CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 62/812,752 filed March 1, 2019, and entitled "Pipe Delivery System and Method," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Well systems configured for the production of oil and gas include running tubular members or drill pipes into and out of a borehole of the well system that extends into a subterranean earthen formation. In some applications, the individual drill pipe joints are transported from a storage area that is located a distance away from a drilling platform of the well system to a rig floor of the drilling platform utilizing a catwalk or other systems configured to transport the pipe joint. Once on the rig floor, the pipe joint may be threadably connected to another drill pipe joint to form a pipe stand. In some applications, a pipe racking system (PRS) may be used to transport the assembled pipe stands to a setback position on the rig floor for storage, the upper end of each pipe stand being secured in a racking board that is elevated from the rig floor. During a drilling operation performed by the well system, pipe stands may be sequentially removed from the setback position using the PRS and coupled to a drill string for inserting into a borehole of the well system. In some applications, an elevator attached to a mast of the drilling platform may be used to assist in manipulating the pipe stand when it is coupled to the drill string.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] An embodiment of a well system having a well center comprises a well platform comprising a rig floor, a pipe racking system (PRS) supported by the well platform and configured to transport a tubular member between a setback position and a loading position disposed between the setback position and the well center of the well system, and a pipe delivery system (PDS) supported by the well platform and configured to receive the tubular member from the PRS at the loading position and to transport the tubular member from the loading position to the well center. In some embodiments, the PDS is configured to transport the tubular member along a first axis parallel to the rig floor and along a second axis orthogonal to the rig floor. In some embodiments, the PDS comprises a lubricator configured to lubricate a threaded connector of the tubular member. In certain embodiments, the PDS is configured to support the weight of the tubular member as the tubular member is transported from the loading position to the well center. In certain embodiments, the PDS comprises a jaw actuatable betw een an open position configured to permit insertion of the tubular member into a receptacle of the jaw and a closed position configured to restrict relative movement between the jaw and the tubular member. In some embodiments, the PDS comprises a stationary support frame disposed on the rig floor about the well center, a moveable support frame slidably coupled to the stationary support frame, wherein the moveable support frame is displaceable along a first axis relative to the stationary support frame, and a pipe support frame slidably coupled to the moveable support frame and comprising a jaw configured to releasably couple to the tubular member, wherein the pipe support frame is displaceable along a second axis relative to the moveable support frame, and wherein the second axis is orthogonal to the first axis. In some embodiments, the stationary support frame comprises a pair of lateral support arms and a pair of traverse arms extending between the pair of lateral support arms, and a lubricator configured to lubricate a threaded connector of the tubular member that is positioned on one of the pair of traverse arms. In certain embodiments, the moveable support frame comprises a pair of lateral rails disposed on the lateral support arms of the stationary support frame and a pair of longitudinal support arms extending orthogonally from the lateral rails, and wherein the pipe support frame is slidably coupled to the longitudinal support arms. In certain embodiments, the well system further comprises a first pair of actuators coupled between the pair of lateral rails of the moveable support frame and the pair of lateral support arms of the stationary support frame, wherein the first pair of actuators are configured to displace the moveable support frame along the first axis, and a second pair of actuators coupled between the pair of longitudinal support arms of the moveable support frame and the pipe support frame, w ierein the second pair of actuators are configured to displace the pipe support frame along the second axis.

[0005] An embodiment of a pipe delivery system for a well system comprises a stationary support frame positionable on a well platform of the well system, a moveable support frame slidably coupled to the stationary support frame, wherein the moveable support frame is displaceable along a first axis relative to the stationary support frame, and a pipe support frame slidably coupled to the moveable support frame and comprising a jaw configured to releasably couple to a tubular member, wherein the pipe support frame is displaceable along a second axis relative to the moveable support frame, and wherein the second axis is orthogonal to the first axis. In some embodiments, the stationary support frame comprises a pair of lateral support arms and a pair of traverse arms extending between the pair of lateral support arms. In some embodiments, a lubricator configured to lubricate a threaded connector of the tubular member is positioned on one of the pair of traverse arms. In certain embodiments, the pipe support frame comprises a first position wherein an aperture of the jaw is aligned with the lubricator and a second position that is spaced from the first position along the first axis. In certain embodiments, the moveable support frame comprises a pair of lateral rails disposed on the lateral support arms of the stationary' support frame and a pair of longitudinal support arms extending orthogonally from the lateral rails, and wherein the pipe support frame is slidably coupled to the longitudinal support arms. In some embodiments, the jaw is positioned between the longitudinal support arms of the moveable support frame and wherein the pipe support frame comprises an actuator configured to actuate the jaw between an open position configured to permit insertion of the tubular member into a receptacle of the jaw and a closed position configured to restrict relative movement between the jaw and the tubular member. In some embodiments, the pipe delivery system further comprises a first pair of actuators coupled between the pair of lateral rails of the moveable support frame and the pair of lateral support arms of the stationary support frame, wherein the first pair of actuators are configured to displace the moveable support frame along the first axis, and a second pair of actuators coupled betw een the pair of longitudinal support arms of the moveable support frame and the pipe support frame, wherein the second pair of actuators are configured to displace the pipe support frame along the second axis.

[0006] An embodiment of a method for operating a well system comprises (a) transporting a first tubular member from a setback position on a well platform to a loading position disposed between the setback position and a well center of the well sy stem using a pipe racking system (PRS), (b) transferring the first tubular member from the PRS to a pipe delivery system (PDS) at the loading position, (c) transporting the first tubular member from the loading position to the well center using the PDS, and (d) coupling the first tubular member to a second tubular member at the well center. In some embodiments, (b) comprises (bl) stabbing the first tubular member into a lubricator of the PDS using the PRS, and (b2) actuating a jaw of the PDS from an open position to a closed position to couple the first tubular member with the PDS. In some embodiments, (c) comprises (cl) displacing a moveable support from the PDS along a first axis relative to a stationary support frame of the PDS which is disposed on a rig floor of the well platform, and (c2) displacing a pipe support frame coupled to the first tubular member along a second axis relative to the moveable support frame, wherein the second axis is orthogonal to the first axis. In some embodiments, the method further comprises (e) transferring the PRS from the loading position to the setback position as the first tubular member is transported from the loading position to the well center. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises

(e) disconnecting the first tubular member from the second tubular member at the well center,

(f) transporting the first tubular member from the well center to the loading position using the PDS, and (g) transferring the first tubular member from the PDS to the PRS at the loading position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] For a detailed description of exemplars- embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a well system in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

[0009] Figure 2 is a front view of an embodiment of a pipe delivery system (PDS) of the well system of Figure 1 in a first position in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

[0010] Figure 3 is a top view of the PDS of Figure 2 in the first position;

[0011] Figure 4 is a side view of the PDS of Figure 2 in the first position;

[0012] Figure 5 is a rear view of the PDS of Figure 2 in a second position in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

[0013] Figure 6 is a top view of the PDS of Figure 2 in the second position;

[0014] Figure 7 is a side view of the PDS of Figure 2 in the second position;

[0015] Figure 8 is a rear view of the PDS of Figure 2 in a third position in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

[0016] Figure 9 is a top view of the PDS of Figure 2 in the third position;

[0017] Figure 10 is a side view of the PDS of Figure 2 in the third position; and

[0018] Figures 11-15 are zoomed-in perspective views of the well system of Figure 1 illustrating an embodiment of a method for delivering a pipe to a well center of the well system of Figure 1 in accordance with principles disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0019] In the drawings and description that follow, like parts are typically marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the disclosed embodiments may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. Specific embodiments are descnbed in detail and are shown in the drawings, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to that illustrated and described herein. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed below may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results.

[0020] Unless otherwise specified, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and“compnsing” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean“including, but not limited to ...”. Any use of any form of the terms“connect”, “engage”,“couple”,“attach”, or any other term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the elements described. The various characteristics mentioned above, as well as other features and characteristics described in more detail below, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of a well system 10 for forming a wellbore extending into a subterranean earthen formation is shown. Well system 10 generally includes a well or drilling rig or platform 12, a rotary connector or iron roughneck 30, a pipe racking system (PRS) 50, a pipe transporter or ramp 80, and a pipe delivery system (PDS) 100 for delivering tubular members to a well center 15 of well system 10 that is axially aligned with a central or longitudinal axis of the wellbore. Drilling platform 12 includes a rig floor 14 supported by a surface positioned beneath rig floor 14, and a mast 16 that extends vertically from the rig floor 14. Mast 16 of dnlling platform 12 extends along a central or longitudinal axis that is substantially coaxial with well center 15 between a first or lower end position at rig floor 14 and a second or upper end distal rig floor 14. In the embodiment of Figure 1, a top drive (not shown in Figure 1) aligned with well center 15 and includes an elevator for supporting tubular members. The top drive of well system 10 is positioned within mast 16, the top drive being suspended from a drawworks cable (not shown in Figure 1) extending from the upper end of mast 16. The top drive of well system 10 may be vertically raised and lowered relative to the surface via the actuation of the drawworks cable and is configured for running pipe stands 25 of assembled drill pipe joints into and out of the wellbore as part of a drilling operation of well system 10. [0022] In this embodiment, pipe ramp 80 of well system 10 extends from rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12 to a storage position at the surface which is spaced from drilling platform 12. Pipe ramp 80 is generally configured to transport tubular members or drill pipe joints from the storage position to the rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12. In this embodiment, pipe ramp 80 generally includes a pipe transport or support surface for supporting drill pipe joints during transport to rig floor 14, a pivot assembly for pivoting the support surface from a horizontal position for loading drill pipe joints onto the support surface and an inclined position for transporting the loaded drill pipe joint, and a pipe actuator or pusher for displacing the loaded drill pipe joint along the support surface of pipe ramp 80; however, in other embodiments, the configuration of pipe ramp 80 may vary

[0023] In this embodiment, PRS 50 is positioned on drilling platform 12 and is generally configured for assembling pipe stands 25 from the drill pipe joints delivered to rig floor 14 by the pipe ramp 80. Additionally, PRS 50 is configured to transporting the assembled pipe stands 25 in a setback position 27 that is spaced or laterally offset from well center 15. In this embodiment, mast 16 includes a fingerboard (not shown in Figure 1) that is elevated from the rig floor 14 and is configured to support the upper end of each pipe stand 25 positioned in the setback position 27. Additionally, PRS 50 is also configured for transporting pipe stands 25 from the setback position 27 to the PDS 100, which is positioned about or at least partially surrounding well center 15. As will be discussed further herein, once PDS 100 receives a first pipe stand 25 from PRS 50, PDS 100 is configured to align the delivered first pipe stand 25 with well center 15 and stab a lower, pin end of the first pipe stand 25 into an upper, box end of a second pipe stand 25 that is coupled to a drill string (comprising a plurality of coupled pipe stands 25) of well system 10 which extends into the wellbore. With the pin end of the first pipe end 25 stabbed into the box end of the second pipe stand 25, the iron roughneck 30, which is positioned on rig floor 14 adjacent well center 15, is configured to threadably connect the pin end of the first pipe stand 25 with the box end of the second pipe stand 25, thereby assembling the first pipe stand 25 with the drill string of well system 10. In this embodiment, slips 32 are positioned in the rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12 about well center 15 for supporting the box end of the second pipe stand 25. The process of transferring pipe stands 25 from setback position 27 to the PDS 100 using PRS 50, and assembling the delivered pipe stands 25 with the drill string of well system 10 may be continually repeated as the wellbore is drilled by the drill string of well system 10.

[0024] Referring to Figures 1-10, an embodiment of the PDS 100 of well system 10 is shown in Figures 2-7. PDS 100 generally includes a first or stationary support frame 102, a second or moveable support frame 140 coupled to stationary support frame 102, and a pipe support frame 180 coupled to the moveable support frame 140. PDS 100 includes a first or setback side 103 positioned between PRS 50 and well center 15, and a second or roughneck side 105 positioned between well center 15 and iron roughneck 30. During the assembly of the drilling platform 12 of well system 10, PDS 100 may be lowered onto rig floor 14 via a lifting sling 90 attachable to the stationary support frame 102 of PDS 100. In some embodiments, stationary support frame 102 of PDS 100 may be attached to the rig floor 14 to restrict relative movement betw een stationary support frame 102 and rig floor 14. In the embodiment of Figures 2-10, stationary support frame 102 generally includes a pair of lateral support arms 104 each extending between a first end 104A positioned at the setback side 103 of PDS 100 and a second end 104B opposite first end 104A that is positioned at the roughneck side 105 of PDS 100.

[0025] Stationary support frame 102 of PDS 100 also includes a traverse arm 108 extending between lateral support arms 104. In this embodiment, a support brace 112 may be positioned between lateral support arms 104 during the installation of PDS 100 on the rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12, the support brace 112 being removed from PDS 100 prior to operating PDS 100. Traverse arm 108 provides structural support to the pair of lateral support arms 104 of stationary support frame 102. A central space or aperture 111 is formed between lateral support arms 104, through which well center 15 extends. Traverse arm 108 of stationary support frame 102 is positioned at the setback side 103 of PDS 100. Lateral support arms 104 and traverse arm 108 of stationary support frame 102 each extend substantially parallel to the rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12 when PDS 100 is positioned on rig floor 14. In this embodiment, a lubricator or lubricant assembly 120 is positioned on a platform 122 extending from an upper surface of the traverse arm 108 of stationary support frame 102. Lubricator 120 is configured to physically support a lower or pin end of a pipe stand 25 delivered to PDS 100 by PRS 50. In this manner, lubricator 120 provides a staging area 125 for supporting the delivered pipe stand 25, permitting the PRS 50 to return to the setback position 27 and retrieve an additional pipe stand 25 for delivering to PDS 100.

[0026] Additionally, in this embodiment, a plurality of fluid conduits 124 extend to lubricator 120 for supplying lubricator 120 with lubricant or pipe dope” for lubricating a threaded connector formed on the pin end of the pipe stand 25 supported by lubricator 120. Thus, lubricator 120 is configured to lubricate the pin end of the pipe stand 25 prior to coupling the pipe stand 25 with a box end 29 (shown in Figure 10) of the uppermost pipe stand 25 of the drill string of well system 10 via iron roughneck 30. Although in this embodiment stationary support frame 102 of PDS 100 includes lubricator 120, in other embodiments, PDS 100 may not include lubncator 120, and instead, the pin end of each pipe stand 25 delivered to PDS 100 may be supported by, for example, a mount or other support positioned on traverse arm 108 of stationary support frame 102. The stationary support frame 102 of PDS 100 additionally includes a control system 130 coupled to one of the lateral support arms 104. As will be discussed further herein, control system 130 is configured for selectably controlling the actuators of PDS 100 in response to the transmission of one or more control signals from a control system of well system 10 to the control system 130 of PDS 100.

[0027] In this embodiment, the moveable support frame 140 of PDS 100 generally includes a pair of laterally extending rails 142, and a pair of longitudinally extending support arms 150. The lateral rails 142 each extend between a first end 142A positioned at the setback side 103 of PDS 100 and a second end 142B opposite first end 142A that is positioned at the roughneck side 105 of PDS 100. Lateral rails 142 of moveable support frame 140 extend parallel with the lateral support arms 104 of stationary support frame 102 and are supported by upper surfaces of lateral support arms 104. In this embodiment, each lateral rail 142 of moveable support frame 140 includes a first or lateral actuator 146 configured to displace longitudinal support arms 150 along lateral rails 142. Particularly, lateral actuators 146 are configured to displace longitudinal support arms 150 and pipe support frame 180 along a first or lateral axis 155 (shown in Figures 7, 10) between a first or offset position (shown in Figures 5-7) that is spaced from well center 15 and aligned with lubricator 120, and a second or center position (shown in Figures 2-5, 8-10, and via dotted lines in Figures 5-7) aligned with well center 15 and spaced from lubricator 120. The lateral axis 155 along which longitudinal support arms 150 and pipe support frame 180 travel is parallel with the rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12. In this embodiment, each lateral actuator 146 comprises a hydraulic cylinder controlled by the control system 130 of PDS 100; however, in other embodiments, lateral actuators 146 may comprise other types of linear actuators, including electncally and pneumatically powered actuators.

[0028] Longitudinal support arms 150 of moveable support frame 140 couple with pipe support frame 180 and provide physical support thereto. Longitudinal support arms 150 extend parallel with well center 15 and orthogonally relative lateral rails 142. Thus, longitudinal support arms 150 extend vertically from the rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12 when PDS 100 is positioned on the rig floor 14. In this embodiment, each longitudinal support arm 150 extends from a first or lower end 150A coupled to one of the lateral rails 142 of moveable support frame 140 and a second or upper end 150B opposite lower end 150B. In this embodiment, each longitudinal support arm 150 is equidistantly spaced from well center 15 when moveable support frame 140 is in the center position. [0029] In this embodiment, the pipe support frame 180 of PDS 100 generally includes a pair of connector mounts 182, a pair of traverse arms 186 extending from connector mounts 182, and a gripping jaw 190 coupled between the pair of traverse arms 186. In this embodiment, traverse arms 186 are formed integrally or monolithically with connector mounts 182; however, in other embodiments, connector mounts 182 and traverse arms 186 may comprise distinct members. The connector mounts 182 of pipe support frame 180 slidably engage the longitudinal support arms 150 of moveable support frame 140 and are configured to transfer loads applied to pipe support frame 180 to the longitudinal support arms 150 of moveable support frame 140. The loads transferred to longitudinal support arms 150 from connector mounts 182 are then transferred to stationary support frame 102 and the rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12 when PDS 100 is positioned on rig floor 14.

[0030] In this embodiment, a second or longitudinal actuator 185 is coupled between each connector mount 182 of pipe support frame 180 and the moveable support frame 140. Longitudinal actuators 185 are configured to selectably displace pipe support frame 180 (and any pipe stand 25 coupled therewith) along a second or longitudinal axis 165 (shown in Figures 7, 10) between a first or retracted position (shown in Figures 2-7), and a second or extended position (shown in Figures 8-10, and via dotted lines in Figures 5-7) that is longitudinally spaced from the retracted position. In this embodiment, longitudinal axis 165 is orthogonal to the lateral axis 155; however, in other embodiments, longitudinal axis 165 may be disposed at varying angles relative to the lateral axis 155. Additionally, in this embodiment, the longitudinal axis 165 along which pipe support frame 180 travels is orthogonal the the rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12 when PDS 100 is disposed on rig floor 14. In other words, longitudinal actuators 185 are configured to displace pipe support frame 180 vertically relative rig floor 14 when PDS 100 is disposed on rig floor 14, where the extended position of pipe support frame 180 is distal or farther away from rig floor 14 than the retracted position of pipe support frame 180. In this embodiment, each longitudinal actuator 185 comprises a hydraulic cylinder controlled by the control system 130 of PDS 100; however, in other embodiments, longitudinal actuators 185 may comprise other types of linear actuators, including electrically and pneumatically powered actuators.

[0031] The gripping jaw 190 of pipe support frame 180 is configured to selectably couple with a pin end of a pipe stand 25 delivered to PDS 100 by the PRS 50 of well system 10. In this embodiment, jaw 190 is positioned equidistantly between connector mounts 182 and includes a pair of jaw actuators 192 configured to actuate jaw 190 between a first or open position and a second or closed position. In the open position of jaw 190 the pin end of a pipe stand 25 may be inserted into or removed from a central receptacle 194 of jaw 190, and thus, relative movement, including relative longitudinal or axial movement, is permitted between the pipe stand 25 and jaw 190. In the closed position of jaw 190, and when the pin end of a pipe stand 25 is received in receptacle 194 of jaw 190, receptacle 194 is at least partially closed to lock the pipe stand 25 to the jaw 190 such that relative movement between the pipe stand 25 and the jaw 190 of pipe support frame 180 is restricted. As shown particularly in Figures 7, 10, a central or longitudinal axis extends through the receptacle 194 of jaw 190. The central axis 195 of jaw 190 is offset from well center 15 when moveable support frame 140 of PDS 100 is in the offset position (shown in Figure 7). Additionally, central axis 195 of jaw 190 is aligned or disposed coaxial with well center 15 when moveable support frame 140 is in the center position (shown in Figure 10, and shown via dotted liens in Figure 7).

[0032] Additionally, when the pin end of a pipe stand 25 is received in receptacle 194 of jaw 190 and jaw 190 is disposed in the closed position, jaw 190 is configured to transfer loads from the received pipe stand 25 (including the weight of the pipe stand 25) to the longitudinal support arms 150 of moveable support frame 140 via engagement between connector mounts 182 and the longitudinal arms 150 and longitudinal actuators 185 of PDS 100. Thus, PDS 100 may physically support the weight of a pipe stand 25 when the pin end of the pipe stand 25 is coupled to the jaw 190 of pipe support frame 180 with jaw 190 disposed in the closed position. In this embodiment, each jaw actuator 192 of pipe support frame 180 comprises a hydraulic cylinder controlled by the control system 130 of PDS 100; however, in other embodiments, jaw actuators 192 may comprise other types of linear actuators, including electrically and pneumatically powered actuators.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 and 11-15, having described structural features of the embodiment of PDS 100 shown in Figures 2-10, a method for operating well system 10 or assembling a drill string of well system 10 using the PRS 50 and PDS 100 will now be described. As shown particularly in Figure 11, a drilling operation well system 10 may include connecting the box end 31 of a first pipe stand 25 A with a pin end 31 of a second pipe stand 25B via the iron roughneck 30, and running the connected pipe stands 25A, 25B (aligned with well center 15) into the wellbore of well system 10 via a top drive (not shown in Figures 11-15) suspended above the rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12. In the embodiment of Figures 11-15, as pipe stands 25 A, 25B are run into the wellbore via the top drive of well system 10, a claw or gripper 52 of the PRS 50 of well system 10 couples to a third pipe stand 25C disposed in the setback position 27 near the pin end 31 of the third pipe stand 25C. PRS 50 then transports the third pipe stand 25C to a position adjacent the setback side 103 of the PDS 100 of well system 10. In some embodiments, an upper box end 29 of the third pipe stand 25C may be supported by an additional component of PRS 50 suspended above the rig floor 12 as the third pipe stand 25C is transported from the setback position 27 to the PDS 100.

[0034] In this embodiment, with moveable support frame 140 of PDS 100 disposed in the offset position, pipe support frame 180, disposed in the retracted position, and jaw 190 disposed in the open position, the gripper 52 of PRS 50 insets the third pipe stand 25C through the receptacle 194 of jaw 190 such that a longitudinal or central axis 33 of third pipe stand 25C is aligned with the central axis 195 of jaw 190 and the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25 C is positioned beneath jaw 190, as shown particularly in Figure 12. With the central axis 33 of pipe stand 25C aligned with the central axis 195 of jaw 190, the gripper 52 of PRS 50 stabs the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C into the lubricator 120 of PDS 100, as shown particularly in Figure 13, disposing the third pipe stand 25C in a loading position that is disposed between the setback position 27 and the well center 15. In this position, the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C is physically supported by lubricator 120 and the stationar support frame 102 of PDS 100. In this embodiment, lubricant is supplied to a threaded connector of the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C via the fluid conduits 124 extending to lubricator 120.

[0035] With the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C supported by the lubricator 120 of PDS 100, jaw actuators 192 actuate jaw 190 into the closed position, thereby clamping jaw 190 onto the outer surface of third pipe stand 25 C adjacent pin end 31 and restricting relative axial movement between third pipe stand 25C and the jaw 190 of PDS 100. In some embodiments, jaw 190 is actuated into the closed position in response to a control signal transmitted to the control system 130 of PDS 100 from a control system of well system 10; however, in other embodiments, the actuation of jaw 190 into the closed position may be controlled via personnel of well system 10. With jaw 190 secured to third pipe stand 25C, the gripper 52 of PRC 50 releases third pipe stand 25C, permitting jaw 190 of PDS 100 to support the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C. In this embodiment, with the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C supported by jaw 190 of PDS 100, the gnpper 52 of PRS 50 returns to the setback position 27 to retrieve an additional or fourth pipe stand (not shown in Figures 11-15) that may be supplied to the PDS 100

[0036] In this embodiment, once gripper 52 of the PRS 50 of well system 10 releases the third pipe stand 25 C and the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C is sufficiently lubricated by lubricator 120, longitudinal actuators 185 actuate pipe support frame 180 from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby raising the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C from lubricator 120 such that pin end 31 is spaced from lubricator 120. Additionally, once pipe support frame 180 is actuated into the extended position, moveable support frame 140 of PDS 100 is actuated from the offset position towards the center position, as shown particularly in Figure 14. In some embodiments, pipe support frame 180 actuated into the extended position and moveable support frame 140 is actuated into the center position in response to a control signal transmitted to the control system 130 of PDS 100 from a control system of well system 10; however, in other embodiments, the actuation of pipe support frame 180 and moveable support frame 140 may be controlled via personnel of well system 10.

[0037] As moveable support frame 140 enters the center position, the central axis 33 of the third pipe stand 25C aligns with well center 15 with the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C suspended above the box end 29 of the second pipe stand 25B, where the box end 29 of second pipe stand 25B is supported by slips 32 and positioned proximal the rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12. The pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C is physically supported by jaw 190 of PDS 100 as moveable support frame 140 is actuated from the offset position to the center position. In some embodiments, PDS 100 supports the entire weight of third pipe stand 25C as third pipe stand 25C is aligned with well center 15 via PDS 100; however, in other embodiments, the weight of third pipe stand 25C may be at least partially supported by another component of well system 10 as moveable support frame 140 is actuated from the offset position to the center position, such as a component suspended above rig floor 14 and coupled to the box end 29 of third pipe stand 25 C.

[0038] In this embodiment, once moveable support frame 140 is disposed in the center position with the central axis 33 of third pipe stand 25C aligned with well center 15, pipe support frame 180 is actuated from the extended position to the retracted position to thereby stab the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C into the box end 29 of second pipe stand 25B projecting from the rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12. With the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C stabbed into the box end 29 of the second pipe stand 25B, jaw 190 of PDS 100 is actuated into the open position to release third pipe stand 25C from jaw 190 and moveable support frame 140 is returned to the offset position for receiving the fourth pipe stand 25 retrieved by PRS 50 from the setback position 27. In this embodiment, following the release of jaw 190 from third pipe stand 25C, the iron roughneck 30 of well system 10 is actuated to engage third pipe stand 25C and rotate third pipe stand 25C to threadably connect the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C with the box end 29 of the second pipe stand 25B, thereby coupling third pipe stand 25C to the drill string of well system 10. In other embodiments, jaw 190 may remain in the closed position, engaged to third pipe stand 25C, as iron roughneck threadably connects the pin end 31 of third pipe stand 25C with the box end 29 of second pipe stand 25B. [0039] PDS 100 may also be utilized in a method of tripping the drill string out of the wellbore of well system 10. For example, in an embodiment, the top drive of well system 10 lifts an uppermost portion of the drill string upwards until an uppermost pipe stand 25 of the drill string extends above the rig floor 14 of drilling platform 12. In this position, the box end 29 of a second uppermost pipe stand 25 positioned directly beneath the uppermost pipe stand 25 is positioned adjacent the rig floor 14 and engaged by slips 32. Additionally, moveable support frame 140 of PDS 100 is actuated into the center position such that uppermost pipe stand 25 is received in the receptacle 194 of jaw 190 (pipe support frame 180 being disposed in the retracted position). Iron roughneck 30 is then actuated to break the connection or disconnect the pin end 31 of the uppermost pipe stand 25 from the box end 29 of the second uppermost pipe stand 25.

[0040] In this embodiment, jaw 190 of PDS 100 is actuated into the closed position to couple jaw 190 with the uppermost pipe stand 25 once the uppermost pipe stand 25 has been disconnected from the second uppermost pipe stand 25 by the iron roughneck 30; however, in other embodiments, jaw 190 may be actuated into the closed position about the uppermost pipe stand 25 prior to the disconnection of the uppermost pipe stand 25 from the second uppermost pipe stand 25. With uppermost pipe stand 25 disconnected from the second uppermost pipe stand 25 and jaw 190 of PDS 100 coupled to the uppermost pipe stand 25, pipe support frame 180 of PDS 100 is actuated into the extended position to lift the pin end 31 of the disconnected pipe stand 25 from the box end 29 of the second uppermost pipe stand 25. In this embodiment, with pipe support frame 180 in the extend position, moveable support frame 140 is returned to the offset position and pipe support frame 180 is returned to the retracted position to stab the pin end 31 of the uppermost pipe stand 25 into the lubricator 120. With the disconnected pipe stand 25 supported by lubricator 120, jaw 190 is actuated into the open position to release pipe stand 25, permitting the gripper 52 of PRS 50 to couple with the pipe stand 25 such that PRS 50 may transport the disconnected pipe stand 25 to the setback position 27. In some embodiments, as PRS 50 returns the disconnected pipe stand 25 to the setback position 27, the steps of lifting the drill string, disconnecting an uppermost pipe stand 25 from the drill string, and transporting the disconnected pipe stand 25 from well center 15 to the loading position may be repeated.

[0041] As indicated in the exemplar ' method described above, PRS 50 and PDS 100 of well system 10 work in concert to transport a pipe stand 25 from setback position 27 to well center 15 and couple the pipe stand 25 with an assembled drill string of well system 10. Particularly, PRS 50 transports pipe stands 25 from setback position 27 to a location proximal well center 15 where each pipe stand 25 is delivered to PDS 100. Flaving received a pipe stand 25 from PRS 50, PDS 100 lubricates the pin end 31 of the received pipe stand 25 and positions the pipe stand 25 at well center 15 where iron roughneck 30 of well system 10 threadably connects the pin end 31 of the pipe stand 25 with the box end 29 of an uppermost pipe stand 25 of the drill string of well system 10.

[0042] In at least some conventional well systems, the pipe racker or pipe racking system of the conventional well system must hold the transported pipe stand adjacent well center until the top drive of the well system runs the uppermost pipe stand of the drill string through the rig floor of the well system. Only when the box end of the uppermost pipe stand of the drill string is positioned adjacent the rig floor is the pipe racker of the conventional well system permitted to hand off the transported pipe stand to the roughneck and return to the setback position to retrieve the next pipe stand for delivering to the iron roughneck. Thus, the return of the pipe racker to the setback position to retrieve the next pipe stand is delayed by the time required for the top drive to run the uppermost pipe stand of the drill string into position.

[0043] Conversely, the PDS 100 of the well system 10 shown in Figures 1 and 11-15 permits the PRS 50 to return to the setback position 27 before the uppermost pipe stand 25 of the drill string of well system 10 (the second pipe stand 25B of Figures 11-15) is run through the rig floor 12 by the top drive of well system 10 until the box end 29 of the uppermost pipe stand 25 positioned adjacent rig floor 12. Instead, PDS 100 supports the transported pipe stand 25 (third pipe stand 25C in Figures 11-15) as the top drive of well system 10 runs the uppermost pipe stand 25 of the drill string into position for coupling with the pipe stand supported by PDS 100. Additionally, PDS 100 prepares the transported pipe stand 25 for coupling with the drill string as PRS 50 returns to the setback position 27 by lubricating the pin end 31 of the transported pipe stand 25 using lubricator 120.

[0044] Thus, in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 11-15, PRS 50 is not delayed in returning to the setback position 27 by the action of the top drive of well system 10. Given that PRS 50 may return to the setback position 27 to retrieve an additional pipe stand 25 prior to the completion of the running of the uppermost pipe stand 25 of the drill string of well system 10 with the top drive, the time required for coupling each additional pipe stand 25 to the drill string of well system 10 may be reduced, reducing in turn the time required for performing the drilling operation. In other words, PDS 100 permits the return of PRS 50 to the setback position 27 and the preparation and delivery of the transported pipe stand 25 to well center 15 to occur concurrently.

[0045] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present disclosure. While certain embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not limiting. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.