Abstract: A tubular connection position measurement system can include an acoustic transmitter secured with a rotary table, and an acoustic receiver secured with the rotary table. Another tubular connection position measurement system can include an acoustic transmitter, an acoustic receiver, and a controller configured to adjust a position of a tong assembly, based on a transit time of an acoustic signal transmitted in a tubular and received by the acoustic receiver. A method of determining a tubular connection position can include transmitting an acoustic signal through a tubular, a portion of the tubular being positioned above a rig floor, receiving a reflection of the acoustic signal, and determining a height of the portion of the tubular above the rig floor, based on a transit time of the transmitted and reflected acoustic signal through the portion of the tubular.

Abstract: An acoustic telemetry tool can include string connectors at respective opposite ends of the acoustic telemetry tool, a tubular outer housing extending longitudinally between the connectors, an inner mandrel extending longitudinally between the connectors, an annular chamber formed radially between the outer housing and the inner mandrel, and an acoustic telemetry assembly positioned in the annular chamber. In one acoustic telemetry tool, the outer housing is configured to transmit mechanical loads between the connectors, but the inner mandrel is configured to not transmit mechanical loads between the connectors. In another acoustic telemetry tool, the outer housing and the inner mandrel are configured to transmit mechanical loads between the connectors. In another tool, there may be multiple sets of outer housings, inner mandrels and acoustic telemetry assemblies.

Abstract: An acoustic telemetry tool can include string connectors at respective opposite ends of the acoustic telemetry tool, a tubular outer housing extending longitudinally between the connectors, an inner mandrel extending longitudinally between the connectors, an annular chamber formed radially between the outer housing and the inner mandrel, and an acoustic telemetry assembly positioned in the annular chamber. In one acoustic telemetry tool, the outer housing is configured to transmit mechanical loads between the connectors, but the inner mandrel is configured to not transmit mechanical loads between the connectors. In another acoustic telemetry tool, the outer housing and the inner mandrel are configured to transmit mechanical loads between the connectors. In another tool, there may be multiple sets of outer housings, inner mandrels and acoustic telemetry assemblies.