Varco I/p, Inc.

John Kracik

Hans Van Rijzingen

Keith Womer

David Ford

W Dave Harbour

A system and method for controlling drill string frictional forces during horizontal drilling are provided. The system includes a top drive having a motor that transmits a torque to a drill string to rotate the drill string, and an automated controller operably connected to the top drive to send at least one command signal to the top drive to initiate the rotation of the drill string. The controller monitors torque feedback signals, indicating that a torque limit on the drill string is exceeded, and/or a turn feedback signals indicating that the drill string is stalled to control the direction of the torque applied to the drill string when either the torque limit is exceeded or the drill string stalls.

Horizontal drilling system with oscillation control

A make-up control method and system for creating a threaded connection between a first tubular and a second tubular are provided. The make-up control system including a top drive connected to the first tubular and a controller operably connected to the top drive that sends at least one command signal to the top drive. The top drive generating a torque and a rotational speed in response to the at least one command signal that are applied to the first tubular during a make-up process between the first and second tubulars. The top drive also generating a torque feedback signal that is transmitted to the controller. The controller using the feedback signals to monitor the torque and rotational speed that are applied to the first tubular during the make-up process. The controller halting the make-up process when a predetermined torque limit is reached.

Make-up control system for tubulars

A drilling rig system including a man-machine workstation interface located in proximity to the drilling rig for providing to a single operator at substantially one location simultaneous operational access to drilling rig processes. The workstation includes an adjustable base and an operator alcove formed on the base in which an operator is positioned allowing for a substantially unobstructed view of the drilling rig. Adjustable forearm support panels are formed on opposing sides of the operator alcove for supporting the forearms of the operator while positioned in the alcove. At least one display unit is adjustably connected to the base and has a touch access screen adapted to allow the operator to monitor and control drilling rig processes. A plurality of discrete hand controls are used for controlling predetermined drilling rig processes wherein at least one of the discrete hand controls is located on the forearm support panels. Preferably, an operator chair is positioned in the alcove and is slideably connected to the base permitting seating and standing operation of the workstation. Data from multiple associated drilling equipment is integrated with data from a current drilling rig process to provide data to the operator on a process oriented basis displayed on said display units.

Growing community of inventors

Springville, CA, United States of America

John Kracik