Top feed of control lines to table-elevated spider

id="REI-00001" date="20150113"

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

id="REI-00001"

0001The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/995,905, filed on Nov. 24, 2004, now having issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,677 on May 29, 2007, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/315,617, filed on Dec. 10, 2002, now having issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,920,931 on Jul. 26, 2005. The present application is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/995,907, filed on Nov. 24, 2004, now having issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,216,716 on May 15, 2007, which is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/315,617, filed on Dec. 10, 2002, now having issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,920,931 on Jul. 26, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00021. Field of the Invention

0003The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for installing pipe and a control line in a well. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for securing a control line to a string of pipe as the pipe is being made up and run into a well.

00042. Background of the Related Art

0005Wells are generally drilled deep into the earth's crust to establish fluid communication between the surface and sub-surface geologic formations containing naturally occurring hydrocarbon deposits, such as oil or gas. A well provides a fluid conduit allowing sub surface deposits of oil and gas to be produced at the surface. It is common for a drilled borehole to penetrate a plurality of formations. Formations may contain hydrocarbons or other fluids of different compositions and at different pressures than the hydrocarbons and fluids contained in other formations. Formations may also contain water (aquifers), brine, hydrogen sulfide gas and other materials that may be undesirable.

0006A drilled borehole is completed into a well by circulating cement into the annulus between the wall of the drilled borehole and the outer surface of a pipe string called casing to form a cement liner. The cement hardens to isolate penetrated formations from flowing into the well and to the surface. Once a borehole is drilled and completed, decisions are made as to which of the penetrated formations to selectively produce. A perforating tool is used to cut a hole through the casing and the cement liner to selectively establish fluid communication between the targeted formation and the surface. Once a formation is perforated, the well may be produced to (pressure) depletion, until it “waters out” by increasing water content, or both. Once a formation is depleted or watered-out, it may be desirable to intervene in the well to alter or isolate the formation so that other formations may be perforated and produced without the production being burdened by fluid losses into depleted formations or by water intrusion from watered-out formations. Intervention is generally performed by wire line unit (WLU) work over, coiled tubing unit (CTU) work over or by a conventional work over rig. A WLU or CTU work over is performed by lowering an instrument or tool into the well using a specialized rig having a long spooled wire line or tubing for connecting or controlling the downhole instrument or tool from the surface. The conventional work over rig generally requires that all production tubing be removed from the well so that tools or instruments may be run into the well on a work string.

0007If the depleted or watered-out formations are lower in the well than the formation, the depleted or watered-out formation may be isolated from the well by using one of the three conventional intervention techniques described above. In a conventional intervention work over, material such as cement or sand may be deposited into the bottom of the well to form a plug to seal off the perforations in the depleted or watered-out formation, and to thereby isolate the depleted or watered-out formation from the new formation located above. Once a sand or cement plug is in place, another work over may be required to later remove it. Packers are tools that can be installed in a well during a work over to isolate depleted or watered-out formations.

0008Conventional workers to install or remove downhole plugs or packers are unnecessary if formations can be isolated or remotely controlled using downhole devices. Downhole devices, such as valves or chokes, may be installed in a pipe string as it is being made up and run into a well to enable the selective production, isolation or flow-control of fluids residing in the formations penetrated by a well. Surface-controlled downhole valves or chokes require continuous control lines that extend from the surface through the well to the depth at which the downhole devices are installed in the pipe string. Control lines must be to installed as the pipe string is being made up and run into the well.

0009Continuous control lines are generally stored and transported to the rig location on spools. The spools of control line are generally mounted on a horizontal axle on or near the rig floor so that the control line may be easily and smoothly “fed” to and fastened to the pipe string by reeling of the spool.

0010Oil and gas wells may be equipped with control lines for electrically, hydraulically or optically linking various downhole devices to the surface. Control lines may be used to receive data from downhole instruments and to selectively operate from the surface downhole devices such as valves, switches, sensors, relays or other devices. One use of control lines is to open, close or adjust downhole valves in order to selectively produce or isolate formations at locations deep in the well. A control line may transmit downhole data to the surface and communicate commands to the same or other downhole devices. The control line may comprise conductive wires or cables for electrically controlling downhole devices, fibers for optically controlling downhole devices, or small-diameter tubing for hydraulically controlling downhole devices. Control lines are generally of a small diameter relative to the diameter of the pipe string to which they are secured, and are generally between 0.5 and 6 cm in diameter. A plurality of control lines may be aggregated into a single umbilical that may exceed 10 cm in diameter. Control lines are generally secured along the length of the outer surface of a pipe string, generally parallel to the center axis of the bore of the pipe string. Continuous control lines are secured to the pipe string and installed in the well as joints of metal pipe are made up into a pipe string and run into a well. Control lines secured to pipe string are subject to being damaged and made useless if pinched or crushed by pipe slips used to grip and support the pipe string, such as during the process of making up the pipe string and running it into the well.

0011A spider is a device used on a drilling or work over rig for gripping and supporting the pipe string as joints of pipe are made up into the pipe string. The spider has an interior bore, generally aligned with the pipe string, through which the pipe string passes. The spider has a circumference arrangement of radially inwardly movable pipe slips disposed around the pipe string and within the internal bore. The pipe slips move radially inwardly to grip the outer surface of the pipe string and support the pipe string in the well when the pipe string is not supported by the elevator. It is important that the pipe slips in the spider uniformly engage and grip the pipe string in order to prevent crushing or damaging the pipe making up the pipe string. Each pipe slip within the internal bore of the spider applies a force radially inwardly against the outer surface of the pipe string. It is important that the pipe slips are concave around the pipe in order to contact the pipe over as large an interval as possible in order to minimize the localized stress imposed on the pipe by the pipe slips.

0012If a control line becomes pinched or trapped between the pipe slips of the spider and the outer surface of the pipe string, or if a control line is pinched between adjacent segments of the pipe slips as they move around and radially inwardly to contact the pipe string, the control line may be damaged and the capacity to receive data from downhole instruments or surface control of downhole devices may be lost or impaired. It is important that the method used to secure control lines to the pipe string be designed to prevent control line damage.

0013In many installations, it is desirable to secure multiple control lines along the length of the outer surface of the pipe string in order to allow data to be gathered from or surface control of multiple downhole devices. For example, but not by way of limitation, tools and other control valves or instruments may be made up into the pipe at various depths along the pipe string, and the number of control lines at any given depth depends on the depth and the configuration of the pipe string. Multiple control lines are especially useful in deep offshore wells that penetrate multiple formations. Existing designs may require four or more control lines for each string of pipe that is run into the well. Multiple control lines are most efficiently made, stored, transported and installed in bundles comprising control lines coupled together in a generally parallel, side-by-side configuration. Multiple control lines may require larger clamps to secure the bundle along the length of the outer surface of the pipe string.

0014A method has been developed for securing control lines to a pipe string as the pipe string is made up and run into a well. U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,664 (“the '664 Patent”) is directed to using an elevated work platform constructed on the rig floor. The work platform is equipped with hydraulic tongs for making up the pipe string, and an opening above the well in the floor of the work platform that is generally aligned with the well and with an opening in the rig floor beneath the work platform. The work platform disclosed in the '664 Patent supports the spider and, when the pipe string is supported by the spider, the work platform must support the weight of entire pipe string. This requires the work platform to be built to support 200 tons or more. The work platform described in the '664 Patent must also provide sufficient work area for rig personnel to use the tongs to make up joints of pipe that are lowered and aligned in position above the pipe string to be threadably made up into the pipe string.

0015The '664 Patent discloses that control lines are provided to the pipe string from a separate work area maintained on the rig floor and below the level of the work platform. The control lines are stored on and continuously provided from spools that may be located lateral to the pipe string and adjacent to the opening in the rig floor. Clamps are installed by rig personnel working in the work area beneath the work platform to secure the control lines to the pipe string. One problem with the method and apparatus for installing control lines described in the '664 Patent is that the control lines and spools themselves may take up a significant area of the rig floor and present an obstacle to various operations.

0016What is needed is a method of safely securing control lines to a pipe string as the pipe string is being made up and run into a well. What is needed is a method and an apparatus that enables the safe and inexpensive installation of control lines that are being secured to a pipe string as it is made up and run into a well. What is needed is an apparatus for and a method of securing control lines along the length of a pipe string as it is being made up and run in a well that provides protection of control line while facilitating the addition and removal of control lines.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

0017The present invention utilizes a spider that is supported on a table elevated above a rig floor and one or more control line guides for directing control lines through a passage within the spider. The spider comprises a spider body and a plurality of pipe-gripping members, such as slips, received within a tapered bowl within the spider body. The one or more control line guides may include shaped guides, roller guides, slides, cable funnels and the like, either alone or in combination, to position and direct the pathway of control lines.

0018In one embodiment, the spider body may receive an elongated control line sleeve adapted for being received is within a body for containment and protection of one or more control lines from pinching or crushing between slips, or between the slips and the pipe string secured by the slips. The elongated control line sleeve has an opening at each end with one opening disposed generally upwardly and the other opening disposed generally downwardly. The control line sleeve may also assist in directing and positioning the control lines along the pipe for coupling thereto. Optionally, the sleeve may be secured to any structural member, including but not limited to the slip or slips and the spider body, and suspended or supported within the spider. Alternatively, the sleeve may be secured directly to or within the spider, the spider door or the spider body, such as in the bowl of the spider or in or on the spider door. The sleeve must also be selectively operable, such as with a slot in one side, in order to receive a control line or to allow withdrawal of a control line.

0019In another embodiment, the spider components form a control line passage that is isolated from the slips and the pipe. Such a passage may be formed by a control line gate securable to the spider body or to the spider door, or both, to form the passage between the control line gate and the spider body or spider door. If the control line gate is hinged to a spider component, then the control line is positioned in, or removed from, the passage by opening the spider door and the control line gate. The spider is also opened in order for the spider to be received around or removed from a pipe string. Still further, while the control line passage itself will prevent contact between the control line and the slips, the control line passage may further include a sleeve, which may comprise two or more parts, to reduce abrasion to the sides of the control line. The control line passage and any sleeve used in cooperation with the passage must be selectively operable in order to receive a control line or to allow withdrawal of a control line. With a pipe string positioned within the spider, the opening of the passage and sleeve will typically require supporting the pipe string from the elevator so that the spider can be released and the spider door can be opened. The elevated table must then also include a causable slot extending from the spider door some distance away from the spider so that opening the slot provides sufficient clearance for the spider door to open. Consequently, with the slot open and the spider door open, a control line can be positioned within, or removed from, the spider body for running control line or removing control line. It is not necessary for the slot to extend to the edge of the elevated table, but a slot extending to the edge will facilitate installation of the table around or removal of the table from an existing pipe string.

0020In a still further embodiment, the control line gate may be slidable or selectively positionable between the pipe string and at least one of the spider door or the spider body so that the control lines are retained within the control line passage. Therefore, the control line gate is positionable to form the control line passage even with the pipe string extending through the spider and with the spider door closed. This embodiment with selective position ability of the control line gate provides a major operational advantage in that a control line can be run through the spider and control lines may be added to or removed from the passage, at all times protected from the slips and the pipe string without having to open the spider door. Accordingly, the control line gate may be installed, removed and positioned while the pipe string is supported by either the elevator or the spider.

0021The slidable or selectively positionable control line gate is preferably positioned by inserting it with one side facing the pipe string and another side facing the control lines and at least one of the spider door or the spider body. The control line gate is preferably also inserted from the top. After insertion, the control line gate is secured in position. The control line gate is preferably securable to the spider body, the spider door, or a combination thereof Alternatively, the control line gate may be secured or suspended in position from some other structure, such as an assembly securing the control line guides. In a most preferred embodiment, the control line gate has two edges that are slidably received in a pair of slots formed in or on the inner face of one of the spider door or the spider body, or a combination thereof, so that the control line gate can be lifted out of the slots for receiving an additional control line into the passage and then reinstalled into the slots with all the control lines retained within the passage. As used herein, a “slot” may refer to a slot, track, guide, ridge or any feature that facilitates sliding engagement and coupling.

0022The control lines are fed to the well from generally above the spider. The control lines are routed from a spool and engage one or more guides adapted for being roll ably secured to the spider body. The roller guides direct the control line into an upwardly disposed opening in the spider, through a passageway that is unobstructed by the slips or the pipe string, and along the length of the pipe string into the borehole. If a control line protective sleeve is being used in association with the spider, then the roller guides direct the control line into an upwardly disposed open end of protective sleeve, through the elongated sleeve and out of the downwardly disposed open end of the sleeve. The exposed portion of the pipe string and control line between the elevated table and the rig floor provides a clamping zone where clamps can be installed to secure the control lines to the exterior surface of the pipe string.

0023The method and apparatus of the present invention allows one or more control lines to be secured along the length of a pipe string as the pipe string is being made up and run into a well. The method and apparatus of the present invention allows control lines to be secured to a pipe string above the rig floor and below the spider that is supported by an elevated work platform strong enough to support the weight of the pipe string. The method and apparatus of the present invention improves rig safety and operation by top-feeding the control line through the spider and thereby preventing impairment of escape routes on the rig floor.

0024The elevated table supports the spider at a generally fixed distance above the rig floor to permit rig personnel access to the outer surface of the portion of the pipe string located below the elevated spider and above the rig floor. Access to the outer portion of the pipe string below the spider and above the rig floor permits rig personnel to install fasteners to secure control lines to the pipe string.

0025According to the presently preferred embodiment, a control line is provided to the pipe string from above the spider. Preferably, the spool may be positioned at a remote location on the rig floor and the control line passed up and over an elevated sheave or pulley so as to come downwardly to the spider. The spool may be rotatably mounted in a fixed location that is a sufficient distance above the spider and in sufficient proximity of the axial center line of the pipe string to provide a favorable approach angle. The control line should not be bent or deflected at an angle exceeding manufacturer recommendations as the control line is fed downwardly to and into the spider. Preferably, the angle formed between the control line and the pipe string will not exceed about 60 degrees, and more preferably, will not exceed about 45 degrees. Rollers, pulleys or sheaves may be used to limit localized bending of the control line. The control line may be routed or threaded over a roller guide secured above the spider to strategically direct the top-fed control line from the spool through the spider and along the length of the pipe string so that the control line can be secured to the pipe string. The control line is secured to the pipe string with fasteners, such as clamps, sleeves, bands, clips or other fasteners at a position beneath the elevated spider, but in the adjacent area of the rig floor. The control line may be secured along the outer surface of the pipe string at any radial or circumference location of the pipe string below the spider, but the control line is preferably secured along the outer surface of the pipe string at a radial or circumference location that is generally aligned with the passage through the spider. Accordingly, the control line passes through the spider without being damaged by the pipe slips within the internal bore of the spider.

0026It should be recognized that any number of control lines may be supplied to the pipe string in accordance with the present invention. Multiple control lines may be supplied as a bundle or they may be supplied separately.

0027Advantageously, the fasteners or clamps used to secure control lines to the pipe string may be designed independent of restrictions imposed by the size or configuration of the internal bore of the spider. The fasteners may be secured at any desired spacing along the length of the pipe string in the clamping zone below the table and above the rig floor, such as one fastener per joint of pipe. It is specifically anticipated that multiple fasteners may be used along the length of a single joint of pipe or single stand of pipe, or that entire joints or stands of pipe may be skipped.

0028In a still further embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising the steps of securing an instrument to a pipe string, wherein the instrument is adapted to include a control line extending therefrom, lowering the pipe string so that the instrument and control line pass through a spider having a plurality of gripping members, and positioning a control line gate to separate the control line from the gripping members. Preferably, the control line gate also separates the control line from the pipe string. Most preferably, the steps can be repeated to receive a plurality of control lines as additional instruments or downhole devices are made up into the pipe string.

0029The foregoing, as well as other, objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated and understood by reference to the following drawings, specification and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a drilling rig for joining tubular and supporting a pipe string in a well bore.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of a spider supported on an elevated table in cooperation with control line guides directing top-fed control lines through the spider and along the pipe string.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a top perspective view of the spider in more detail without the elevated table.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a bottom perspective view of the spider in more detail without the elevated table.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a cross-sectional side view of the spider showing the spider slips and the control line passage through the spider.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A-6C</figref> are top views of the spider assembly showing the control line passage disposed outside the path of adjacent spider slips.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> are top schematic views of a spider assembly with a spider door and a control line gate forming a passage to receive one or more control lines or bundles.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view of a spider assembly with a spider door having a sliding control line gate forming a passage to receive control lines.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a top schematic view of a control line guide positioned on the spider door and generally aligned to direct control lines over the control line guides and into the passage between the spider door and the control line gate.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a perspective view of a simple sleeve having a cut along the length of the sleeve to receive a control line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a drilling rig <b>2</b> for joining tubular and supporting a pipe string <b>14</b> in a well bore <b>8</b>. The rig <b>2</b> has a generally conventional structure and operation, including a draw works <b>3</b>, lift elevator <b>5</b> with or without a top drive, and a rig floor <b>6</b>. However, the rig <b>2</b> also includes an elevated table <b>12</b> that supports the spider <b>10</b> above the rig floor <b>6</b> at a distance above the rig floor to permit rig personnel access to the outer surface of the portion of the pipe string <b>14</b> located between the elevated spider and the rig floor. One or more control lines <b>31</b> are supplied from one or more spools and the control lines are directed over a pulley or sheave <b>50</b> to the top of the spider <b>10</b> and pass through the spider along the pipe string <b>14</b>. Accordingly, rig personnel or equipment have access to the pipe string <b>14</b> and the control lines <b>31</b> below the elevated spider to allow the installation of fasteners <b>34</b> to secure control lines <b>31</b> to the pipe string.

0041The control line may be supplied from a spool located on the rig floor or elsewhere, so long as the control line is directed angularly downward to the spider <b>10</b>, such as by passing the control line from a spool upwardly over one or more pulleys or sheaves <b>50</b> and then directing the control line angularly downward to the spider.

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spider <b>10</b> supported on a table <b>12</b> elevated above the rig floor <b>6</b>. The one or more control lines <b>31</b> are guided at a downward angle from the one or more sheaves <b>50</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) to the spider <b>10</b> and directed through the spider and along the pipe string <b>14</b>. The elevated table <b>12</b> is supported above the rig floor <b>6</b> on legs <b>32</b>. While the elevated table is shown to facilitate the use of power tongs <b>36</b>, it should be recognized that a top drive may be coupled between the draw works <b>3</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) and the elevator <b>5</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) in order to facilitate the makeup of tubular without power tongs. In fact, the use of a top drive may be preferable to power tongs for a number of operational reasons as well as simplifying the construction of the elevated table <b>12</b>. Still, it is generally necessary to have either a top drive or power tongs in order to rotate and makeup tubular. Here, a coupling <b>33</b> is shown securing the ends of two adjacent pipe sections together.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref> are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the spider <b>10</b> in more detail without showing the elevated table. One or more control line guides <b>42</b> are disposed to direct the one or more control lines <b>31</b> to a passage that extends through the spider. The number of control line guides <b>42</b> is not critical and not necessarily equal in number or angle to the control lines directed through the spider. However, it is preferred that the one or more control line guides provide sufficient radial coverage around the perimeter of the passage so that the control lines are not pinched and do not disengage from the rollers due to variations in the radial or axial angle at which the control line is delivered. The embodiment shown has a set of three control line guides disposed about the upper opening to the passage. The passage <b>16</b> through the spider is provided between two adjacent slips <b>24</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>).

0044In a preferred embodiment, the passage includes a sleeve <b>40</b> that extends along the slips <b>24</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) through spider <b>10</b> to keep the control line within the passage and prevent the control line from being pinched, crushed, or abraded by or between the slips and the pipe string or the bowl. The sleeve may be tapered or contoured to accommodate the shape of the passage and to prevent or minimize damage to the control line. The sleeve <b>40</b> may have various shapes and sizes, but serves to protect the control line <b>31</b> that passes through the sleeve. The sleeve prevents the control line from straying to the edge of the passage <b>16</b> where the control line could become pinched by the slips <b>24</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) as they close around the pipe string <b>14</b>. Preferably, the sleeve provides a smooth interior surface that prevents abrasion or snagging of the control line. The sleeve is most preferably a smooth metal tube, but it may also be a rigid or resilient polymer material. Preferably, the sleeve extends a sufficient distance to protect the control line from substantially all potential pinch-points, abrading surfaces and the like before allowing the control line to exit along the pipe string below the spider. The sleeve can also serve or assist with the function of directing the control line into a desired alignment or position about the pipe string. Upon exiting the lower end of the passage, the control line lays along the pipe string <b>14</b> below the spider to facilitate coupling the control line to the pipe string.

0045In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, the control line guides <b>42</b> are secured to the top of the spider and the sleeve <b>40</b> is secured to the bowl of the spider. Alternatively, the control line guides and sleeve may be integrated together and secured to the spider at a common point or the control line guides and sleeve, alone or in combination, may be supported from the elevated table or some other support structure. Furthermore, it is preferred to dispose the control line guides and optional sleeve in alignment with a spider door <b>44</b> in the side of the spider <b>10</b>. The door <b>44</b> is secured to the spider body <b>46</b> by inserting pins or bars into the aligned holes <b>46</b> through interdigitated members of both the door and the body. The door can be opened by removing one or both pins, but preferably a single pin is removed so that the door can be swung open in a manner hinged by the remaining pin. The door is needed in order to install the spider around an existing pipe string <b>14</b>. Furthermore, it may be easier to retrofit an existing spider with control line guides and the optional sleeve if these components are in alignment with a door <b>44</b>. Optionally, an existing spider door may be replaced with a new spider door having the control line guides and a sleeve coupled to it or formed in it.

0046It should be noted that a variety of tools or devices may be used in place of or in cooperation with the roller guides <b>42</b> to bend and direct the control lines <b>31</b> to their intended position for being secured to the pipe string <b>14</b> and run into the well. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a control line guide may include the use of shaped guides, roller guides, cable funnels and the like, either alone or in combination, to position and configure control lines.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5</figref>, <b>6</b>A and <b>6</b>B include a schematic cross-sectional side view and two top views, respectively, of the table-elevated spider assembly <b>10</b> showing the spider slips <b>24</b> and a control line passage <b>16</b> through the spider <b>11</b> outside the path of the slips. More particularly, the control line passage <b>16</b> is disposed within the spider, but outside the path or range of motion of the spider slips as they open and close around the pipe string. The pipe slips <b>24</b> are disposed within the spider <b>11</b> in a generally radially distributed arrangement within the internal bore <b>25</b> of the spider <b>11</b>. The pipe slips <b>24</b> are downwardly and radially inwardly movable (see arrow <b>27</b>) to forcibly engage the outer surface of the pipe string <b>14</b> to grip and support the pipe string <b>14</b> when the weight of the pipe string <b>14</b> is not supported by the lift elevator (not shown). Still, the slips <b>24</b> move along a path between an engaged position (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>) and a disengaged position (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref>) leaving room within the spider for a control line passage <b>16</b> that is outside the path of the slips. While only one control line guide <b>42</b> is shown in FIGS. <b>5</b> and <b>6</b>A-C for clarity, additional control line guides may be used, such as those shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A</figref>, <b>1</b>B and <b>9</b>.

0048In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5</figref>, <b>6</b>A and <b>6</b>B, the spider assembly <b>10</b> includes a control line gate <b>64</b> that extends generally vertically and generally along the slips <b>24</b> through the bore of the spider <b>11</b>. The gate <b>64</b> may have various shapes and sizes, but serves to protect the control line <b>31</b> that passes through the passage <b>16</b>. The control line gate prevents the control line from straying into a position where the control line could become pinched by the slips <b>24</b> as they engage the pipe string <b>14</b>. Preferably, the control line gate provides a smooth interior surface that prevents abrasion or snagging of the control line.

0049In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6C</figref>, an optional sleeve <b>22</b> can be used to form the control line passage <b>16</b> instead of the control line gate <b>64</b>. The sleeve may be secured to the spider or to the retainer so that it reciprocates as a unit along with the spider, retainer and control line guide. The sleeve is preferably a smooth metal tube, but it may also be a rigid or resilient polymer material. Preferably, the sleeve extends a sufficient distance to protect the control line from substantially all potential pinch-points, abrading surfaces and the like before allowing the control line to exit along the pipe string below the spider. The sleeve can also serve the function of directing the control line into a desired alignment or position about the pipe string, especially if the upper end extends above the spider at an appropriate angle to receive the control line. For a number of operations, it is beneficial for the sleeve to be operable and causable from the side so that a control lines can be secured within the sleeve without requiring threading of the control line therethrough. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, an elongated gap <b>23</b> along the length of the sleeve may service this purpose, but both edges of the elongated gap should be securable so that the control line does not inadvertently exit the sleeve.

0050In one embodiment, the opening between the rig floor <b>6</b> and the table elevated spider is approximately 1.5 to 2 meters (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), or just enough to permit rig personnel working on the rig floor <b>6</b> to safely and efficiently access a portion of the outer surface of the pipe string <b>14</b> at a location below the spider <b>10</b> and above the rig floor <b>6</b>. Smaller or larger openings may be employed advantageously as dictated by space or other limitations on the rig floor <b>6</b>. The horizontal spacing between adjacent legs <b>32</b> is preferably about one meter or more as desired to provide stability and support for the elevated table <b>12</b> which must be able to support the weight of the entire pipe string. The horizontal spacing between adjacent legs <b>32</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> provides generally rectangular openings through which an operator may access the control lines <b>31</b> and the pipe string <b>14</b> for attaching a clamp or fastener before advancing the pipe string further through the opening <b>18</b> in the rig floor <b>6</b>. These openings provide rig personnel with access to a portion of the length of the outer surface of the pipe string <b>14</b> below the retainer <b>12</b> and spider <b>10</b> and above the rig floor <b>6</b> for installing a control line fastener <b>34</b>. The fastener <b>34</b> is preferably a full-enclosure type that substantially surrounds the entire circumference of the pipe string <b>14</b> at a given elevation and secures the control lines <b>31</b> at intervals along the length of the pipe string <b>14</b>.

0051The fastener <b>34</b> used to secure the control lines <b>31</b> to the pipe string <b>14</b> may comprise a clamp, clip, spring, wire, strap, band or any fastener or other device that is suitable for securing a control line <b>31</b> to the outer surface of the pipe string <b>14</b>. Typically, the inside of the fastener <b>34</b> is adapted to fit the cylindrical outer surface of the pipe string <b>14</b> to which it is secured, and may be configured with one or more “pockets,” or circumferentially upset portions, to accommodate and to secure one or more control lines <b>31</b> from circumference and/or axial movement relative to the outer surface of the pipe string <b>14</b> to which the control lines <b>31</b> are secured. Another mechanical fastener, such as a screw, clip, or a bolt and nut, may be employed to close and tighten the fastener <b>34</b> in place on the pipe string <b>14</b>.

0052After the fastener <b>34</b> is applied and the control line <b>31</b> is secured to the pipe string <b>14</b>, the pipe string <b>14</b> and control line <b>31</b> are lowered into the well <b>8</b> through the opening <b>18</b> in the rig floor <b>6</b>. Additional fasteners <b>34</b> may be added with each new joint of pipe that is added to the pipe string <b>14</b> or, in the alternative, several joints of pipe may be made up into the pipe string <b>14</b> before an additional fastener <b>34</b> is installed to secure the control line <b>31</b> to the pipe string <b>14</b>. Furthermore, the fastener may be position around the pipe, around the coupling, or some combination thereof.

0053Optionally, the control line sheave <b>50</b> and/or the control line guides <b>42</b> may be adapted for applying a tensioning force to the control lines <b>31</b> and to prevent inadvertent over-reeling from the control line spools (not shown).

0054When the control line <b>31</b> comprises a bundle of control lines secured one to the others, the control line bundle may be more stiff and inflexible than a single control line <b>31</b>. The guides <b>42</b> may be adapted to assist in bending and redirecting the control line bundle into a parallel position longitudinally along the outer surface of the pipe string <b>14</b> suitable for application of a fastener for securing the bundle to the pipe string <b>14</b>. It should be recognized that any number of rollers may be used, such as an array of rollers in series forming an arc having an effective diameter that prevents the control line from becoming stressed from sharp bends.

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> are schematic top views of a spider <b>11</b> with a spider door <b>52</b> and a control line gate <b>54</b> forming a passage <b>56</b> to receive control lines. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7A</figref>, the spider door <b>52</b> is closed and secured to the spider body <b>11</b> by pins <b>58</b> and the control line gate <b>54</b> is secured to the spider door by pins <b>60</b>. Accordingly, the spider door and control line gate are in their proper positions for running pipe and control line into or out of the well. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref>, the spider <b>11</b> has the spider door <b>52</b> in an open, yet secured, condition as a result of removing only one of the pins <b>58</b>. This allows the door to be hinged opened, as shown. Similarly, a single pin <b>60</b> has also been removed to allow the control line gate <b>54</b> to hinged open relative to the spider door <b>52</b>. In this position, a control line can be received between the spider door <b>52</b> and a control line gate <b>54</b>. After the control line is positioned between the door and the gate, the control line gate <b>54</b> is shut and secured by insertion of the second pin <b>60</b> and the spider door <b>52</b> is closed and secured by insertion of the second pin <b>58</b>. It should be recognized that either or both of pins <b>60</b> and/or either or both of pins <b>58</b> may be removed during the process of receiving or removing a control line. It should also be recognized that the spider door <b>52</b> is the robust structural door that bears a load when the spider is supporting the weight of the pipe string, whereas the control line gate <b>54</b> has a much lighter weight construction intended only to restrict adverse or errant lateral movement of the control line.

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7B</figref> also shows that the elevated table <b>12</b> may be equipped with a selectively causable slot <b>55</b> that is opened in order to allow the spider door <b>52</b> of a recessed spider <b>11</b> to be opened without being raised. The slot <b>55</b> is cut into the floor of the table <b>12</b> and covered during operations that do not involve opening the spider door <b>52</b>. The slot <b>55</b> may be covered in many different manners, including a pair of opposing doors <b>57</b> that are secured to the edge of the slot by hinges <b>59</b>. A support beam <b>61</b> is at least positionable under the slot to support the doors <b>57</b> in the closed position. The beam <b>61</b> preferably can be removed if necessary to facilitate removing the elevated table <b>12</b> from the pipe string.

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view of a spider <b>11</b> with a spider door <b>52</b> having a control line gate <b>64</b> used to form a passage to receive one or more control lines. The control line gate <b>64</b> cooperates with the inner surface <b>66</b> of the spider door <b>52</b> to form the control line passage <b>56</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>). In the embodiment shown, the control line gate <b>64</b> has side edges <b>68</b> that are vertically slidably receivable within slots <b>70</b> formed in the inner surface <b>66</b> of the spider door. Alternately, a control line gate may comprise two generally elongated tubular members one circumferentially slidably received inside the other and each having a circumference slot extending the length of the member so that the members are slidable to align the slots to provide for ingress and egress of a control line into or out of the interior bore of the control line guide when the slots are aligned. Slidably rotation of one member relative to the other closes the slot in the control line guide by moving the slot of one member out of alignment with the slot of the other member. This embodiment of a control line guide is shown in FIGS. 5-8 and 14 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,920,931. U.S. Pat. No, 6,920,931 is incorporated herein by reference.

0058In accordance with the present invention, there are three primary methods for positioning a control line within the control line passage that extends through the spider. In all three methods of operation, a section of pipe having an associated instrument (i.e., a “downhole device”) is secured to the pipe string and lowered so that the point <b>72</b> for terminating a control line to the downhole device is below the spider <b>11</b>. The control line and the terminating point on the downhole device may be connected using any available coupling, such as a threaded coupling. Furthermore, the control line may be of any available type, such as an electrical line or fluid tubing.

0059In a first method for positioning the control line within the passage, the control line has been connected or terminated to the downhole device prior to lowering the terminating point <b>72</b> through the spider. The downhole device and pipe string are supported by a lift elevator (not shown) and lowered so that a control line associated with the downhole device is positioned near the spider. The control line gate <b>64</b> is vertically slidably removed upwardly out of the slots <b>70</b> to provide more room for the control line to pass through the spider. While the pipe gripping members, such as slips, of the spider are disengaged as the pipe is lowered, it may be desirable to generally radially align the terminating point and the control line with the control line passage so that the control line is not damaged as it initially passes through the spider. Accordingly, as the pipe string is lowered further, the control line is drawn through the spider and lies along the surface of the downhole device or pipe string. After the terminating point has passed completely through the spider, the control line <b>31</b> is drawn generally radially outwardly toward the inner surface <b>66</b>. Next, the control line gate <b>64</b> is vertically slidably replaced downwardly into the slots <b>70</b> to form the control passage around the control line. Once the control line gate is securely in position, normal pipe running operations may continue. It should be noted that to avoid pinching the control line, it is important to position all control lines within the control line passage at any time that the gripping members of the spider are being set to grip the pipe. Furthermore, it is preferable to position all control lines within the control line passage as soon as the control line extends through the spider.

0060The second method includes running the terminating point of the downhole device through the spider and into the access area below the spider, then threading the end of the control line through the control line passage so that the control line can be terminated to the downhole device in the access area below the spider. In this manner, the control line gate does not require opening or removal.

0061The third method for positioning the control line within the passage includes running the terminating point of the downhole device through the spider and into the access area below the spider, then terminating the end of the control line to the downhole device with the control line extending laterally from a spool. In order to position the control line within the control line passage, it is necessary to open the slot <b>55</b> adjacent the spider <b>11</b>, open the spider door <b>52</b>, and remove the control line gate <b>64</b> (or open the control line gate <b>54</b>). After moving the control line into the control line passage, the control line gate is replaced or closed, the spider door is shut and the slot is closed. The control line is then properly secured so that normal pipe running operation can continue.

0062Therefore, as discussed above, one exemplary method would include the following steps. First, the control line gate <b>64</b> is removed as indicated by the upward arrow <b>74</b>. Second, the pipe string is advanced downwardly so that the point of connection <b>72</b> of the control line is below the spider <b>11</b>, as shown. Next, the control line is positioned into the control line passage by drawing the control line in the direction of the outward arrow <b>76</b>. Finally, the control line gate <b>64</b> is reinstalled as indicated by the downward arrow <b>78</b>. The pipe string may then be run further into the well and the spider set in preparation for adding additional pipe sections or stands to the pipe string. The control line may be clamped to the pipe string below the spider at appropriate points according to the previous discussion.

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a schematic top view of a set of three control line guides <b>42</b> positioned on the spider door <b>52</b> and generally aligned to direct control lines over the control line guides <b>42</b> and into the control line passage <b>56</b> formed between the control line gate <b>64</b> and the inner surface <b>66</b> of the spider door, or, alternatively, within a control line sleeve <b>22</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6C and 10</figref>. The control line passage is formed within the spider and outside the path of the gripping members or slips <b>24</b>. The control lines may follow any one or more of the paths shown schematically by arrows <b>62</b>. Further, the control lines may enter from almost any radial angle toward the passage <b>56</b>.

0064The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” as used in the claims and specification herein, shall indicate an open group that may include other elements not specified. The term “consisting essentially of,” as used in the claims and specification herein, shall indicate a partially open group that may include other elements not specified, so long as those other elements do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. The terms “a,” “an,” and the singular forms of words shall be taken to include the plural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. For example, the phrase “an assembly having a control line guide” should be read to describe an assembly having one or more control line guide. The term “one” or “single” shall be used to indicate that one and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as “two,” are used when a specific number of things is intended. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used in the specification to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention.

0065While a preferred form of the present invention has been described herein, various modifications of the apparatus and method of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is more fully defined in the following claims.