Tension Link for Drill Floor Substructure Assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tension link drill floor level connection system for use on a drilling rig, as may be used in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a tension link assembly for resisting separating forces incurred between sections of the substructure. In particular, the tension link assembly may be located at the drill floor level for resisting the separating forces imparted by “splayed” or wide leg mast structures that tend to separate substructure side boxes from the substructure center section. The present invention may be comprised of a first link element and a second link element with a tension link being connectable over the first and second link elements to resist separation between sections of the substructure. A latch mechanism may be utilized to prevent upward movement of the tension side boxes or center section relative to the drill floor or to one another.

1 . A drilling rig, comprising:
 a collapsible substructure including:
 a side top box; 
 a center section connectable to the side top box; and, 
 a drill floor formed on a top side of the side top box and a top side of the center section; 
   a first link element formed on the side top box, near to the drill floor;   a second link element formed on the center section; the first link and second link elements being located in adjacent alignment when side top box and center section are positioned for connection to each other; and,   an annular tension link connectable to the first and second link elements;   wherein forces urging separation of the first and second link elements are resisted by the tension link.   
     
     
         2 . The drilling rig according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the tension link being connectable to the first link element and second link element from the drill floor.   
     
     
         3 . The drilling rig according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the first link element, second link element, and tension link being located substantially at the drill floor level of the drilling rig.   
     
     
         4 . The drilling rig according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the first link element being a lug formed on the side top box;   the second link element being a lug formed on the center section; and,   the tension link being connectable over the first and second link elements.   
     
     
         5 . The drilling rig according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the first link element having a relief in the side top box;   the second link element having a relief in the center section; and,   the tension link being insertable into the first and second link elements.   
     
     
         6 . The drilling rig according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a latch mechanism for preventing upward movement of the tension link assembly in relation to the drill floor.