Abstract: A well lift frame, clamp assembly therefor, and method for handling well equipment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the lift frame includes a frame, a vertical slot forming an opening in a side of the frame, and a clamping assembly mounted to the side of the frame near the opening. The clamping assembly may include a linkage assembly arranged so as to travel along an arcuate path between a disengaged position, in which the clamping assembly is substantially clear of the opening, and an engaged position in which the clamping assembly at least substantially covers a horizontal extent of the opening. The linkage assembly may define a four-bar linkage mechanism. The clamping assembly may also include an actuator coupled to the linkage assembly so as to selectively position the linkage assembly, and a shoe carried by the linkage assembly for contacting and clamping equipment within the vertical slot.

Abstract: A well lift frame stabilizer, system, and method for stabilization thereof is disclosed. In an embodiment, the stabilizer includes one or more engagement mechanisms carried by one or more extension arms. The extension arms may be movable between a retracted position, in which the engagement mechanisms are not captured by a pair of vertical stabilization rails, and an extended position, in which the engagement mechanisms are vertically movably captured between the stabilization rails. A drive mechanism may be provided to move the extension arms and to sequentially operate the engagement mechanisms to first, engage side rollers, and then to subsequently engage front and back rollers against the rails.

Abstract: A spider and method for supporting a tubular within a well bore. Radial dogs, controlled by cylinders that extend and retract simultaneously, are operable to support the tubular by the lower lip of a box connector. When a tubular connector is set down upon the dogs so as to depress one or more triggers located thereon, an interlock in a control system is actuated to prevent movement of the dogs. However, even while the spider is thus loaded, the dogs may nevertheless be retracted via an emergency override mechanism thereby allowing the tubular to be dropped into the wellbore. When the tubular has been lifted off of the triggers, the interlock is deactivated, and the dogs of the spider can be operated once again. The triggers may actuate sensor valves located within the dogs, which in turn actuates an interlock valve isolating the flow path of the cylinders.

Abstract: A rigidizer and method for its use in supporting a tubular string during handling operations. The rigidizer includes upper and lower sleeves which pivotally open and close to clamp about the string. The upper and lower sleeves are rigidly connected by a number of structural telescopic legs that allow adjustment to different lengths for accommodating different strings. The rigidizer is installed on the string when the string is in a horizontal position and provides structural support to thin-walled components during upending and handling. Once the string is vertically oriented, the rigidizer is removed prior to being run into a marine riser or well.

Abstract: A SALT ring handling system having a platform, a track system operatively connected to a lower side of the platform, and a pickle fork operatively connected to the track system. The platform may include an upper deck, a lower deck, a spacer for positioning the deck near a riser, and an engaging mechanism for operatively connecting the platform to a carrier system. The track system may include a vertical track assembly and a horizontal track assembly for transferring the vertical track assembly in a substantially horizontal direction. The vertical track assembly may include a lift mechanism that is operatively connected to the pickle fork, and the lift mechanism may transfer the pickle fork in a substantially vertical direction. The pickle fork may include one or more extensions for engaging a portion of a SALT ring.

Abstract: An improved motion compensator device that includes a compensated framework for various types of well intervention operations where a stable work area is required that is stationary to the sea bed and equipment in the annulus. The device is intended for use on offshore drilling vessels that are primarily either moored or dynamically positioned and therefore subject to the motions created by the sea. The device is designed to compensate for the vertical motion of the rig by means of two steel frame assemblies, pneumatic compensating cylinders, and a load and motion transfer apparatus.

Abstract: An improved motion compensator device that includes a compensated framework for various types of well intervention operations where a stable work area is required that is stationary to the sea bed and equipment in the annulus. The device is intended for use on offshore drilling vessels that are primarily either moored or dynamically positioned and therefore subject to the motions created by the sea. The device is designed to compensate for the vertical motion of the rig by means of two steel frame assemblies, pneumatic compensating cylinders, and a load and motion transfer apparatus.

Abstract: An improved motion compensator device that includes a compensated framework for various types of well intervention operations where a stable work area is required that is stationary to the sea bed and equipment in the annulus. The device is intended for use on offshore drilling vessels that are primarily either moored or dynamically positioned and therefore subject to the motions created by the sea. The device is designed to compensate for the vertical motion of the rig by means of two steel frame assemblies, pneumatic compensating cylinders, and a load and motion transfer apparatus.