US20130062048A1 - Pulling clamp for continuous rod or coiled tubing strings - Google Patents
Pulling clamp for continuous rod or coiled tubing strings Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130062048A1 US20130062048A1 US13/607,353 US201213607353A US2013062048A1 US 20130062048 A1 US20130062048 A1 US 20130062048A1 US 201213607353 A US201213607353 A US 201213607353A US 2013062048 A1 US2013062048 A1 US 2013062048A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bore
- string
- pulling
- top cap
- gripping
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
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
- E21B19/22—Handling reeled pipe or rod units, e.g. flexible drilling pipes
-
- 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
- E21B19/12—Rope clamps ; Rod, casings or tube clamps not secured to elevators
Definitions
- Embodiments herein are related to apparatus used for temporarily engaging a blunt end of a string of coiled or continuous rod or tubing, and more particularly, to apparatus or clamps used for connecting between the string and apparatus for lifting and lowering the string in and out of a wellbore, such as during a servicing operation.
- a string of a plurality of sucker rods for operating downhole pumps situate in wellbores accessing oil and gas formations.
- the sucker rods themselves are typically fit with male and female threaded connections formed with upset ends.
- the threaded and upset ends are also used to aid in handling the individual rods including engaging the upset ends for supporting the combined weight of the string.
- the oil and gas industry has also become familiar with the use of continuous or coiled rod and coiled tubing for operating wellbore pumps and performing service operations.
- the continuous rod and coiled tubing are typical of such continuous strings in that they are usually dispensed from a supply, run through a wellhead into a wellbore to depth, suspended in the wellbore and cut off above the wellhead.
- a single, continuous rod is conventionally often used to replace a plurality of sucker rods for rotary drive of a progressive cavity pump or PC pump.
- the continuous rod is rotatably supported at the wellhead, such as by a rod clamp, and is rotatably connected and driven from a rotary drive at surface.
- Coiled tubing is used for many different services, including for accessing the wellbore for support of a downhole tool and communication of fluid between the tool and surface.
- coiled tubing is typically supported at surface, such as by a blowout preventer at the wellhead, and cut off thereabove for connection to fluid devices.
- a cut blunt end of the continuous rod string extends above the drive head, but provides no convenient and secure point of attachment for the attachment by lifting apparatus.
- lifting, lowering and supporting of the continuous rod string such as for pulling the rod string and pump from the wellbore or for pulling the pump's rotor from the pump's stator such as for cleaning the pump, means are required to engage the cut end of the rod string.
- the prior art clamp is quite substantive is size and can interfere with surface equipment including a pump drive head. Alteration of the blunt end for convenience of connection or other purpose can have adverse ramifications for surface equipment including drives and stuffing boxes.
- a pulling clamp is provided for releasable connection to a blunt, uphole string end of a continuous string.
- the pulling clamp can form an upset for engagement with lifting apparatus.
- the pulling clamp incorporates a pulling connection for connection to lifting-specific components or a pony rod having a conventional lifting end for engagement with the lifting apparatus.
- the pulling clamp comprises a main body having a bore for releasably gripping the string end and provides a lower pulling end.
- the main body itself forms an upset, the pulling end engageable by lifting apparatus.
- the main body has a lower pulling end and an upper pulled end, the main body having a clamp bore formed therethrough, the clamp bore comprising a string-receiving opening at the pulling end for receiving the string end, an actuating bore at the pulled end and a tapered bore therebetween.
- a taper insert having a compressible gripping bore is provided and locatable in the tapered bore.
- a top cap is engageable with the actuating bore, the top cap being axially movable between passive and active positions to actuate the taper insert between a first receiving position and second gripping position respectively, wherein in the first receiving position, the gripping bore receives the string end and is passively uncompressed thereabout; and in the second gripping position, the top cap axially engages the taper insert for driving the taper insert axially into the tapered bore for radially compressing the taper insert about the string end for actively gripping the string end therein.
- the actuating bore is threaded and the top cap is threaded for threading axially into and out of the pulled end of the main body between the passive and active positions.
- FIG. 1A is a side view of an arrangement of a top drive for rotary drive of a progressive cavity pump including a drive clamp according to the prior art for suspending and rotatably coupling the continuous rod to the top drive and an embodiment of a pulling clamp releasably connected to a cut end of the continuous rod;
- FIG. 1B illustrates direct pulling of the pulling clamp by an elevator
- FIG. 2A is a plan view of the pulling clamp according to FIG. 1A ;
- FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the pulling clamp along A-A of FIG. 2A ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pulling clamp according to FIG. 1A ;
- FIGS. 4A to 4C are perspective views of exploded components of the pulling clamp as shown in FIG. 3 , more particularly
- FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the pulling clamp according to FIG. 3 , illustrating the relationship between the components of FIGS. 4A-4D when assembled;
- FIG. 5B is a side view of the pulling clamp according to FIG. 5A ;
- FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned perspective view, according to FIG. 5A , illustrating the positioning of the taper insert within the main body of the pulling clamp, the taper insert shown in full engaged in the tapered bore;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view according to FIGS. 2B and 5A ;
- FIGS. 8A to 8D are detailed views of the top cap according to FIG. 4A and more particularly,
- FIGS. 9A to 9D are detailed views of the jam nut according to FIG. 4B and more particularly,
- FIGS. 10A to 10D are detailed views of the taper insert according to FIG. 4C and more particularly,
- FIGS. 11A to 11D are detailed views of the main body according to FIG. 4D and more particularly,
- FIGS. 12A to 14C illustrate steps in a process of engaging embodiments of the pulling clamp according to FIG. 3 with a cut end of continuous rod, more particularly;
- FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a coiled tubing installation in which embodiments of the pulling clamp are incorporated for servicing of the installation.
- Embodiments disclosed herein provide a multi-component pulling clamp 10 for releasable connection to a cut or blunt end of a continuous rod or tubing string without alteration of the blunt end, referred to herein as the string end.
- Embodiments are particularly useful for continuous rod drive systems for downhole tools, such as progressive cavity pumps as described in Applicant's co-pending applications, U.S. published application 2011-0266005-A1, Canadian published application 2,738,500 and PCT published application WO2011/134085A1, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- embodiments of the pulling clamp 10 are often described in the context of continuous rod having a solid, circular cross-section however other continuous string including coil tubing having tubular yet circular cross-sections are contemplated.
- the pulling clamp is incorporated into a continuous rod pumping system having a surface-accessible, string end and for enabling servicing of the continuous string without substantial modification of the string end.
- a rod-driven pumping system can comprise a drive positioned at surface, a continuous rod driveably connected to the drive and extending downhole through a bore of a production tubing to a pump, forming a production annulus therebetween, and a coupling connecting between the continuous rod and the pump.
- the rod-driven pumping system is a rod-driven progressing cavity pump having a stator and a rotor operatively engaged within the stator for rotation therein.
- the drive comprises a drive head having a hollow drive shaft supported on a wellhead at surface.
- the continuous rod is driveably connected through the hollow drive shaft of the drive head.
- the continuous rod is connected at a downhole end through a coupling to the rotor.
- the continuous string extends through the drive and remains unadulterated for servicing of the drive head thereover, including a stuffing box as applicable.
- the string end is truncated to form a cylindrical end which is unadulterated, having substantially the circular cross-section and cylindrical dimensions of the remainder of the continuous string extending therebelow.
- a continuous string for driving a pump in a wellbore, the continuous string having an uphole end for drivingly connecting to a drive at surface and a downhole end for connection to the pump such as through a coupling.
- the uphole end is truncated to form a cylindrical string end which is unadulterated, having substantially the cylindrical dimensions as that of the remainder of the continuous rod extending therebelow.
- the string end is accessible at surface for connection to an embodiment of a pulling clamp as set forth herein.
- an embodiment of the pulling clamp described herein can be applied for temporarily connecting to and suspending the continuous string in production tubing.
- the pulling clamp can be connected to structure for implementing lifting or pulling of the continuous string.
- the pulling clamp forms part of an elevator system for temporary and releasable connection to a service rig, crane or other lifting apparatus.
- FIG. 1A illustrates an arrangement of a top drive 1 for rotary drive of a progressive cavity pump (PC pump).
- a continuous string 2 of continuous rod such as COROD® (Trademark of Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.) extends through a wellhead 4 for connection to and driving the PC pump.
- the continuous string 2 has a generally cylindrical cut end, referred to herein as a string end 6 .
- a drive clamp 8 suspends the continuous string 2 in the wellbore and rotatably couples the driven string 2 to the top drive 1 .
- an embodiment of a pulling clamp 10 is releasably connectable to the string end 6 .
- the pulling clamp 10 is an easy to use, yet large lifting capacity device having a narrow profile, sufficient to be fit and actuated in close quarters, such as that shown in FIG. 1A where the wellhead centerline C is in close proximity to the top drive 1 .
- the pulling clamp 10 can form an upset directly engageable with the components of lifting apparatus, or can incorporate a pulling connection engageable with the lifting apparatus.
- the pulling connection such as an elevator 12 can be connected directly to the pulling clamp 10 or can be connected thereto through an intermediate apparatus 14 , such as a length of pony or sucker rod.
- the pony rod 14 is provided, at a first end 16 , with the elevator 12 for connection to a hook of the lifting apparatus.
- the pony rod 14 is threadably connected at a pulling connector 18 of the pulling clamp 10 for connection to the string end 6 .
- an embodiment of the pulling clamp 10 engages the string end 6 for providing a releasable connection between the continuous string 2 and some lifting or pulling apparatus, such as a service rig.
- the pulling clamp 10 comprises a main body 20 having a string-receiving opening or bore 22 at a pulling end 24 for receiving the string end 6 of the continuous string 2 and an internal tapered bore section 26 thereabove.
- a taper insert 28 is provided for positioning within the tapered bore 26 , the taper insert 28 having a gripping bore 30 for receiving the string end 6 and axially operable within the main body's taper bore 26 for releasably and radially compressing the taper insert 28 for gripping the string end 6 therein.
- the gripping bore 30 is radially compressible from an open, receiving position, for axially receiving the string end 6 to a gripping position. In the gripping position, the gripping bore 30 is compressible to a diameter being smaller than a diameter of the string end 6 to be gripped.
- a top cap 32 is provided and is axially movable into an actuating bore 34 at pulled end 36 of the main body 30 , the actuating bore 34 being in communication with the tapered bore 26 therebelow.
- the top cap 32 is operable between two positions; movable between passive and active positions to actuate the taper insert between a first receiving position and second gripping position respectively.
- the top cap 42 is released sufficiently from the taper insert 28 to actuate the gripping bore to an receiving position.
- the top cap 32 is movable axially into the actuating bore 34 for engaging the taper insert 28 and driving the taper insert 28 axially into the tapered bore 26 of the main body 30 .
- Tapered interface or the taper insert 28 and tapered bore 30 cooperate to radially compress the taper insert 28 and the gripping bore 30 to the gripping position for gripping the string end 6 therein.
- the top cap 32 is fit with an internal threaded pulling bore 37 at a top free end 38 of the top cap 32 for engagement with the pulling connection such as through the pony rod 14 , as discussed above.
- the pulling clamp itself 10 forms a releasable upset which can be releasably coupled to the blunt string end, an elevator 12 engaging the pulling clamp directly such as about the pulling claim 10 or directly below the main body 20 .
- axial pulling load of the continuous string 2 is transferred through the taper insert 28 and to the main body 20 by virtue of the taper insert not being able to exit through the string-receiving opening.
- the load is transferred through the top cap 32 to the lifting apparatus.
- the taper insert 28 is actuated by axial movement of the taper insert 28 along the taper bore 26 .
- the taper insert 28 has a driven shoulder 40 and the top cap 32 has a lower driving shoulder 42 .
- axial movement is through threaded movement of the top cap 32 in an internally threaded bore 34 .
- the axial movement moves the driving shoulder 42 axially along the main body 20 .
- Tightening threaded movement engages the top cap's driving shoulder 42 with the taper insert driven shoulder 40 for actuating the taper insert 28 to move axially within the taper bore 26 , radially compressing the gripping bore 30 about the string end 6 .
- the structure of the main body 20 is robust and resists the expansive forces thereon imposed by the tapered interface between the taper insert 28 and the taper bore 26 .
- the string-receiving bore or opening 22 has an effective diameter which is smaller than a combined diameter of the gripping taper insert 26 and string end 6 to avoid pull through at string lifting weights.
- the taper insert 28 may have an initial gripping bore diameter about that of the string end 6 .
- the gripping bore 30 may flex radially to receive the diameter of the string end 6 .
- the initial gripping bore diameter may be slightly oversized to loosely to receive the diameter of the string end 6 .
- the taper insert 28 is manufactured with an elastic radial compressible range permitting the gripping bore 30 to open, as necessary, to a diameter about that of the string end 6 in the released position and to radial compress to the effective gripping diameter, in the gripping position.
- the pulling clamp 10 is reusable. One may replace the taper insert 28 each use or the taper insert 28 is also reusable.
- the taper insert 28 has an elastic compressible range to permit the radial compression and a radial release between the first released position and second gripping position.
- locking means or lock such as a jam nut 50 is provided to lock the top cap 32 into position, such as in the gripping position to prevent premature release of the top cap 32 from driving engagement with the taper insert 28 .
- the top cap 32 has head 52 at the free end 38 and a smaller diameter externally threaded portion 54 which extends below for threading into the internally threaded bore 34 of the pulled end 36 of the main body 20 .
- the top cap external threaded portion 54 has a length greater than that of the main body's internally threaded bore 34 sufficient to threadedly install the jam nut 50 therebetween.
- the threaded portion of the threaded top cap has a length greater than a depth of the actuating bore for forming an axial clearance therebetween; and the jam nut is axially threadably actuable along the threaded portion between an unlocked position wherein the jam nut is spaced above the main body; and a locked position wherein the jam nut engages the main body.
- the main body, the head 52 of the top cap 32 and the jam nut 50 are fit with respective flats 58 for opposing tool actuation.
- the taper insert 28 has fluting 60 .
- the fluting 60 enables elastic radial compression without plastic deformation.
- the fluting 60 is axial to permit elastic bending at each flute 60 without a permanent, plastic deformation while the axially extending slip-like portions retaining axial pulling design capability.
- the taper insert 28 can be discontinuous about its circumference at a slot 62 extending axially therealong.
- the effective length or axial extent of the slot, open from a lower end, is compatible with the axial extent of engagement with the tapered bore to permit radial compression.
- the slot 62 can extend axially along the entirely of the taper insert 28 .
- the slot 62 enables a circumferential reduction of the gripping bore 30 upon compression, the gripping bore 30 closing radially in on, and gripping, the string end 6 .
- the gripping bore 30 is fit with horizontally or circumferentially extending wickers 64 for improving the gripping of the string end 6 therein in the gripping position.
- the jam nut 50 has internal threads 58 sized for movement along the externally threaded portion 54 of the top cap 32
- the taper insert's gripping bore 30 has a diameter for receiving the string end 6 .
- the taper insert's driven shoulder 40 is standing axially proud inside the tapered bore 26 , available for being driven axially downward into the tapered bore 26 .
- the driving shoulder 42 of the top cap 32 is shown just engaged with the driven shoulder 40 , poised for actuation.
- the jam nut 50 is in the unlocked position.
- the main body is shown partially cut-away for illustrating the taper insert 28 residing within the tapered bore 26 .
- the externally threaded portion 54 of the top cap 32 is only partially engaged with the internal threaded bore 34 of the main body 20 , the taper insert 28 residing loosely within the tapered bore 26 .
- typical capacity of a pulling clamp for a 11 ⁇ 8′′ continuous or coiled rod is about 70,000 pull weight, having a narrow profile of about 27 ⁇ 8′′ and a height of just under 7′′.
- the top cap 32 is provided with a standard box end being the internal threaded pulling bore 37 compatible with conventional 1′′ sucker rod.
- a typical procedure is set forth for connecting a pulling clamp 10 according to embodiments disclosed herein to a string end 6 for lifting and lowering a continuous rod string 2 , such as that extending through a top drive 1 , such as for servicing the string 2 or a wellbore tool 100 such as a pump connected thereto.
- Similar techniques and adaptations are made for servicing a coiled tubing installation, an example of which is set forth in FIG. 15 , wherein a string end 6 of the coiled tubing string 2 extends above the wellhead 4 .
- Emery paper can be used to clean any rust or protective shellac from the string end 6 .
- the string end 6 is measured and marked at about 2.5′′ from the end.
- the jam nut 50 and top cap 32 of the pulling clamp 10 are unthreaded or backed off sufficient to remove any force on the taper insert 28 , ensuring the taper insert 28 is in the receiving position.
- a tapered interface of about 7° is provided over about 2 inches axially.
- an axial actuation of about 0.06 inches is sufficient to effect gripping of the 1.125 inch cross-section.
- the pulling clamp 10 is lowered onto the string end 6 by lowering the open string receiving bore 22 of the main body 20 over the string end 6 , until the string end 6 is through the taper insert 28 , such as by bottoming out against the driving shoulder 42 or a recess in the top cap 32 .
- the 2.5′′ mark should be covered or hidden within the main body 20 .
- the top cap 32 is threaded into the main body 20 for engaging the driving shoulder 42 with the taper insert driven shoulder 40 .
- the taper insert 28 is driven downwardly and the wickers 64 are driven or compressed radially inwardly to engage and grip the string end 6 .
- the circumference of the taper insert 28 reduces and the axial slot 62 closes as the taper insert 28 is driven downwardly into the tapered bore 26 .
- the wrench torque rises to a set point sufficient to achieve the pulling capacity.
- a third step as shown in FIGS. 14A , 14 B using a wrench 70 ( FIG. 14C ) applied to at least the wrench flats 58 of the jam nut 50 and where the connection to the continuous string 2 resists rotation of the main body 20 , the jam nut 50 is threaded downwardly to engage the locking shoulder 56 of the main body 20 .
- the continuous rod 2 in the wellhead 4 is prepared for a pull test of the pulling clamp 10 . If so provided, rod lock rams are closed about the rod string 2 and tightened in the order of about 800 ft-lb.
- a rod elevator 12 can be engaged to an underside of the pulling clamp 10 , the pulling claim acting as an upset of the prior art sucker rods.
- a first end of a pony rod 14 such as a 1′′ rod, can first be threaded into the connection bore 37 of the top cap 32 .
- a rod elevator 12 is engaged with a second upset end 16 of the pony rod 14 .
- lifting apparatus is connected to the elevator 12 and is actuated to carefully lift to raise the elevator 12 while watching a weight indicator to confirm the pulling clamp 10 is engaged. At least 10,000 lbs is pulled to confirm pulling clamp engagement.
- the elevator 12 is lowered but maintained in tension with no weight on the weight indicator.
- the rod lock rams are then opened after which the connected rod string 2 is ready to be raised or lowered.
- the rod string 2 is supported in the wellhead 4 , such as on the rod lock rams or drive clamp 8 .
- the jam nut 50 is backed off.
- the top cap 32 is loosened. There is no need to remove the top cap 32 from the main body 20 .
- the top of the pulling clamp 10 such as on the top cap 32 , is tapped to separate the taper insert 28 from the main body 20 and separate the taper insert 28 from the string end 6 .
- the pulling clamp 10 can then be removed from the rod string 2 .
- the string end 6 may have scars such as ridging or scoring.
- emery paper or a fine grade file is used to remove any rod scars prior to drive head removal or installation.
Abstract
A pulling clamp is provided for releasable connection to a blunt, uphole string end of a continuous string. A main clamp body has clamp bore therethrough and having a string-receiving opening at the pulling end for receiving the string end, an actuating bore at the pulled end and a tapered bore therebetween. A taper insert having a radially compressible gripping bore is locatable in the tapered bore and axially actuable between a passive first receiving position, for receiving the string end, and the active second gripping position for radially compressing the taper insert about the string end for actively gripping the string end therein. The taper insert can be axially actuated using a threaded main body and threaded top cap for sandwiching the taper insert therebetween, the top cap being threaded axially into and out of the pulled end of the main body between the passive and active positions.
Description
- This application is a regular application claiming priority of U.S. provisional application 61/532,348, filed Sep. 8, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- Embodiments herein are related to apparatus used for temporarily engaging a blunt end of a string of coiled or continuous rod or tubing, and more particularly, to apparatus or clamps used for connecting between the string and apparatus for lifting and lowering the string in and out of a wellbore, such as during a servicing operation.
- Downhole pumping operations in the oil and gas industry have used, and many still use, a string of a plurality of sucker rods for operating downhole pumps situate in wellbores accessing oil and gas formations. The sucker rods themselves are typically fit with male and female threaded connections formed with upset ends. For installation, retrieval and service operations, the threaded and upset ends are also used to aid in handling the individual rods including engaging the upset ends for supporting the combined weight of the string.
- The oil and gas industry has also become familiar with the use of continuous or coiled rod and coiled tubing for operating wellbore pumps and performing service operations. The continuous rod and coiled tubing are typical of such continuous strings in that they are usually dispensed from a supply, run through a wellhead into a wellbore to depth, suspended in the wellbore and cut off above the wellhead. A single, continuous rod is conventionally often used to replace a plurality of sucker rods for rotary drive of a progressive cavity pump or PC pump. The continuous rod is rotatably supported at the wellhead, such as by a rod clamp, and is rotatably connected and driven from a rotary drive at surface. Coiled tubing is used for many different services, including for accessing the wellbore for support of a downhole tool and communication of fluid between the tool and surface. As with continuous rod, coiled tubing is typically supported at surface, such as by a blowout preventer at the wellhead, and cut off thereabove for connection to fluid devices.
- The ability to cut off a continuous string at any point intermediate its length is one advantage but also results in a string termination or blunt end which is more cumbersome to later attach to for service operations, namely being absent a designed upset or machined end for the gripping or mechanical attachment of conventional service tools.
- Particularly, in the case of continuous rod drive systems for downhole tools, such as progressive cavity pumps, such as described in Applicant's co-pending applications, U.S. published application 2011-0266005-A1, Canadian published application 2,738,500 and PCT published application WO2011/134085A1, a cut blunt end of the continuous rod string extends above the drive head, but provides no convenient and secure point of attachment for the attachment by lifting apparatus. During lifting, lowering and supporting of the continuous rod string, such as for pulling the rod string and pump from the wellbore or for pulling the pump's rotor from the pump's stator such as for cleaning the pump, means are required to engage the cut end of the rod string.
- It is known in the prior art to weld on a coupling for threaded attachment or to apply a clamshell clamp for gripping about a blunt end of a continuous string, such as where welding on-site may be dangerous. One example is a Hunting Welltronic tool/tubing clamp as provided by Hunting Welltronic Ltd., of Aberdeen, Scotland. As described, the Hunting Welltronic tool/tubing clamp is
-
- a “device used for securing coiled tubing tools during deployment operations. It can also be utilized to secure Coiled Tubing while being fed off of the reel or being lifted up out of the hole or out of the well. The tool/tubing Clamp comprises of two halves which contain slip segments to suit a specific tool/tubing diameters. A tapered bowl ensures the slip grips the tool/tubing in one direction and allows the tool/tubing to slip in the other. The spacer plates retain the slips as well as prevent the clamp from damaging the tool/tubing when the clamping bolt is engaged. The Tubing Clamp can be supplied with a range of slips to suit various tool/tubing diameters.”
- The prior art clamp is quite substantive is size and can interfere with surface equipment including a pump drive head. Alteration of the blunt end for convenience of connection or other purpose can have adverse ramifications for surface equipment including drives and stuffing boxes.
- Clearly there is a need for reliable, safe means for engaging connecting continuous or coiled rod and coiled tubing to tools, such as conventional service tools including lifting and lowering apparatus, without the problems associated with prior art clamps.
- A pulling clamp is provided for releasable connection to a blunt, uphole string end of a continuous string. The pulling clamp can form an upset for engagement with lifting apparatus. Alternatively, the pulling clamp incorporates a pulling connection for connection to lifting-specific components or a pony rod having a conventional lifting end for engagement with the lifting apparatus.
- In one embodiment, the pulling clamp comprises a main body having a bore for releasably gripping the string end and provides a lower pulling end. The main body itself forms an upset, the pulling end engageable by lifting apparatus.
- In embodiments, the main body has a lower pulling end and an upper pulled end, the main body having a clamp bore formed therethrough, the clamp bore comprising a string-receiving opening at the pulling end for receiving the string end, an actuating bore at the pulled end and a tapered bore therebetween. A taper insert having a compressible gripping bore is provided and locatable in the tapered bore. A top cap is engageable with the actuating bore, the top cap being axially movable between passive and active positions to actuate the taper insert between a first receiving position and second gripping position respectively, wherein in the first receiving position, the gripping bore receives the string end and is passively uncompressed thereabout; and in the second gripping position, the top cap axially engages the taper insert for driving the taper insert axially into the tapered bore for radially compressing the taper insert about the string end for actively gripping the string end therein.
- In another embodiment, the actuating bore is threaded and the top cap is threaded for threading axially into and out of the pulled end of the main body between the passive and active positions.
-
FIG. 1A is a side view of an arrangement of a top drive for rotary drive of a progressive cavity pump including a drive clamp according to the prior art for suspending and rotatably coupling the continuous rod to the top drive and an embodiment of a pulling clamp releasably connected to a cut end of the continuous rod; -
FIG. 1B illustrates direct pulling of the pulling clamp by an elevator; -
FIG. 2A is a plan view of the pulling clamp according toFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the pulling clamp along A-A ofFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pulling clamp according toFIG. 1A ; -
FIGS. 4A to 4C are perspective views of exploded components of the pulling clamp as shown inFIG. 3 , more particularly -
-
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a top cap; -
FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a taper insert; -
FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a main body of the pulling clamp; and -
FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a jam nut;
-
-
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the pulling clamp according toFIG. 3 , illustrating the relationship between the components ofFIGS. 4A-4D when assembled; -
FIG. 5B is a side view of the pulling clamp according toFIG. 5A ; -
FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned perspective view, according toFIG. 5A , illustrating the positioning of the taper insert within the main body of the pulling clamp, the taper insert shown in full engaged in the tapered bore; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view according toFIGS. 2B and 5A ; -
FIGS. 8A to 8D are detailed views of the top cap according toFIG. 4A and more particularly, -
-
FIG. 8A is a side view illustrating internal threading of the top cap in dotted lines; -
FIG. 8B is a plan view according toFIG. 8A ; -
FIG. 8C is a side view according toFIG. 8A , the internal threading in dotted lines being removed for clarity; and -
FIG. 8D is a plan view according toFIG. 8C ;
-
-
FIGS. 9A to 9D are detailed views of the jam nut according toFIG. 4B and more particularly, -
-
FIG. 9A is a side view illustrating internal threading of the jam nut in dotted lines; -
FIG. 9B is a plan view according toFIG. 9A ; -
FIG. 9C is a side view according toFIG. 9A , the internal threading in dotted lines being removed for clarity; and -
FIG. 9D is a plan view according toFIG. 9C ;
-
-
FIGS. 10A to 10D are detailed views of the taper insert according toFIG. 4C and more particularly, -
-
FIG. 10A is a side view illustrating wickers within a bore of the taper insert in dotted lines; -
FIG. 10B is a plan view according toFIG. 10A ; -
FIG. 10C is a side view according toFIG. 10A , the internal threading in dotted lines being removed for clarity; and -
FIG. 10D is a plan view according toFIG. 10C ;
-
-
FIGS. 11A to 11D are detailed views of the main body according toFIG. 4D and more particularly, -
-
FIG. 11A is a side view illustrating internal threading of the main body in dotted lines; -
FIG. 11B is a plan view according toFIG. 11A ; -
FIG. 11C is a side view according toFIG. 11A , the internal threading in dotted lines being removed for clarity; and -
FIG. 11D is a plan view according toFIG. 11C ;
-
-
FIGS. 12A to 14C illustrate steps in a process of engaging embodiments of the pulling clamp according toFIG. 3 with a cut end of continuous rod, more particularly; -
-
FIG. 12A is a side view of the pulling clamp, illustrating internal threading and components in dotted lines, the cut end of the continuous rod being inserted into the main body through the taper insert and bottoming out at the top cap; -
FIG. 12B is a side view according toFIG. 12A , the dotted lines illustrating internal threading and components having been removed; -
FIG. 13A is a side view of the pulling clamp according toFIG. 12A , the top cap being tightened to compress the taper insert about the cut end; -
FIG. 13B is a side view according toFIG. 13A , the dotted lines illustrating internal threading and components having been removed; -
FIG. 13C is a fanciful perspective view according toFIG. 13B , wrenches shown engaging the main body to illustrate preventing rotation thereof while the top cap is being rotated to tighten; -
FIG. 14A is a side view of the pulling clamp according toFIG. 13A , the jam nut being tightened against the main body to lock the top cap against rotation; -
FIG. 14B is a side view according toFIG. 14A , the dotted lines illustrating internal threading and components having been removed; and -
FIG. 14C is a fanciful perspective view according toFIG. 14B , a wrench shown engaging the jam nut to indicate rotation of the jam nut; and
-
-
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a coiled tubing installation in which embodiments of the pulling clamp are incorporated for servicing of the installation. - Embodiments disclosed herein provide a multi-component pulling
clamp 10 for releasable connection to a cut or blunt end of a continuous rod or tubing string without alteration of the blunt end, referred to herein as the string end. - Embodiments are particularly useful for continuous rod drive systems for downhole tools, such as progressive cavity pumps as described in Applicant's co-pending applications, U.S. published application 2011-0266005-A1, Canadian published application 2,738,500 and PCT published application WO2011/134085A1, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- Herein, embodiments of the pulling
clamp 10 are often described in the context of continuous rod having a solid, circular cross-section however other continuous string including coil tubing having tubular yet circular cross-sections are contemplated. - In an embodiment, the pulling clamp is incorporated into a continuous rod pumping system having a surface-accessible, string end and for enabling servicing of the continuous string without substantial modification of the string end. Such a rod-driven pumping system can comprise a drive positioned at surface, a continuous rod driveably connected to the drive and extending downhole through a bore of a production tubing to a pump, forming a production annulus therebetween, and a coupling connecting between the continuous rod and the pump. In an embodiment, the rod-driven pumping system is a rod-driven progressing cavity pump having a stator and a rotor operatively engaged within the stator for rotation therein. The drive comprises a drive head having a hollow drive shaft supported on a wellhead at surface. The continuous rod is driveably connected through the hollow drive shaft of the drive head. The continuous rod is connected at a downhole end through a coupling to the rotor.
- The continuous string extends through the drive and remains unadulterated for servicing of the drive head thereover, including a stuffing box as applicable. The string end is truncated to form a cylindrical end which is unadulterated, having substantially the circular cross-section and cylindrical dimensions of the remainder of the continuous string extending therebelow.
- In another embodiment, a continuous string is provided for driving a pump in a wellbore, the continuous string having an uphole end for drivingly connecting to a drive at surface and a downhole end for connection to the pump such as through a coupling. Again, the uphole end is truncated to form a cylindrical string end which is unadulterated, having substantially the cylindrical dimensions as that of the remainder of the continuous rod extending therebelow. The string end is accessible at surface for connection to an embodiment of a pulling clamp as set forth herein.
- Accordingly, an embodiment of the pulling clamp described herein can be applied for temporarily connecting to and suspending the continuous string in production tubing. The pulling clamp can be connected to structure for implementing lifting or pulling of the continuous string. In an embodiment the pulling clamp forms part of an elevator system for temporary and releasable connection to a service rig, crane or other lifting apparatus.
-
FIG. 1A illustrates an arrangement of atop drive 1 for rotary drive of a progressive cavity pump (PC pump). Acontinuous string 2 of continuous rod, such as COROD® (Trademark of Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.) extends through awellhead 4 for connection to and driving the PC pump. Thecontinuous string 2 has a generally cylindrical cut end, referred to herein as astring end 6. Adrive clamp 8, according to the prior art, suspends thecontinuous string 2 in the wellbore and rotatably couples the drivenstring 2 to thetop drive 1. For manipulation of thestring end 6, such as for servicing thestring 2, the well or the downhole tool or pump, an embodiment of a pullingclamp 10 is releasably connectable to thestring end 6. - The pulling
clamp 10 is an easy to use, yet large lifting capacity device having a narrow profile, sufficient to be fit and actuated in close quarters, such as that shown inFIG. 1A where the wellhead centerline C is in close proximity to thetop drive 1. - The pulling
clamp 10 can form an upset directly engageable with the components of lifting apparatus, or can incorporate a pulling connection engageable with the lifting apparatus. The pulling connection, such as anelevator 12 can be connected directly to the pullingclamp 10 or can be connected thereto through anintermediate apparatus 14, such as a length of pony or sucker rod. As shown, thepony rod 14 is provided, at afirst end 16, with theelevator 12 for connection to a hook of the lifting apparatus. In the shown embodiment, thepony rod 14 is threadably connected at a pullingconnector 18 of the pullingclamp 10 for connection to thestring end 6. - As shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B , an embodiment of the pullingclamp 10 engages thestring end 6 for providing a releasable connection between thecontinuous string 2 and some lifting or pulling apparatus, such as a service rig. - In greater detail and having reference to
FIGS. 2B to 7 andFIGS. 11A to 11D , the pullingclamp 10 comprises amain body 20 having a string-receiving opening or bore 22 at a pullingend 24 for receiving thestring end 6 of thecontinuous string 2 and an internaltapered bore section 26 thereabove. - As shown in
FIGS. 2B , 4B, 5A, 6, 7, and 10A to 10D, ataper insert 28 is provided for positioning within the tapered bore 26, thetaper insert 28 having agripping bore 30 for receiving thestring end 6 and axially operable within the main body's taper bore 26 for releasably and radially compressing thetaper insert 28 for gripping thestring end 6 therein. The gripping bore 30 is radially compressible from an open, receiving position, for axially receiving thestring end 6 to a gripping position. In the gripping position, the grippingbore 30 is compressible to a diameter being smaller than a diameter of thestring end 6 to be gripped. - A
top cap 32 is provided and is axially movable into an actuating bore 34 at pulledend 36 of themain body 30, the actuating bore 34 being in communication with the tapered bore 26 therebelow. - The
top cap 32 is operable between two positions; movable between passive and active positions to actuate the taper insert between a first receiving position and second gripping position respectively. In the receiving position, thetop cap 42 is released sufficiently from thetaper insert 28 to actuate the gripping bore to an receiving position. In the gripping position, thetop cap 32 is movable axially into the actuating bore 34 for engaging thetaper insert 28 and driving thetaper insert 28 axially into the tapered bore 26 of themain body 30. Tapered interface or thetaper insert 28 and tapered bore 30 cooperate to radially compress thetaper insert 28 and the gripping bore 30 to the gripping position for gripping thestring end 6 therein. - In an embodiment, the
top cap 32 is fit with an internal threaded pullingbore 37 at a topfree end 38 of thetop cap 32 for engagement with the pulling connection such as through thepony rod 14, as discussed above. - Alternatively, as shown in
FIG. 1B , the pulling clamp itself 10 forms a releasable upset which can be releasably coupled to the blunt string end, anelevator 12 engaging the pulling clamp directly such as about the pullingclaim 10 or directly below themain body 20. - In the gripping position, axial pulling load of the
continuous string 2 is transferred through thetaper insert 28 and to themain body 20 by virtue of the taper insert not being able to exit through the string-receiving opening. In the case using a top cap connection, the load is transferred through thetop cap 32 to the lifting apparatus. - In greater detail, the
taper insert 28 is actuated by axial movement of thetaper insert 28 along the taper bore 26. Thetaper insert 28 has a drivenshoulder 40 and thetop cap 32 has alower driving shoulder 42. - As shown, in this embodiment, axial movement is through threaded movement of the
top cap 32 in an internally threaded bore 34. The axial movement moves the drivingshoulder 42 axially along themain body 20. Tightening threaded movement engages the top cap's drivingshoulder 42 with the taper insert drivenshoulder 40 for actuating thetaper insert 28 to move axially within the taper bore 26, radially compressing thegripping bore 30 about thestring end 6. The structure of themain body 20 is robust and resists the expansive forces thereon imposed by the tapered interface between thetaper insert 28 and the taper bore 26. In the gripping position, the string-receiving bore oropening 22 has an effective diameter which is smaller than a combined diameter of thegripping taper insert 26 and string end 6 to avoid pull through at string lifting weights. - The
taper insert 28 may have an initial gripping bore diameter about that of thestring end 6. The gripping bore 30 may flex radially to receive the diameter of thestring end 6. Alternatively, the initial gripping bore diameter may be slightly oversized to loosely to receive the diameter of thestring end 6. - In an embodiment, the
taper insert 28 is manufactured with an elastic radial compressible range permitting the gripping bore 30 to open, as necessary, to a diameter about that of thestring end 6 in the released position and to radial compress to the effective gripping diameter, in the gripping position. The pullingclamp 10 is reusable. One may replace thetaper insert 28 each use or thetaper insert 28 is also reusable. In an embodiment, thetaper insert 28 has an elastic compressible range to permit the radial compression and a radial release between the first released position and second gripping position. - In embodiments, having reference to
FIGS. 2B , 3, 4D, 5A-7 and 9A-9D, and where the top cap and main body are threadably coupled, locking means or lock such as ajam nut 50 is provided to lock thetop cap 32 into position, such as in the gripping position to prevent premature release of thetop cap 32 from driving engagement with thetaper insert 28. - The
top cap 32 hashead 52 at thefree end 38 and a smaller diameter externally threadedportion 54 which extends below for threading into the internally threaded bore 34 of the pulledend 36 of themain body 20. The top cap external threadedportion 54 has a length greater than that of the main body's internally threaded bore 34 sufficient to threadedly install thejam nut 50 therebetween. When thetop cap 32 is tightened to fully actuate thetaper insert 28 to the gripping position, there is sufficient axial clearance between thetop cap 32 and a lockingshoulder 56 of themain body 20 to engage thejam nut 50, placing residual locking forces between the top cap's external threadedportion 54 and the mainbody locking shoulder 56. - As stated, the threaded portion of the threaded top cap has a length greater than a depth of the actuating bore for forming an axial clearance therebetween; and the jam nut is axially threadably actuable along the threaded portion between an unlocked position wherein the jam nut is spaced above the main body; and a locked position wherein the jam nut engages the main body.
- As shown in
FIG. 3 , the main body, thehead 52 of thetop cap 32 and thejam nut 50 are fit withrespective flats 58 for opposing tool actuation. - In an embodiment, having reference to
FIG. 4B andFIGS. 10A to 10B , thetaper insert 28 hasfluting 60. Thefluting 60 enables elastic radial compression without plastic deformation. Thefluting 60 is axial to permit elastic bending at eachflute 60 without a permanent, plastic deformation while the axially extending slip-like portions retaining axial pulling design capability. Further, thetaper insert 28 can be discontinuous about its circumference at aslot 62 extending axially therealong. The effective length or axial extent of the slot, open from a lower end, is compatible with the axial extent of engagement with the tapered bore to permit radial compression. As shown theslot 62 can extend axially along the entirely of thetaper insert 28. Theslot 62 enables a circumferential reduction of thegripping bore 30 upon compression, the grippingbore 30 closing radially in on, and gripping, thestring end 6. - In embodiments, the gripping
bore 30 is fit with horizontally or circumferentially extendingwickers 64 for improving the gripping of thestring end 6 therein in the gripping position. - As shown in
FIGS. 4D and 9C , thejam nut 50, hasinternal threads 58 sized for movement along the externally threadedportion 54 of thetop cap 32 - As shown in
FIGS. 5A and 5B , in the unactuated or open position, the taper insert'sgripping bore 30 has a diameter for receiving thestring end 6. The taper insert's drivenshoulder 40 is standing axially proud inside the tapered bore 26, available for being driven axially downward into the tapered bore 26. The drivingshoulder 42 of thetop cap 32 is shown just engaged with the drivenshoulder 40, poised for actuation. Thejam nut 50 is in the unlocked position. - Having reference to
FIG. 6 , the main body is shown partially cut-away for illustrating thetaper insert 28 residing within the tapered bore 26. The externally threadedportion 54 of thetop cap 32 is only partially engaged with the internal threaded bore 34 of themain body 20, thetaper insert 28 residing loosely within the tapered bore 26. - In an embodiment, typical capacity of a pulling clamp for a 1⅛″ continuous or coiled rod is about 70,000 pull weight, having a narrow profile of about 2⅞″ and a height of just under 7″. The
top cap 32 is provided with a standard box end being the internal threaded pullingbore 37 compatible with conventional 1″ sucker rod. - With reference to
FIG. 1A , andFIGS. 12A through 14C , a typical procedure is set forth for connecting a pullingclamp 10 according to embodiments disclosed herein to astring end 6 for lifting and lowering acontinuous rod string 2, such as that extending through atop drive 1, such as for servicing thestring 2 or awellbore tool 100 such as a pump connected thereto. Similar techniques and adaptations are made for servicing a coiled tubing installation, an example of which is set forth inFIG. 15 , wherein astring end 6 of the coiledtubing string 2 extends above thewellhead 4. - Good practice would suggest first cleaning and filing any sharp edges from the
string end 6 prior to engagement with the pullingclamp 10. Emery paper can be used to clean any rust or protective shellac from thestring end 6. - The
string end 6 is measured and marked at about 2.5″ from the end. Thejam nut 50 andtop cap 32 of the pullingclamp 10 are unthreaded or backed off sufficient to remove any force on thetaper insert 28, ensuring thetaper insert 28 is in the receiving position. - In an embodiment, a tapered interface of about 7° is provided over about 2 inches axially. In this dimensional example, an axial actuation of about 0.06 inches is sufficient to effect gripping of the 1.125 inch cross-section.
- Having reference to
FIGS. 12A and 12B , in a first step the pullingclamp 10 is lowered onto thestring end 6 by lowering the open string receiving bore 22 of themain body 20 over thestring end 6, until thestring end 6 is through thetaper insert 28, such as by bottoming out against the drivingshoulder 42 or a recess in thetop cap 32. As a guideline, the 2.5″ mark should be covered or hidden within themain body 20. Thetop cap 32 is threaded into themain body 20 for engaging the drivingshoulder 42 with the taper insert drivenshoulder 40. - In a second step, as shown in
FIGS. 13A , 13B and fancifully inFIG. 13C to illustrate the use of twowrenches 70 applied to thewrench flats 58 of themain body 20 and thetop cap 32, at approximately 250 ft lbs torque, to thread thetop cap 32 into themain body 20. Thetaper insert 28 is driven downwardly and thewickers 64 are driven or compressed radially inwardly to engage and grip thestring end 6. The circumference of thetaper insert 28 reduces and theaxial slot 62 closes as thetaper insert 28 is driven downwardly into the tapered bore 26. As thegripping bore 30 closes on thestring end 6, the wrench torque rises to a set point sufficient to achieve the pulling capacity. - In a third step, as shown in
FIGS. 14A , 14B using a wrench 70 (FIG. 14C ) applied to at least thewrench flats 58 of thejam nut 50 and where the connection to thecontinuous string 2 resists rotation of themain body 20, thejam nut 50 is threaded downwardly to engage the lockingshoulder 56 of themain body 20. - Thereafter an integrity check of the installation is performed. Depending on the
particular wellhead 4, thecontinuous rod 2 in thewellhead 4 is prepared for a pull test of the pullingclamp 10. If so provided, rod lock rams are closed about therod string 2 and tightened in the order of about 800 ft-lb. - As shown in
FIG. 1B , arod elevator 12 can be engaged to an underside of the pullingclamp 10, the pulling claim acting as an upset of the prior art sucker rods. As shown inFIG. 1A , where wellhead clearances are confined, a first end of apony rod 14, such as a 1″ rod, can first be threaded into the connection bore 37 of thetop cap 32. Arod elevator 12 is engaged with a secondupset end 16 of thepony rod 14. - In either engagement, lifting apparatus is connected to the
elevator 12 and is actuated to carefully lift to raise theelevator 12 while watching a weight indicator to confirm the pullingclamp 10 is engaged. At least 10,000 lbs is pulled to confirm pulling clamp engagement. Theelevator 12 is lowered but maintained in tension with no weight on the weight indicator. The rod lock rams are then opened after which the connectedrod string 2 is ready to be raised or lowered. - The
rod string 2 is supported in thewellhead 4, such as on the rod lock rams or driveclamp 8. Thejam nut 50 is backed off. Thetop cap 32 is loosened. There is no need to remove thetop cap 32 from themain body 20. The top of the pullingclamp 10, such as on thetop cap 32, is tapped to separate thetaper insert 28 from themain body 20 and separate thetaper insert 28 from thestring end 6. The pullingclamp 10 can then be removed from therod string 2. - In the case where the
taper insert 28 haswickers 64, thestring end 6 may have scars such as ridging or scoring. To avoid damage to a stuffing box or other drive head components, emery paper or a fine grade file is used to remove any rod scars prior to drive head removal or installation. Generally, as a good practice, one should keep the pullingclamp 10 free of crude oil, sand and debris, and regularly remove thetaper insert 28 and inspect for cracks or deformation. One would visually inspect the pullingclamp 10 for damage before every use and lubricate all threads with thread anti seize compound.
Claims (20)
1. A pulling clamp for connection to a blunt, uphole string end of a continuous string comprising:
a main body having a lower pulling end and an upper pulled end, the main body having a clamp bore formed therethrough, the clamp bore comprising a string-receiving opening at the pulling end for receiving the string end, an actuating bore at the pulled end and a tapered bore therebetween;
a taper insert having a compressible gripping bore; and
a top cap engageable with the actuating bore, the top cap being axially movable between passive and active positions to actuate the taper insert between a first receiving position and second gripping position respectively, wherein
in the first receiving position, the gripping bore receives the string end and is passively uncompressed thereabout; and
in the second gripping position, the top cap axially engages the taper insert for driving the taper insert axially into the tapered bore for radially compressing the taper insert about the string end for actively gripping the string end therein.
2. The pulling clamp of claim 1 wherein:
the actuating bore is threaded; and
the top cap is threaded for threading axially into and out of the pulled end of the main body between the passive and active positions.
3. The pulling clamp of claim 1 wherein in the second gripping position the gripping bore is compressed to a gripping diameter smaller than a diameter of the received string end.
4. The pulling clamp of claim 1 wherein the taper insert further comprises an upper driven shoulder and the top cap further comprises a lower driving shoulder, the lower driving shoulder engaging the upper driven shoulder upon axial movement of the top cap into the actuating bore for actuating the top cap and taper insert to the second gripping position.
5. The pulling clamp of claim 1 wherein, in the second gripping position, the string-receiving opening has an effective diameter smaller than a combined diameter of the taper insert and the string end.
6. The pulling clamp of claim 1 further comprising a lock releasably actuable between the top cap and the main body, for locking engagement between the driving shoulder of the top cap and the driven shoulder of the taper insert in the second gripping position.
7. The pulling clamp of claim 2 further comprising a jam nut actuable between the top cap and the main body, for locking engagement between the driving shoulder of the top cap and the driven shoulder of the taper insert in the second gripping position.
8. The pulling clamp of claim 7 wherein:
a threaded portion of the threaded top cap has a length greater than a depth of the actuating bore for forming an axial clearance therebetween; and
the jam nut is axially threadably actuable along the threaded portion between
an unlocked position wherein the jam nut is spaced above the main body; and
a locked position wherein the jam nut engages the main body.
9. The pulling clamp of claim 1 wherein the taper insert has an elastic compressible range to permit the radial compression and a radial release between the first released position and second gripping position.
10. The pulling clamp of claim 1 wherein the taper insert further comprises axial fluting along an effective extent to enable elastic radial compression without plastic deformation.
11. The pulling clamp of claim 1 wherein the taper insert is discontinuous about a circumference at a slot extending axially therealong to enable circumferential reduction upon compression in the gripping position.
12. The pulling clamp of claim 1 wherein the gripping bore of the taper insert further comprises a plurality of horizontally extending wickers for engaging the string end in the gripping position.
13. The pulling clamp of claim 1 for use with a lifting apparatus, wherein the top cap further comprises:
a pulling connection for engagement with the lifting apparatus when the top cap and taper insert are in the second gripping position, axial pulling load being transferred from the continuous rod through the taper insert, to the main body and through the top cap to the lifting apparatus.
14. The pulling clamp of claim 13 wherein the pulling connection comprises:
a pony rod connected at a first end to a free end of the pulling clamp and engaging the lifting apparatus at a second upset end.
15. The pulling clamp of claim 14 wherein the first end of the pony rod is threaded for connection to a threaded bore in the top cap.
16. The pulling clamp of claim 1 wherein the continuous string is connected at a downhole end to a downhole tool, the continuous string being rotatable for driving the downhole tool.
17. The pulling clamp of claim 16 wherein the downhole tool is a progressive cavity pump.
18. A pulling clamp for connection to a blunt, uphole string end of a continuous string comprising:
a main body having a bore for releasably gripping the string end and a lower pulling end, the main body forming an upset, the pulling end engageable by pulling apparatus.
19. The pulling clamp of claim 18 wherein
the main body has an upper pulled end, the main body having a clamp bore formed therethrough, the clamp bore comprising a string-receiving opening at the pulling end for receiving the string end, an actuating bore at the pulled end and a tapered bore therebetween;
a taper insert having a compressible gripping bore; and
a top cap engageable with the actuating bore, the top cap being axially movable between passive and active positions to actuate the taper insert between a first receiving position and second gripping position respectively, wherein
in the first receiving position, the gripping bore receives the string end and is passively uncompressed thereabout; and
in the second gripping position, the top cap axially engages the taper insert for driving the taper insert axially into the tapered bore for radially compressing the taper insert about the string end for actively gripping the string end therein.
20. The pulling clamp of claim 19 wherein:
the actuating bore is threaded; and
the top cap is threaded for threading axially into and out of the pulled end of the main body between the passive and active positions.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/607,353 US20130062048A1 (en) | 2011-09-08 | 2012-09-07 | Pulling clamp for continuous rod or coiled tubing strings |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161532348P | 2011-09-08 | 2011-09-08 | |
US13/607,353 US20130062048A1 (en) | 2011-09-08 | 2012-09-07 | Pulling clamp for continuous rod or coiled tubing strings |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130062048A1 true US20130062048A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 |
Family
ID=47828780
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/607,353 Abandoned US20130062048A1 (en) | 2011-09-08 | 2012-09-07 | Pulling clamp for continuous rod or coiled tubing strings |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130062048A1 (en) |
AR (1) | AR087812A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2012307008A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2788960A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013033848A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106460474A (en) * | 2014-06-18 | 2017-02-22 | 印锡信 | Rod clamping device |
CN106761522A (en) * | 2017-02-03 | 2017-05-31 | 东北石油大学 | Rising for de- sucker rod of breaking in oil pipe unloads connector |
US20170291787A1 (en) * | 2016-04-08 | 2017-10-12 | 925599 Alberta Ltd. | Method and apparatus for coiling a continuous rod |
EP3825511A1 (en) * | 2019-11-22 | 2021-05-26 | Idroweld S.r.l. | Method and apparatus for the construction of pipelines or rigid linings inside wells |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2020094566A1 (en) | 2018-11-06 | 2020-05-14 | Nabors Lux 2 Sarl | Elevator with independent articulation of certain jaws for lifting tubulars of various sizes |
CN113316678B (en) | 2018-11-06 | 2023-12-01 | 坎里格机器人技术有限公司 | Elevator with locking mechanism for lifting tubular members of various sizes |
WO2020094562A1 (en) | 2018-11-06 | 2020-05-14 | Nabors Lux 2 Sarl | Elevator with a tiltable housing for lifting tubulars of various sizes |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3923099A (en) * | 1973-04-30 | 1975-12-02 | Brandon Orpha B | Methods of well completion or workover of fluid containing subsurface formations |
US7108063B2 (en) * | 2000-09-25 | 2006-09-19 | Carstensen Kenneth J | Connectable rod system for driving downhole pumps for oil field installations |
US7498509B2 (en) * | 1995-09-28 | 2009-03-03 | Fiberspar Corporation | Composite coiled tubing end connector |
US20110114317A1 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2011-05-19 | Streater Jr James R | Assembly and method for wide catch overshot |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4589796A (en) * | 1983-03-18 | 1986-05-20 | Plastigage Corporation | Glass fiber sucker rod system |
US5327961A (en) * | 1992-09-25 | 1994-07-12 | Mills Robert A R | Drive head for downhole rotary pump |
CN2602152Y (en) * | 2002-11-06 | 2004-02-04 | 胡立桥 | Pulling-off prevention clamp |
US8016027B2 (en) * | 2007-07-30 | 2011-09-13 | Direct Drivehead, Inc. | Apparatus for driving rotating down hole pumps |
CN201074486Y (en) * | 2007-09-13 | 2008-06-18 | 傅晖 | Polished rod card without damaging polished rod of oil well |
CN201567977U (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2010-09-01 | 李建军 | Round clip for polished rod |
CN201756925U (en) * | 2010-08-25 | 2011-03-09 | 中国石油化工股份有限公司胜利油田分公司孤岛采油厂 | Safety polished rod clip for pumping unit well |
-
2012
- 2012-09-07 WO PCT/CA2012/050624 patent/WO2013033848A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-09-07 AR ARP120103310A patent/AR087812A1/en unknown
- 2012-09-07 US US13/607,353 patent/US20130062048A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-09-07 AU AU2012307008A patent/AU2012307008A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-09-07 CA CA2788960A patent/CA2788960A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3923099A (en) * | 1973-04-30 | 1975-12-02 | Brandon Orpha B | Methods of well completion or workover of fluid containing subsurface formations |
US7498509B2 (en) * | 1995-09-28 | 2009-03-03 | Fiberspar Corporation | Composite coiled tubing end connector |
US7108063B2 (en) * | 2000-09-25 | 2006-09-19 | Carstensen Kenneth J | Connectable rod system for driving downhole pumps for oil field installations |
US20110114317A1 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2011-05-19 | Streater Jr James R | Assembly and method for wide catch overshot |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106460474A (en) * | 2014-06-18 | 2017-02-22 | 印锡信 | Rod clamping device |
US10041311B2 (en) * | 2014-06-18 | 2018-08-07 | Suk Shin In | Rod clamping device |
US20170291787A1 (en) * | 2016-04-08 | 2017-10-12 | 925599 Alberta Ltd. | Method and apparatus for coiling a continuous rod |
CN106761522A (en) * | 2017-02-03 | 2017-05-31 | 东北石油大学 | Rising for de- sucker rod of breaking in oil pipe unloads connector |
EP3825511A1 (en) * | 2019-11-22 | 2021-05-26 | Idroweld S.r.l. | Method and apparatus for the construction of pipelines or rigid linings inside wells |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2013033848A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 |
AU2012307008A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 |
AR087812A1 (en) | 2014-04-16 |
CA2788960A1 (en) | 2013-03-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20130062048A1 (en) | Pulling clamp for continuous rod or coiled tubing strings | |
US7584798B2 (en) | Subsurface lubricator and method of use | |
CA2677247C (en) | Casing running and drilling system | |
US10036214B2 (en) | Christmas tree installation using coiled tubing injector | |
US6009941A (en) | Apparatus for axially displacing a downhole tool or a tubing string in a well bore | |
DK2828475T3 (en) | DRILL CLEANING DEVICE FOR FITTING IN DRILL STRING AND PROCEDURE | |
US9562404B2 (en) | Well tubing hanger adapted for use with power tongs and method of using same | |
US8464613B2 (en) | Sucker rod coupling extractor | |
US6318459B1 (en) | Device for anchoring an oil well tubing string within an oil well casing | |
US8397825B1 (en) | Hydraulic lubricating system and method of use thereof | |
US7832480B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for extracting a tubular string from a bore hole | |
US10370912B2 (en) | Threaded connection management system and method | |
US5388647A (en) | Sucker rod back off tool | |
CA2561655C (en) | Subsurface lubricator and method of use | |
US20100288509A1 (en) | Apparatus and Methods for Applying Torque to a Sucker Rod Connection | |
CA2845974C (en) | Rotatable tubing hanger | |
CA2223214C (en) | Apparatus for axially displacing a downhole tool or a tubing string in a well bore | |
CA2561654C (en) | Subsurface lubricator and method of use | |
AU5772801A (en) | An apparatus for running tubulars into a borehole |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: OIL LIFT TECHNOLOGY INC., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HULT, VERN;HARTY, KEVIN M;SENGER, ROSS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20120905 TO 20121009;REEL/FRAME:029223/0287 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |