CONTENT - NFLB | Norsk Forening for Ledende Bore og ...nflb.no/wp-content/uploads/2008_V-Tech_UniSlips.pdf3.2.6 Able to handle control lines during completion without damaging the

CONTENT

1.0 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................................2

1.1 THE ADVANTAGES OF THE UNISLIPS: ..........................................................................................................................................2

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE UNISLIPS ............................................................................................................................................3

2.1 UNISLIPS FITS ALL DRILL FLOORS................................................................................................................................................5

2.2 MULTI-DIMENSIONAL...................................................................................................................................................................5

2.3 SYNCHRONISES JAWS INDIVIDUALLY FOR OPTIMAL GRIP AROUND DRILL STRING .......................................................................7

2.4 HANDLES COMPLETION WORK WITH CONTROL LINES .................................................................................................................7

2.5 HANDLES BOTTOM HOLE ASSEMBLY ............................................................................................................................................8

2.6 DOUBLE RELEASE SYSTEM ...........................................................................................................................................................9

3.0 CHALLENGES .............................................................................................................................................................................10

3.1 DESIGN/DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE..........................................................................................................................................10

3.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE DESIGN/DEVELOPMENT SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM..............................................................................10

3.2.1 Enough radial stroke to handle different pipe diameter without changing inserts. ................................................10

3.2.2 Enough radial stroke to get a throat opening in the slips that eliminates the need of taking out the slips..............12

3.2.3 Ensure that the dies pyramids will contact the pipe surface even if the pipe diameter changes.............................12

3.2.4 Designing the slips so it will center the pipe with high precision to prevent jamming of the jaws or of the pipe..13

3.2.5 Ensure that the slips will not jam due to high weight, lubrication problems or load distribution. .........................14

3.2.6 Able to handle control lines during completion without damaging the control lines. ............................................15

3.2.7 Able to handle torque using the slips as a backuptong, also with low weight in the string....................................16

3.2.8 Designing a slips that integrates safety clamp function. ........................................................................................16

3.2.9 The specific innovation in mechanical engineering...............................................................................................17

4.0 ENCLOSURES..............................................................................................................................................................................19

1.0 INTRODUCTION

V-Tech has developed a completely new concept to hold the weight of a drill string. The innovation is called UniSlips

and was developed on the basis that the industry does not find existing solutions satisfactory. Today’s slips systems

require a lot of manual work in the form of changing segments and inserts. They also lack flexibility in handling control

lines during completion work. Their limited ability to handle variations in pipe diameter make today’s solutions

unsuitable when handling things like the bottom hole assembly. Furthermore, they are constructed in such a way that

they can open at low weight in drill string, meaning that manual safety clamps are needed to secure the drill string.

By introducing multi-functional and multi-dimensional slips, we believe we have solved one of the industry’s biggest

challenges and are meeting the requirements of the oil rigs of tomorrow.

HSE-Benefits

The introduction of the UniSlips will be a “gigantic step” forward in making the pipehandling safer. The UniSlips will

together with the UniTong keep personnel away from the red zone during drilling operations. HSE-benefits are as

described in this document.

1.1 The advantages of the UniSlips:

- Fits all drill floors

- Multi-dimensional

- Synchronises jaws individually for optimal grip around drill string

- Handles completion work with control liner

- Handles bottom hole assembly

- Has a double release barrier (No need for safety clamps for low weight in string)

V-Tech as 4630 Kristiansand, Norway

Tel: +47 38 05 64 00 Fax: +47 38 05 64 01

http://www.v-tech.no 2


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2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE UNISLIPS

UniSlips is a new concept for supporting the weight of the string. UniSlips is multi-functional and multi-dimensional.

ibing the UniSlips in detail, we will give a brief survey of machines and systems that are in use today.

designed for a specialized purpose, resulting in a lack of

ning in the rotary

e innerbushing or the

masterbushing to elevate equipment with a larger outer diameter than the opening in the bushings.

The picture below show typical masterbushing, innerbushing and different slips rings.

The UniSlips is located in the rotary table on the drillfloor and fits into standard rotary table sizes.

efore descrB

Existing equipment for holding the weight of the string is

lexibility. f

The practise for using slips are different from rig to rig.

Manual slips fits into the masterbushing. This slips is not multi dimensional. This means that you have to change the

slips belt if the diameter of the string increases or decreases. Manual slips must be carried by hand to the well center.

ion. The opeThis can be a heavy job and it is not considered safe to work in red zone during operat

table is also limited when using manual slips. This means that you have to take in and out th

It is common to use manual slips for drilling, casing and tubing operations on land rigs or on bottom hole assemblies

both for onshore and offshore rigs.

Flush-mounted hydraulic operated slips use hydraulic cylinders to move up and down the slips belt. This slips is not

multi dimensional. This means that you have to change the slips belt if the diameter of the string increase or decrease.

that the entire slips has to be taken

opening in the slips. Flush

mounted hydraulic operated slips are commonly used for tripping operations.

The picture below shows a typical hydraulic operated slips and a typical slips belt.

The throat opening when the slips is in parking position is also limited. This means

out of the rotary table to elevate equipment with a larger outer diameter then the throat


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Air-operated slips are mounted on top of the masterbushing. A pneumatic cylinder is used to set or release the slips

instead of using humans. The slips is not multi dimensional. This means that you have to change the slips ring if the

diameter of the string increases or decreases.

Air-operated slips are normally used for drillpipe and for tubing/completion jobs. The reason for using pneumatic slips

ontrol lines when setting the slips to ensure that the control lines

ill not be damaged by the slips. Airoperated slips can also be used as a backup slips to hydraulic operated slips.

The picture below show a typical airoperated slips.

for completion is that you have more control of the c

w

Safety clamps are used as a secondary barrier to ensure that the string will not be lost in the hole. Safety clamp is

mounted over the slips so that if the string begins to slip, the safety clamp will force the slips down. Due to the wedg

design in the slips, the slips will bite harder to the string and string will stop slipping. Safety clamp must be manuall

e

y

ounted by the drilling crew. This can be a very heavy job and it is not considered safe to work in red zone during

the string is so low that the slips can open itself accidentally. The

fety clamp is also used to prevent slips from being pulled out of the rotary table in case of e.g. kick in the string.

The picture below shows a typical safety clam

m

operation. Safety clamps are used if the weight in

sa

p.


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2.1 UniSlips fits all drill floors

The UniSlips is an automated slips system, meaning that it is remotely operated. It can be operated hydraulically or

through an electronic operating system.

The UniSlips is positioned in the rotary table and functions in the same way as today’s slips. The UniSlips can be

adapted to fit all sizes of bushing and can, as such, be a stand-alone product in the rotary table.

2.2 Multi-dimensional

One problem with existing solutions is that each size of slips can only handle one pipe dimension. This means that if th

imension of the pipe changes, the slips have to be replaced, creating a lot of ext

e

ra work in the “red zone” of the oil rig.

ven when there is low weight in the string.

A typical example of an operation performed by the UniSlips involves the main wedge being pressed down against the

pipe, resulting in a firm grip around the pipe by the friction elements. The support wedge in front stands in its upper

position (it is spring loaded). When the support wedges engage the pipe, weight is released from elevator. The weight of

the pipe at this point secures the pipe even more firmly within the support wedge and at this point the full weight of the

string is taken by the UniSlips.

d

The UniSlips uses a patented double wedge system to achieve a wide range of diameter and a secure grip against the

pipe. The jaws slide up and down on the main wedge at a 20° angle from the vertical plane. The jaws are operated by

individual cylinders that have a long stroke, creating large variations in diameter. On the outermost part of the main

wedge there is a support wedge that stands at a 5° angle from the vertical plane. By using a separate cylinder for each

aw, the slips can absorb torque ej


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The support wedge’s angle of 5° is equivalent to the angle used by today’s slips systems. In other words, the outermost

art of the slips will glide up and down in the vertical direction using the same angle as current solutions. The ability to

rip against the pipe is in other words well tested technology.

The Unislips can handle all dimensions encountered during a drilling operation without the inserts having to be

changed. The jaws’ parking position creates an opening in the slips of 13”, which allows equipment such as bits and

stabilisers to be pulled through without having to remove the UniSlips.

An example of a grip against 2 3/8”, 5” and 9 ½” pipes:

p

g

If casing pipes exceed 9 ½”, the jaws have to be replaced. The jaws for larger sizes have several grip-elements that

divide the strength more evenly against the surface of the pipe and ensure that it does not get damaged. The jaws’

parking position for casing then gives an opening of 19”, which allows equipment such as casing hangers to be pulled

through without having to remove the UniSlips.

An example of a grip against 9 5/8” and 13 3/8” casing:


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2.3 Synchronises jaws individually for optimal grip around drill string

Every jaw is operated by a cylinder. The cylinders are synchronised by a valve system such that the jaws are able to

centre the pipe in the middle of the slips. Correct positioning of the jaws in relation to the pipe can be checked by a

system measuring the amount of oil in each cylinder.

A problem with existing systems is that the wedge is a three-part belt. If the wedge belt is positioned at an odd angle

against the pipe, it can create pointstresses that are damaging to the pipe. With the UniSlips, all the wedges are

synchronised and every jaw has its own cylinder such that the pipe is centred in the middle of the slips.

2.4 Handles completion work with control lines

A problem with today’s slips solutions is that there is not enough room to install the control lines. To circumvent this

roblem a slot is created in the adapter ring that creates just enough room for the control lines. However, the space is

ften very tight and a lot of care needs to be taken to avoid crushing the lines.

The UniSlips is designed in such a way that there is plenty of room between each and every cylinder and jaw. Before

the slips are put in position, one can grab hold of each of the control lines and push them to the side through the jaws. A

slot in the top lid of the UniSlips allows a clear view of the direction and extent to which the control lines should be

pushed aside. When the slips are engaged, the control lines are not in a danger of being crushed. A new pipe is brought

in from the pipe handling system and is attached to the pipe already in place. On connection, the elevator is attached to

the upper pipe and takes the weight off the string so that the slips can be released. At this stage, the control lines are

lying parallel to the pipe so that the hoseclamp can easily be installed onto them.

p

o


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One alternative is to remove one of the jaws to create more space for the control lines. This involves some manual

work.

2.5 Handles bottom hole assembly

The UniSlips can handle a broad range of pipes without having to replace the jaws slips inserts. When the UniSlips u

jaws that handle pipe dimensions from 2 3/8” tubing to 9 ½” drill collars, the jaws’ parking opening is 13”. If a a

diameter larger than 13” is required, the UniSlips has to be removed to allow the BHA through.

When the UniSlips uses jaws that can handle casing bigger than 9 5/8”, the parking opening is 19”, ie. it will not be

necessary to remove the UniSlips if the equipment, such as a casing hanger, has a smaller OD than 19”.

ses

his flexibility in pipe dimensions makes the UniSlips ideal for handling bottom hole assemblies and other “special

requirement” jobs.

T


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2.6 Double release system

Today, safety clamps are used to ensure that the slips do not loose their grip around the pipe. There are several

conditions that can make the slips vulnerable. One such condition is when there is low weight in string: the elasticity in

the drill string can lead to the slips bouncing up into the air, resulting in loss of pipe. Today’s automated slips are also

constructed in such a way that at low weight in pipe string, the slips have enough strength to lift themselves out of

position, again potentially resulting in the loss of pipe.

The UniSlips has a separate cylinder for each jaw. This means that even if the support wedges were to lose the pipe

weight pulling them into place, the grip on the pipe would not release, since the cylinders keep the friction elements

firmly in place. In addition, the UniSlips will function in such a way that if an operator happens to press a wrong button,

resulting in the opening up of the slips, only three jaws will try to open (see below). The other three will remain in

position. Furthermore, it is only at low weight in the string that it is possible to release a jaw, since the string weight

forces the jaws to remain in position.

If only three of the jaws are positioned against the pipe (only refers to dimensions smaller than 5”), the other three will

block the jaws that holds the weight so it will be not possible to open the three jaws holding the weight.


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3.0 CHALLENGES

3.1 Design/development challenge

Our goal during the design process was to develop one single system that would be able to handle the entire well

peration as a multi dimensional and multi functional slips. Making an all-in-one solution we also wanted to go one

ep further in increasing safety and efficiency on drillfloor, by reducing the work in red zone. This in order to reduce

he need for changing and handling parts and components on the slips system.

were:

1. Enough radial stroke to handle different pipe diameter without changing inserts.

t the slips when

o

st

t

Some of the design challenges we had during developing this machine

2. Enough radial stroke to get a throat opening in the slips that eliminates the need of taking ou

elevating equipment with a larger outer diameter.

3. Ensure that the dies pyramids will contact the pipe surface even if the pipe diameter change.

4. Designing the slips so it will center the pipe with high precision to prevent jamming of the jaws or of the pipe.

5. Ensure that the slips will not jam caused by high weight, lubrication problems or load distribution.

6. Able to handle control lines during completion without damaging the control lines.

7. Able to handle torque using the slips as a backuptong, also with low weight in the string.

8. Designing a slips that integrates safety clamp function.

3.2 Description of the design/development solution to the problem

3.2.1 Enough radial stroke to handle different pipe diameter without changing inserts.

Existing slips have one thing in common, and that is that they require the inserts or segments to be changed to match

changes in pipe diameter. For example, going from 5 ½” DP to 5” DP means changing the inserts in the slips. This is

time consuming and it is not considered as safe to work in red zone during operation. Some of the segments or inserts

are also heavy to handle manually. The problem to grip multi dimensional is that you can not increase the wedge angle.

The wedge must be optimized to get enough radial force toward the pipe to hold the weight. If the wedge increases too

much, the slips will lose its radial gripping force. The wedge angle limits the radial stroke on traditional slips system to

be one-dimensional, and thus existing slips are only designed to grip toward one pipe diameter at the time.

The UniSlips differs from traditional slips by using a double wedge on each jaw with a cylinder operating each jaw up

and down in the slips. Each jaw is attached to the main body via a cylinder that pulls the jaw up and down. The main

body has a wedge angle that gives a large radial stroke when going up and down.

The picture below show the jaws in parking position ready to grip toward 5 ½”DP pipe.


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The picture below show the jaws in gripping position toward a 5 ½” DP.

The picutre below show the double wegde principle:

When the elevator (Derrick Drilling Machine, DDM) releases the weight of the drillstring, the front wedge will be

pushed down and consequently grip toward the pipe surface with high radial force that holds the weight of the string.

grip and

ere are two wedges: one that gives radial stroke and one

edge that grips and holds the weight of the string. The wedge angle problem that limits standard slips to one

imension is overcome by this double-wedge principle.

The main wedge is prevented from moving upwards by a combination of the friction coefficient and by the downward

force of the cylinders ..

The front wedge has the same angle as traditional slips. This means that UniSlips uses well known principles to

hold the weight. The unique thing with UniSlips is that th

w

d


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3.2.2 Enough radial stroke to get a throat opening in the slips that eliminates the need of taking out the

slips when elevating equipment with a larger outer diameter.

Traditional slips have a limited throat opening when the slips is in parking position. This is due to the wedge angle.

The double-wedge principle used by the UniSlips increases the radial stroke, meaning the slips segments can simply be

moved out of the way when an object with large outer diameter must be pulled through the slips. For example, when

working on a 17 ½” bottom hole assembly, the UniSlips jaws can be set for a throat opening of 18” when in parking

osition. This means that both the bits and the stabilizators can be elevated through the opening without taking out the

ips or the slips segments. Also when working with casing, the throat opening in the UniSlips makes it as easy to

The picture below sho

ensions, we need to be able to adjust the dies to different radiuses. For dimensions from 2 3/8” to 10 ¾” the same

ont wedge can be used. To solve this we have designed the dies so it can rotate within a limited angle. The dies will

width to get an optimal

grip.

The picture below shows the same dies gripping towards a 3 ½” DP and 9 ½” drillcollar :

p

sl

elevate the casing hanger through the slips.

ws the slips in parking position with an opening of 18”:

3.2.3 Ensure that the dies pyramids will contact the pipe surface even if the pipe diameter changes.

When gripping on multi diameters the radius will change. This means that to get a perfect grip using the same dies for

all dim

fr

then self adjust to the pipe diameter. Dies pyramids will engage the pipe surface on the entire

3.2.4 Designing the slips so it will center the pipe with high precision to prevent jamming of the jaws or of

the pipe.

Traditional hydraulic operated slips use a cylinder in the top cover to center the pipe to ensure that the string is centered

in the slips. The radial force is limited (approx 2 tons). Floating rigs can have much movement and thereby needs high

radial force to center the string. With limited radial force for centering, the slips can have an unevenly distributed load,

and if this imbalance is big enough, the grip is lost and the string will be lost in the hole.

UniSlips uses the wedge principle when centering the pipe. The wedge will work as a force intensifier. We will then

have a very high radial force to orient the string to the center of the UniSlips. Each cylinder in UniSlips is hydraulically

connected using a flow divider. High force on one side will not prevent the slips from going uniformly down with all

wedges. To ensure that the pipe will not get stuck between the front wedges, the top cover has center rings to limit the

radial movement for the string in the slips.


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The picture below shows the principle using hydraulic cylinder on each wedge to ensure synchronized movement to

center the pipe.

3.2.5 Ensure that the slips will not jam due to high weight, lubrication problems or load distribution.

Traditional slips have a slips ring which is bolted into one body. The entire slips body is moved up and down as one

object. This means that the slips can be slightly twisted when it is gripping toward the pipe surface, resulting in a non-

uniformly load distribution. A lot of strings have been lost in the well hole because the slips gave a green light but the

dies did not contact properly.

UniSlips has a unique advantage to this problem. Each jaw is operated individually by hydraulic cylinders. On the front

wedge all the dies will be 100% vertical. This means that the dies engages the pipe surface on the entire gripping length

in the slips.

Traditional hydraulic operated slips also have had problems with jamming. Traditional slips are using metal/ metal

contact between wedge and support ring. The contact area is small resulting in a very high surface pressure. If the slips

hold the weight of a string for several hours or days, this can result the slips to totally jam to the string, not able to open

or release the slips from the string.

UniSlips is using a special slidebearing on the main wedge with optimal friction and gliding properties. UniSlips is also

utilizing a much larger contact area, resulting in a dramatic reduction in surface pressure.


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The picture below shows the main wedge using special slide bearing:

3.2.6 Able to handle control lines during completion without damaging the control lines.

The UniSlips has the flexibility to make necessary opening between each jaw. In order to make space for the control

line it will only need to remove one front wedge. This will make enough space to handle the control lines through the

slips. The UniSlips can thereby be used for the entire well, from drilling, tripping, casing and completion.

The picture below is an illustration of how we handle 8 control lines running a 5 ½” tubing string.


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3.2.7 Able to handle torque using the slips as a backuptong, also with low weight in the string.

Traditional slips need weight in the string to be able to handle torque.. This is due to the fact that there is not enough

radial force to handle the torque if the weight is too low. It can take time to build weight in the string. Also, traditional

slips do not handle high torque if used as a backuptong.

UniSlips is designed to handle torque and can therefore be used as a backuptong. By using cylinder to operate the main

wedge we will get enough radial force. The cylinders will ensure the dies to clamp to the pipe surface from the first pipe

that is set in the slips.

High torque can occur during well operations. Many hydraulic operated slips have been damaged by this torque because

they are not designed to handle high torque. UniSlips has a high torque capacity due to the orientation and supporting

system of each jaw. Both the main wedge and the front wedge fits into a v-groove. Since we support mechanically each

jaw, the load that can be transmitted from the pipe string to the outer slips ring is increased dramatically compared to

traditional slips systems.

3.2.8 Designing a slips that integrates safety clamp function.

Safety clamps are used as a secondary barrier to ensure that the string will not be lost in the hole. Traditionally safety

clamp is mounted over the slips so that if the string slips the safety clamp will force the slips down. Due to the wedge

design in the slips, the slips will bite harder to the string and string will stop slipping. Safety clamps must be mounted

by drillcrew. This can be a very heavy job and it is not considered safe to work in red zone during operation.

Traditionally a safety clamp is used if the weight in the string is so low that the slips by it self can open accidentally.

The safety clamp is also used to prevent the slips to be pulled out of the rotary table caused by e.g. kick in the string.

Using UniSlips the cylinders hold down each of the 6 wedges. The problem that the string will pull out the slips/ wedge

will therefore be eliminated. The cylinders in UniSlips will also compensate if there is a gap between dies and pipe

surface.

When having low weight in the string, the cylinders will have enough power to open the slips. This problem is solved

by connecting 3 and 3 cylinders. This means that when you activate the safety function in the UniSlips, and you

accidentally push the open bottom, only 3 cylinders/ jaws will open. Still there will be 3 cylinders/ jaws that holds the

weight of the string. This means that 3 of the cylinders work as a safety clamp. Double click is normal to open the slips


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today. There could be many ways to operate the jaws but an example will be that you need a double click on the open

bottom to open the first 3 cylinders. Then there will be a time delay before you can double click on the safety bottom to

release the last 3 cylinders.

The principle using the UniSlips as a safety clamp is shown in the picture below.

3.2.9 The specific innovation in mechanical engineering

One patent application has been filed for the UniSlips. Norwegian application number is 20064321. Also a PCT

application has been filed for the UniSlips.

The major innovation is the double wedge principle using cylinder to control each of the wedge bodies. Using the

double wedge we can both hold the weight and have a large radial stroke. This in order to reduce the need for changing

and handling parts and components on the slips system. The double wedge also makes it possible to use the UniSlips as

an all-in-one slips system for handling the entire well operation. Today several slips systems are used in the rotary table

for handling different jobs on a well.

The robust design is also an innovation compared to traditional slips system. UniSlips distributes the load more

uniformly from the string to the dies. This reduces the chance for losing the string in the hole.

UniSlips uses special slidebearing on the main wedge with optimal friction and gliding properties instead of metal/

metal contact. UniSlips also utilises a much larger contact area, resulting in a dramatic reduction in surface pressure.

This reduces the chance for going stuck with the slips.

The robust mechanical support of each wedge group also gives UniSlips an innovative advantage compared to

traditional slips. This makes it possible to handle higher torque, and also able to use UniSlips as a “backuptong”.

A major innovative advantage is also that the UniSlips can replace the need for a safety clamp. The safety clamp is

today a time consuming job and it is not considered safe working in red zone during operation.


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Benefits to the user realized through this design

Following benefits to the user are realized:

- The double wedge makes it possible to use the UniSlips as an all-in-one slips system for handling the entire

well operation. Today several slips systems are used in the rotary table for handling different jobs on a well.

- No need for changing slips inserts or segments when changing pipe diameter. Multi dimensional tool.

- No need for taking out the slips when elevating objects with a larger outer diameter such as casing hanger, bits

and stabilizers.

- Manual safety clamp will be replaced by the UniSlips. No need for manual work on drillfloor to set the safety

clamp.

- Control lines can be handled using the UniSlips.

- There’s less risk of dropping the string in the well/hole because each jaw is operated individually by hydraulic

cylinders. On the front wedge all the dies will be 100% vertical and parallel to the string. This means that the

dies engaged the pipe surface on the entire gripping length in the slips.

- UniSlips can be used as a backuptong and will be able to handle torque from first pipe set in the slips.

- UniSlips has a robust design and will not jam to the string. This is due to the increased contact area and

material used on the slide bearings.

- Less spare parts and fewer components to maintain.

Based on the operational benefits that are realized through this design, KCA Deutag was commissioned by Norsk

Hydro to conduct a study on five of Hydro’s platforms in the North Sea. They calculated minutes and hours used for

handling in and out slips, handling of safety clamp and master bushings. They documented on average 17,4 hours a

month spent on these jobs. The study is internal to Hydro, so only the summary is presented here.

See enclosures 1 and 2.

HSE benefits are also realized:

- Less handling of objects and components in and out of the rotary table. This is time consuming but also

considered not safe due to working in red zone during operation and also due to heavy lift.

- Due to an all-in-one solution on the UniSlips, less use of tugger line needed for handling slips, slips segments

and slips inserts on drillfloor.

- Personnel kept away from red zone and rotary table due to remote controlled operation of the UniSlips.

- Personnel kept away from red zone and rotary table due to remote controlled operation for the safety clamp

function.


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4.0 Enclosures

Enclosure 1: Conclusion from KCA Deutag study.

Enclosure 2: Monthly time consumption for one of the five oilrigs in the study done by KCA Deutag.

Enclosure 3: Example of synergi using traditional slips (Varco PS 21 and PS30).

Enclosure 4: V-Tech Newsletter no 12, October 2007.

Enclosure 5: V-Tech Newsletter no 8, May 2007.

Enclosure 6: V-Tech Newsletter no 4, January 2007.

Enclosure 7: V-Tech Newsletter no. 3, November 2006.

Enclosure 8: Powerpoint presentation of UniSlips.

Enclosure 1:

Conclusion from KCA Deutag study.

Replace this picture on

Slide Master

Improved HSE

UniSlips will be a major contributor to reduce the overall

risk level connected to manual operations at rig floor

The need to manually handle safety clamps and slip components

at rotary table will be considerably reduced

The risk for injuries will decrease due to minimized handling of

heavy / hinged drilling equipment at rig floor

The need for personnel to stay in «red zone» at rig floor will be

reduce significantly


Slide Master

Operational Advantages

Less activities in and around rotary table

Reduces the risk of loosing equipment components in hole

Reduces maintenance and spare part holding

Pipe and casing dimensions between 2 ” and 9 ” (10 ¾”) could

be run without changing slips inserts or segments

Contributes to higher tripping regularity (continuity)

Improves the overall tripping time with up to 5 hrs a week -

represent ca. 17 mill. NOK rig time saving p.a. for a each rig


Slide Master

Elements of Uncertainty

For the moment some uncertainties connected to

UniSlips

Still a equipment concept – neither produced nor operationally

tested

Operational limits, material qualities, dimensions, solutions

for easy maintenance etc. to be tested and verified

Design assumptions in concept must be proven in operation

All challenges met must find acceptable solutions

Enclosure 2:

Monthly time consumption for one of the five oilrigs in the study done by KCA Deutag.

Project 01/06

Monthly time consumption slips handling

Oseberg B

Report from well 30/9-B-10 B Y1/Y2 during period 17.05 - 15.07.2005, total 30 reports. First 8 ½” x 9 ½” section, then running a 7” FLR, then 6” x 7” section.

Estimated time consumption (min) Date Rep. Description

Time(min)

Slips Clamps Master

Comments

19.05.05 82 Redressed IRA, elevator and slips due to chg. string dimension 30 15 To 5 ½”

20.05.05 83 Redressed elevator and slips due to chg. string dimension 30 20 Change to 5”

83 Installed master bushing in rotary table 30 20 10

83 L/D BHA 375 30 Use of regular safety clamps

21.05.05 84 R/U and prepared to run casing (handl.equipm., tong etc.) 135 Master bushing, manuel slips

22.05.05 85 Removed master bushing and installed PS-21 hydraulic slips 20 Not described in the report

85 P/U and M/U hanger assembly with running tool 105 10 Removed the slips

25.05.05 88 Other related to elevator or slips - see remarks 30 20 Changed inserts in PS-21 / BX-elevator

25.06.05 89 P/U BHA items 420 30 Use of regular safety clamps

89 Removed master bushing and installed PS-21 hydraulic slips 30 30

26.06.05 90 Redressed elevator and slips due to chg. string dimension 75 30

27.06.05 91 Redressed IRA, elevator and slips due to chg. string dimension 30 15

29.06.05 93 Redressed URA, elevator and slips due to chg. string dimension 45 20

30.06.05 94 Redressed IRA, elevator and slips due to chg. string dimension 135 20

94 Removed remote oper. slips and installed master bushing 30 20 10

94 Redressed IR, elevator and slips due to chg. string dimension 60 20

01.07.05 95 Redressed IR, elevator and slips due to chg. string dimension 45 20

95 P/U BHA items 390 30 Use of regular safety clamps


95 Redressed elevator and slips due to chg. string dimension 60 35


03.07.05 97 Redressed slips due to chg. string dimension 30 30


98 Installed master bushing in rotary table 30 20 10

98 L/D BHA 375 30 Use of regular safety clamps


05.07.05 99 Redressed slips 45 30



07.07.05 101 Redressed elevator and slips due to chg. string dimension 105 20 IR incl.

101 Removed remote oper. slips and installed master bushing 30 30

101 Redressed elevator and slips due to chg. string dimension 90 20 IR incl.



103 Redressed elevator and slips due to chg. string dimension 45 20 IR incl.


10.07.05 104 P/U BHA items 30 Use of regular safety clamps

Project 01/06

Monthly time consumption slips handling

Date Rep. Description Time(min)

Estimated time consumption (min)

Comments

11.07.05 105 Removed master bushing and installed PS-21 hydraulic slips 30 30







Summary for 30 days 845 150 50 = 1045 min = 17 t 25 min

Cost saving NOK 40.000,- pr. hour 17,4 x 40000 = NOK 696.000 this month NOK 50.000,- pr. hour 17,4 x 50000 = NOK 870.000 this month NOK 60.000,- pr. hour 17,4 x 60000 = NOK 1.044.000 this month NOK 70.000,- pr. hour 17,4 x 70000 = NOK 1.218.000 this month

Enclosure 3:

Example of synergy using traditional slips (Varco PS 21 and PS30).

UniSlips

PS-21 / PS-30 hydraulic slips.

In searching the database some incidents related to PS-21-30 hydraulic/remote operated slips on the Oseberg platforms are found. A couple of the incidents are related to the safety clamp. The time period is from January 1

st 2002 to August 18 2006

Synerginr. Rig Incident Consequence

14625 OSS Lost insert for PS-30 Lucky. Found between carrier and tbg.

89671 OSØ 3½” slipssegment fell into well Stopp > kr 250’

248586 OSS PS-30 slips not correct installed while running 9 5/8 None, possible > kr 250’

249136 OSS PS-30 slips stuck around 7” tubing 2,5 t downtime (~ kr 175’)

392137 OSB Lost 6 ” slipssegment into well while installing Est. loss kr 480’

435575 OSS Lost nut into well Stopp –drainage of riser etc. - loss?

438355 OSS Squeezed finger between clamp and slips Medical treatment

439056 OSS 3½” string lost into well - slips not centralized Operation stop > kr 250’, materiell > kr 50’

444919 OSS PS-30 hang on tubing Operation stop kr 200’

504452 OSS PS-30 hang on 18 ” FR Stop > kr 250’

612108 OSS Insert thrown out by PS-30 slips while lifting with winch Potential: Fatal

The list does not cover every incident as some do not have large consequences. These incidents are among others related to that the slips is “hanging” in the drillstring and where the consequences are estimated to less than kr. 50 000.- and where there are no great risk elements in correctifying the problems.

The main concern related to handling of slips and slips components are HSE related, ref incident 612108 (over) where it was just luck that it went good. Similar accidents have been happening on another rig after the one mentioned here.

18.08.2006 th

Enclosure 4:

V-Tech Newsletter no 12, October 2007.

UNISLIPS HOLDING IT’S WEIGHT

No. 12, 23. OCTOBER, 2007

”UniSlips has the potential

to hold tensions over 1,000 metric

tons”, says R&D Manager Helge

R. Halse.

UniSlips-

was so

Enclosure 5:

V-Tech Newsletter no 8, May 2007.

WON AGAIN!No. 8, MAY11., 2007

V-Tech AS made history in

Houston Texas last month by being

“This is unheard of, for a

Norwegian company to win this

prize twice. We are extremely happy

about it, there is no question,” says

the company’s CEO, Tore Hansen-

Tangen.

T h e

prize was

awarded April

30th for the

company’s entry

of the UniSlips,

an integrated

machine that

i m p r o v e s

offshore drilling

o p e r a t i o n s .

The ASME had

24th Annual

Woelfel Best

M e c h a n i c a l

E n g i n e e r i n g

A c h i e v e m e n t

Award. The

Connector Systems - Piggable Wye

Woelfel BMEA for the UniTong,

another advanced machine for

offshore drilling operations. Please

refer to the website, www.v-tech.no,

for technical descriptions and photos

of both the UniTong and UniSlips.

The Woelfel BMEA is a yearly

competition held by the American

Society of Petroleum Engineers

largest oil & gas technology exhibition

in the world. Each year the ASME

Woelfel in recognition of a product,

device or system on exhibit at the

mechanical engineering in solving

problems, improving design or

maximizing technology performance.

The award is named after Albert

Woelfel, a past-chair of the ASME

The UniSlips design is an

but after winning this second time,

there is no doubt that our approach is

proves that you don’t have to be big in

order to achieve big things and great

advances.”

Society of Mechanical Engineers,

which chose us as a foreign company

over all the American participants.

That is truly large,” he says.

Halse, who is responsible for the

is his ideas for new equipment which

have now become award-winning

designs.

Mr. Hansen-Tangen is also

happy with Statoil, Norway’s largest oil

company, for recognizing the potential

of the UniTong

and UniSlips

and supporting

t h e i r

development

as well as

p r o v i d i n g

offshoretesting

opportunities.

Anengineering

prototype of

UniSlips is now

under testing

at Andersen

Norway. The

machine has

successfu l ly

b e e n

mechanically assembled and tested

regime designed by the operating

which is expected to be complete

more advanced prototype.

V-TECH @ OTC-2007

foremost event for the development

drilling, exploration, production and

environmental protection. This year it

occupied nearly 530,000 square feet,

place between April 30. and May 3.,

to the organizers.

this year. CEO Tore Hansen-Tangen,

attended the stand. “We are very

pleased with this year’s conference.

The attendance at our stand was

above what we had anticipated” says

Mr. Hodne, who is also very pleased

& Energy,Anita Utseth, as well as head

Gunnar Berge, paid honorary visit to

the stand.

He attributes much of the interest to

won the Woelfel Best Mechanical

Engineering Award drew a lot of

attention. We also had a model of

Unislips, which made it easy for us to

demonstrate - and for people to see

“There were also quite a few who

and needed by operators of land

rigs. A land-rig version of Unitong is

of course something that we have to

He also says that this year’s

conference clearly opened up the US

to the conference we met with potential

clients representing more than 500

rigs. They all showed great interest in

- and got a clear understanding of the

advantages of our products. We will

this interest”, he says.

sweep of the conference to get ideas

already has plenty of ideas which he

is eager to bring to the drawing board.

Now that we have won the Woelfel

we have to challenge ourselves to win

grin.

Enclosure 6:

V-Tech Newsletter no 4, January 2007.

Statoil sponsors development of UniSlips

Issue no. 4, 8. January, 2007

Statoil has pledged 3.5 million

Norwegian kroner to the development of

UniSlips.

“Including the funds we have

received from the Norwegian Research

Council, this secures the funding for

the development and swift completion

of the project”, says V-Tech CEO, Tore

Hansen-Tangen. “We should now be in

a position to introduce a prototype of

UniSlips by the end of the 2. quarter of

2007 and hopefully in time for the oil

exhibition in Houston in May”.

Statoil I&K

The funds for the development of

UniSlips is provided under the Vendor

Development Programme, LUP, in

Statoil I&K, Industrial Development.

Project Manager Mr. Bjørn Brekne tells

us that I&K evaluates about 50-100

potential LUP projects each year, of

which approximately 1/10 receive funds.

technology strategy; projects related to

especially effective drilling operations

nicely into the two last categories”, he

says.

“Fight”

Mr. Brekne also emphasizes that

the project has to be evaluated and

approved by internal users: “We are

always in dialog with our own technical

and operational experts. They have to

evaluate the advantages and support the

project. We also require that one of our

licensees is willing to test the prototype.

In the case of UniSlips both Veslefrikk

it. We have never encountered such a

situation before. This is of course a very

good indication for

us that the project is

a good investment.”

Veslefrikk

It was Veslefrikk

which won the

internal “battle”

against Gullfaks.

“Veslefrikk has

been working

with V-Tech

for a number of

years with the

development of

UniTong. The two organizations know

each other very well. We think this is

a great advantage in a development

project such as this” says Mr. Brekne.

”In addition it will be interesting to see

whether there can be any operational

advantages in combining UniSlips and

UniTong”.

“Return on investment”

Mr. Brekne tells us that Statoil evaluates

its return on investment on more than

just royalties from future sales. Other

important factors include not only how

large. “We use the same benchmark for

return on investment on I&K-projects

as we use for investment

Snøhvit. The equation

includes royalty, user

advantages and social

responsibility”, he

claims and mentions

that one important

aspect in the evaluation

of UniSlips has been

furthering development

of both V-Tech and

Andersen Mekaniske

Verksted (AMV). “By

sponsoring V-Tech in Kristiansand, we

also precipitate investments at AMV in

Flekkefjord. For us that is a good way of

maintaining our social responsibility”,

he concludes with some pride.

@OSEA2006 V-Tech participated at this

oil and gas convention and exhibition in

ASIA. The event took place at SunTec

City in Singapore from Dec. 5 – 8.

Senior engineer Helge R. Halse and

board member Yngvar Hansen-Tangen

represented the company. In addition, Mr.

Trond Bjerkan kindly lent his assistance

present at the Norwegian stand organized

by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and

Innovation Norway. Among some of

the other Norwegian exhibitors were

Deep Sea Supply, Norsafe, SeaTech,

Kongsberg Offshore and Boa offshore.

In all there were over 1000 exhibiting

companies representing various parts

of the industry. The exhibition was

visited by about 10,000 persons.

“We are very happy with the

response. Especially from the

local Singapore-yards, which

currently have a number of new

oil rigs under construction”,

says Helge R. Halse in

conclusion. (In the picture from

left to right: Trond Bjerkan

(Hägglund Drives) and Helge R.

Halse.

Enclosure 7:

V-Tech Newsletter no 3, November 2006.

UniSlips Receives DEMO2000 Funds The UniSlips project was one

to receive research funding this

year. The allocation was received

-

lion, which will be applied against the

production and piloting of a proto-

type.

program under the Norwegian

Research Council which funds pilot-

The program is an initiative by the

Ministry of Oil and Energy and has

million to new technology develop-

ment projects since it was founded

in 1999. It is estimated that the

total return from the funding is well

The year marked the 9th call

for applications, for which a total

for distribution. Other companies

with successful applications include

Acona Group, Odim Alitec AS,

Shaw Norway AS and READ ASA.

a relatively new and small company

like V-Tech has received funding this

time”, says Anton Kjelaas, a senior

He admits that it is often

much larger companies

such as Aker Kvaerner

that are chosen.

He says that this

is often due to the fact that the ap-

plications from smaller companies

are not supported by oil companies.

” There is one criteria which must

be met: there has to be a committed

customer for the product”, he says.

Though this may sound simple, the

reality is much different. To win this

customer commitment, a company

must effectively have an interested

potential customer sponsor its ac-

There are also a number of

other criteria which are important in

the evaluation process. ”HSE, prod-

are but a few of the categories in

which the UniSlips had high scores.

-

sions) was probably one of the most

important reasons why this particular

project was chosen among the over

He also emphasizes that the

application in itself seemed well pre-

pared. ”The project description was

clearly laid out and well documented

with illustrations which made it easy

to visualize various features of the

product. The UniSlips presentation,

which accompanied the application,

was also very useful in the evalua-

He says that the projects are

-

prise the steering committee for

Statoil, Hydro, Conoco Phillips,

consider all applications and put

together a list of recommended

projects for the board. The board

then selects from this short-list the

funding recipients.

V-Tech CEO Tore Hansen-

Tangen sums it up when he says,

”We think it is a great honor to be

among the 13 companies which

have received funding in this round

of applications. It shows that our

focus on innovative, cost effective

noticed and is starting to pay off”.

V-Tech at OSEA 2006 in Singapore V-Tech will be participating

-

a number of other Norwegian com-

panies under the Innovation Norway

banner. If you would like to visit our

stand, please contact us so that we

can arrange a visitor’s pass.

Enclosure 8:

PowerPoint presentation of UniSlips.

UniSlips

Multidimensional and multifunctional

Existing equipment integrated into UniSlips

UniSlips

• Flush mounted.

• Double wedge ensures both stroke and safety.

• Multidimensional (ranges 2 ”–10 ¾” & 9 ¾” –14”).

• Each jaw is applied by an individual cylinder, ensuring

perfect grip.

• Handles completion jobs.

• Handles Bottom Hole Assembly.

• Integrated secondary barrier replaces separate safety clamps.

• Service and maintenance friendly.

Flush mounted

Flush mounted

Flush mounted

Flush mounted

Check valve holds

cylinder in position.Double wedge ensures both stroke and safety

2

2

1

1

DOUBLE WEDGE SYSTEM

Multidimensional

Gripping 2 ” pipe Gripping 5 ½” pipeGripping 3 ½” pipe

Multidimensional

Gripping 9 ½” DC Gripping 10 ¾” casing

Parking position 15 ”

for pipes 2 ” – 10 ¾”

Parking position 18”

for pipes 5” – 10 ¾”

Multidimensional

Gripping 13 ” casing Parking position 19”

for casing 9 ” – 16”

One cylinder per jaw

CYLINDERS SYNCHRONIZED

Pipe is automatically centred in the slips.

The stroke of each cylinder is measured

to ensure that all jaws engage pipe. NO LOOSE ITEMS THAT COULD

FALL INTO THE WELL

Components mechanically secured.

Free space

between jaws

for control

lines

Up to eight

control lines

simultaneously

Handling completion jobs

Handling Bottom Hole Assembly

No need to change slips

segments when working on

different diameters on BHA

Replaces safety clamps Pipe size > 5”

Only 3 jaws will open

when safety clamp active.

Pipe size < 5”

3 jaws gripping pipe

and 3 jaws used to secure

Service and maintenance friendly

All six jaws are identical. No welded parts. Easy to replace a defective jaw.

Opening top coversOpening front door

Documents

CONTENT - NFLB | Norsk Forening for Ledende Bore og ...nflb.no/wp-content/uploads/2008_V-Tech_UniSlips.pdf3.2.6 Able to handle control lines during completion without damaging the