System and method for handling a kelly using a top drive

Abstract

A system for performing a drilling operation includes a top drive, an adapter configured to be connected to the top drive, and a kelly configured to be connected to the adapter. The top drive is configured to lift the kelly, move the kelly laterally with respect to a well center, and position the kelly in a rotary device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for performing a drilling operation, comprising:
 a top drive;   an adapter configured to be connected to the top drive; and   a kelly configured to be connected to the adapter, such that the top drive is configured to lift the kelly, move the kelly laterally with respect to a well center, and position the kelly in a rotary device.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the adapter comprises:
 a body; and   a head that is connected to or integral with the body, wherein the head is substantially perpendicular to the body, and wherein the head includes a first recess that is configured to receive a first connector of the top drive.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the head comprises a door that is configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first connector is configured to be introduced into the first recess when the door is in the open position, and wherein the first connector is secured within the first recess when the door is in the closed position. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein a first end of the door is positioned at least partially within a bore formed in the head when the door is in the closed position, and wherein a second end of the door is connected to the head via a fastener when the door is in the closed position. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the adapter further comprises a hook that is connected to or integral with the body, wherein the hook is substantially parallel to the body, and wherein the hook at least partially defines a second recess that is configured to receive a second connector of the kelly. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the hook is configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position, wherein the second connector is configured to be introduced into the second recess when the hook is in the open position, and wherein the second connector is secured within the second recess when the hook is in the closed position. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the hook comprises:
 a first portion that is configured to support the second connector; and   a second portion that is configured to contact the head when the hook is in the closed position.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a lifting bail connected to the top drive, wherein the lifting bail is configured to be connected to the adapter to provide a connection between the top drive and the adapter. 
     
     
         9 . An adapter, comprising:
 a body;   a head that is connected to or integral with an upper portion of the body, wherein the head includes a first recess that is configured to receive a first connector of a top drive; and   a hook that is connected to or integral with a lower portion of the body, wherein the hook is configured to receive a second connector of a kelly.   
     
     
         10 . The adapter of  claim 9 , wherein the head is substantially perpendicular to the body, and wherein the hook is substantially parallel to the body. 
     
     
         11 . The adapter of  claim 9 , wherein the head comprises a door that is configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position, wherein the first connector is configured to be introduced into the first recess when the door is in the open position, wherein the first connector is secured within the first recess when the door is in the closed position, wherein a first end of the door is positioned at least partially within a bore formed in the head when the door is in the closed position, and wherein a second end of the door is connected to the head via a fastener when the door is in the closed position. 
     
     
         12 . The adapter of  claim 9 , wherein the hook is configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position, wherein the second connector is configured to be introduced into the second recess when the hook is in the open position, wherein the second connector is secured within the second recess when the hook is in the closed position, and wherein the hook comprises:
 a first portion that is configured to support the second connector; and   a second portion that is configured to contact the head when the hook is in the closed position.   
     
     
         13 . A method for performing a drilling operation, comprising:
 connecting an adapter to a top drive;   connecting the adapter to a kelly;   lifting the top drive, the adapter, and the kelly such that the kelly is lifted out of a rat hole;   lowering the top drive, the adapter, and the kelly such that the kelly is lowered into a rotary device; and   rotating a first tubular member using the kelly.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein no portion of the kelly is aligned with a well center when the kelly is positioned within the rat hole, the method further comprising moving a lower end of the kelly laterally with respect to the well center, to bring the kelly into alignment with the well center. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the kelly is oriented at an angle with respect to a vertical axis that extends through the well center when the kelly is positioned within the rat hole, and wherein the angle is from about 1° to about 30°. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein connecting the adapter to the kelly comprises moving the adapter away from the well center and toward an upper end of the kelly. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 disconnecting the adapter from the kelly after the kelly is lowered into the rotary device; and   lifting the top drive and the adapter after the adapter is disconnected from the kelly.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein rotating the first tubular member using the kelly comprises rotating the kelly using the rotary device, wherein the first tubular member is connected to the kelly and rotates together with the kelly. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 placing the kelly back into the rat hole after the kelly rotates the first tubular member; and   disconnecting the adapter from the kelly, wherein no portion of the kelly is aligned with a well center when the kelly is placed back into the rat hole.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 disconnecting the adapter from the top drive;   removing the rotary device;   lowering the top drive; and   rotating a second tubular member using the top drive.