Apparatus and method for preventing collisions while moving tubulars into and out of a wellhead
US10683745B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/08
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An apparatus that includes at least two well control mechanisms and at least one sensor to avoid collision between a section of a tubing string coupler or that is moving through the apparatus and a wellbore to which the apparatus is coupled. The sensors detect the presence of magnetic objects, such as sections of a tubing string, and measure their respective outer diameters (OD). The sensors detect when any larger OD sections of the tubing string before the larger OD section can collide with one of the well control mechanisms. The sensors direct their outputs to a controller that can identify an imminent collision state. When an imminent collision state is identified, the controller will send commands to stop movement of the tubular to avoid the collision. Movement of the tubular will not resume until the well control mechanism has been actuated to avoid collision with the larger OD section.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.