include engaging one or more additional slip assemblies following centering the tubular within the well access hole. For example, three slip assemblies can be used to center the tubular, and then three or more additional slip assemblies can be engaged with the centered tubular. In an example where two or more actuators share a hydraulic power supply, the pressure in all of the actuators can match, which can result in a force in all actuators matching. When using proportional valves, the pressure in one or more actuators can differ from a pressure in one or more other actuators. When using a servo technique, respective actuators can travel to their specified position, such as can include traveling to their respective positions using different force levels (e.g., the forces may not match between two or more actuators).

At step, a weight of the tubular can be transferred to the tubular elevator. For example, the tubular elevatorcan be lifted by the traveling block, transferring a weight of a pipe stand from the drill floor to the tubular elevator. In an example, the rig floor slipcan be disengaged, transferring a weight of a drill string to the tubular elevator. In an example, lifting the tubular elevator(e.g., using the traveling block) can transfer a weight of a drill string to the tubular elevator(e.g., by engaging the slip components), disengage a rig floor slip, or both.

The shown order of steps is not intended to be a limitation on the order the steps are performed in. In an example, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or at least partially concurrently.