Abstract: A tubular handling system for conducting subterranean operations is disclosed and can include a first tubular handling system and a second tubular handling system. The first tubular handling system can include a bridge disposed within a tubular storage area, an arm pivotally coupled to the bridge, and a gripper coupled to the arm and adapted to engage with a tubular in the tubular storage area. The second tubular handling system can include a support structure, a first tubular handler coupled to the support structure, and a second tubular handler coupled to the support structure and distinct from the first tubular handling system.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting, lowering and positioning well servicing apparatus relative to an oil or gas well is disclosed. A tubular main body is mounted in an operative position relative to a wellbore, by a bolted flange, clamp or other means. A lift arm having a vertical arm section and a horizontal arm section is slidably disposed in said main body and movable vertically and rotationally. A hydraulic cylinder, preferably positioned within the main body, moves the lift arm vertically up and down. Desired rotation is achieved by the interaction of a guide pin or cam follower, disposed in the main body and extending into a slot pattern on the outer surface of the vertical arm section, as the lift arm is moved vertically by the hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus can be used to position a safety “night cap,” a ball drop mechanism, or other tools on a well.

Abstract: This disclosure includes systems and methods for actuating hydraulically-actuated devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing equipment in a workspace such as an oil rig are disclosed. Objects are given zones which are physically larger than the objects. A monitoring system is capable of monitoring the objects and the zones for each object. When zones intersect, a collision is possible and the monitoring system can take action to prevent the collision or mitigate damage in the case of a collision. Further, systems and methods for ensuring the moving components are handed-off properly from one support to another are disclosed.

Abstract: A retractable tubular holdback system and method; the retractable tubular holdback line system includes a bi-directional motor, a cable spool, a cable, releasable coupler, an interface coupled to the bi-directional motor and configured to be couplable to the first vee-door guide post and a reversible power input control system. The power input control system may be configured to actuate the bi-directional motor at a governed rate of speed. The retractable tubular holdback line system is useful for providing a safe retractable biasing tether means couplable to the first vee-door guide post and the second vee-door guide post of a drilling rig to catch and control the tail-swing of a drill pipe section from the vee-door to a drilling platform.

Abstract: This disclosure includes systems and methods for actuating hydraulically-actuated devices.

Abstract: An automated rod manipulator system for moving a drill rod section from a storage magazine to a drill rig and connecting the drill rod to a drill string of the drill rig without manual manipulation of any parts. The automated rod manipulator system may comprise a magazine to store and dispense a plurality of drill rod sections, a carriage to convey one of the plurality of drill rod sections from the magazine to a transfer position; and a gripping arm coupled to a drill rig mast of a drilling rig, the gripping arm operable to convey one of the plurality of drill rod sections from a transfer position to a position aligned with a spindle center line of the drilling rig. The automated rod manipulator may also include a control system and an alignment assembly for aligning the drill rod section on a spindle centerline of the drill rig.

Abstract: A temporary support device for oil well tubes and method of use. The device comprises a holding structure to be applied to the well surface casing, a holding base resting in the well's cellar floor and sets of adjustable supporting arms connecting the holding structure and the supporting base.

Abstract: A racking board for retaining tubulars is disclosed having a first finger, a second forger positioned generally parallel to the first finger and with a gap between the fingers serving as a storage area for tubulars. A first inflatable member is supported adjacent to the first finger and a second inflatable member is supported adjacent to the second finger, the inflatable members adapted to expand radially into the gap upon inflation so as to capture and retain the tubular. In some embodiments, a single inflatable member in employed to expand into the gap and retain the tubular. A method of racking tubulars is disclosed using elongate, inflatable restraints.

Abstract: A system including a setback and racking system and a set of wellbay accesses, at least a portion of the setback and racking system positioned at an elevation lower than the elevation of the wellbay accesses. A system including a centrally located setback and racking system, a set of wellbay accesses, and at least one peripheral skidding system, wherein the setback and racking system is positioned at least partially below the elevation of the peripheral skidding system. A system including at least one peripheral skidding system and a set of wellbay accesses positioned along a wellbay access perimeter surrounding a central focus that is not an integral part of the peripheral skidding system. A method of drilling by aligning each of at least two drilling modules with a respective wellbay access via a peripheral skidding system and operating at least two drilling modules at least partially simultaneously.

Abstract: A portable pipe handling apparatus and method includes providing a support structure a providing a support structure adapted to support a pipe stand along a pipe stand building axis associated therewith, and inclining the pipe stand building axis so that an upper end of the axis is adjacent a top drive in a drilling rig mast and so that the pipe stand translation trajectory which is substantially co-axial with the pipe stand building axis intersects a hand-off window between the top drive and the pipe stand building axis.

Abstract: Equipment for moving tubular members from a storage rack to an elevated platform floor and back to the storage rack is disclosed. A base-mounted articulated support structure has a pipe trough mounted on top thereof. The support structure elevates the trough using a pair of struts and a plurality of articulated lifting arms mounted between the base and the support structure. Loading arms are secured to a side of the pivotal trough for picking up one tubular member from the rack and moving to the platform floor. Unloading arms detachably securable to the trough facilitate movement of the tubular members from the platform floor onto the rack.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing improper lifting of tubular members are described, in which sensing devices are used to detect when a tubular reaches a selected position within a lifting device suitable for engagement, and/or to detect when a lifting operation is initiated that would exceed the capacity of a lifting device. Operators are engaged with the tubular member and provided with a preselected force corresponding to the weight of one or more tubular members, such that when the weight of a lifting operation exceeds the preselected force, an audible device may be actuated responsive to sensor output, to immediately alert individuals, such that the improper lifting operation may be halted. Similarly, an audible device may be actuated responsive to sensor output when a tubular member reaches a selected position within the lifting device, such that additional movement may be ceased.

Abstract: A pipe handling device (1) on a drilling floor, the pipe handling device (1) including:—a first pipe handling machine (2) placed between a first pipe magazine (14) and the drilling centre (6); and—a second pipe handling machine (4) placed between a second pipe magazine (16) and the drilling centre (6), the first pipe handling machine (2) and the second pipe handling machine (4) both being arranged to carry pipes (12) between the drilling centre (6) and their respective first pipe magazine (14) and second pipe magazine (16), characterized by the first pipe handling machine (2) being rotatable around an axis substantially centrally in the first pipe magazine (14), and by the second pipe handling machine (4) being rotatable around an axis substantially centrally in the second pipe magazine (16).

Abstract: An automated pipe feed mechanism for transferring pipe away from a pipe tub, such as to a walkway and/or a pipe arm. A pipe feed mechanism may be mounted between the pipe tub and the skid mounted walkway for receiving pipe from a pipe gate. The pipe feed mechanism may or may not be mounted to the pipe tub and/or to a walkway. A support within the pipe tube carries pipe and may be sloped to urge the pipe towards the pipe feed mechanism. The pipe feed mechanism is operable for moving a pipe one at a time away from the pipe tub. In one embodiment, a pipe gate is located adjacent an upper edge of said pipe tub. In another embodiment, a pipe gate is located at a lower end of the pipe tub.

Abstract: A rod handling assembly 10 has a surface engagement mechanism 12 capable of engaging an exposed surface of a drill rod R and a holding mechanism 14 coupled to the surface engagement mechanism 12. The system 10 and more particularly the mechanisms 12 and 14 engage and hold the rod R from a location radially adjacent a circumferential surface of the rod R inboard of its opposite ends, rather than from an end of the rod R. The surface engagement mechanism 12 is a distributed mechanism having two parts 12a and 12b that act at axially spaced locations on the rod R. The holding mechanism 14 is located and operates on the rod R between these axially spaced locations. The surface engagement mechanism 12 initially operates to engage the surface of the rod R which may for example be lying on a rod tray, to enable the rod to be lifted from a tray. Thereafter the holding mechanism 14 is operable to support and hold the rod.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for controlling the movements of objects in an automated or remote operated system, as well as a related method and use of the system comprising independent transporting means for moving a number of objects relative to each other, the system being providing with means for controlling the position and velocity of the objects relative to each other. Each object is related to a defined geometric shape related to the object positions having dimensions corresponding to or exceeding the physical dimensions of the object in all directions, and also defining a critical allowed distance between the defined geometric shapes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating running or pulling tubulars from a well bore whereby the manual operations or functions normally performed by a human are undertaken by the THD and may including remote control or manipulation. The THD comprises an elevator assembly (THD) with a main body consisting of upper and lower plates, a scissor assembly and multiple sized die blocks to conform to the tubular diameter. The THD can be used as a transfer elevator to position the tubular for engagement by the make-up assembly, can be outfitted to perform as a safety clamp or restraining device and also configured as a tubular stabbing arm as required by the operation.

Abstract: A bolting apparatus and method for inserting a rod into a surface, the bolting apparatus including a base having a foot end and a head end, at least one stabilizing rod extendable from the base head end and having a stabilizing rod end adapted to contact a surface to be drilled, and a mechanism attached to the base between the base foot end and the stabilizing rod end and adapted to grip the rod.

Abstract: A cartridge of tubulars may be removably positioned with a carriage, and the carriage may move the cartridge transversely, vertically, and/or rotationally to roll tubulars on an adjacent tubular receiving member using only gravity from a selected tier of tubulars without human contact. A single trolley disposed with the tubular receiving member both pushes and pulls tubulars toward or away from the drilling deck.

Abstract: Methods and systems are for tripping pipe on a rig floor that is positioned over a well. A measuring device is operated to measure a length characteristic of a first drill pipe in a plurality of separated drill pipes. The length characteristic is inputted into a controller configured to control machinery to hoist the first drill pipe above the drill string, to connect the first drill pipe to the uppermost drill pipe in the drill string, and to operate the drill string to drill into the well. The controller is operated to calculate a first vertical position into which it is necessary to hoist the first drill pipe so that a predetermined clearance distance exists between the lower end of the first drill pipe and the upper end of the uppermost drill pipe in the drill string.

Abstract: A system including a setback and racking system and a set of wellbay accesses, at least a portion of the setback and racking system positioned at an elevation lower than the elevation of the wellbay accesses. A system including a centrally located setback and racking system, a set of wellbay accesses, and at least one peripheral skidding system, wherein the setback and racking system is positioned at least partially below the elevation of the peripheral skidding system. A system including at least one peripheral skidding system and a set of wellbay accesses positioned along a wellbay access perimeter surrounding a central focus that is not an integral part of the peripheral skidding system. A method of drilling by aligning each of at least two drilling modules with a respective wellbay access via a peripheral skidding system and operating at least two drilling modules at least partially simultaneously.

Abstract: Device for storing tubular on a drilling and/or production installation, comprising a shaft (8, 9, 10, 11) to accommodate a plurality of tubular in a substantially vertical position and a guide (15, 22) that is moveable above the shaft (8, 9, 10, 11). The device comprises means for displacing the guide (15, 22) in a substantially horizontal plane to a position above a selected one of all the tubular in the shaft. Also described are a catwalk (12) configured to displace the tubular in an axial direction through a V-door in the derrick (5), and which is further configured to be tilted into a substantially vertical position to receive or deliver a tubular, and a knuckle boom crane (7) with a grapple (27) that is adapted to grip an upper end of a substantially vertical tubular and carry the tubular in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, systems and devices for handling drill pipe. One example embodiment includes a method for handling a drill pipe. The method includes moving the drill pipe by a crane having a grapple, wherein the crane is located on a skid. Further, the method includes receiving the drill pipe within a carriage affixed to the skid, wherein the carriage comprises vises and spinners. Finally, the method torquing and spinning the drill pipe within the carriage, whereby the method provides for rapid mating and unmating of the drill pipe for either laying in the ground or possibly into a vehicle for removal to a different location, respectively.

Abstract: A method for delivering a tubular to a well centered drill axis includes rotating a transfer arm to which a tubular is secured about a first axis from a horizontal position to a vertical position at which a center of gravity of the transfer arm and the tubular is disposed above the first axis; and rotating an upper link of the transfer arm about a second axis while oppositely rotating a clamp support beam about a third axis from the vertical position toward the drilling apparatus while a lower link remains in the vertical position. In delivering the tubular to a drilling apparatus, a tubular supply apparatus controls the speed and acceleration of the tubular without having actuators thereof change between compression and tension states or between rotational states.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring pipe (including tubulars such as casing, tubing, drill pipe, etc.) or stands of pipe from one location to another in a wellbore derrick, e.g. from a fingerboard to a well center.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a pipe handling system for use with a tubular joining system (such as a welding or forging assembly) located on a drilling rig at a wellbore. In one aspect, a method of forming a string of pipe using a joining assembly at a wellbore is provided. The joining assembly includes an internal joining tool and an external joining tool. The method includes the step of picking up the pipe joint using an elevator. The method further includes the step of positioning a lower end of the pipe joint adjacent an end of a string of pipe disposed in the external joining tool. The method also includes the step of moving the internal joining tool from a first position to a second position relative to the elevator, wherein the second position is between the pipe joint and the string of pipe. The method further includes the step of forming a connection between the pipe joint and the string of pipe.

Abstract: A drilling derrick (2) comprises a lower section (4) and an upper section (6) separated by a racking module (8). The lower section (4) of the derrick (2) is constructed from a number of sections of metal scaffolding (10). The upper section (6) of the derrick (2) is constructed from a similar number of metal sections (12).

Abstract: A stack of magnetized casing tubulars includes a plurality of magnetized wellbore tubulars each of which includes a plurality of north and south magnetic poles imparted to a corresponding plurality of longitudinal positions along the tubulars. The plurality of wellbore tubulars are arranged into a stack having at least two rows and at least two columns, the wellbore tubulars are stacked side by side and atop one another such that the magnetic poles on one tubular are radially aligned with magnetic poles of an opposite polarity on adjacent tubulars. Such a configuration advantageously substantially eliminates weakening of the imparted magnetic field due to interaction of the magnetic poles on adjacent tubulars.

Abstract: A lifting tool (10) is provided for supporting an oilfield riser during relocation by a crane having a support line (14). The tool body (12) has an inverted U-shaped configuration with a central opening (18) and a downwardly facing throat (20). A powered drive (26) rotates the arcuate member between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A casing pipe and drill rod handler for joining the drill rod in a casing pipe. A pipe sled is provided on a drilling rig, the pipe sled comprising an elongated track with a cart slidably mounted on the track to accommodate the casing pipe. A drill rod guide is provided at one end of the track to guide a drill rod as it is positioned and then inserted into the casing pipe.

Abstract: A bolting apparatus and method for inserting a rod into a surface, the bolting apparatus including a base having a foot end and a head end, at least one stabilizing rod extendable from the base head end and having a stabilizing rod end adapted to contact a surface to be drilled, and a mechanism attached to the base between the base foot end and the stabilizing rod end and adapted to grip the rod.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus has a supporting structure, an arm pivotally interconnected to the supporting structure such that the supporting structure and the arm are movable between a first position and a second position within a single degree of freedom, and a stiffener cooperative with the arm when the arm and the supporting structure are in the second position. The stiffener applies a mechanical resistance to the arm in the second position. The second position is at an end of the travel of the supporting structure and the arm. The stiffener applies a variable resistance to the arm as the arm moves from the first position to the second position. This variable resistance is at its greatest when the arm is in the second position.

Abstract: A subsoil automatic rotary drilling system for drilling oil, mineral and water wells, characterized in that said system comprises, on a single system substructure, at least a triple-transmission hydraulic arrangement for lowering and raising a plurality of pipe elements to be introduced into and removed from a wellbore, said arrangement including a plurality of operating cables, each said cable having a dead end fixed to a cylinder carriage also supporting a plurality of transmission pulleys to handle together, while providing a triple stroke of pulling and pushing cylinders, two, three, four drilling pipe elements, having each a length of about 9.20 m (range 2).

Abstract: A racking assembly for receiving and storing at least one pipe, the racking assembly comprising a setback assembly including a selectively rotatable member having a plurality radial slots sized to receive a first portion of the pipe(s) in sliding engagement, and a base placed distal from the selectively rotatable member and coupled thereto so as to permit mutual rotation, the base arranged to support the pipe(s) on a support face of the base; a barrier located about a peripheral edge of the base, such that the setback assembly rotates relative to the barrier, the barrier arranged to prevent the pipe(s) from moving radially from the base, the barrier having a gap sized to permit selective lateral movement of the pipe(s); where mutual rotation of the selectively rotatable member and the base permit alignment of the gap and a selected slot of the selectively rotatable member, and so permitting the pipe stands to be moved laterally into the setback assembly.

Abstract: System for handling pipes on a drilling deck, comprising a pipe-handler (20) that is rotary around a vertical axis, a storage device (1) which in turn comprises an opening (14) through which pipes can be retrieved and inserted, and an intermediate storage (14) in connection to the opening. The storage (14) having the function of a lock gate dividing the drill floor into two separate pipe handling areas. The pipe-handler (20) is arranged to reach both the intermediate storage (14) in connection to the opening and the drilling centre (15). The storage device (1) comprises a pipe transport device which in turn comprises a gripper (30) that is arranged to grip at least one pipe from above and transport the pipe hanging from the gripper (30) between a storage position and the opening (14). The storage device (1) is surrounded by a closure (13) that prevents pipes from unintentionally getting outside the storage device (1).

Abstract: A transport assembly configured to be attached to downhole apparatus has a support assembly configured to be attached to the downhole apparatus and a ground engaging assembly, which in one embodiment is a roller wheel configured to contact with and move in relation to a surface of a wellbore. The roller wheel may engage with the support assembly so as to provide for their relative rotation. In this embodiment, the transport assembly also includes a retaining member disposed between the roller wheel and the support assembly, and the retaining member is operable to resist separation of the roller wheel from the support assembly. The transport assembly is further configured such that, when the transport assembly is in use moving along a wellbore, the roller wheel bears against the retaining member, which in turn bears against the support assembly. In specific embodiments, the retaining member is a ball-bearing.

Abstract: A system for handling pipes between a pipe rack (16) and a derrick (1), which derrick (1) is located on a drilling deck (2), in connection with the production of petroleum products. The system comprises means (17, 9, 25) of carrying pipe lengths (29) between the rack (16) and the derrick (1). It also comprises a unit (25) at the drilling deck (2) for temporary storage of at least two pipe lengths (29) in respective receiving chambers (26, 28). The receiving chambers (26, 28) can be moved to and from at least one receiving and/or hand-over position, in which position a pipe handling unit is arranged to hand over a pipe length to a receiving chamber (26-28) and/or retrieve a pipe length from a receiving chamber (26-28). Preferably the unit (25) is rotatable and located under an opening (28) in the drilling deck (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular handling apparatus for moving tubulars between a substantially horizontal transfer station and a second transfer station. The apparatus comprises a base and a boom, rotatable with respect to the base between a lowered position and a raised position by boom rotation drive means in a boom rotation direction around a horizontal boom rotation axis. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a gripper, rotatably attached to the boom and adapted for gripping the tubular, which gripper is rotatable about a gripper rotation axis by a gripper rotation drive means in a gripper rotation direction. According to the invention, the gripper rotation axis is parallel to and spaced from the horizontal boom rotation axis and in that the gripper rotation drive means provide a gripper rotation direction opposite to the boom rotation direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular pipe handling system comprising a lift arm assembly including a base member and a lift arm mounted on the base member. The lift arm is pivotable between a horizontal and vertical position. The lift arm further comprises at least one clamping system for clamping a length of pipe to the lift arm, to allow movement of the pipe between the horizontal and vertical positions. The base member includes a leveling system associated therewith for independent leveling of the base member and corresponding lift arm relative to a drilling rig with which the pipe handling system is used. The base member may also include a positioning system for positioning of the base member a predetermined distance from the drilling axis of a predetermined drilling rig, wherein the positioning system is adaptable to vary the distance from the drilling axis.

Abstract: A lifting device such as a mobile crane having a main body and a boom, such as a lattice boom, for supporting a pile lead for, e.g., pile driving or continuous flight auger drilling, and a method of using same. A hydraulically operated mechanical spotter arm may be attached between the device body and the pile lead. Electronic position sensors on the spotter arm may be used to measure angular relationships between the pile lead and the spotter arm. Position sensors on a boom box on the boom may also be used. When the pile lead is swung, information from the sensors may be used by an electronic control system to automatically maintain the pile lead in a desirable position, limiting torque induced in the boom. The boom box position sensors may be used to counter-steer the spotter arm to further limit torque. The boom box may also be fitted with rubber springs to permit controlled pile lead deflection while limiting load transmitted to the boom.

Abstract: A bolting apparatus and method for inserting a rod into a surface, the bolting apparatus including a base having a foot end and a head end, at least one stabilizing rod extendable from the base head end and having a stabilizing rod end adapted to contact a surface to be drilled, and a mechanism attached to the base between the base foot end and the stabilizing rod end and adapted to grip the rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for raising or lowering a tubular in a well wherein bails are conventionally coupled to elevator ears and locking assemblies secured to the outer sides of the lower bail eyes for remote controlled clamping to nipples integral with and extending from the elevator ears. The locking assemblies contain upper and lower jaws which, by a remotely controlled actuator, move in linear relation to each other and have concave clamping surfaces which join together to form a circular opening for receiving the elevator ear nipples. The nipples have enlarged diameters at their distal ends to prevent removal from the closed jaws. A remotely controlled link spreading mechanism spreads the bails to accommodate an elevator. Elevator ears may contain internal conduits for communication of power and control signals between the suspended elevator and the bails. The passages mate with a remotely actuated connector assembly.

Abstract: A materials storage chest system stores and selectively dispenses pipe in response to a controller which selectively limits access thereto. A material dispensing opening prevents access to the chest other than through the controller. A communication system provides for communication between the controller and a remote location to simplify inventory management and alert re-supply operators such that the system will provide adequate material supply.

Abstract: A fingerboard having at least one fingerboard row for storing a plurality of threaded tubulars is provided. A plurality of latches are connected to the at least one fingerboard row for lockingly retaining at least one threaded tubular, wherein each of the plurality of latches is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A row controller is connected to each of the latches for individually and sequentially moving the latches between the locked and unlocked positions, wherein the row controller is manually operable from a location remote from the latches such that the latches are manually and remotely controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rod transfer device for horizontal driving units for underground trenchless driving, having a storage container and a pivotable gripper, the gripper being arranged in such a way that the orbit of the gripper intersects both the transfer region of the storage container and the drilling axis.

Abstract: The invention is a transporting apparatus for holding lengths of tubulars and transporting tubulars to a drill floor of a drill rig, wherein the transport container for tubulars has a bottom side, a two sides connected to the bottom side, and two ends connected to the bottom side and the sides, wherein there is at least two tubular supports for supporting a plurality of tubulars secured to the two sides adapted to support a row of tubulars and to act as a guide to allow the tubulars to be inserted upward or downward into the container, each support is made of at least two parallel upright members for slidingly receiving an end of a tubular and preventing horizontal movement of the tubulars perpendicular to the side and at least one connector is located on one end and a second connector is located on the other end.

Abstract: The invention is a multipurpose system for a drilling and well intervention made of a pivotable, slidable cantilever on a platform adapted to pivot and to slide along an x-y axis; a tower disposed on the cantilever with a mast, a hoist winch, a splittable block connected to the mast, a trolley with a holding member wherein the trolley is moveably mounted to the mast and the splittable block, and a hoist cable that passes over the mast through the splittable block to the trolley; a storage device for storing tubulars; a racking arm secured to the tower for moving tubulars; a reel with coiled tubulars; a moveable injector head for running and retrieving coiled tubulars from the reel; and a retractable trolley moveably mounted on the mast with a holding member and adapted for positioning the tubulars over a well and over an additional work area.

Abstract: A device for handling pipes or stands including a transportation carriage for transport of pipes or stands between a pipe storage and a place for use. The carriage includes picking columns, each having a first picking arm arranged to move substantially vertically. The arms are capable of lifting at least one horizontal pipe or stand from the pipe storage. The picking columns are also equipped with a respective second picking arm, capable of motion substantially vertically on the opposite side of the picking column, to hold the pipe or stand between the first and second picking arms. Also described are a storage device and a pipe erecting device to be used together with the transportation carriage.