Pipe kicker/indexer for pipe handling systems

摘要

A kicker/indexer is provided for a pipe handler for moving pipe to and from the drill floor of a drilling rig. The kicker/indexer includes a frame that is configured to attach to a catwalk, a push block drive assembly for receiving and pushing pipe towards a trough located on the catwalk, and a kicker drive assembly for pushing pipe out of the trough. A pipe handler is provided that includes a catwalk attached to a lower frame with a pair of scissor-legs and a trough nested therein, the trough having an end that can be raised and moved towards the drill floor. The trough can further have a skate slidably disposed thereon to pushing pipe on the trough towards to the drill floor.

主权项

1. A kicker/indexer for a pipe handler comprising a catwalk and a trough configured to receive pipe, the trough disposed along a longitudinal axis extending along the catwalk, the kicker/indexer comprising:
a) a frame configured for attaching to the catwalk, the frame comprising a trough end and a catwalk end, the trough end configured to be disposed near the trough, the frame further comprising a top surface that slopes downwardly away from the trough end to catwalk end, the frame further comprising a backstop disposed on the catwalk end, the backstop configured to keep pipe from sliding off of the frame; b) a push block assembly for indexing or moving pipe along the top surface from the backstop to the trough, wherein the push block assembly further comprises a push block disposed on the top surface, the push block configured to move along the top surface from the backstop to the trough end of the frame, the push block assembly further comprising:
i) a push block drive assembly operatively coupled to the push block,ii) a first continuous loop drive mechanism, andiii) a first motor configured for driving the first continuous loop drive mechanism; c) a kicker assembly for kicking out pipe located in the trough; and d) a first transmission operatively coupling the first motor to the first continuous loop drive mechanism.