Abstract: A power slip that utilizes modified SDXL slips and regular drilling bowls that fits to the pin drive master bushings of the rotary table and utilizes the depth of the drive pin holes as part of the actuators, thus allowing the power slip to set lower for added clearance and safety during drilling operations. Cables are anchored to a base plate and slip linkages and slip connectors are pivotally mounted to the slips and to the top plate so that, when the lift cylinders are actuated, the slips are moved to the released position. This two-stage linkage and cable design maximizes the movement of the slip assemblies while minimizing vertical movement of the power slip's housing.

Abstract: An operational system and method and improved apparatus for positioning and stabbing well tubulars wherein: the grasping members of the apparatus can be folded and unfolded; the boom assembly can be pivoted to a downward clearance position; a plurality of stabbing apparatuses can be placed and used in a stacked position in the derrick; the grasping members can opened at an angle with respect the boom; the grasping members can be mounted on either lateral side of the boom; a sensor monitors the relative position of the rig top drive with respect to the stabbing apparatus; the grasping members and/or the boom will automatically pivot to a breakaway position if impacted; and/or the system is programmed and configured to prevent the accidental performance of critical operations out of sequence.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanical apparatus for gripping and manipulating tubular members, such as drill pipe. The apparatus is essentially an automated slip puller, which generally comprises a slip base, a pulling mechanism pivotally attached to the slip base, and at least one cylinder or spring attached to the pulling mechanism. The entire apparatus is releasably connected to a rotary table located over a borehole. In a typical well drilling operation, the automated slip puller is attached to a slip assembly, which is thereafter placed around a drill pipe and positioned in the rotary table bushing. When the automated slip puller is activated, the pulling mechanism removes the slip assembly from the rotary table bushing and from around the drill pipe, thereby allowing the drill pipe to be manipulated in or out of the well bore. During operation, no portion of the automated slip puller is located outside the boundary of the rotary table.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drilling with a top drive system. In one aspect, the apparatus provides a tubular gripping member for use with a top drive to handle a tubular comprising a housing operatively connected to the top drive and a plurality of gripping elements radially disposed in the housing for engaging the tubular, wherein moving the housing relative to the plurality of gripping elements causes the plurality of gripping elements to engage the tubular.

Abstract: A drill gripping device is shown with an inexpensive and compact design. In one embodiment, an inexpensive and more compact design is possible through the use of a single actuator with a single gripping portion of a drill gripping device. Embodiments of drill gripping devices shown are further reduced in price and size due to a force amplification device such as a camming arm. Alternatively, an increased gripping force is possible using an existing size actuator. A drill gripping device is shown with increased precision in gripping. A pair of gripping jaws are synchronized to improve jaw centering capabilities.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods used to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods may be used for running in wellbore components or for a drill string.

Abstract: The spider, arranged for support on a drilling rig, is fitted with a plurality of slips peripherally distributed about a slip bowl. Each slip has a plurality of pipe gripping dies distributed vertically and resting on individual abutment surfaces on the slip. Each slip has a generally vertical slide way to receive mating surfaces on the die for radial constraint of the dies.

Abstract: Drilling rig apparatus for connecting and disconnecting well pipe at a drilling rig. A remotely controlled power wrench assembly is mounted on a remotely controlled lifting mechanism attached to a base spaced about the well axis on the rig floor. The wrench assembly includes upper and lower wrenches carried by the lifting mechanism. The wrench assembly includes a lower wrench for gripping a lower box coupling of a drill pipe section at the well center. An upper wrench is provided for torquing and spinning an upper pin coupling into or out of threaded engagement with the lower box coupling. A manipulator is pivotably carried on a rod supported from the wrench assembly. The manipulator captures a drill pipe section and transfers the drill pipe section between the well axis and a position at the side of the wrench assembly. A slot is provided between frame members of the base for placement of a power slip manipulator for setting and releasing slips in the rotary table.

Abstract: Apparatus for gripping and releasing a tubular and comprising an elevator (13) having slips (15) for gripping and releasing a tubular (39,40). A spider (12) has slips (14) for gripping and releasing the tubular (33). A mechanically operated valve (18) is provided for controlling the supply of pressurised fluid to move the spider slips (14) between a gripping position and a release position, with sensor means (28) detecting when the elevator slips (15) are in the gripping position. Means (31) mechanically inhibits movement of the valve (18) to a position in which the spider slips (14) release the tubular (40) when said sensor means (28) detects that the elevator slips (15) are not in a correctly gripping position. A second valve (20) controls movement of the elevator slips (15) and a guide plate (24) links control of both valves (18, 20).

Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it. One embodiment includes the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder along with upper and lower holders having wedge members also with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section. In this embodiment the drill pipe and wedge members can be rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving pipe on a rig floor between a number of different stations including an off-floor rack, a preparation opening, a borehole, and a storage area, such that tubulars can be loaded onto the drill floor, prepared at the preparation opening, loaded onto or off of the storage rack, and connected to a drill string while drilling is simultaneously conducted at the borehole, comprising at least two pipehandling devices, at least one of the pipehandling devices having multiple independent gripping arms, the pipehandling devices being arranged for communicating pipe between a storage area off the drill floor, a storage area on the drill floor, at least one preparation opening, and a drill opening are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving pipe on a rig floor between a number of different stations are provided. Generally the apparatus includes pipehandling equipment arranged to interact with an off-floor rack, a preparation opening, a borehole, and a storage area, such that tubulars can be loaded onto the drill floor, prepared at the preparation opening, loaded onto or off of the storage rack, and connected to a drill string while drilling is simultaneously conducted at borehole. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two pipehandling devices for communicating pipe between a storage area off the drill floor, a storage area on the drill floor, at least one preparation opening, and a drill opening.

Abstract: A continuous well string injection system, comprising a rig, such as a drilling or service rig, a continuous feed injection unit suspended from the rig, a continuous well string guide forming a conduit for continuous well string between a continuous well string holder and the continuous feed injection unit, the continuous well string guide being suspended from the rig at a suspension point between the continuous feed injection unit and the continuous well string holder; and a tension device, such as a cable, straddling the suspension point to restrain lateral movement of the continuous well string injection unit in relation to the continuous well string holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting or removing a string of tubulars from a borehole includes a makeup/break out mechanism which is capable of adding a tubular to or removing a tubular from the string and handling mechanism which feeds a tubular into, or removes a tubular from, the make up/break out mechanism. The make up/break out mechanism is moveable along the direction parallel to the axial direction of the string, such that the string may be substantially continuously inserted into or removed from the borehole.

Abstract: A rotary slip for supporting a drill string having a plurality of slip segments connected to define an opening for insertion of the drill string, wherein each slip segment comprises a head region, a toe region, and an inner radial surface axially extending between the head and toe regions, and wherein the inner radial surface of each slip segment comprises a circumferential groove. A plurality of axially aligned drill string gripping inserts are attached to each slip segment between the head region and the circumferential groove, wherein each insert comprises a gripping surface for contacting the drill string. A load ring is disposed within the circumferential groove of each slip element, the load ring comprising at least one securing element which is engaged by one of the plurality of axially aligned inserts to secure the load ring within the circumferential groove.

Abstract: A method of supporting an pipe in a bowl without marking the surface of the pipe by providing a pair of intermediate surfaces between the sloping surface of the bowl and the contact surface with the pipe. The intermediate surfaces are approximately perpendicular to each other in order to amplify the force against the pipe in comparison to the force from the bowl.

Abstract: An oil or gas well slip system is provided that includes a first movable member having an interactive contact surface and a second movable member having a mating interactive contact surface for slidable engagement with the interactive contact surface of the first movable member. The first and second movable members are each comprised of a first material. A second material, compositionally different from the first material, is attached to the interactive contact surface of either the first or the second movable member.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method to insert a small diameter pipe into a borehole while holding a larger diameter pipe. The apparatus includes a table attached to a centralized base which, in turn, provides a telescopic stop tower. The stop tower includes a force transducer that yields a readout when it is abutted by a first wrench when a second wrench secured to the small diameter pipe is turned.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods can be used for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a joint between two lengths of tubular. The apparatus comprises a tong arrangement (23) comprising a rotary tong (1) and a back-up tong (11). A frame (20) has a seat (21) for supporting the tong arrangement (23) from beneath, the tong arrangement (23) resting upon the seat (21) such that the tong arrangement (23) can be oriented in use at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the frame (20). Means (32) are provided for securing the tong arrangement (23) to the frame (20) at a chosen orientation.

Abstract: Methods and apparati are disclosed for continuous circulation of drilling fluids while adding or removing tubulars to and from a drill string, and also for continuing drilling during the addition or removal of tubulars to and from the drill string.

Abstract: Drilling rig apparatus for connecting and disconnecting well pipe at a drilling rig. A remotely controlled power wrench assembly is mounted on a remotely controlled lifting mechanism attached to a base spaced about the well axis on the rig floor. The wrench assembly includes upper and lower wrenches carried by the lifting mechanism. The wrench assembly includes a lower wrench for gripping a lower box coupling of a drill pipe section at the well center. An upper wrench is provided for spinning an upper pin coupling into or out of threaded engagement with the lower box coupling. The upper wrench has two opposed spinner-roller pairs which translate between open and closed positions for spinning the upper pin coupling when in a closed position. The upper wrench also has two opposed jaw blocks which translate between open and closed positions for gripping the pin coupling in a closed position.

Abstract: A method of lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section. The shoulder of the drill pipe and the shoulders of the wedge members are rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: An improved snubbing unit including a snubbing unit base, a lifting assembly having a platform positioned above the base, a rotary table positioned on the snubbing unit, and a first slip assembly positioned on the rotary table. The first slip assembly further includes a base plate with a center aperture formed therein, at least two separate slip frames positioned on the base plate around the center aperture, wherein each of the slip frames includes a slip surface, and a die carrier positioned within each of the slip frames, wherein each of the die carriers also includes a surface for engagement with the slip surfaces of said slip frames. Additionally, a second slip assembly will be positioned on the snubbing unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dual jacking system and method for inserting and extracting tubulars, or the like into and out of a well, such as an oil or gas well, at a relatively high rate of speed.

Abstract: Equipment (1) for stowing and handling drill pipes (2), the equipment being provided with a device for transporting the drill pipes (2) from a service well (9) to a rack container (11); the transport device being defined by a central control tower (23) located in front of the container (11) and being able to rotate around an axis of vertical rotation (A) and by a grip device (24) supported by the central tower (23) and movable together with, and in relationship to, the central tower itself from a working grip position at the well (9) to a working release position at the bin (12) of the container (11).

Abstract: Drill rod holder (10) mounted on a support (6) for clamping action towards a drill rod (40), which rod holder (10) is suitable for use in surface and underground drilling equipment, comprising a first jaw (34) arranged to co-operate with a second jaw (36) in clamping action towards the drill rod (40) from opposite sides; a piston-cylinder arrangement (22) in which a piston rod (28) in one end is attached to a first side of the piston (26) and in the other end is arranged to co-operate with the second jaw (36); a medium supply inlet (48) in the cylinder (2) through which a medium pressure is arranged to force the piston from its first side to pull the piston rod (28) into the cylinder (2) and thereby releases the clamping force on the jaws (34, 36) so that the jaws can be separated, wherein the cylinder (2) on the second side of the piston (26) is pre-filled with pressurised gas (46) acting as a gas spring exerting a pushing force on the piston (26) and thereby on the second jaw (36) via the piston rod (28) an

Abstract: The drilling machine includes a base member that is mounted on a deck for pivotal movement relative to an opening in the deck. A lower wrench is mounted on the base member for pivotal movement therewith relative to the deck and for movement relative to the base member such that the lower wrench is engageable with flat surfaces of a lower drill rod. An upper wrench is movable relative to the deck and engageable with flat surfaces of an upper drill rod such that pivotal movement of the base member relative to the deck when the upper wrench engages the upper drill rod and when the lower wrench engages the lower drill rod rotates the lower drill rod relative to the upper drill rod to break the joint between the upper and lower drill rods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to insert a small diameter pipe into a borehole while holding a larger diameter pipe is disclosed. The apparatus includes a table attached to a centralized base which, in turn, provides a telescopic stop tower. The stop tower includes a force transducer that yields a readout when it is abutted by a first wrench when a second wrench secured to the small diameter pipe is turned.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying torque to a first tubular relative to a second tubular, the apparatus comprising a first tong for gripping the first tubular and a second tong for gripping the second tubular, wherein the first tong is provided with teeth around a peripheral surface thereof, the second tong is provided with at least one pinion, and the pinion meshes with the teeth in such a way that the first tong and the second tong can be rotated relative to one another when the pinion is rotated. The apparatus may include a positioning apparatus for determining the position of the tubular relative to the tong. The positioning apparatus comprising a plunger movably disposed on a base and coupled to a visual indicator. The plunger includes a contact member disposed at one end, whereby contact with the tubular causes the plunger to move along the base and the distance traveled is indicated by the visual indicator. The apparatus may further include a torque measuring flange.

Abstract: A wellbore tubular handling system and method is provided for operation in holding and lowering tubulars, such as casing strings, at a rig site. The handling system utilizes a plurality of interchangeable gripping modules for use with both the elevator slips and the spider. Because the gripping modules are completely interchangeable, only one additional gripping module is needed to provided 100% redundancy at the well site to thereby reduce the equipment normally required by approximately 25%. An elevator module receives the interchangeable gripping module therein. An interchangeable gripping module may also preferably be flush mounted in many standard rotary table types. Alternatively a top mount spider module is provided to receive a gripping module for other rig floor and/or rotary table constructions.

Abstract: A method of lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section, the shoulder of the drill pipe and the shoulders of the wedge members being rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying torque to a first tubular relative to a second tubular, the apparatus comprising a first tong for gripping the first tubular and a second tong for gripping the second tubular, wherein the first tong is provided with teeth around a peripheral surface thereof, the second tong is provided with at least one pinion, and the pinion meshes with the teeth in such a way that the first tong and the second tong can be rotated relative to one another when the pinion is rotated. The apparatus may include a positioning apparatus for determining the position of the tubular relative to the tong. The positioning apparatus comprising a plunger movably disposed on a base and coupled to a visual indicator. The plunger includes a contact member disposed at one end, whereby contact with the tubular causes the plunger to move along the base and the distance traveled is indicated by the visual indicator. The apparatus may further include a torque measuring flange.

Abstract: A tong as may be used for a continuous circulation system in a wellbore. The tong has a housing with a hollow interior. A plurality of spaced apart jaw assemblies reside within the housing's hollow interior for engaging a portion of a tubular to be gripped and rotated by the tong. A gear wheel is secured to the housing for rotating the housing and the jaw assemblies. The gear wheel includes a toothed outer circumference for mating with teeth of a drive shaft of a driving motor. A gear flange is movably mounted on the gear wheel such that rotation of the gear wheel does not rotate the gear flange.

Abstract: For making of breaking a coupling between a pipe section (1) and a pipe string (2) projecting from a rotary drilling rig into a bore in the lithosphere, the pipe section (1) is rotated relative to the pipe string (2) by applying a torque up to a make-up or breaking torque. Exertion of said torque generates a reactive torque in an opposite sense of rotation. Rotation induced by a motor (17; 50) is transferred to the pipe string (2) so that said pipe string (2) is rotated as well. The reactive torque is transferred to the pipe string (2) along a path bypassing the motor (17; 50). Thus, the make-up or breaking torque can be exerted without requiring a substantial change of the torque exerted to rotate the pipe string (2) at a constant rotational velocity in order to avoid changes of the rotational velocity of the pipe string (2). A pipe coupling device and a pipe handler for carrying out this method are described as well.

Abstract: A snubbing unit drilling system which includes a power tong and a hydraulically activated back-up tong. A mounting structure having a rotating slip assembly positioned thereon such that the rotating slip assembly rotates relative to the mounting structure. A plurality of support legs are attached between the power tong, the back-up tong, and the mounting structure such that the support legs prevent relative rotation between the power tong and the mounting structure.

Abstract: A method of lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section.

Abstract: A drill pipe handling apparatus for oil and gas drilling rigs, the drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section positioned between the ends of the drill pipe. The enlarged diameter section of drill pipe has a shoulder which corresponds with and is engaged by a shoulder located on wedge members of lower and upper holders on a drilling rig for supporting the drill pipe without damaging it during and after addition or removal of joints of drill pipe.

Abstract: A drill pipe for oil and gas drilling rigs, the drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section positioned between the ends of the drill pipe. The enlarged diameter section of drill pipe has a shoulder which corresponds with and is engaged by a shoulder located on wedge members of a holder in a drilling rig for supporting the drill pipe without crushing or otherwise damaging the drill pipe.

Abstract: Equipment (1) for stowing and handling drill pipes (2), the equipment being provided with a device for transporting the drill pipes (2) from a service well (9) to a rack container (11); the transport device being defined by a central control tower (23) located in front of the container (11) and being able to rotate around an axis of vertical rotation (A) and by a grip device (24) supported by the central tower (23) and movable together with, and in relationship to, the central tower itself from a working grip position at the well (9) to a working release position at the bin (12) of the container (11).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rapid replacement of upper inside blowout preventers (IBOP) on a top drive system (TDS) utilizes a hydraulic pressure booster to increase the operating pressure of a pipe handler/torque wrench, an air amplifier to increase the air pressure to a main shaft brake of the TDS in order to provide torque back-up, a rotary table back-up structure (RTBS) for providing a torque back-up for removing the upper IBOP, and a drive ring for preventing relative rotation between the RTBS and upper IBOP. The saver sub and lower IBOP are first broken out, or loosened, with the pipe handler/torque wrench. The upper IBOP is then broken out by placing the RTBS over the rotary table with the rotary table and the TDS main shaft locked. The modified TDS and pipe handler/torque wrench are then used together with the RTBS and drive ring in order to rapidly and safely replace the upper IBOP.

Abstract: A power tong set, with lead and back-up tongs, is mounted on the slip bowl of the traveling Jack head of a snubbing unit and rotates with the slip bowl. Service lines (or umbelicals) for the tong set are not connected during string rotation. In an alternate version of the apparatus a fluid feed through swivel is mounted on the tong set, secured to the necessary tong operating and control service fluid line, or lines, such that the tong set can rotate with tong service lines between the tong set and the snubbing unit attached during rotation. In an alternate form, the tong set is mounted on the jack head, independently of the rotary table, and the tong set does not rotate when the rotary table rotates.