La chaîne tournante : Un outil simple à fort impact dans le forage
Dans le monde du forage pétrolier et gazier, l'efficacité et la précision sont primordiales. Chaque étape, du forage du puits à sa complétion, nécessite des outils et des techniques spécialisés. Un tel outil, souvent négligé mais crucial, est la modeste chaîne tournante. Cette chaîne apparemment simple joue un rôle essentiel dans l'opération essentielle de la mise en place du train de tiges.
Imaginez un train de tiges, suspendu dans la table tournante, en attente d'être raccordé à la section suivante. Cette connexion implique le vissage du "pin" d'un joint dans le "box" du joint précédent. C'est là qu'intervient la chaîne tournante :
La chaîne tournante en action :
- Attache : Une courte chaîne, la chaîne tournante, est attachée à la chaîne de traction du tendeur, qui est actionnée par les tendeurs manuels utilisés pour monter le train de tiges.
- Enroulement : Un membre de l'équipe enroule la chaîne tournante plusieurs fois autour du "box" du joint de l'outil du train de tiges suspendu.
- Enfoncement : Le "pin" du nouveau joint de train de tiges est soigneusement enfoncé dans le "box" du joint.
- "Lancer la chaîne" : Un membre de l'équipe saisit ensuite l'extrémité de la chaîne tournante et, d'un mouvement rapide du poignet vers le haut, "lance la chaîne". Cela détend la chaîne du "box" et l'enroule vers le haut sur le corps du joint nouvellement connecté.
- Engagement du cathead : Le foreur, aux commandes, engage le cathead de mise en place. Ce mécanisme retire la chaîne tournante du corps du tuyau, ce qui fait tourner le tuyau.
- Vissage : Le mouvement de rotation du tuyau permet aux filets du "pin" de s'engager en douceur et en toute sécurité dans les filets du "box", complétant ainsi la connexion.
Pourquoi la chaîne tournante est importante :
Bien que paraissant basique, la chaîne tournante offre des avantages importants :
- Vissage efficace : Le mouvement de rotation fourni par la chaîne assure un vissage régulier et uniforme du "pin" et du "box", ce qui est crucial pour une connexion sécurisée et étanche.
- Réduction de l'effort de l'opérateur : En utilisant la chaîne tournante, l'équipe peut monter les tiges plus rapidement et avec moins d'efforts physiques que s'ils devaient faire tourner le tuyau manuellement.
- Amélioration de la sécurité : La chaîne tournante élimine le besoin de rotation manuelle, ce qui réduit le risque de blessures causées par la torsion ou la levée de sections de tuyau lourdes.
Un héritage d'efficacité :
La chaîne tournante est un incontournable des opérations de forage depuis des décennies. Sa conception simple et son efficacité en ont fait un atout précieux dans cette industrie exigeante. Bien que des progrès en matière d'automatisation aient vu le jour, la chaîne tournante reste une solution fiable et rentable, prouvant que parfois, les outils les plus simples peuvent avoir le plus grand impact.
Test Your Knowledge
Spinning the Chain Quiz
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
1. What is the primary function of the spinning chain in drilling operations? a) To lift and lower the drill pipe b) To connect the drill pipe to the rotary table c) To facilitate smooth and efficient threading of drill pipe joints d) To measure the depth of the well
Answer
c) To facilitate smooth and efficient threading of drill pipe joints
2. How is the spinning chain attached to the drill pipe? a) It is directly bolted to the drill pipe. b) It is connected to a cathead mechanism. c) It is attached to the tong pull chain. d) It is welded to the drill pipe joint.
Answer
c) It is attached to the tong pull chain.
3. What is the "throwing the chain" technique used for? a) To secure the spinning chain to the drill pipe. b) To remove the spinning chain from the drill pipe after threading. c) To apply extra tension to the spinning chain. d) To prevent the spinning chain from slipping during the threading process.
Answer
b) To remove the spinning chain from the drill pipe after threading.
4. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using a spinning chain in drilling operations? a) Reduced operator effort. b) Improved safety. c) Increased drilling speed. d) Reduced drilling costs.
Answer
c) Increased drilling speed.
5. Why is the spinning chain considered a "simple tool with big impact" in drilling? a) It is inexpensive to produce. b) It is easy to maintain and repair. c) It is a relatively simple tool that significantly enhances drilling efficiency and safety. d) It is universally compatible with all drill pipe types.
Answer
c) It is a relatively simple tool that significantly enhances drilling efficiency and safety.
Spinning the Chain Exercise
Instructions:
Imagine you are a drilling crew member and you are about to make up a new drill pipe joint.
Describe the steps involved in using the spinning chain to thread the new drill pipe joint.
Exercice Correction
Here are the steps involved in using the spinning chain to thread a new drill pipe joint:
- Attach the Spinning Chain: Connect the spinning chain to the tong pull chain.
- Wrap the Chain: Wrap the spinning chain several times around the tool joint box of the suspended drill pipe.
- Stab the Pin: Carefully insert the pin of the new drill pipe joint into the box end.
- Throw the Chain: Grasp the end of the spinning chain and with a quick upward motion of the wrist, "throw" the chain. This will unwind the chain from the box and coil it upwards onto the body of the newly connected joint.
- Engage the Cathead: The driller will then engage the makeup cathead. This mechanism will pull the spinning chain off the pipe body, causing the pipe to spin.
- Thread the Joints: The spinning action of the pipe will allow the pin threads to engage smoothly and securely with the box threads, completing the connection.
Books
- Drilling Engineering: This comprehensive textbook by Robert E. Kick covers all aspects of drilling engineering, including the use of spinning chains in the make-up process. It is a standard reference for engineers and students in the field.
- Petroleum Engineering Handbook: This handbook, edited by Gerald J. Amyx, contains extensive information on drilling operations and equipment, including a detailed description of the spinning chain and its role in drilling.
- Drilling and Well Completion: This textbook by William R. Smith offers a thorough examination of drilling techniques and equipment, including the practical application of the spinning chain in making up drill pipe.
Articles
- "The Role of Spinning Chains in Modern Drilling Operations" (Journal of Petroleum Technology): This article analyzes the evolution of spinning chain technology and its continued importance in the industry, focusing on its efficiency and safety advantages.
- "Making Up Drill Pipe: A Step-by-Step Guide" (Oilfield Technology Magazine): This article provides a detailed description of the process of making up drill pipe, highlighting the critical role of the spinning chain in ensuring a secure connection.
- "Safety Considerations in Drill Pipe Make-up" (Drilling Contractor): This article explores safety issues related to drill pipe make-up and emphasizes the importance of using spinning chains to reduce manual labor and potential hazards.
Online Resources
- Oilfield Glossary: This comprehensive glossary of oil and gas industry terms defines "spinning chain" and provides a detailed explanation of its function in drilling.
- Drilling Info: This website provides a wealth of information on drilling equipment and techniques, including sections on drill pipe make-up and the role of the spinning chain in the process.
- Petroleum Equipment Suppliers Association: This association's website offers resources on various drilling equipment, including spinning chains, their specifications, and manufacturers.
Search Tips
- "spinning chain drilling": This search phrase will provide you with relevant articles, websites, and videos related to the use of spinning chains in drilling operations.
- "make up drill pipe spinning chain": This more specific search phrase will refine your results to include information on how the spinning chain is used in the process of making up drill pipe.
- "spinning chain safety drilling": This search will return results related to safety considerations associated with spinning chains in drilling, including potential risks and mitigation strategies.
- "spinning chain types": This search will help you understand different variations of spinning chains used in drilling and their specific applications.
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