Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting drill string components from a wellbore, the lifting apparatus comprising: upper and lower support elements, each of the support elements having a central aperture passing therethrough; a lifting arrangement which is operable to vary the distance between the upper and lower support elements between a first, relatively short distance and a second, relatively long distance; and selective gripping arrangements held or supported by the upper and lower support elements, respectively, each selective gripping arrangement being operable to apply a gripping force to the exterior of a substantially tubular element passing through the central apertures of the upper and lower support elements, wherein the selective gripping arrangements may be activated or deactivated independently of one another.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting drill string components from a wellbore, the lifting apparatus comprising: upper and lower support elements, each of the support elements having a central aperture passing therethrough; a lifting arrangement which is operable to vary the distance between the upper and lower support elements between a first, relatively short distance and a second, relatively long distance; and selective gripping arrangements held or supported by the upper and lower support elements, respectively, each selective gripping arrangement being operable to apply a gripping force to the exterior of a substantially tubular element passing through the central apertures of the upper and lower support elements, wherein the selective gripping arrangements may be activated or deactivated independently of one another.