CA1237664A - Power tongs and control system - Google Patents
Power tongs and control systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1237664A CA1237664A CA000486275A CA486275A CA1237664A CA 1237664 A CA1237664 A CA 1237664A CA 000486275 A CA000486275 A CA 000486275A CA 486275 A CA486275 A CA 486275A CA 1237664 A CA1237664 A CA 1237664A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tongs
- torque
- transducer
- hand
- tight
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/16—Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints
- E21B19/165—Control or monitoring arrangements therefor
- E21B19/166—Arrangements of torque limiters or torque indicators
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A control system for power tongs comprises two tongs torque limiters, one of which limits tongs torque to a very low (hand-tight) level; the other limits torque at full makeup to, for example, 2000 ft. lb. The hand-tight torque limiter is manually or automatically disabled after the hand-tight level is reached. The system enables the operator to verify that the threads are properly engaged before applying full torque to the connection. The tongs have a very high reduction ratio, so that torque rises very slowly and can be more accurately controlled.
A control system for power tongs comprises two tongs torque limiters, one of which limits tongs torque to a very low (hand-tight) level; the other limits torque at full makeup to, for example, 2000 ft. lb. The hand-tight torque limiter is manually or automatically disabled after the hand-tight level is reached. The system enables the operator to verify that the threads are properly engaged before applying full torque to the connection. The tongs have a very high reduction ratio, so that torque rises very slowly and can be more accurately controlled.
Description
766~
This invention relates generally -to torque-limiting control systems for power tongs used to make up well pipe connections.
BACKGROUND
Well pipe is made up by supporting a lower pipe section junta") in the well and then threading an upper joint onto it by means of a fluid-driven power tongs. The pipe assembly is lowered as new joints are added, down to depths of several miles. Threaded well joint connections, in order to seal properly and to have maximum tensile strength, must be accurately lighted ("made-up" in the trade) to a design torque ("make-up torque") specified by the pipe manufacture.
The design torque must not be exceeded, since galling or break-age of the pipe threads may result. This is particularly true with pipe joint materials chosen for considerations other than strength, e.g. corrosion resistance and impermeability. Such materials are not only relatively soft -- they can be quite ; expensive. In one recent case, 1000 joints (each thirty-three feet long) were removed from a well. Every joint had -thread damage due to overtorquing and was considered scrap. This was ; pipe originally costing $2500 per joint. The importance of controlling the torque applied by the power toys to the pipe can thus be appreciated, and in fact it is a requirement on many jobs that a running record of maximum torque at each joint be kept. (Various systems exist or making torque records during make-up, including applicant's system described in So Patent 4,552,041. Despite the existence of accurate torque recording systems, improper tonguing continues -to occur. The industry still seeks a system that will positively prevent thread damacJe from overtorquing.
: 0 I f l `:
A second consideration is that thread damage can result not only from overtorquing but also from pipe misalignment. When the hoist supporting the upper end of a joint undergoes large lateral excursion occasioned perhaps by high winds, misalignment sufficient to cause cross-threading can occur. Once the threads are crossed, not much torque is required to ruin the threads. If the crossed thread is not detected a leaky connection con result even though the prop torque is applied, since in that instance torque may not be an adequate indicator of scaling forge.
The crossed thread problem is aggravated by violent or jerky movement of the tongs when power is first applied.
The tongs frequently do not work smoothly --and are hard -to control-- at very low speeds. Also, the snub line, initially slack, tends to snap tight when power is first applied. Thwacks conditions make it difficult to control and/or record torque at the instant tongs operation begins, so that threat damage can occur even if a low-lcvel torque limiter is used.
Even if the threads are not crossed, misalignment of the pipes can cause binding of the threads sufficient to l! produce galling as the pipe is notated.
Al I have Found that the above problems can be ovcrcom~
by substantially increasing the overall gear reduction ratio within the tongs, for example, by a factor of five. The tong jaw speed is correspondingly recl~lced, avoiding the problem of irregular start-up. This speed reduction is advantageously combined with a two sage torque limiter system for (a) preventing the application of substantial torque during the initial phase of makeup and (b) limiting the maximum torque that the tongs can produce at the final makeup stage.
This inventioll is particularly useful for assemblillg if -2-.
3176~'~
connections of the type shown in US. Patent No. 3, 359, 013 .
This type of connection has one or more annular shoulders associated with each -thread, for engaging a corresponding shoulder on -the mating piece. The threads -themselves, being of a non-interference type, do not provide sealing, which occurs entirely at -the contacting shoulders. During assembly, the pipe can berotatedby hand until shoulder contact occurs;
thereafter only minor rotation, perhaps one-eighth turn, is needed to fully make up the connection. During this stage the required torque rises rapidly from hand-tight -to, for example, 2000 ft. lobs. Comparative charts of torque T vs.
turns N for conventional and shouldered threads are shown in FIGURES pa and 3b. Plainly, the more rapid -torque increase rate of the shouldered connection calls for a torque controller having fast response.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to this invention, there is provided a control system or a power tongs comprising means for restraining the-tongs,a first tension transducer for genera-ill tying signals proportional to tongs torque in the hand-tight range, a second tension transducer for generating signals prop-optional to tongs torque in the full make-up torque range, first means responsive to said first transducer for halting tongs operation a-t a preset hand-tight torque level, second means responsive to said second transducer for halting tongs operation at a preset full makeup torque level, and means for disabling said first means.
:~2~76~
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a control system for a power tongs comprising:
means for restraining the tongs from rotation, a first trays-dicer operatively connected to said restraining means for generating signals proportional to tongs torque in thy hand-right range, a second transducer operatively connected to said restraining means for generating signals proportional to tongs torque in the full makeup torque range, first means responsive to said first transducer for halting tongs operation at a preset hand-tight torque level, second means responsive to said second transducer for halting tongs operation at a preset full makeup torque level, and means for disabling said first means.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic showing the invention diagrammatically.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of a tongs unit forming part of the invention.
Figures pa and 3b show comparative torque charts for conventional figure pa) and shouldered (Figure 3b) connections.
I
~3~766 l DESCRIPTION Of' THE l~EFl.RRED ~,MBODIM~N'I
- The preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated diagrammatical yin FIG. l. The major components are a ~-onv~ntional hydraulic power unit A, a power tongs T driven by fluid from the power unit, a tongs torque sensor/recorder 13 and a torque control module C.
The power unit A, as shown in FIG. 1., comprises an internal combustion engine 10, a hydraulic pump 12 driven thereby, a pressure regulator 14 downstream of the pump, and ¦ a fluid reservoir 16 upstream of the pump. In operation, the power unit delivers pressuri~cd fluid through high pressure line 20, and receives fluid exhausted by the tongs via return line 22.
'Lowe tongs T have both conventional and novel aspects.
A conventional body 30 supports rotary jaws 32 adapted to enrage the outside diameter of a pipe P. The body houses a gear train, details of which are not shown including a two- or multi-speed transmission. Tongs of this type are , well known. The transmission is manually shifted by means of a gear selector 34, with the ratio between high and low speeds being on the order of Al The tongs are powered by a hydraulic motor 36 driving through two planetary gear reduction units 38 and 40 (F~C. 2) yin series, each having about 5~:1 reduction ratio. ~urthcr speed reduction is provided by spur gearing within the tongs body, so that the overall reduction is about 60:1 in high gear and 250:1 in low gear.
The tongs motor 36 is driven by fluid prom the Powell unit, which enters the tongs via inlet line 42 an returns via exhaust line 44. A reverse g short valve 46 I
on the tongs connected between the inlet and exhaust lines allows fluid to bypass the motor entirely when the valve is open. The shunt valve, normally open, may be moved to drive the tongs motor in either direction by u manual throttle handle I
accessible to the operator.
Any torque applied to the pipe P by the tongs creates a reaction torque that tends to rotate the tongs around the pipe. This tendency is restrained by a snub line 54 connected between a stationary object and the tongs body along a tenant link as shown. The snub fine 54 inclu~cs two Lyle transducers in series for monitoring tongs torque. The first transducer 56 is an on-off pneumatic valve having adjustable spring bias. This valve opens when tension corresponding to a preset "hand-tight" torque in the range of 0-50 it. lb. is applied. A manual override valve 58 in series with the rewrote transducer 56 provides means by which the operator can disable the hand-tight torque control system, if desired.
An important feature of the invention is the on of valve 60 mechanically connected via linkage 62 to the gear selector lever 34, such that the valve 60 is open only when the tongs are in their high-speed range, as shown. As a result, the transducer 56 performs its torque limiting function only during the initial, high speed phase of tongs operation, and does not interfere with high torque operation during the final stage of makeup.
The snub line 54 also has mounted therein a second load transducer 61 which communicates via conduit 62 with a Bordello tube 64 supported within the recorder module I.
The free en of the Berlin tube is collected to tllo stylus I
ox a conventioTIal chart recorder 66 having a spring-driven motor 68. The stylus has a small blade 70 attacked thereto capable of Interrupting slow of air through a norlllally Ox (I
~Z~'7~
air gap unit 72~ which can be moved toward or away from the stylus by means of threaded support 74 to adjust the threshold makeup torque. The air gap unit is supplied with air regulated to a very low pressure, e.g. 5 Sue so as not to affect stylus position. The output signal is amplified and inverted by the pneumatic logic unit 76, de-tails or which are no-t shown.
The logic unit 76 thus generates a high pressure output in conduit 78 -- provided the second override valve 80 is open --when the stylus blade 70 enters the air gap as the tongs reach maximum makeup torque. Conduit 78 leads to one input of a two-way check valve 82, the other input of which is from the hand-tight transducer 56. high pressure at either input is thus delivered via conduit 84 to a second pneumatically actuated shunt valve 86, which when actuated halts tongs operation.
The valve 60, first transducer 56 and shunt valve 86 together provide means for halting tongs operation at a preset hand-tight torque level. Lever 34, linkage 62 and valve 60 function as means for disabling this first means. This general terminology is used in the claims below. The second transducer 61, recording module B and shunt valve 86 comprise means for halting tongs operation at a preset fuel makeup torque level.
Turning to the -torque control module C, it can be seen that the tongs exhaust line 44 is directly connected -to return line 22, while the tongs inlet line 42 is variably regulated as to both pressure and flow rate. Fluid entering the module from supply line 20 first encounters a -three-way pneumatically actuated valve 88, whose position is ultimately . a Z3~6~;~
determine by the position of gear selector fever 34. In high gear, fluid is directed to line 90, which is regulate to very low pressure in the range of 25-200 psi by the dust able pressure regulator 92, which relieves excess pressure back to the return line 22.
When the tongs are in low gear, and valve 60 blocks delivery of control pressure to valve 88, the supply line 20 is connected to a unregulated high pressure line 94 having therein a manually adjustable flow rate controller 96. This valve enables the operator to control maximum tongs speed during the final makeup stage, without affecting the maximum torque obtainable. The variable restriction 98 shunting supply and return lines 20 and 22, on the other hand, enables the operator to limit the pressure deliverable to the tongs.
Maximum tongs torque can thus be limited, providing Jo , measure of redundancy over the automatic control system defined between transducer 61 and shunt valve 86.
In operation, as a drill string is supported by slips or the like on a Jig deck, a new joint is brought into mating contact with the next lower joint. Once the threads flare engaged, the tongs operator, having placed the gear selector in high, throws throttle 50, thereby closing shunt Volvo 46 to apply royalty pressure prom fine 42 to thy tongs motor, which rotates the pipe slowly at about twenty rpln until hand tight. Note that compressed air passes through v~llv-60 to valve 88, which directs all hydraulic fluid flow past low pressure regulator 92, substantially limiting the torque capacity of the tongs. Furthermore, air pressure is supplied to first transducer 56. When the preset threshold snub fine load is reached, air passes through transducer 56, ovcrri~lc valve 58 end check valve 82 to open the SCCOlicl Shalt Al lye 8 ', If -8 if ,1 ` ~3t76~ l and automatically stop the tongs. In the event of ilnproper thread engagement this sequence of events disables the tongs before thread damage occurs, regardless of the operator's attentiveness or reaction time, and corrective action can be taken. It is not necessary, with this system, to count turns of pipe rotation or the like.
Provided the connection is properly run up to hand tight, and the operator can see that the sealing shoulders hove come into contact, he then places the gear selector fever in "low", automatically obstructing the high pressure control signal to the second shunt valve 86, which thereupon , closes so that tongs operation can be resumed. Simultaneously, I the valve 88 reverses position, so that fluid at full pressure is delivered to the tongs. Now developing high torque, the tongs rotate the pipe very slowly - at five rum or toss, wind this speed can be regulated by means of valve 96 - until the desired makeup torque is reached. At the preset cutoff torque level, stylus blade 70 enters the air gap unit, causing logic Unlit 76 to deliver a high pressure signal to open the second shunt valve 86, thereby automatically halting tongs operation.
The embodiment of the invention described above has proven extremely reliable in testing. rho absence of sophisticated electronic monitors, alarm sand the like is attractive from a cost and repairability standpoint, and in fact the torque record charts have demonstrated unequaled consistency from connection to connection.
The foregoing is a description of but one clnboclilllellt of the invention, whose full scope is described by the following claims. Various modificatioTIs within the scope of the invention my occur to those of skill in the ail.
!
` 3~23'7~
For example, elcc~ronic components could be subs~itutcd for the pneumatic components described. A fully pneumatic system is presently preferred, however, because many rig operators understandably prefer to keep electrical devices of all types away from the rig deck.
This invention relates generally -to torque-limiting control systems for power tongs used to make up well pipe connections.
BACKGROUND
Well pipe is made up by supporting a lower pipe section junta") in the well and then threading an upper joint onto it by means of a fluid-driven power tongs. The pipe assembly is lowered as new joints are added, down to depths of several miles. Threaded well joint connections, in order to seal properly and to have maximum tensile strength, must be accurately lighted ("made-up" in the trade) to a design torque ("make-up torque") specified by the pipe manufacture.
The design torque must not be exceeded, since galling or break-age of the pipe threads may result. This is particularly true with pipe joint materials chosen for considerations other than strength, e.g. corrosion resistance and impermeability. Such materials are not only relatively soft -- they can be quite ; expensive. In one recent case, 1000 joints (each thirty-three feet long) were removed from a well. Every joint had -thread damage due to overtorquing and was considered scrap. This was ; pipe originally costing $2500 per joint. The importance of controlling the torque applied by the power toys to the pipe can thus be appreciated, and in fact it is a requirement on many jobs that a running record of maximum torque at each joint be kept. (Various systems exist or making torque records during make-up, including applicant's system described in So Patent 4,552,041. Despite the existence of accurate torque recording systems, improper tonguing continues -to occur. The industry still seeks a system that will positively prevent thread damacJe from overtorquing.
: 0 I f l `:
A second consideration is that thread damage can result not only from overtorquing but also from pipe misalignment. When the hoist supporting the upper end of a joint undergoes large lateral excursion occasioned perhaps by high winds, misalignment sufficient to cause cross-threading can occur. Once the threads are crossed, not much torque is required to ruin the threads. If the crossed thread is not detected a leaky connection con result even though the prop torque is applied, since in that instance torque may not be an adequate indicator of scaling forge.
The crossed thread problem is aggravated by violent or jerky movement of the tongs when power is first applied.
The tongs frequently do not work smoothly --and are hard -to control-- at very low speeds. Also, the snub line, initially slack, tends to snap tight when power is first applied. Thwacks conditions make it difficult to control and/or record torque at the instant tongs operation begins, so that threat damage can occur even if a low-lcvel torque limiter is used.
Even if the threads are not crossed, misalignment of the pipes can cause binding of the threads sufficient to l! produce galling as the pipe is notated.
Al I have Found that the above problems can be ovcrcom~
by substantially increasing the overall gear reduction ratio within the tongs, for example, by a factor of five. The tong jaw speed is correspondingly recl~lced, avoiding the problem of irregular start-up. This speed reduction is advantageously combined with a two sage torque limiter system for (a) preventing the application of substantial torque during the initial phase of makeup and (b) limiting the maximum torque that the tongs can produce at the final makeup stage.
This inventioll is particularly useful for assemblillg if -2-.
3176~'~
connections of the type shown in US. Patent No. 3, 359, 013 .
This type of connection has one or more annular shoulders associated with each -thread, for engaging a corresponding shoulder on -the mating piece. The threads -themselves, being of a non-interference type, do not provide sealing, which occurs entirely at -the contacting shoulders. During assembly, the pipe can berotatedby hand until shoulder contact occurs;
thereafter only minor rotation, perhaps one-eighth turn, is needed to fully make up the connection. During this stage the required torque rises rapidly from hand-tight -to, for example, 2000 ft. lobs. Comparative charts of torque T vs.
turns N for conventional and shouldered threads are shown in FIGURES pa and 3b. Plainly, the more rapid -torque increase rate of the shouldered connection calls for a torque controller having fast response.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to this invention, there is provided a control system or a power tongs comprising means for restraining the-tongs,a first tension transducer for genera-ill tying signals proportional to tongs torque in the hand-tight range, a second tension transducer for generating signals prop-optional to tongs torque in the full make-up torque range, first means responsive to said first transducer for halting tongs operation a-t a preset hand-tight torque level, second means responsive to said second transducer for halting tongs operation at a preset full makeup torque level, and means for disabling said first means.
:~2~76~
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a control system for a power tongs comprising:
means for restraining the tongs from rotation, a first trays-dicer operatively connected to said restraining means for generating signals proportional to tongs torque in thy hand-right range, a second transducer operatively connected to said restraining means for generating signals proportional to tongs torque in the full makeup torque range, first means responsive to said first transducer for halting tongs operation at a preset hand-tight torque level, second means responsive to said second transducer for halting tongs operation at a preset full makeup torque level, and means for disabling said first means.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic showing the invention diagrammatically.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of a tongs unit forming part of the invention.
Figures pa and 3b show comparative torque charts for conventional figure pa) and shouldered (Figure 3b) connections.
I
~3~766 l DESCRIPTION Of' THE l~EFl.RRED ~,MBODIM~N'I
- The preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated diagrammatical yin FIG. l. The major components are a ~-onv~ntional hydraulic power unit A, a power tongs T driven by fluid from the power unit, a tongs torque sensor/recorder 13 and a torque control module C.
The power unit A, as shown in FIG. 1., comprises an internal combustion engine 10, a hydraulic pump 12 driven thereby, a pressure regulator 14 downstream of the pump, and ¦ a fluid reservoir 16 upstream of the pump. In operation, the power unit delivers pressuri~cd fluid through high pressure line 20, and receives fluid exhausted by the tongs via return line 22.
'Lowe tongs T have both conventional and novel aspects.
A conventional body 30 supports rotary jaws 32 adapted to enrage the outside diameter of a pipe P. The body houses a gear train, details of which are not shown including a two- or multi-speed transmission. Tongs of this type are , well known. The transmission is manually shifted by means of a gear selector 34, with the ratio between high and low speeds being on the order of Al The tongs are powered by a hydraulic motor 36 driving through two planetary gear reduction units 38 and 40 (F~C. 2) yin series, each having about 5~:1 reduction ratio. ~urthcr speed reduction is provided by spur gearing within the tongs body, so that the overall reduction is about 60:1 in high gear and 250:1 in low gear.
The tongs motor 36 is driven by fluid prom the Powell unit, which enters the tongs via inlet line 42 an returns via exhaust line 44. A reverse g short valve 46 I
on the tongs connected between the inlet and exhaust lines allows fluid to bypass the motor entirely when the valve is open. The shunt valve, normally open, may be moved to drive the tongs motor in either direction by u manual throttle handle I
accessible to the operator.
Any torque applied to the pipe P by the tongs creates a reaction torque that tends to rotate the tongs around the pipe. This tendency is restrained by a snub line 54 connected between a stationary object and the tongs body along a tenant link as shown. The snub fine 54 inclu~cs two Lyle transducers in series for monitoring tongs torque. The first transducer 56 is an on-off pneumatic valve having adjustable spring bias. This valve opens when tension corresponding to a preset "hand-tight" torque in the range of 0-50 it. lb. is applied. A manual override valve 58 in series with the rewrote transducer 56 provides means by which the operator can disable the hand-tight torque control system, if desired.
An important feature of the invention is the on of valve 60 mechanically connected via linkage 62 to the gear selector lever 34, such that the valve 60 is open only when the tongs are in their high-speed range, as shown. As a result, the transducer 56 performs its torque limiting function only during the initial, high speed phase of tongs operation, and does not interfere with high torque operation during the final stage of makeup.
The snub line 54 also has mounted therein a second load transducer 61 which communicates via conduit 62 with a Bordello tube 64 supported within the recorder module I.
The free en of the Berlin tube is collected to tllo stylus I
ox a conventioTIal chart recorder 66 having a spring-driven motor 68. The stylus has a small blade 70 attacked thereto capable of Interrupting slow of air through a norlllally Ox (I
~Z~'7~
air gap unit 72~ which can be moved toward or away from the stylus by means of threaded support 74 to adjust the threshold makeup torque. The air gap unit is supplied with air regulated to a very low pressure, e.g. 5 Sue so as not to affect stylus position. The output signal is amplified and inverted by the pneumatic logic unit 76, de-tails or which are no-t shown.
The logic unit 76 thus generates a high pressure output in conduit 78 -- provided the second override valve 80 is open --when the stylus blade 70 enters the air gap as the tongs reach maximum makeup torque. Conduit 78 leads to one input of a two-way check valve 82, the other input of which is from the hand-tight transducer 56. high pressure at either input is thus delivered via conduit 84 to a second pneumatically actuated shunt valve 86, which when actuated halts tongs operation.
The valve 60, first transducer 56 and shunt valve 86 together provide means for halting tongs operation at a preset hand-tight torque level. Lever 34, linkage 62 and valve 60 function as means for disabling this first means. This general terminology is used in the claims below. The second transducer 61, recording module B and shunt valve 86 comprise means for halting tongs operation at a preset fuel makeup torque level.
Turning to the -torque control module C, it can be seen that the tongs exhaust line 44 is directly connected -to return line 22, while the tongs inlet line 42 is variably regulated as to both pressure and flow rate. Fluid entering the module from supply line 20 first encounters a -three-way pneumatically actuated valve 88, whose position is ultimately . a Z3~6~;~
determine by the position of gear selector fever 34. In high gear, fluid is directed to line 90, which is regulate to very low pressure in the range of 25-200 psi by the dust able pressure regulator 92, which relieves excess pressure back to the return line 22.
When the tongs are in low gear, and valve 60 blocks delivery of control pressure to valve 88, the supply line 20 is connected to a unregulated high pressure line 94 having therein a manually adjustable flow rate controller 96. This valve enables the operator to control maximum tongs speed during the final makeup stage, without affecting the maximum torque obtainable. The variable restriction 98 shunting supply and return lines 20 and 22, on the other hand, enables the operator to limit the pressure deliverable to the tongs.
Maximum tongs torque can thus be limited, providing Jo , measure of redundancy over the automatic control system defined between transducer 61 and shunt valve 86.
In operation, as a drill string is supported by slips or the like on a Jig deck, a new joint is brought into mating contact with the next lower joint. Once the threads flare engaged, the tongs operator, having placed the gear selector in high, throws throttle 50, thereby closing shunt Volvo 46 to apply royalty pressure prom fine 42 to thy tongs motor, which rotates the pipe slowly at about twenty rpln until hand tight. Note that compressed air passes through v~llv-60 to valve 88, which directs all hydraulic fluid flow past low pressure regulator 92, substantially limiting the torque capacity of the tongs. Furthermore, air pressure is supplied to first transducer 56. When the preset threshold snub fine load is reached, air passes through transducer 56, ovcrri~lc valve 58 end check valve 82 to open the SCCOlicl Shalt Al lye 8 ', If -8 if ,1 ` ~3t76~ l and automatically stop the tongs. In the event of ilnproper thread engagement this sequence of events disables the tongs before thread damage occurs, regardless of the operator's attentiveness or reaction time, and corrective action can be taken. It is not necessary, with this system, to count turns of pipe rotation or the like.
Provided the connection is properly run up to hand tight, and the operator can see that the sealing shoulders hove come into contact, he then places the gear selector fever in "low", automatically obstructing the high pressure control signal to the second shunt valve 86, which thereupon , closes so that tongs operation can be resumed. Simultaneously, I the valve 88 reverses position, so that fluid at full pressure is delivered to the tongs. Now developing high torque, the tongs rotate the pipe very slowly - at five rum or toss, wind this speed can be regulated by means of valve 96 - until the desired makeup torque is reached. At the preset cutoff torque level, stylus blade 70 enters the air gap unit, causing logic Unlit 76 to deliver a high pressure signal to open the second shunt valve 86, thereby automatically halting tongs operation.
The embodiment of the invention described above has proven extremely reliable in testing. rho absence of sophisticated electronic monitors, alarm sand the like is attractive from a cost and repairability standpoint, and in fact the torque record charts have demonstrated unequaled consistency from connection to connection.
The foregoing is a description of but one clnboclilllellt of the invention, whose full scope is described by the following claims. Various modificatioTIs within the scope of the invention my occur to those of skill in the ail.
!
` 3~23'7~
For example, elcc~ronic components could be subs~itutcd for the pneumatic components described. A fully pneumatic system is presently preferred, however, because many rig operators understandably prefer to keep electrical devices of all types away from the rig deck.
Claims (6)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A control system for a power tongs comprising means for restraining the tongs, a first tension transducer for generating signals proportional to tongs torque in the hand-tight range, a second tension transducer for generating signals proportional to tongs torque in the full makeup torque range, first means responsive to said first transducer for halting tongs operation at a preset hand-tight torque level, second means responsive to said second transducer for halting tongs operation at a preset full makeup torque level, and means for disabling said first means.
2. The system described in claim 1 wherein said tongs have high and low speeds and a gear selector for choosing between said speeds, and said disabling means is controlled by said gear selector.
3. The system described in claim 2 wherein said disab-ling means is actuated to disable said first means only when the tongs are operated in the lower of said two speeds.
4. The system described in claim 3 wherein the ratio between said high and low speeds is at least 4:1.
5. The system described in claim 4 wherein the overall gear ratio between the tongs motor and the tongs jaws is about 250:1 in low speed and about 60:1 in high speed.
6. A control system for a power tongs comprising:
means for restraining the tongs from rotation, a first transducer operatively connected to said restraining means for generating signals proportional to tongs torque in the hand-right range, a second transducer operatively connected to said restraining means for generating signals proportional to tongs torque in the full makeup torque range, first means responsive to said first transducer for halting tongs operation at a preset hand-tight torque level, second means responsive to said second transducer for halting tongs operation at a preset full makeup torque level, and means for disabling said first means.
means for restraining the tongs from rotation, a first transducer operatively connected to said restraining means for generating signals proportional to tongs torque in the hand-right range, a second transducer operatively connected to said restraining means for generating signals proportional to tongs torque in the full makeup torque range, first means responsive to said first transducer for halting tongs operation at a preset hand-tight torque level, second means responsive to said second transducer for halting tongs operation at a preset full makeup torque level, and means for disabling said first means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/629,421 | 1984-07-10 | ||
| US06/629,421 US4579024A (en) | 1984-07-10 | 1984-07-10 | Power tongs and control system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1237664A true CA1237664A (en) | 1988-06-07 |
Family
ID=24522921
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000486275A Expired CA1237664A (en) | 1984-07-10 | 1985-07-03 | Power tongs and control system |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4579024A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0171187B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1237664A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3567499D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4730254A (en) * | 1986-02-03 | 1988-03-08 | Torque Systems, Inc. | Drill string make-up and breakout torque control system and apparatus |
| US5245877A (en) * | 1991-03-12 | 1993-09-21 | Weatherford U.S., Inc. | Tong load cell assembly |
| US8875365B2 (en) | 2012-04-20 | 2014-11-04 | Jonathan V. Huseman | Tongs with low torque at high pressure |
| WO2016007583A1 (en) * | 2014-07-08 | 2016-01-14 | Premiere, Inc. | Multi-stage pressure control dump valve assembly |
| US10309170B2 (en) | 2016-06-03 | 2019-06-04 | Forum Us, Inc. | Spinner tool with control valve |
Family Cites Families (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1864844A (en) * | 1928-11-12 | 1932-06-28 | Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co | Transmission apparatus |
| US2978936A (en) * | 1956-07-16 | 1961-04-11 | Orner Harry | Multi-stage power operated torque wrench |
| US3299725A (en) * | 1963-09-12 | 1967-01-24 | Gewirc Vladislav | Quick acting tool for threaded fasteners |
| US3319494A (en) * | 1964-10-22 | 1967-05-16 | Ingersoll Rand Co | Dual-speed fastener driving tool |
| SE323639B (en) * | 1968-09-10 | 1970-05-04 | Atlas Copco Ab | |
| US3606664A (en) * | 1969-04-04 | 1971-09-21 | Exxon Production Research Co | Leak-proof threaded connections |
| US3586115A (en) * | 1969-10-29 | 1971-06-22 | Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co | Two-speed dual drive stall torque nut running tool |
| US3719237A (en) * | 1971-06-21 | 1973-03-06 | Byron Jackson Inc | Tubing tong hydraulic drive system |
| US3719236A (en) * | 1971-06-21 | 1973-03-06 | Byron Jackson Inc | Plurally energized power tongs |
| US3722331A (en) * | 1971-06-21 | 1973-03-27 | Ipcur Inst De Proiectari Cerce | Torque-controlled pipe-thread tightener |
| US4037672A (en) * | 1974-08-12 | 1977-07-26 | Hughes Tool Company | Shaft drill break-out system |
| US4125040A (en) * | 1977-09-29 | 1978-11-14 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Power tong apparatus |
| IN152521B (en) * | 1979-03-28 | 1984-02-04 | Calhoun Charles W | |
| US4266444A (en) * | 1979-06-14 | 1981-05-12 | Longyear Company | High-low speed rotary drive mechanism |
| US4305472A (en) * | 1980-03-18 | 1981-12-15 | Brossette Mckinley J | Apparatus for recording and limiting torque |
| SE427812B (en) * | 1981-11-23 | 1983-05-09 | Atlas Copco Ab | TWO-ENGINE TOOL FOR TIGHTENING SCREW TAPE |
| EP0123503B1 (en) * | 1983-04-21 | 1988-01-07 | Bilco Tools Inc. | Power tongs assembly |
-
1984
- 1984-07-10 US US06/629,421 patent/US4579024A/en not_active Ceased
-
1985
- 1985-07-03 CA CA000486275A patent/CA1237664A/en not_active Expired
- 1985-07-05 EP EP85304822A patent/EP0171187B1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-07-05 DE DE8585304822T patent/DE3567499D1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0171187A1 (en) | 1986-02-12 |
| US4579024A (en) | 1986-04-01 |
| EP0171187B1 (en) | 1989-01-11 |
| DE3567499D1 (en) | 1989-02-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |