Wells – Above ground apparatus – Moving tubing or cable into an existing well
Patent
1997-06-27
1998-11-17
Dang, Hoang C.
Wells
Above ground apparatus
Moving tubing or cable into an existing well
166385, E21B 1908
Patent
active
058363858
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatus for use in deploying slickline, wireline and the like. The invention has particular application for use in relation to well bores typically, but not uniquely, provided in connection with the oil and gas exploration and extraction industries.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
At present, at a well bore site where wireline, slickline or the like is to be utilised, it is necessary to provide slickline apparatus, such as described in EP-A-0 448 842, including a winch drum on which the slickline is stored, a measuring head, drum motors and brakes, and a control station for the operator. Such apparatus is currently available in an easily transportable form, as described in the abovementioned patent application where the apparatus comprises two parts, a drive unit and a winching unit, both of which may be transported on a truck bed. The units are adapted to be moved on site using forklifts, or a wheel-mounted frame which may be lifted by crane. Additionally, it is necessary to provide a crane or mast to support the pressure lubricator and the pulleys over which the slickline passes before entering the pressure lubricator and the well bore. This requires provision of a second vehicle to transport the crane or mast to the site. Further, once on site, the winch apparatus, in particular the winch drum, must be accurately aligned with the pulleys, to ensure reliable deployment and take in of line.
It is among the objects of the present invention to obviate or mitigate these difficulties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for use in deploying slickline, wireline and the like comprising: a portable bed for supporting a mounting table; winch apparatus including a winch drum for carrying a coil of line; and an arm moveable from a transport position to a raised position for mounting a pressure lubricator and associated pulleys, the winch drum and the arm being aligned and mounted on the mounting table.
In use, the present invention obviates the need for a separate winch apparatus and mast or crane. Further, as the winch drum and arm are mounted on a common mounting table the drum and arm are pre-aligned, providing a significant saving in set-up time. The common mounting also reduces the area occupied on a site by slickline or wireline apparatus, and also provides for greater flexibility in locating the apparatus on-site.
Preferably, the bed is in the form of a trailer, truck bed or detachable transport bed, such that the apparatus may be easily transported between sites. In conventional systems, multiple vehicles may be necessary to transport the mast or crane and the winch apparatus. Preferably also, the truck also carries a container unit suitable for storing all of the other apparatus necessary for carrying out slickline or wireline operations.
Preferably also, the arm is telescopic and is moveable between a retracted transport configuration and an extended support configuration.
Preferably also, the mounting table is movably mounted on the bed, most preferably being rotatable about a vertical axis. Conveniently, the mounting table is mounted on a swivel.
Preferably also, the winch apparatus is contained within a winch unit also housing winch controls, an operator station, a winch motor and winch brake. Most preferably, a measuring head is provided with the winch unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This and other aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of slickline deploying apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in the transport configuration;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, shown in the deployed position; and
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of area 3 of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, which illustrate slickline apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
REFERENCES:
patent: 3381940 (1968-05-01), Walstrom
patent: 4050858 (1977-09-01), Ewbank et al.
patent: 4265304 (1981-05-01), Baugh
patent: 4416329 (1983-11-01), Tanner et al.
patent: 4585061 (1986-04-01), Lyons, Jr. et al.
patent: 4684306 (1987-08-01), Brewer et al.
patent: 4756366 (1988-07-01), Maroney et al.
patent: 5040926 (1991-08-01), Andreasson
patent: 5211203 (1993-05-01), Vollweiler et al.
patent: 5348096 (1994-09-01), Williams
patent: 5411085 (1995-05-01), Moore et al.
patent: 5454419 (1995-10-01), Vloedman
Blount et al, "Coiled tubing operations and services", Wordl Oil., May 1992 .
LandOfFree
Apparatus for deploying wireline does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus for deploying wireline, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus for deploying wireline will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-875848