Abstract: A drilling system includes a multi-function sub configured to be coupled to a top drive of a drilling rig and configured to be coupled to a tubular in order to selectively transfer a torque from the top drive to the tubular. The multi-function sub includes a torque sensing component configured to measure the torque provided from the top drive to the tubular via the multi-function sub, a clutch configured to suspend a transfer of torque from the top drive to the tubular when the clutch is released, and a clutch actuator communicatively coupled to the torque sensing component and configured to release the clutch when the torque measured by the torque sensing component is greater than a threshold torque value. The multi-function sub also includes a compensator configured to enable the multi-function sub to move the tubular in an axial direction relative to the top drive.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a circulation system including a circulation management system. A housing of a coupling feature of the circulation management system is configured to extend over a box end of a pipe element. A seal disposed within the housing is configured to engage with a face of the box end. A force-application feature is configured to force the seal against the face of the box end to establish a sealed engagement between the circulation management system and the pipe element. A flow path of the circulation management system extends through the housing and the seal, wherein the flow path facilitates fluid flow into the pipe element from the circulation management system when the sealed engagement is established. A port to the flow path is configured to couple with a fluid flow supply feature.

Abstract: A controlled slip connection system is configured to be coupled between a drill pipe and a directional drilling assembly, and the slip connection system is configured to enable continual rotation of the drill pipe while providing a rotationally stationary surface for a mud motor of the directional drilling assembly to react against.

Abstract: Present embodiments include a first oilfield tubular, wherein the first oilfield tubular comprises a threaded box connection at a first axial end of the first oilfield tubular, a second oilfield tubular, wherein the second oilfield tubular comprises a threaded pin connection at a second axial end of the second oilfield tubular, a first flange coupled to the first axial end of the first oilfield tubular, wherein the first flange comprises a plurality of apertures arrayed about a first circumference of the first flange, and a second flange coupled to the second axial end of the second oilfield tubular, wherein the second flange comprises a plurality of recesses arrayed about a second circumference of the second flange, wherein each of the plurality of apertures is configured to align with a respective one of the plurality of recesses.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for retention of drilling components of a drilling rig that includes a first drilling component with a first retention feature, a second drilling component with a second retention feature, and a secondary retention device. The first drilling component is coupled to the second drilling component and the secondary retention device engages with the first retention feature of the first drilling component and with the second retention feature of the second drilling component.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for rotating a drill string to overcome issues related to static friction during drilling. An embodiment includes a drive system configured to rotate the drill string through variable angular displacements and at variable rotation speeds based on control signals received by the drive system, and a control system configured transmit the control signals to the drive system, wherein the control system is configured to generate the control signals based on pipe characteristics within the drill string and friction values associated with the drill string to establish a rotation pattern of the drive system to approach a desired effective reach of surface torque generated by the drive system on the drill string.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a drilling fluid management device. A containment structure of the drilling fluid management device is capable of engaging and at least partially creating a seal with a drillpipe element or drillpipe handling equipment. Further, a suction port structure of the drilling fluid management device extends from the containment structure and includes an opening into the containment structure, wherein the suction port structure is designed to couple with a drilling fluid transport feature.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a catwalk system that includes a base, a plurality of columns extending from the base, where each of the plurality of columns is rigid in an erected position, and a carriage and trough assembly configured to translate along the plurality of columns to lift a tubular element from a lowered position to a raised position in a substantially horizontal orientation, where the plurality of columns is configured to remain stationary as the carriage and trough assembly is translated from the lowered position to the raised position.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a gripping device configured to couple with a pipe element. A housing of the gripping device is configured to extend over and at least partially around a distal end of the pipe element. Torsional clamp devices are configured to engage an outer circumferential surface of the pipe element with frictional engagement features that extend radially inward from the housing. A sealing mechanism is configured to shift a pipe seal relative to the housing and into engagement with the distal end of the pipe element and to facilitate fluid flow through the gripping device into the pipe element.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a drilling system. The drilling system includes drill string actuation mechanism having a first component and a second component configured to be rotated relative to the first component by a driving mechanism of the drill string actuation mechanism. The drilling system also includes a rotary transformer having a power input winding and a rotating power output winding. The power input winding is configured to be coupled to a power source and to the first component of the drill string actuation mechanism, and the rotating power output winding is configured to be coupled to the second component of the drill string actuation mechanism.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a top drive system comprising a hoisting assembly having an upper link, a lower link, and a first joint coupling the upper link and the lower link. The top drive system also includes a main body coupled to the hoisting assembly by a second joint, wherein the hoisting assembly is configured to support the main body, and the main body is configured to support a tubular. Further, the top drive system includes a frame coupled to the main body and a counter moment system configured to apply a force on the first joint to create a bending moment about the second joint.

Abstract: A system includes a cage having a pipe rack configured to store a tubular in a vertical orientation, such that a longitudinal axis of the tubular is substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane. The system also includes a first robotic pipe handler configured to transition the tubular from a horizontal orientation, in which the longitudinal axis of the tubular is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, to the vertical orientation. The first robotic pipe handler transitions between a raised position and a lowered position about a first handler axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system having a clamping mechanism configured to apply a force on a first tool joint and a second tool joint, wherein the clamping mechanism is configured to transfer a torque from the first tool joint to the second tool joint, and the clamping mechanism is configured to rotate about an axis of the first and second tool joints.

Abstract: A pipe drive system includes a gripping device configured to couple with a pipe element. A housing of the gripping device is configured to extend over and at least partially around a distal end of the pipe element. Torsional clamp devices are configured to engage an outer circumferential surface of the pipe element with frictional engagement features that extend radially inward from the housing. A sealing mechanism is configured to shift a pipe seal relative to the housing and into engagement with the distal end of the pipe element and to facilitate fluid flow through the gripping device into the pipe element.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a drilling system including a drill string with two or more drill pipes (e.g., tubular), a drive system configured to rotate the drill string, and a neutral point sub disposed proximate a neutral point of the drill string, where the neutral point sub is configured to detect motion of the drill string.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for retention of drilling components of a drilling rig that includes a first drilling component with a first retention feature, a second drilling component with a second retention feature, and a secondary retention device. The first drilling component is coupled to the second drilling component and the secondary retention device engages with the first retention feature of the first drilling component and with the second retention feature of the second drilling component.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a multi-function sub configured to be coupled to a top drive of a drilling rig and configured to be coupled to a tubular in order to selectively transfer a torque from the top drive to the tubular. The multi-function sub includes a torque sensing component configured to measure the torque provided from the top drive to the tubular via the multi-function sub, a clutch configured to suspend a transfer of torque from the top drive to the tubular when the clutch is released, and a clutch actuator communicatively coupled to the torque sensing component and configured to release the clutch when the torque measured by the torque sensing component is greater than a threshold torque value. The multi-function sub also includes a compensator configured to enable the multi-function sub to move the tubular in an axial direction relative to the top drive.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to tubular drive system including a gripping device configured to couple with a length of tubular, a rotational system configured to drive rotation of the gripping device, and a load support feature coupled to the gripping device and the rotational system, wherein the load support feature is configured to support the gripping device and the rotational system.

Abstract: A controlled slip connection system is configured to be coupled between a drill pipe and a directional drilling assembly, and the slip connection system is configured to enable continual rotation of the drill pipe while providing a rotationally stationary surface for a mud motor of the directional drilling assembly to react against.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system having a first grip configured to couple to a first tubular, a second grip configured to couple to a second tubular, where the first and second tubulars are connected by a threaded connection, and a gear assembly coupling the first and second grips, wherein the gear assembly has a speed ratio greater than 1.