Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for handling a tubular above a wellbore. In one aspect, the present invention provides a pipe handling apparatus operable with a pipe pick-up and lay-down machine. The pipe handling apparatus includes at least one arm having a first end and a second end and at least one stop member coupled to the second end of the arm. Preferably, the first end is pivotally coupled to the pipe pick-up and lay-down machine. The pipe handling apparatus may be actuated to limit movement of the tubular as it is moved toward the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe-handling machine (100) for picking up and laying down pipe, such as at a rig site. The machine first comprises three elongated and nested truss members. First, a trestle (200) is provided; second, a trough carrier (300) is received within the trestle; and third, a trough (400) is slidably received within the trough carrier. The machine next comprises an inclined ramp (500). A lower end of the ramp is pivotally connected to the trestle, while an upper end of the ramp extends upward to the rig floor. The length of the ramp is adjustable to accommodate rig floors of varying heights. A trestle transport mechanism (550) selectively moves a front end of the trestle upwards along the ramp, thereby delivering a joint of pipe to the rig floor. The trough may optionally be moved along the trough carrier and out over the rig floor to aid in delivery.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for handling a tubular above a wellbore. In one aspect, the present invention provides a pipe handling apparatus operable with a pipe pick-up and lay-down machine. The pipe handling apparatus includes at least one arm having a first end and a second end and at least one stop member coupled to the second end of the arm. Preferably, the first end is pivotally coupled to the pipe pick-up and lay-down machine. The pipe handling apparatus may be actuated to limit movement of the tubular as it is moved toward the wellbore.

Abstract: A notch cutting machine 10 cuts a precision notch in an oilfield tubular according to API specifications. The machine includes a base 12 for positioning either within the tubular for cutting an internal notch, or on the outer surface of the tubular for cutting an external notch. An electrically powered servo motor 14 is mounted on the base for rotating a motor shaft 21, and a linear translator 16 linearly moves a support block 18 a preselected distance in response to a selected rotation of the shaft. An electrode 22 has a tip surface 23 configured for cutting the notch in a tubular. The electrode is fixed with respect to a head 20 by an air responsive holder 80, and pressure to the head may be briefly terminated so that tip surface 23 comes into planar engagement with the surface of the tubular to be notched. An electrical source 24, a pressurized air source 28, and an EDM oil source 32 provide power, air pressure, and an EDM oil coolant, respectively, to operate the notch cutting machine.

Abstract: Pipe inspection apparatus comprising transducers for transmitting pulsed beams of ultrasonic energy longitudinally, transversely and obliquely into the wall of the pipe for detection of flaws. The apparatus includes a motor driven chuck 18 for rotating the transducers about the a pipe P and motor driven roller 12 for axial movement of the pipe whereby the transducers move in a helical scanning path. A control system 60 maintains the axes of the pipe and circle array of transducers in coincidence and with hydraulic controls 80 maintains each transducer at fixed distance to the pipe for sonically coupling thereto by a flowing liquid whereby a shear wave is generated by each beam in the tubular wall. The transducers comprise multiple pairs, the members of which are diametrically opposed and transmit in opposite directions, for transmitting longitudinally at angles of 12.degree., 27.degree. and 42.degree.

Abstract: A portable electrode arc cutting tool 11 for cutting internal and external precision notches in a work surface in which the tool is releasably attachable to the work surface and a calibrated feed control (14,112,185) is used to bring a surface configured electrode member (68,101,173) into close proximity to the work surface. Thereafter, upon the application of arc discharges of electrical current between the electrode member and the work surface and use of a cooling and flushing fluid, the electrode member cuts a precision depth notch in the work surface in an embodiment for internal use within pipe. The tool includes releasable attachment means (12,91,141) for stabilizing the tool within the bore of the pipe. In a tool used for external cutting of notches, the tool is releasably attached to an outer work surface.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting shoe 10 for sensing coils 31 of a pipe inspection apparatus. The mounting shoe 10 comprises a base member 12 with a recess 14 in a surface thereof in which the magnetic sensing coils 31 are mounted. A thin shim 40 of magnetically transparent material is removably supported on the base member 12 in covering relationship to the sensing coils 31 whereby the coils are protected from abrasive contact with the exterior surface of a pipe to be inspected. A pair of adjustable contact members 51 are mounted on opposite sides of the recess 14 and provided with contact surfaces 51b positioned to engage the exterior surface of a pipe while supporting the magnetic sensing coils protected by the shim in an optimum sensing range from the surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe pick-up and laydown machine for lifting a joint of pipe from a generally horizontal position on a pipe rack to an inclined and elevated position relative to an elevated rig floor for connection to rig elevators by the drilling crew. The apparatus includes a horizontal base position adjacent the pipe racks with a pipe carrying trough slidably mounted in a trough trestle which can telescope in and out of one end of the trestle. An inclined track extends from one end of the base to a position near the edge of the rig floor and structure is provided for lifting the front end of the trough trestle along the inclined track. The rear end of the trough trestle is mounted on a sliding articulating arm which first moves forward as the front end of the trough trestle is elevated on the inclined track and then stops and pivots to raise the rear end of the trestle to incline the pipe carrying trough at a desired elevation when extended over one edge of the rig floor. The operation is reversed when laying down pipe.

Abstract: The disclosed invention involves radioactive inspection of tubular pipe passed rotatively and longitudinally relative to an inspection head. A beam of radiation is directed so as to intersect the pipe along a chord where the intersection is spaced a distance "d" on a horizontal radius from the pipe axis, the distance "d" being approximately 0.6 of the radius of the outer pipe wall. A diametrical beam of radiation can be used for comparison purposes.