Abstract: The wiper apparatus of this invention is arranged to be located and to seat on top of the rotary head structures such as a Williams Connector or Shaffer blow-out preventor located on top of the casing. This apparatus wipes the mud from the surface of the pipe and, also, provides a catch basin to trap objects such as wrenches and the like which might fall through the casing were it not for this wiper structure. Additionally, this wiper structure provides for damping the vibration of the drill pipe string and assists the slips on the rotary table or rig derrick floor to grasp the drill pipe string and hold it in position while segments of such drill pipe string are added to or removed from the string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for removing drilling mud and other substances from the outside surfaces of drill pipe as the drill pipe is removed from a wellbore. The apparatus is comprised of a housing adapted to be attached over a wellbore and positioned whereby the drill pipe passes through the housing, an inflatable pipe wiping member formed of resilient material having a central passage formed therein for providing wiping contact with the outside surfaces of the drill pipe attached within and to the housing and means for selectively flowing a gas under pressure into or out of the pipe wiping member whereby the member can be selectively expanded or contracted to increase or decrease the force of wiping contact with the drill pipe. Improved methods of removing drilling mud and other substances from the outside surfaces of drill pipe as the drill pipe is pulled out of a wellbore are also provided.