Method and apparatus for aligning a BOP stack and a mast
US9260919B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2012 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4978
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for aligning a wellhead or BOP stack with a mast assembly comprising a sensor which provides an initial alignment between a mast and a wellhead or BOP stack. A mast assembly is transported to a well site by a rig carrier and positions the mast assembly adjacent a wellhead, or BOP stack. The mast assembly is raised to an upright position whereby a rear portion of the mast extends over the wellhead. In one embodiment, at least one sensor is mounted to a top drive and/or crown located within the mast assembly. The top drive has a predetermined path of movement and the sensor aligns itself with the wellhead. In another embodiment, at least one sensor is mounted to the wellhead and aligns itself with a laser alignment target fastened to a crown and/or top drive of the mast. In yet another embodiment, at least one sensor is located on a lower portion of the mast assembly to align the mast with the wellhead. The apparatus is designed to achieve an accuracy of alignment which in different embodiments could be less than 5 degrees, less than 3 degrees, or less than 1 degree.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.