Abstract: An apparatus includes a key disposed at least partially in a first recess in a first tubular, the key defining teeth facing in a first axial direction, a first biasing member biasing the key in the first axial direction relative to the first tubular, and a rack disposed at least partially in a second recess formed in a second tubular. The rack defines teeth that face in a second axial direction that is opposite to the first axial direction, the teeth of the rack being configured to mesh with the teeth of the key. The apparatus also includes a second biasing member engaging the rack and biasing the rack in a first circumferential direction, the rack being configured to reciprocate circumferentially relative to the second tubular by engagement with the key and the second biasing member, in response to the first tubular being rotated into connection with the second tubular.

Abstract: A system for laying pipe includes a conveyor configured to receive one or more pipes, and one or more friction stir welding (FSW) machines configured to connect the one or more pipes to a pipeline deployed toward a sea floor.

Abstract: A method including acquiring measurements representing torque applied to a connection between a first tubular and a second tubular, a rotational position of the first tubular relative to the second tubular, or both, obtaining a plurality of make-up parameters representing conditions under which the connection is fully made, generating a plurality of rules for connection evaluation based on the make-up parameters, and automatically evaluating the connection using a computer. Automatically evaluating includes applying machine learning, the plurality of rules, or a combination thereof to a dataset of the measurements. The method also includes recommending accepting or rejecting the connection based on the automatic evaluation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for mitigating collision occurrences on a drilling rig, of which an example of the method includes associating ultra wide band (UWB) tags with pieces of rig equipment and rig personnel. The tags are configured to communicate with one or more anchors. The method also includes determining interlock rules associated with each of the pieces of rig equipment, monitoring positions of the pieces of rig equipment and the rig personnel using the tags, in real-time, determining that one or more of the interlock rules are violated by a position of one or more of the pieces of rig equipment, rig personnel, or both, and, in response to determining that the one or more of the interlock rules are violated, at least partially disabling operation of one or more of the pieces of rig equipment.

Abstract: A system for laying pipe includes a conveyor configured to receive one or more pipes, and one or more friction stir welding (FSW) machines configured to connect the one or more pipes to a pipeline deployed toward a sea floor.

Abstract: A method including acquiring measurements representing torque applied to a connection between a first tubular and a second tubular, a rotational position of the first tubular relative to the second tubular, or both, obtaining a plurality of make-up parameters representing conditions under which the connection is fully made, generating a plurality of rules for connection evaluation based on the make-up parameters, and automatically evaluating the connection using a computer. Automatically evaluating includes applying machine learning, the plurality of rules, or a combination thereof to a dataset of the measurements. The method also includes recommending accepting or rejecting the connection based on the automatic evaluation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for mitigating collision occurrences on a drilling rig, of which an example of the method includes associating ultra wide band (UWB) tags with pieces of rig equipment and rig personnel. The tags are configured to communicate with one or more anchors. The method also includes determining interlock rules associated with each of the pieces of rig equipment, monitoring positions of the pieces of rig equipment and the rig personnel using the tags, in real-time, determining that one or more of the interlock rules are violated by a position of one or more of the pieces of rig equipment, rig personnel, or both, and, in response to determining that the one or more of the interlock rules are violated, at least partially disabling operation of one or more of the pieces of rig equipment.

Abstract: A method for determining an integrity of a connection includes applying a high-contrast material to a connection between a first tubular and a second tubular. A torque is applied to the first tubular. Applying the torque to the first tubular includes rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular to establish the connection. A change in pattern of the high-contrast material in analyzed, while the torque is applied to the first tubular, using a strain detection tool that does not contact the connection. A strain at the connection is determined, based at least partially upon analyzing the change in pattern of the high-contrast material. An integrity of the connection is determined, based at least partially upon the strain.