Abstract: A top drive for well operations having a gearbox, a traction motor connected to the gearbox so that a motor shaft of the traction motor extends into the gearbox, a quill extending into the gearbox, a gear train positioned within the gearbox and mechanically connected between the traction motor shaft and the quill, and a connector positioned in the gear train, wherein in a coupled configuration the connector communicates torque through the gear train, and wherein in a decoupled configuration the connector does not communicate torque through the gear train. A method for operating a top drive by applying a first torque to a quill with two traction motors, disconnecting one of the traction motors from the quill, and applying a second torque less than the first torque to the quill with the non-disconnected traction motor.

Abstract: A top drive for well operations having a gearbox, a traction motor connected to the gearbox so that a motor shaft of the traction motor extends into the gearbox, a quill extending into the gearbox, a gear train positioned within the gearbox and mechanically connected between the traction motor shaft and the quill, and a connector positioned in the gear train, wherein in a coupled configuration the connector communicates torque through the gear train, and wherein in a decoupled configuration the connector does not communicate torque through the gear train. A method for operating a top drive by applying a first torque to a quill with two traction motors, disconnecting one of the traction motors from the quill, and applying a second torque less than the first torque to the quill with the non-disconnected traction motor.

Abstract: A top drive for well operations having a gearbox, a traction motor connected to the gearbox so that a motor shaft of the traction motor extends into the gearbox, a quill extending into the gearbox, a gear train positioned within the gearbox and mechanically connected between the traction motor shaft and the quill, and a connector positioned in the gear train, wherein in a coupled configuration the connector communicates torque through the gear train, and wherein in a decoupled configuration the connector does not communicate torque through the gear train. A method for operating a top drive by applying a first torque to a quill with two traction motors, disconnecting one of the traction motors from the quill, and applying a second torque less than 50% of the first torque to the quill with the non-disconnected traction motor.

Abstract: A system for performing a drilling operation includes a top drive, an adapter configured to be connected to the top drive, and a kelly configured to be connected to the adapter. The top drive is configured to lift the kelly, move the kelly laterally with respect to a well center, and position the kelly in a rotary device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a drilling rig condition, the system comprising: a travelling block suspended via a drilling line from a crown block at the top of a mast of the drilling rig; a frame to which the drilling tools and/or a pipe string is mounted; at least one tie rod that connects the frame to the travelling block, wherein the at least one tie rod comprises a tensile sensor; and a control system that receives a signal corresponding to tension sensed by the tensile sensor, wherein the control system determines a drilling rig condition based at least in part on the signal received from the tensile sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of a locking ring assembly of this disclosure may be used to prevent unwanted rotation of a drill stem sub or tubular when another sub or tubular of the drill stem is subjected to a disconnect or reverse torque force. The locking ring assembly may include an upper and a lower rings having two halves connected on one end by a hinge and on another end by a fastener. Each locking ring half may include convexities located along an inner wall surface. When locking ring is in a closed position the convexities at least partly penetrate an opposing surface of the drill stem sub or tubular, thereby maintaining locking force by shear force rather than friction force. One or more keys may be installed between the upper and lower rings to prevent undesired or excessive torque experienced by one ring being transmitted to the other.

Abstract: A top drive for well operations having a gearbox, a traction motor connected to the gearbox so that a motor shaft of the traction motor extends into the gearbox, a quill extending into the gearbox, a gear train positioned within the gearbox and mechanically connected between the traction motor shaft and the quill, and a connector positioned in the gear train, wherein in a coupled configuration the connector communicates torque through the gear train, and wherein in a decoupled configuration the connector does not communicate torque through the gear train. A method for operating a top drive by applying a first torque to a quill with two traction motors, disconnecting one of the traction motors from the quill, and applying a second torque less than 50% of the first torque to the quill with the non-disconnected traction motor.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a drilling rig condition, the system comprising: a travelling block suspended via a drilling line from a crown block at the top of a mast of the drilling rig; a frame to which the drilling tools and/or a pipe string is mounted; at least one tie rod that connects the frame to the travelling block, wherein the at least one tie rod comprises a tensile sensor; and a control system that receives a signal corresponding to tension sensed by the tensile sensor, wherein the control system determines a drilling rig condition based at least in part on the signal received from the tensile sensor.

Abstract: A top drive system is provided comprising a top drive, a torque tube, and a traveling block, wherein the torque tube is connected to the travelling block on one side and to the top drive on the other side. A method to install the top drive system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A locking device for locking a threaded pipe connection where two threaded connection units are screwed together. The locking device includes two locking rings which engage each other with corresponding teeth and notches on their first sides. Each of the two rings has a different number of teeth and notches on their second side. The two second sides, which face the connection units, are formed to engage a corresponding number of notches and teeth formed on the shoulder of the connection unit's opposite side, after the rings have been spread apart in an axial direction, while maintaining the engagement between the first and the second ring.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking a threaded pipe connection, wherein two threaded connection units are screwed together. The locking arrangement is characterized in that it comprises two locking rings which engage each other with corresponding teeth and notches on their first sides. Each of the two rings has a different number teeth and notches on their second side. The two second sides, which face the connection units, are formed to engage a corresponding number of notches and teeth formed on the shoulder of the connection unit's opposite side, after the rings have been spread apart in axial direction, while maintaining the engagement between the first and the second ring.