Abstract: A method of running a tubular string into or out of a wellbore includes the steps of moving the tubular string relative to the wellbore and making up or breaking a connection between a tubular joint and the tubular string when the tubular string is being moved relative to the wellbore.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is directed to a replacement cage assembly (106) to modify a conventional power tong (100) to enable the power tong to grip and rotate smaller diameter tubular segments (90). The method of the invention is directed to modifying a power tong (100) to grip and rotate a tubular segment of a diameter smaller than could be gripped by the unmodified power tong (100). The invention provides a rotary gear insert (240), having an interior second cam surface, rotatably captured intermediate an upper cage plate (230) and a lower cage plate (210) and slidably receivable within the conventional rotary gear of the power tong (100) and to cam and rotate a plurality of replacement gripping jaws (220, 221) pivotally captured adjacent the second cam surface (240) and intermediate the upper cage plate (230) and the lower cage plate (210).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for handling a supported tubular string with a string elevator and a spider on a rig to prevent damaging contact between the string elevator and spider while facilitating further connections of add-on tubular segments. The string elevator and supported tubular string descend toward the spider until reaching a predetermined position. The process of setting the spider into engagement of the tubular string is automatically initiated in response to detecting the predetermined position of the string elevator. With the spider set, the string elevator can be unloaded. Optionally, the method may also automatically terminate the string elevator descent in response to detecting that the spider has been set. A preferred apparatus for detecting the position of the elevator includes a tilt switch secured to a fixed position along the length of the Kelly hose.

Abstract: A wellbore tubular handling system and method is provided for operation in holding and lowering tubulars, such as tubing strings, casing strings, pipe strings, and the various components thereof, at a rig site. The handling system utilizes a shock table with a compressible support surface that compressively moves with a selected compression rate in response to the weight of the wellbore tubular string. The shock table preferably has a shock table body mounted below the rig floor and may conveniently replace the rotary table master bushing except for a flange which supports the shock table on the rig floor. A split-sectioned landing spear can be split open to an open position to thereby allow large items such as collars or other string components to pass through the shock table.

Abstract: An improved tubular running tool and method is disclosed for use on a rotary or top drive drilling rig of the type for inserting and selectively, internally gripping a tubular which may be utilized to lift, lower, rotate, and torque tubulars, and which may be used to fill and/or circulate fluid in and through tubulars and to cement tubulars within a wellbore. The internal tubular running tool may be used as or in conjunction with fill-up and circulating tools and with cementing head wiper plug assemblies among other tools. The tubular running tool includes an improved moving mechanism having a cylindrical pneumatic chamber annularly positioned with respect to a barrel element that forms an axial fluid pathway therethrough. A cylindrical piston is moveable within the cylindrical chamber to thereby move a cylindrical piston rod connected to gripping slips such that the slips selectively engage an interior portion of a tubular member.

Abstract: A wellbore tubular handling system and method is provided for operation in holding and lowering tubulars, such as tubing strings, casing strings, pipe strings, and the various components thereof, at a rig site. The handling system utilizes a shock table with a compressible support surface that compressively moves with a selected compression rate in response to the weight of the wellbore tubular string. The shock table preferably has a shock table body mounted below the rig floor and may conveniently replace the rotary table master bushing except for a flange which supports the shock table on the rig floor. A split-sectioned landing spear can be split open to an open position to thereby allow large items such as collars or other string components to pass through the shock table.

Abstract: A tubular running tool and method adapted for use on a rotary or top drive drilling rig of the type for inserting and selectively, internally gripping a tubular which may be utilized to lift, lower, rotate, and torque tubulars, and which may be used to fill and or circulate fluid in and through tubulars and to cement tubulars within a wellbore is provided. The internal tubular running tool may be used as or in conjunction with fill-up and circulating tools and with cementing heads wiper plug assemblies among other tools. The tubular running tool includes: a barrel forming an axial fluid pathway therethrough, the barrel having a top end and a bottom end, the barrel forming a lower connecting section; at least one slip movably connected to the connecting section for selectively engaging an interior portion of a tubular member; and a moving mechanism functionally connected between the slips and the barrel for moving the slips in engaging contact with and from the tubular member.

Abstract: A support table with an upwardly extending tubular neck engages the lower surface of the upper connector of the string to support the string while resting on a floor-level support. The neck is small enough for an elevator to close around the neck and still engage the outer portion of the lower surface of the connector. The support table is split into separable parts for opening to install and remove it from around the string. The base of the support table is large enough to stand on the rig floor level support. Optionally, a liner is provided for an oversize elevator bore to provide an axially short, inwardly extending, lower flange. On the upper end the liner has an outwardly extending flange to engage the usual load bearing surface of the elevator. The liner is split to open with the elevator, with each portion secured to the elevator by at least one fastener.

Abstract: A spider, preferably a flush mounted spider, and powered lead tong are coupled by a rotationally rigid structure so that torque reaction forces apply no side load to pipe. The tong preferably tilts upward to clear larger objects approaching the spider. An optional grabber is mounted, preferably atop the lead tong, and may tilt with the lead tong. Fluid powered motors, linear or rotary, provide the tilting energy and extend and retract the grabber. The tong and related structure has quick coupler provisions for removal from the spider.

Abstract: A spider for use within the rotary table opening has all movable elements flush with or below the rig floor. The conventional wedge shaped slips are supported and aligned by a slip carrier that has a spherical outer surface that slideably mates with a spherical bowl inner surface in the spider such that the pipe, slip, and slip carrier can tilt as a unit about any horizontal axis that passes through the spherical surface center.

Abstract: A multi-sectioned, bidirectional gripping ring for a closed-head power tong is disclosed of the inventive gripping ring have an open position in which a pipe may be placed within or removed from the gripping ring and a closed position in which the gripping ring completely encircles the pipe. The inventive gripping ring uses radially moveable dies in circumferentially moveable die carriers to grip the pipe. The dies are synchronously moved in the radial direction to grip or release the pipe by changing their circumferential position with respect to the cams in the gripping ring housing.

Abstract: A fluid actuator for a hydraulically powered rotatable gripping device which combines a fluid pressure or force multiplication with the capability of a physical separation of the rotating jaws and the fluid power source to permit rotation of the jaws and any gripped object while maintaining clamping or gripping pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for making up or breaking out of two members having mating threaded connections, such as pipe joints or bolts for avoiding undesirable transverse forces relative to the two members during tightening (or loosening), thereby insuring the connection is made up (or broken out) by essentially pure torque loads.The apparatus includes a power-driven lead tong, a back-up tong, a load cell which cooperates with either tong to produce a torque measurement and an interconnecting frame and isolation apparatus which eliminates transverse forces relative to the two threaded members. The power-driven lead tong rotatingly drives the first threaded member about its axis either clockwise or counterclockwise, as required. The back-up tong secures the second threaded member against axial rotation in response to the rotation of the first member.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping tubular members about their outer diameter without causing surface damage or structural deformation to the tubular members, so that they may be axially rotated or secured against axial rotation. A generally cylindrical internal sleeve is contained within a molded flexible liner. One side of the internal sleeve is releasably attached to the flexible liner, forming an annular bladder-like structure within the flexible liner. Introduction of pressure into the bladder-like structure causes the flexible liner to inflate radially inward and thereby grip tubular workpieces within the friction grip. Axial splines on the releasable side of internal sleeve interfit mate with corresponding splines of the molded flexible liner, thereby evenly distribute torque forces throughout the flexible liner rather than such torque forces being concentrated at only the edges of the flexible liner.