US2025043639A1PendingUtilityA1

Interlock for a drill rig and method for operating a drill rig

48
Individually held — no corporate assignee on recordPriority: Jul 31, 2023Filed: Jul 31, 2023Published: Feb 6, 2025
Est. expiryJul 31, 2043(~17 yrs left)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Barry J. NieldGeorge A. Nield
E21B 19/084E21B 19/008
48
PatentIndex Score
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Claims

Abstract

An interlock for a drive system of a drawworks includes a sensor for sensing an operating condition of the drive system. An interlock signal is generated by the sensor that is reflective of the operating condition of the drive system. A lock operably connected to the drawworks receives the interlock signal and disables operation of the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion that indicates that the drive system is not operating. A method for operating a drill rig includes operating a drive system in a drawworks to raise and lower a drill string. The method further includes sensing an operating condition of the drive system, generating an interlock signal that reflects the operating condition of the drive system, and disabling the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion that indicates that the drive system is not operating.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An interlock for a drive system of a drawworks, the interlock comprising:
 a means for sensing an operating condition of the drive system;   an interlock signal generated by said means for sensing the operating condition of the drive system, wherein said interlock signal is reflective of the operating condition of the drive system; and   a lock operably connected to the drawworks, wherein said lock receives said interlock signal and disables operation of the drawworks if said interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion, wherein said predetermined criterion indicates that the drive system is not operating.   
     
     
         2 . The interlock as in  claim 1 , wherein said means for sensing the operating condition of the drive system comprises a speed sensor that detects a speed at which the drive system is operating. 
     
     
         3 . The interlock as in  claim 2 , wherein said means for sensing the operating condition of the drive system further comprises a gear sensor that detects a gear in which the drive system is operating. 
     
     
         4 . The interlock as in  claim 1 , wherein said means for sensing the operating condition of the drive system comprises an oil pressure sensor that detects an oil pressure for the drive system. 
     
     
         5 . The interlock as in  claim 1 , wherein said means for sensing the operating condition of the drive system comprising a fuel flow sensor that detects a fuel flow to the drive system. 
     
     
         6 . The interlock as in  claim 1 , wherein said lock disables operation of the drawworks by at least one of actuating a brake or releasing a clutch of the drawworks. 
     
     
         7 . The interlock as in  claim 1 , further comprising a controller operably connected between said means for sensing the operating condition of the drive system and said lock, and wherein said controller selectively transmits said interlock signal to said lock. 
     
     
         8 . An interlock for a drill rig, comprising:
 a drawworks comprising a drum operably connected to a drive system and a brake;   a cable that extends from said drum of said drawworks to a block and tackle arrangement holding a traveling block, wherein operation of said drawworks causes said drum to release or retract said cable;   a means for sensing an operating condition of said drive system;   an interlock signal generated by said means for sensing said operating condition of said drive system, wherein said interlock signal is reflective of said operating condition of said drive system; and   a lock operably connected to said drawworks, wherein said lock receives said interlock signal and disables operation of said drawworks if said interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion, wherein said predetermined criterion indicates that said drive system is not operating.   
     
     
         9 . The interlock as in  claim 8 , wherein said means for sensing said operating condition of said drive system comprises a speed sensor that detects a speed at which said drive system is operating. 
     
     
         10 . The interlock as in  claim 9 , wherein said means for sensing said operating condition of said drive system further comprises a gear sensor that detects a gear in which said drive system is operating. 
     
     
         11 . The interlock as in  claim 8 , wherein said means for sensing said operating condition of said drive system comprises an oil pressure sensor that detects an oil pressure for said drive system. 
     
     
         12 . The interlock as in  claim 8 , wherein said means for sensing said operating condition of said drive system comprising a fuel flow sensor that detects a fuel flow to said drive system. 
     
     
         13 . The interlock as in  claim 8 , wherein said lock disables operation of said drawworks by at least one of disabling said drive system or actuating said brake. 
     
     
         14 . The interlock as in  claim 8 , further comprising a controller operably connected between said means for sensing said operating condition of said drive system and said lock, and wherein said controller selectively transmits said interlock signal to said lock. 
     
     
         15 . A method for operating a drill rig, comprising:
 operating a drive system in a drawworks to raise and lower a drill string;   sensing an operating condition of the drive system;   generating an interlock signal that reflects the operating condition of the drive system; and   disabling the drawworks if said interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion, wherein said predetermined criterion indicates that the drive system is not operating.   
     
     
         16 . The method as in  claim 15 , further comprising sensing a speed at which the drive system is operating. 
     
     
         17 . The method as in  claim 16 , further comprising sensing a gear in which the drive system is operating. 
     
     
         18 . The method as in  claim 15 , further comprising sensing a fuel flow to the drive system. 
     
     
         19 . The method as in  claim 15 , further comprising disabling operation of the drawworks by at least one of disabling the drive system or actuating a brake associated with the drawworks. 
     
     
         20 . The method as in  claim 15 , further selectively transmitting said interlock signal to disable the drawworks.

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