System and method for handling and storing pipe

Abstract

Modular storage units for handling and storing tubulars in vertical columns, methods for handling and transporting tubulars horizontally in vertical columns, and systems for handling and transporting tubulars horizontally in vertical columns are provided.

1 . A modular storage unit for handling and storing tubulars in vertical columns comprising:
 a. a frame comprising at least four sides connected together;   b. a guide frame removably secured to the frame;   c. at least two scissor assemblies removably secured to the bottom of the frame adjacent the guide frame;   d. a first conveyor assembly connected to the frame and operatively aligned with the scissor assembly; and   e. a second conveyor assembly connected with the frame adjacent the first conveyor assembly, and wherein at least a first portion of the second conveyor assembly is adjacent to and above the guide frame.   
   
   
       2 . The modular storage unit of  claim 1 , wherein the guide frame comprise two guide fingers, wherein the guide fingers have a first end connected to a mounting plate and a second end connected to a horizontal bar. 
   
   
       3 . The modular storage unit of  claim 2 , wherein the guide fingers are hollow rectangular tubes. 
   
   
       4 . The modular storage unit of  claim 1 , wherein the scissor assemblies comprise an upper beam secured to an inner arm pivotably connected to an outer arm, an upper roller assembly on an upper roller support connected to the outer arm and the upper beam, a lower roller assembly connected to the inner arm and a lower main support with a lower roller support, and wherein the outer arm is removably secured to a lower fixed support attached to the bottom of the frame and a hydraulic cylinder with a clevis and pipe secured to the secured to the lower roller assembly. 
   
   
       5 . The modular storage unit of  claim 1 , wherein an elevator is in selective communication with the conveyors. 
   
   
       6 . The modular storage unit of  claim 5 , wherein the elevator is removably connected to a support structure adjacent to the frame. 
   
   
       7 . The modular storage unit of  claim 5 , wherein a ramp conveyor is in communication with the elevator. 
   
   
       8 . The modular storage unit of  claim 7 , wherein the elevator and the ramp conveyor perform synchronously. 
   
   
       9 . A method for handling and transporting tubulars horizontally in vertical columns comprising:
 a. transporting a tubular to an elevator;   b. lowering the tubular with the elevator;   c. forming a rolling path with two or more scissor assemblies;   d. rolling the tubular onto the rolling path from the elevator;   e. moving the tubular along the rolling path using at least a portion of a first conveyor to a first available slot formed by lowering at least one of the scissor assemblies; and   f. storing the tubular within the formed slot.   
   
   
       10 . A system for handling and transporting tubulars horizontally in vertical columns comprising:
 a. a modular storage unit, wherein the modular storage unit comprises:
 (i) a frame comprising at least four sides connected together; 
 (ii) a guide frame removably secured to the frame; 
 (iii) at least two scissor assemblies removably secured to the bottom of the frame adjacent the guide frame; 
 (iv) a first conveyor assembly connected to the frame and operatively aligned with the scissor assembly; 
 (v) a second conveyor assembly connected with the frame adjacent the first conveyor assembly, and wherein at least a first portion of the second conveyor assembly is adjacent to and above the guide frame; and 
 (vi) a ramp conveyor at least partially connected to the modular storage unit; and 
   b. an elevator in selective communication with the second conveyor, an upper portion of at least one of the scissor assemblies, and the ramp conveyor wherein.   
   
   
       11 . The system unit of  claim 10 , wherein the guide frame comprise two guide fingers, wherein the guide fingers have a first end connected to a mounting plate and a second end connected to a horizontal bar. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the guide fingers are hollow rectangular tubes. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the scissor assemblies comprise an upper beam secured to an inner arm pivotably connected to an outer arm, an upper roller assembly on an upper roller support connected to the outer arm and the upper beam, a lower roller assembly connected to the inner arm and a lower main support with a lower roller support, and wherein the outer arm is removably secured to a lower fixed support attached to the bottom of the frame and a hydraulic cylinder with a clevis and pipe secured to the secured to the lower roller assembly.