ROD HANDLING SYSTEM

Abstract

A system includes a crate and a deployer. The crate is configured to contain a plurality of elongated rods; the crate has a length, width and height. The deployer includes a bed frame upper surface, a crate support frame, a tilt mechanism and a scope mechanism. The crate support frame includes an attachment mechanism configured for removable attachment of the crate, wherein the crate support frame has a longitudinal extent aligned with the length of an attached crate. The tilt mechanism is configured to move the crate support frame between a horizontal position parallel to the bed frame upper surface and a vertical position normal to the bed frame upper surface. The scope mechanism is configured to move the crate support frame linearly along its longitudinal extent. A method of deploying a plurality of rods to a selected location is also described.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a crate configured to contain a plurality of elongated rods, the crate having a length, width and height; and a deployer comprising: a bed frame upper surface; a crate support frame comprising an attachment mechanism configured for removable attachment of the crate, wherein the crate support frame has a longitudinal extent aligned with the length of an attached crate; a tilt mechanism configured to move the crate support frame between a horizontal position parallel to the bed frame upper surface and a vertical position normal to the bed frame upper surface; and a scope mechanism configured to move the crate support frame linearly along its longitudinal extent.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the scope mechanism comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the deployer comprises a platform connected to the crate support frame.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the deployer comprises a ladder connected to the crate support frame.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the deployer comprises a jib crane connected to the crate support frame.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the deployer comprises a trolley connected to the jib crane.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the deployer comprises a plurality of individually actuable outriggers.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the crate comprises: a first plurality of rod support fingers disposed at one end of the crate; and a second plurality of rod guide fingers disposed at an intermediate location along the length of the crate; wherein the first and second plurality of rod fingers are aligned with each other.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the crate comprises a lift base comprising a plurality of channels.

11. A method of deploying a plurality of rods to a selected location, the method comprising: attaching a first crate to a deployer, wherein the first crate is disposed in a horizontal position, and wherein the deployer comprises: a bed frame upper surface; a crate support frame comprising an attachment mechanism configured for removable attachment of the first crate, wherein the crate support frame has a longitudinal extent aligned with a length of the attached first crate; a tilt mechanism configured to move the crate support frame between the horizontal position parallel to the bed frame upper surface and a vertical position normal to the bed frame upper surface; and a scope mechanism configured to move the crate support linearly along its longitudinal extent. transporting the deployer to the selected location; actuating the tilt mechanism to raise the first crate from the horizontal position to the vertical position; and actuating the scope mechanism to move the first crate vertically to a desired height above a ground surface.

12. The method of claim 11 comprising actuating the scope mechanism while the crate support frame is disposed in the horizontal position, to move the first crate horizontally above the ground surface.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the deployer comprises a bed frame end and a crate support rail, the method comprising locking the crate support rail to the bed frame end in a vertical position.

14. The method of claim 11 comprising detaching the first crate from the deployer.

15. The method of claim 14 comprising attaching a second crate to the crate support frame.

16. The method of claim 14 comprising inserting a tine of a loader into a channel in a base of the first crate.

17. The method of claim 14 comprising stacking the first crate onto a second crate.

18. The method of claim 11 wherein transporting the deployer comprises towing the deployer with a truck.

19. The method of claim 11 wherein the selected location is proximate a wellbore.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. All descriptions are applicable to like and analogous structures throughout the several embodiments, unless otherwise specified.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary rod crate.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary rod crate.

[0018] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of an exemplary rod support.

[0019] FIG. 3B is a view of the support fingers of the rod support of FIG. 3A.

[0020] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of an exemplary rod guide.

[0021] FIG. 4B is a view of the guide fingers of the rod guide of FIG. 4A.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the exemplary deployer.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a loader moving a crate onto the exemplary deployer (viewed from an opposite side compared to FIG. 5).

[0024] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the exemplary deployer with a rod crate in a horizontal position, viewed from the same perspective as FIG. 5.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the exemplary deployer with a rod crate being raised from the horizontal position.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the exemplary deployer with a rod crate in a vertical position.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exemplary deployer with a rod crate in a horizontal position.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the exemplary deployer with a rod crate in a vertical position and with the scoping cylinder retracted.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the exemplary deployer with a rod crate in a vertical position and with the scoping cylinder extended.

[0030] FIG. 13A is a back-end elevation view of the exemplary deployer in the configuration of FIG. 12.

[0031] FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 13A, showing a crate lock in an unlocked configuration.

[0032] FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the portion of the deployer shown in FIG. 13B.

[0033] FIG. 14A is similar to FIG. 13B but shows the upper crate lock in a locked configuration.

[0034] FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of the lower crate lock of FIG. 13A in a locked configuration.

[0035] FIG. 15 is an end perspective view of the deployer with the crate support frame in a horizontal position.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary outrigger.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary deployer with a rod crate in a vertical position, and wherein the deployer is positioned for use with a workover rig at a wellbore.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of operation of a jib crane for removing a rod from the rod crate.

[0039] FIG. 19 shows transfer of the rod to a traveling block of the workover rig.

[0040] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the traveling block traveling downward to lower the rod into the wellbore.

[0041] FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of a crate from the underside of a rod support partially filled with rods and separated by cribbing.

[0042] FIG. 22A is top perspective view of the crate of FIG. 21, with a lock bar on an open position.

[0043] FIG. 22B is similar to FIG. 22A but shows the lock bar being pivoted to a closed position.

[0044] While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure.

[0045] The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, where terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, vertical, horizontal, etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for ease of understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] This disclosure describes a system and methods of use that replace the conventional practices of installing, removing, transporting, and storing of elongated members such as sucker rods. The described apparatuses and practices improve the longevity of sucker rods, reduce worker fatigue, and create efficiencies associated with the handling of sucker rods in the oil field industry.

[0047] Increasing the longevity of rods is achieved by limiting the stress or damage induced during the rod installation and removal processes. The described system and methods significantly reduce stress by providing proper support and storage of the rods in a rod crate as they are installed and removed from the wellbore, as well as during storage and transport. The described methods eliminate the conventional practice of tailing rods and allows the process of up righting and laying down rods to be completed without stressing the rod and while providing continuous proper support.

[0048] The system includes a crate and deployer designed to be used during the rod installation, removal, transportation and storage process. The crate and deployer are set proximate a wellbore, where the rods are hung vertically as they would be in the wellbore; thus, by design, the rods do not bend or bow. This orientation removes the stresses associated with the conventional method of tailing the rods. When the rods are stored, the crate is articulated into a horizontal position, in which the rods are in the horizontal position as well. The crate is designed to provide the proper support as outlined in API RP 11BR while the rods are in a horizontal, vertical, or any orientation in between. The crate is further designed to secure the rods as they are moved, such as during articulation or transportation. In the drawings, the crate 54 is generally shown empty (without rods 78 therein) so that its structure is more clearly visible. However, it is to be understood that in many stages of use, crate 54 will be partially or fully filled with rods 78.

[0049] Rod installation uses an elevated worker on a platform to move individual rods from the crate under the power of an air actuated lift cylinder line to the rig's lifting equipment. The rod is then lowered to above the wellbore, where its bottom end is screwed to another rod previously installed or to pumping equipment. The process of screwing the rods together or to the pump is the same process as previously described in the conventional process. For rod removal from the wellbore, the elevated worker removes the top of the rod from the rig's lifting equipment using the associated lifting cylinder and places the rod into the crate. The process is repeated until all the rods are removed from the wellbore. Since the workers no longer tail rods across the ground surface, worker fatigue and the time associated with a tailing process are greatly reduced.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, many rods can be moved at once with powered equipment such as a loader having wheels or a ground-engaging track. The crate is equipped with stake pockets, allowing the wheeled loader to lift a crate (whether loaded with rods or not) and either move it around the location or onto a transport trailer or deployer. For example, a full crate of rods can be moved by the loader to a nearby location, or moved by the loader to a transport trailer for longer distance moves. The crates are designed to fit onto a typical flatbed trailer and is easily secured to it following FMCSA requirements. Once on the trailer, a worker can easily secure a crate to the trailer.

[0051] Another efficiency gain is seen in the rod preparation process. Instead of transporting the rods to the well location, the system allows the crated rods to be shipped to an alternate location, where they can be processed by another party. This allows the preparation to be completed while the rig crew is completing other essential tasks, resulting in less rig downtime and reduced labor costs of the rig crew.

[0052] An exemplary rod handling system 50 includes two equipment elements: a deployer 52 and an associated rod crate 54. As shown in FIGS. 5-12 and 17, in an exemplary embodiment, deployer 52 is configured as a trailer designed to travel over the road, towed by a semi-trailer truck 56. Deployer 52 in an exemplary embodiment has outriggers 58, bed frame 60, working platform 62, support bracket 63, crate support frame 64 with securement pins 66 in crate attachment bracket 68, platform brace 67, dual hydraulic cylinders 70, ladder 72, hydraulic scoping cylinder 74 and ground engaging wheels 76.

[0053] The rod crate 54 is designed to securely hold many rods 78 simultaneously, whether in a vertical position as shown in FIGS. 9, 11, 12, and 17-20; a horizontal position as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10; or an intermediate position as shown in FIG. 8; while providing support along the length of the rods 78, thereby minimizing stress and potential damage to the rods 78. In an exemplary embodiment, crate 54 is a steel structure, approximately 24 feet (7.3 m) by 4 feet (1.2 m) by 3 feet (0.9 m) and is configured to be used in the vertical position (24 feet (7.3 m) in height) during rod installation or removal from the wellbore 80 and in the horizontal position (4 feet (1.2 m) in height) when the rods are to be stored or transported. Thus, in one embodiment, the length of crate 54 is sufficient to hold many single rods 78. In the vertical position, the single rods 78 hang side-by-side, as shown in FIGS. 17-20. In the horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 6, the single rods 78 lay side-by-side, wherein rows of rods are aligned by rod support 82 and rod guides 84. In the vertical position, as shown in FIGS. 17-20, the single rods 78 hang by a top rod support 82 and are spaced by intermediate and bottom rod guides 84. While exemplary embodiments of crate 54 are described, it is contemplated that different dimensions and capacities can be provided to accommodate various rod diameter sizes and numbers of rods. Moreover, other materials can also be used.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view, and FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view, of an exemplary crate 54. In an exemplary embodiment, crate 54 includes a plurality of elongated frame members 86 connected to each other in a block configuration at rod support 82 and rod guides 84. Moreover, bracing members 88 are provided on a back side of the crate 54. A front side of the crate, which is opposite the back side, remains open for the insertion of rods 78 between fingers of the rod support 82 and rod guides 84. As shown in FIGS. 1-3B, the crate 54 has a built-in rod support 82, configured with parallel support fingers 92 that allow many rods to be hung vertically within the crate 54.

[0055] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of rod support 82, which is disposed at a top end of crate 54 when the crate 54 is vertical. As shown in FIG. 3A, rod support 82 includes a back frame member 96 and two side frame members 98. FIG. 3B shows the plurality of support fingers 92 removed from the back frame member 96 and two end support finger portions 100 removed from the side frame members 98. In an exemplary embodiment, each of support fingers 92 and end support finger portions 100 has a greater height dimension near the back end thereof compared to the front end thereof. Thus, a strong attachment of support fingers 92 to back frame member 96 is provided while allowing for savings in materials and weight at the open, cantilevered front end. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the support fingers 92 at its front end includes a protrusion 102 to prevent unintentional sliding of a rod 78 out of the open front end.

[0056] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of rod guide 84, which is disposed at a bottom end of crate 54 when the crate 54 is vertical, and at two equally-spaced, intermediate positions along a length of crate 54. As shown in FIG. 4A, rod guide 84 includes a back frame member 96 and two side frame members 98. FIG. 4B shows the plurality of guide fingers 104 removed from the back frame member 96 and two end guide finger portions 107 removed from the side frame members 98. In an exemplary embodiment, each of guide fingers 104 is attached to back frame member 96 and has an open, cantilevered front end.

[0057] The crate 54 is configured with rod guides 84 aligned with the rod support 82 so that the slots 94, 106 are aligned for the receipt of rods 78. The rod guides 84 are strategically positioned to provide support as outlined by API RP 11BR while the rods 78 are in the horizontal position, such as while being stored or while in transit. Exemplary embodiments of crate 54 are capable of securely storing and protecting about 11 to 15 rows of rods or between about 132 and 195 rods, depending on the rod size or model of crate.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, slot pockets 94 are closely dimensioned to hold the tops of rods 78 in a hanging configuration, as shown in FIGS. 18, 19 and 21-22B, for example. The precise placement of the tops of rods 78 on rod support 82 allow for careful alignment of the rods 78. Moreover, the use of cribbing bars 166 (labeled in FIG. 21) across each row of filled rods, wherein a row is perpendicular to a slot pocket 94, 106, spaces each of the plurality of rods 78 from the other rods. Intermediate portions and lower ends of each of the rods 78 is received into a slot pocket 106 of a rod guide 84. In an exemplary embodiment, a width of each guide finger 104 is narrower than that of a corresponding support finger 92 so that slot pockets 106 are slightly wider than slot pockets 94. The slot pockets 106 of rod guide 84 are wider than the slot pockets 94 of rod support 82 to allow for ease of insertion without undue contact between the rods 78 and guide fingers 104. Because the guide fingers 104 do not support the weight of the rods as do the support fingers 92, the guide fingers 104 can be less robust (narrower in width and height) than the support fingers 92.

[0059] As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B, in an exemplary embodiment, there are eleven support fingers 92 and two end support finger portions 100, creating twelve slot pockets 94 therebetween, each about 1 inch wide, into which the rods 78 may be slid. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the slot pockets 94 has a capacity of about fifteen rods. When the crate 54 is filled, it is then secured with built-in lock bars 170 (shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B). In an exemplary embodiment, lock bars 170 are installed on the open side of crate 54, opposite back frame member 96, at the top and bottom of crate 54. Closing locks bars 160 prevents the rods 78 from sliding out, especially when crate 54 is in motion, such as when the crate 54 is being transported or articulated either to the horizontal or vertical position.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in an exemplary embodiment, the crate 54 features four pin receivers 90 that allow the crate 54 to be detachably secured to the deployer 52 (see FIGS. 7-10). In an exemplary embodiment, the pin receiver 90 is configured as a flange having a heavily reinforced port 110 into which a large pin 66 can be set. The pin 66 is part of the crate lock 108 of the deployer 52, thereby securing the crate 54 to the deployer 52 (see FIGS. 13B-14B).

[0061] FIG. 13A is a rear view of rod handling system 50, showing two crate locks 108. FIG. 13B is an enlarged portion of FIG. 13A, showing an upper crate lock 108. FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the crate lock 108. In FIGS. 13A-13C, the lock 108 is in an unlocked position, wherein pins 66 have not been extended into port 110 of pin receiver 90. In an exemplary embodiment of crate lock 108, each pin 66 is pivotally connected to linkage 112 so that pin 66 moves transversally in directions 114 as lock cylinder 116 expands and retracts. Linkage 112 is pivotally connected at its other end to a fixed location 118 on deployer 52. FIGS. 13A-13C show the crate lock 108 in an unlocked position, wherein pin 66 is not received through port 110 of pin receiver 90 and an aligned port of crate attachment bracket 68.

[0062] FIGS. 14A-14B show a locked configuration of each crate lock 108, wherein lock cylinder 116 is extended, to thereby move pins 66 into and through ports 110 of pin receivers 90 and aligned ports of crate attachment bracket 68. Thus, in the locked configuration of FIGS. 14A and 14B, crate 54 is locked to deployer 52. The drawing figures illustrate the locking and unlocking features of the upper (FIG. 14A) and lower (FIG. 14B) crate locks 108 with the crate 54 in the vertical position for easy viewing. However, it is to be understood that in actual implementation, the crate 54 would be locked to deployer 52 after the crate is positioned onto the deployer, as shown in FIG. 6, and before the activation of lift cylinders 70.

[0063] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a deployer 52 with crate support frame 64 in a horizontal position (as in FIG. 5). Some elements of outriggers 58, such as cylinders 130, ground engaging plates 132 and pivotal connections 158, are not shown. Mast lock 120 is provided to lock the deployer 52 in a vertical position, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, for example. The operation of mast lock 120 is similar to that for crate lock 108, and similar parts are given the same reference number. In an exemplary embodiment of mast lock 120, each pin 66 is pivotally connected to linkage 112 so that pin 66 moves transversally in directions 114 as lock cylinder 116 expands and retracts. Linkage 112 is pivotally connected at its other end to a fixed location 118 on deployer 52. FIG. 15 shows the mast lock 120 in an unlocked position, wherein pin 66 is not received through port 110 of pin receiver 90 of crate support rails 65. After lift cylinders 70 are actuated to move crate support rails to a vertical position so that ports 110 of pin receivers 90 are aligned with pins 66, lock cylinder 116 is extended. This action moves pins 66 into and through ports 110 of pin receivers 90 of crate support rails 65. Thus, the crate support rails 65 are locked vertically, to the back end of bed frame 60, as shown in FIGS. 9, 11-13A, 17 and 20. The position of the crate support frame 64 can still move vertically as scoping cylinder 74 is extended and retracted, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. A suitable lock cylinder 116 includes, for example, a 3000 PSI Rated Tie-Rod commercially available from Prince Manufacturing Corporation of North Sioux City, S. Dak.

[0064] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary outrigger 58, a portion of which is also visible in FIG. 15. In an exemplary use, arm 122 is rotated about pivot axis 124 of outrigger mount 126. Bracket 128 is attached to a distal end of arm 122 and is configured for attachment to hydraulic jack cylinder 130. A bottom end of hydraulic jack cylinder 130 includes a ground engaging plate 132. In an exemplary embodiment, two pivot pin connections 158 are disposed between a bottom of the jack cylinder 130 and the ground engaging plate 132 to allow for tilting in two orthogonal directions to accommodate a non-flat ground surface. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the outriggers 58 is independently actuable to allow for different levels of cylinder extension at each outrigger 58, such as to accommodate for uneven ground surfaces. A suitable cylinder 130 includes, for example, a “Fortress” Welded-DA-Heavy-Duty-3000 PSI cylinder, which is commercially available from Prince Manufacturing Corporation of North Sioux City, S. Dak.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, crates 54 are designed to allow multiple such crates 54 to be stacked one on top of another (when disposed in a horizontal position) to help minimize storage footprint requirements. In some embodiments, additional bracing members 88 can be attached to the front side of crate 54 after it is filled with rods 78. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in an exemplary embodiment, crate 54 includes loader lift base 134 having fork pockets 136. The base 134 is provided in the form of two parallel flanges connected by tube pockets 136 configured to accept the tines of a fork lift type loader 138 such as shown in FIG. 6. A crate 54, whether empty or partially or fully filled with rods 78, can be easily lifted and moved using the loader 138. Thus, an entire crate 54 of rods can be simultaneously moved from a storage area or onto the deployer 52 under mechanical means.

[0066] An exemplary deployer 52 includes equipment that allows the crate 54 to be articulated between the horizontal and vertical positions (such as dual hydraulic lift cylinders 70); an elevated working platform 62 on which a crew member may stand to move rods to and from the crate 54 when in the vertical position; a built in ladder 72 by which to access the platform 62; hydraulic scoping slide or cylinder 74 to raise and lower the crate 54 into the proper position for sucker rod deployment or collection; as well as outriggers 58 to help stabilize the system 50 when the crate 54 is in motion or in the vertical position. Additionally, the deployer 52 is equipped with a jib crane 140 and an associated lift cylinder 142 mounted on trolley 144; these components are used by the worker standing on platform 62 to transfer individual rods 78 into and out of the crate 54.

[0067] In the illustrations, and in particular in FIGS. 17-20, workers are not shown so that the system components are more easily viewed. However, it is to be understood that in a typical operation method, a worker standing on platform 62 controls movement of the jib crane 140 along the trolley mounts 144 to operate the lift cylinder 142, in order to attach and detach rods 78. As shown in FIG. 17, in an exemplary method of use, a semi-trailer driver moves system 50 into position near the wellbore 80 and workover rig 146. A proper position allows an elevated worker standing on working platform 62 to reach the rig's lifting equipment. Once the deployer 52 is in the final position, the forward and rear outriggers 58 are rotated outward and hydraulically extended downward; these actions level, support and stabilize the system 50, such as to prevent it from tipping over under working weight, forces incurred while installing or removing rods, and wind forces.

[0068] Drill lines 148 of the workover rig 146 carry traveling block 150, which is designed to latch onto the top ends of rods 78 to lift them up and down (out of and into) the wellbore 80. Referring to FIGS. 17-20, during rod insertion or extraction operations, the system 50 is positioned so that a worker standing on platform 62 can reach a traveling block 150 as it is raised by the drill lines 148 in order to either remove a rod 78 attached to the traveling block 150 or attach a rod 78 to an empty traveling block 150.

[0069] The deployer 52 is equipped with crate lock 108 to secure to the crate 54 and allow the crate 54 to be raised into an upright position. In an exemplary embodiment, dual hydraulic tilt cylinders 70 are used to raise and lower the crate support frame 64 (and crate 54 mounted thereon), though other lift mechanisms could be employed. Suitable cylinders 70 include an 8-Inch Bore Welded-Double Acting-3000 PSI cylinder, commercially available from Prince Manufacturing Corporation of North Sioux City, S. Dak. The distal end of the deployer 52 has a hinge 152 that allows the crate support 64 to articulate into the vertical position. Once vertical, mast lock 120 is engaged to lock crate support rails 65 to bed frame 60 to prevent the crate 54 from moving back to the horizontal position.

[0070] Once in the vertical position, the height of crate 54 can be adjusted to accommodate the oil well's associated equipment, such as a height of a top of the wellbore 80 from the ground surface, for example. A variety of equipment is found in different oil fields, wherein the wellbore opening can vary significantly in height above the ground surface from one field to another. For example, some wells have blow-out relief valves or other valves, thereby raising the working opening of the well head to about two feet (0.6 m) to about six feet (1.8 m) above the surrounding ground surface. Thus, system 50 provides for vertical adjustment of a position of crate 54; this allows for variation in clearance above a wellbore 80 and accommodates various heights of working platform 62 above a ground surface on which the deployer 52 rests. In an exemplary embodiment, a hydraulically powered scoping cylinder 74 is used to vertically adjust the height of the crate/deployer assembly in a vertical configuration.

[0071] The scoping cylinder 74 moves the crate support frame 64 longitudinally along crate support rails 65. Rails 65 are spaced apart by connectors 164. In an exemplary embodiment, crate support frame 64 includes side members 160 that slide longitudinally along crate support rails 65. The side members are connected by spaced brackets 162. In an exemplary embodiment, one end of scoping cylinder 74 is connected to the crate support rails 65 and another end of the scoping cylinder is connected to crate support frame 64. Thus, when scoping cylinder 74 extends and retracts, crate support frame 64 slides along crate support rails 65. Accordingly, in the vertical configuration of FIGS. 9, 11, 12, 13A, 17 and 20, actuation of the scoping cylinder 74 moves crate attachment bracket 68 (and any attached crate 54) vertically. In the horizontal configuration of FIGS. 7 and 10, actuation of the scoping cylinder 74 moves crate attachment bracket 68 (and any attached crate 54) horizontally. A comparison of FIGS. 5 and 6 shows displacement of crate support frame 64 horizontally on crate support rails 65. A suitable cylinder 74 includes, for example, a double acting telescopic cylinder commercially available from Custom Hoists, Inc. of Hayesville, Ohio.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 17, once a final height of crate 54 has been established, a crew member can climb the integrated ladder 72 to access the working platform 62 of the deployer 52. The platform is typically about 25 feet (7.6 m) above the ground surface, and the worker handles just one rod 78 at a time. Once on the platform 62, the crew member secures him/herself to the deployer 52 using appropriate fall protection equipment that can be attached to railing 154, for example. The platform 62 is designed for the elevated worker to be able reach rods 78 that are elevated to him by the workover rig 146 and also to reach into the farthest points of the crate 54 to and from which he will be transferring the rods 78 in or out. In the system 50 as set up in FIGS. 17-20, the worker would be facing toward the workover rig 146, with the crate 54 to his/her left and with the drill lines 148 moving up and down to his/her right. The trolley 144 moves from left and right and carries a rod transfer bottle or lift cylinder 142 on jib crane 140.

[0073] Depending on the task at hand, the elevated crew member can transfer rods 78 into or out of the crate 54. Using the jib crane 140 and trolley 144, equipped with a rod transfer bottle or lift cylinder 142, rods 78 can be transferred from the workover rig 146 into the crate 54 or from the crate 54 to the workover rig 146 using mechanical means and minimal physical effort. A suitable lift cylinder 142 is commercially available from Dakota Fluid Power of Sioux Falls, S. Dak. The cylinder 142 is extended or retracted under the control of the elevated worker. The support 156 for the jib crane 140 extends above the platform 62. The support 156 and/or jib crane 140 can be rotated in the horizontal plane to position the jib crane 140 at a convenient location for the worker. The cylinder 142 is attached to the trolley 144, which travels the length of the horizontal section of the crane 140. The trolley 144 and cylinder 142 allow the crew member to maneuver the full weight of a rod 78 with ease between the rod crate 54 and the workover rig's lifting equipment, such as traveling block 150.

[0074] In a process of tripping rods out of the wellbore, the elevated worker uses cylinder 142 to latch onto a top of rod 78 and remove it from traveling block 150. The cylinder 142 with the connected rod 78 is moved from the right side of crane 140 toward the left side thereof to a receiving slot pocket 94, 106 between the rod support fingers 92 and the rod guide fingers 104. The worker pushes the rod 78 into one of the slot pockets 94 to hang the rod 78 from the between aligned support fingers 92. Once a row is filled (wherein a row is perpendicular to a slot 94, 106; for example, a row may consist of one rod in each slot 94, 106 in contact with back frame member 96), an employee installs a cribbing bar 166 for securement and to provide rod separation. FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of a crate 54 from the underside of a rod support 82, partially filled with rods 78. The rods 78 in slots 94, 106 are separated by cribbing bars 166, which are placed perpendicular to the fingers 92, 104. In an exemplary embodiment, cribbing guides 168 (not shown in all drawings) are attached to side frame members 98 of rod support 82 and each rod guide 84 to support cribbing bars 166. Cribbing bars 166 are installed to prevent adjacent rods 78 from touching each other. Cribbing bars 166 space the rods 78 apart, preventing them from touching and rubbing together while in transit; this step can reduce physical damage and material fatigue in the rods 78. In an exemplary embodiment, each cribbing guide 168 is configured as a right angle metal member.

[0075] FIG. 22A is top perspective view of the crate of FIG. 21, with a hurricane bar or lock bar 170 on an open position. FIG. 22B is similar to FIG. 22A but shows the lock bar 170 being pivoted to a closed position. In an exemplary embodiment, lock bar 170 is attached to one of the side frame members 98 of rod support 82 and of the end rod guide 84 at pivot connection 172 (such as a hinge, for example). After a crate 54 is filled with rods 78 (or the operation otherwise completed), the elevated worker closes lock bar 170 and secures it to the opposite side frame member 98 by insertion of a fastener through aligned apertures 174, 176. Similarly, a ground worker attaches lock bar 170 across the open side of the crate 54 at the bottom end rod guide 84.

[0076] The crate 54 is moved relative to the workover rig 146 by retracting the scoping cylinder 74. The mast lock 120 is then disengaged. Under control of a crew member, hydraulic cylinders 70 are actuated to move the deployer 52 and the connected crate 54 back into the horizontal position. In one method, once laid back, the crate/deployer securement pins 66 are disengaged from the crate pin receivers 90 by unlocking crate locks 108. The full crate 54 can then be removed using a loader 138. An empty crate 54 can then be attached to deployer 52 and locked with crate lock 108, using pins 66 in the aligned crate pin receivers 90 and pin holes 110 in crate attachment bracket 68 of deployer 52. This process is then repeated until all the rods of a rod string are removed from the wellbore 80.

[0077] Due to space requirements, a position of the laid down crate on the deployer may be adjusted horizontally to allow the loader 138 to access the stake or fork pockets 136. The deployer's hydraulic scoping cylinder 74 can adjust the crate's position horizontally to optimally position the fork pockets 136 and further create space between the end of the crate 54 and the workover rig 146. As shown in FIG. 6, in the horizontal position of crate 54, rod support 82 and rod guides 84 are oriented so that the rod compartment slots 94, 106 and fingers 92, 104 of support 82 and guides 84 are oriented horizontally. Thus, adjacent rods in the compartments lay side-by-side.

[0078] Using the described system and methods, tasks conventionally achieved with a four-member rig crew can be completed with three members. One member operates the rig 146, one member operates the equipment used to screw or unscrew the rods 78 at the wellbore 80, and one completes the tasks on the elevated platform 62. Additionally, cribbing bars 166 can be installed by the operator on platform 62 as he or she fills the crate from the back to the front (the front being the open side of the rod slots).

[0079] It is anticipated that in one method, oil field companies would utilize the crate 54 for new rods, beginning the process at the manufacturer or distributor. New rods 78 would be packaged into the crate 54, by which they would be delivered to a preparation (“prepping”) location. Instead of utilizing the workover rig crew, a more economical and efficient process could be used to prepare the rods using a third party with more cost-effective labor while permitting the rig crew to complete other essential tasks simultaneously. The crate 54 allows the rod prepping procedures to be completed while secured in the crate. The prepped rods 78 can then be delivered to the final worksite without taking time and resources from the workover crew members.

[0080] The described systems and methods realize a reduction in physical labor, in potential damage to the rods, and in time associated with the conventional methods of tripping, prepping, and transporting rods. For example, the length of time used to handle each rod individually when moving the rods around a wellbore location is reduced to a few minutes versus hours. Finally, substantial cost savings to the purchaser of the rods is anticipated with the ability to prep the rods offsite and preserve their integrity in use.

[0081] Exemplary, non-limiting systems and methods are described. In one embodiment, a system 50 comprises a crate 54 and a deployer 52. The crate 54 is configured to contain a plurality of elongated rods 78. The crate 54 has a length, width and height. The deployer 52 comprises a bed frame upper surface 60, a crate support frame 64, a tilt mechanism 70, and a scope mechanism 74. The crate support frame 64 comprises a crate attachment bracket 68 configured for removable attachment of the crate 54, wherein the crate support frame 64 has a longitudinal extent aligned with the length of an attached crate 54. The tilt mechanism 70 is configured to move the crate support frame 64 between a horizontal position (shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 10) parallel to the bed frame upper surface 60 and a vertical position (shown in FIGS. 9, 11, 12, 17 and 20) normal to the bed frame upper surface 60. The scope mechanism 74 is configured to move the crate support frame 64 linearly along crate support rails 65.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the tilt mechanism 70 comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders. In an exemplary embodiment, the scope mechanism 74 comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders. In an exemplary embodiment, the deployer 52 comprises a platform 62 connected to the crate support frame 64. In an exemplary embodiment, the deployer 52 comprises a ladder 72 connected to the crate support frame 64. In an exemplary embodiment, the deployer 52 comprises a jib crane 140 connected to the crate support frame 64. In an exemplary embodiment, the deployer 52 comprises a trolley 144 connected to the crane 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the deployer 52 comprises a plurality of ground engaging wheels 76.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, the crate 54 comprises a first plurality of rod support fingers 92 of rod support 82 disposed at one end of the crate 54 and a second plurality of rod guide fingers 104 of rod guide 84 disposed at an intermediate location along the length of the crate 54. The first and second plurality of fingers 92, 104 are aligned with each other to provide rod receiving slots 94, 106 therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, the crate 54 comprises a lift base 134 comprising a plurality of channels 136.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, a method of deploying a plurality of rods 78 to a selected location comprises attaching a first crate 54 containing the plurality of rods 78 to a deployer 52, transporting the deployer 52 to the selected location, actuating a tilt mechanism 70 to raise the first crate 54 from the horizontal position to the vertical position, and actuating a scope mechanism 74 to move the first crate 54 vertically to a desired height above a ground surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises locking the crate support rails 65 in the vertical position using pin 66 to connect the crate support rails 65 and the bed frame 60.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises actuating the scope mechanism 74 while the crate support frame 64 is disposed in the horizontal position, to move the first crate 54 horizontally above the ground surface.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises detaching the first crate 54 from the deployer 52. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises removing the first crate 54 from the deployer 52. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises inserting a tine of a loader 138 into a channel 136 in a base 134 of the first crate 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises attaching a second crate 54 to the crate support frame 64.

[0087] In an exemplary method, when both the first and second crates 54 are removed from the deployer 52, the method comprises stacking the first and second crates 54. In an exemplary method, transporting the deployer 52 comprises towing the deployer with a truck 56. In an exemplary method, the selected location is proximate a wellbore 80.

[0088] Although the subject of this disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, while hydraulic actuation is described, other actuation devices and methods such as electrical and other mechanical apparatuses can be employed alternatively or additionally.