Systems and methods for tubular element handling

Abstract

A system and method for transferring tubular elements may include a first structure having a first horizontal platform attached to the first structure on a bottom side and a monorail attached to the first structure on a top side, a second structure having a second horizontal platform attached to the second structure. The first structure and the second structure may be located proximate to each other, while the monorail can extend from the first structure to the second structure. The monorail can have a motion controlled assembly to move a tubular element or assembly of tubular elements.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for drilling a well, comprising:
 positioning a first drilling rig proximate to a surface location for drilling a first wellbore;   positioning a second drilling rig proximate to a surface location of a second wellbore and proximate to the first drilling rig, wherein the first drilling rig and the second drilling rig each comprise a structure having a portion of a monorail fixably attached thereto wherein the monorail has a movable trolley attached thereto, and wherein the movable trolley is configured to move a tubular element or assembly of tubular elements from the second drilling rig to the first drilling rig, wherein the structure comprises a gate adapted to allow one-way movement of a tubular or assembly of tubular elements;   with the second drilling rig, breaking out a connection of a tubular element or assembly of tubular elements from a drillstring of the second wellbore;   lifting the tubular element or assembly of tubular element elements; and   with the movable trolley, moving the tubular element or assembly of tubular elements from a first position from the second drilling rig to a second position at the first drilling rig.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 attaching the tubular element or assembly of tubular elements to a drillstring in the first wellbore;   releasing the tubular element or assembly of tubular elements from a hoist; and   moving the movable trolley from the first drilling rig back to the second drilling rig.   
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 drilling the first wellbore by the first drilling rig; and   tripping out the drillstring from the second wellbore by the second drilling rig.   
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method is automated and performed by a computer system executing computer software instructions stored on the computer system. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first drilling rig and the second drilling rig are 200 feet or less from one another. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method is performed in 60 seconds or less, 75 seconds or less, 90 seconds or less, or 120 seconds or less. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein performing the method takes from 40 seconds to 90 seconds to complete. 
     
     
         8 . A system for transferring tubular elements, comprising:
 a first structure attached to a first drilling rig for drilling a first well, wherein the first structure has a first platform attached to the first structure on a bottom side;   a second structure attached to a second drilling rig for drilling a second well, wherein the first structure and the second structure are located within 200 feet of one another;   a monorail having a first portion attached to a top side of the first platform for the first structure and a second portion attached to the second structure, wherein the first platform comprises a gate adapted to allow one-way movement of a tubular or assembly of tubular elements; and   a trolley attached to the monorail, wherein the trolley is configured to hold a tubular element or assembly of tubular elements and to move from a first position associated with the first structure to a second position associated with the second structure.   
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein movement of the trolley is responsive to an operator command. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the first structure and the second structure are at substantially a same height. 
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the trolley is configured to lift the tubular element or assembly of tubular elements in response to an operator command. 
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the trolley is configured to lower the tubular element or assembly of tubular elements in response to an operator command. 
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 8 , wherein the first drilling rig is located proximate to a borehole of the first well that contains a portion of a drillstring. 
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 13 , wherein the second drilling rig is located proximate to a second borehole of the second well.