Abstract: A flowback tool is used on a top drive for delivering fluid flow to a tubular, such as a drillpipe or casing. A mechanical stroke on the tool has a mandrel with a mud saver valve and has a barrel. The mandrel connects to a quill of the top drive and has a coupling that can be threaded with the tubular's box connection. The barrel disposed on the mandrel can be moved by a cam engagement as the mandrel is rotated. When prevented from rotating with the mandrel, the barrel can thereby move in a stroke direction along an axis. An annular seal on the barrel is configured to sealably engage with the tubular. A clutch disposed on the barrel can prevent rotation of the barrel when the clutch is engaged with a portion (bail) of the top drive. However, a toque threshold of the clutch allows for slippage during operations.

Abstract: A spider for handling/gripping well components of various sizes can include multiple slip assemblies distributed circumferentially about a central axis, each slip assembly including a slip carrier radially displaceable relative to the central axis, a slip displaceable relative to the slip carrier, and a slip actuator operable to displace the slip relative to the slip carrier, the slip actuator being disposed at least partially internal to the slip carrier. Each slip assembly may include a slip carrier actuator that radially displaces the slip carrier. A table assembly may mount to a well rig with an upper surface of the table assembly being flush with a rig floor of the well rig. Another spider can include a pipe guide assembly with multiple guides and guide actuators. Each guide actuator rotates a respective one of the pipe guides about a respective guide axis that is parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: Equipment and methods for coupling a top drive to one or more tools to facilitate data and/or signal transfer therebetween include a receiver assembly connectable to a top drive; a tool adapter connectable to a tool string, wherein a coupling between the receiver assembly and the tool adapter transfers at least one of torque and load therebetween; and a stationary data uplink comprising at least one of: a data swivel coupled to the receiver assembly; a wireless module coupled to the tool adapter; and a wireless transceiver coupled to the tool adapter. Equipment and methods include coupling a receiver assembly to a tool adapter to transfer at least one of torque and load therebetween, the tool adapter being connected to the tool string; collecting data at one or more points proximal the tool string; and communicating the data to a stationary computer while rotating the tool adapter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying non-hydraulic power to a tool unit during well operation. A top drive supplies power to a power consumer of the tool unit with a non-hydraulic power supply: a mechanical power coupling from the top drive to the tool unit, a wireless power coupling from the top drive to the tool unit, a local power supply on the tool unit, and/or combinations thereof. The non-hydraulic power supply may be capable of supplying at least 2 kW for at least 10 s. The system may include a fixed gear coupled to the top drive, a slewing ring meshed to the fixed gear, and a revolving gear meshed with the slewing ring and coupled to the tool unit. The slewing ring is configured to transfer rotational force from the fixed gear to the revolving gear, and may be rotated by rotating a torque shaft or actuating the fixed gear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical imaging and assessment of tong cassette positioning devices, including identifying a focus area on a tong cassette; optically imaging the focus area with an optical imaging device on a positioning device; and analyzing information from the optical imaging to determine an assessment of the focus area. A system includes: a tong cassette having a focus area; a positioning device having an optical imaging device to image the focus area; and an analyzing device functionally connected to the optical imaging device to receive information therefrom.

Abstract: Equipment and methods for coupling a top drive to one or more tools to facilitate data and/or signal transfer therebetween include a receiver assembly connectable to a top drive; a tool adapter connectable to a tool string, wherein a coupling between the receiver assembly and the tool adapter transfers at least one of torque and load therebetween; and a stationary data uplink comprising at least one of: a data swivel coupled to the receiver assembly; a wireless module coupled to the tool adapter; and a wireless transceiver coupled to the tool adapter. Equipment and methods include coupling a receiver assembly to a tool adapter to transfer at least one of torque and load therebetween, the tool adapter being connected to the tool string; collecting data at one or more points proximal the tool string; and communicating the data to a stationary computer while rotating the tool adapter.

Abstract: Coupling a top drive to tools. A drive unit includes a drive stem having torque gear profile, threaded load coupling, torque sleeve movable between first position and second position, a sleeve gear profile engaging the torque gear profile when in second position; or spindle unit and annular motor coupled to the spindle unit; or drive stem having first friction surfaces; transmission unit having second friction surfaces parallel to first friction surfaces; and transmission selector movable to an “on” or an “off” position. A method may include rotating a drive stem of drive unit, threading coupling with a tool stem of tool adapter; moving a torque sleeve of drive unit to engage a torque gear profile of the drive stem and a stem gear profile of the tool stem; or rotating a spindle unit relative to drive stem to contact a counter nut of spindle unit with the tool stem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying non-hydraulic power to a tool unit during well operation. A top drive supplies power to a power consumer of the tool unit with a non-hydraulic power supply: a mechanical power coupling from the top drive to the tool unit, a wireless power coupling from the top drive to the tool unit, a local power supply on the tool unit, and/or combinations thereof. The non-hydraulic power supply may be capable of supplying at least 2 kW for at least 10 s. The system may include a fixed gear coupled to the top drive, a slewing ring meshed to the fixed gear, and a revolving gear meshed with the slewing ring and coupled to the tool unit. The slewing ring is configured to transfer rotational force from the fixed gear to the revolving gear, and may be rotated by rotating a torque shaft or actuating the fixed gear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical imaging and assessment of tong cassette positioning devices, including identifying a focus area on a tong cassette; optically imaging the focus area with an optical imaging device on a positioning device; and analyzing information from the optical imaging to determine an assessment of the focus area. A system includes: a tong cassette having a focus area; a positioning device having an optical imaging device to image the focus area; and an analyzing device functionally connected to the optical imaging device to receive information therefrom.

Abstract: An adapter for supporting a tong includes a leveling frame and a suspension for supporting the tong on the leveling frame. The suspension includes an axially movable member mounted to an upper surface of the leveling frame and a receptacle mounted to the tong for receiving the movable member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppling non-hydraulic power to a tool unit during well operation. A top drive supplies power to a power consumer of the tool unit with a non-hydraulic power supply: a mechanical power coupling from the top drive to the tool unit, a wireless power coupling from the top drive to the tool unit, a local power supply on the tool unit, and/or combinations thereof. The non-hydraulic power supply may be capable of supplying at least 2 kW for at least 10 s. The system may include a fixed gear coupled to the top drive, a slewing ring meshed to the fixed gear, and a revolving gear meshed with the slewing ring and coupled to the tool unit. The slewing ring is configured to transfer rotational force from the fixed gear to the revolving gear, and may be rotated by rotating a torque shaft or actuating the fixed gear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tong power and control. A tong includes a tong control system; and a local electric power generation system, wherein the tong control system is powered by the local electric power generation system. A method includes supplying hydraulic power to a motor on a tong; driving an electric generator on the tong with the motor; and supplying electric power to a tong control system on the tong. A method includes installing a tong control system on a tong; and installing a local electric power generation system on the tong, wherein the tong control system is powered by the local electric power generation system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a drive unit of a top drive system including a first, second, and third drive gears that are operationally coupled; a motor engagable with the first drive gear; a drive stem having a load coupling and engagable with the second drive gear; and a torque shaft having a torque coupling and engagable with the third drive gear. The drive stem cannot engage with the second drive gear when the torque shaft is engaged with the third drive gear. A method of coupling a drive unit to a tool adapter includes engaging a first drive gear with a motor of the drive unit while engaging a second drive gear with a drive stem of the drive unit; coupling a load between the drive stem and a tool stem of the tool adapter; and coupling a torque between a torque shaft of the drive unit and the tool stem.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a tubular handling tool. The tool may include a base and a ring or sleeve member. The tool may further include an actuation member configured to move or rotate the ring or sleeve member relative to the base. Additionally, the tool may include a clamp or dog member attached to the base. The clamp or dog member is configured to move between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position as the ring or sleeve member moves or rotates relative to the base.

Abstract: A portable tong system includes: a power tong; a backup tong; and an adapter. The adapter includes: a main frame having a base for mounting the backup tong; a mount for mounting the main frame to a positioning system; a leveling frame for torsional connection to the power tong; a suspension mounted to the leveling frame for supporting the power tong; a linear actuator for raising and lowering the leveling frame relative to the main frame; and a torsional arrestor torsionally connecting the leveling frame to the main frame.

Abstract: Coupling a top drive to tools. A drive unit includes a drive stem having torque gear profile, threaded load coupling, torque sleeve movable between first position and second position, a sleeve gear profile engaging the torque gear profile when in second position; or spindle unit and annular motor coupled to the spindle unit; or drive stem having first friction surfaces; transmission unit having second friction surfaces parallel to first friction surfaces; and transmission selector movable to an “on” or an “off” position. A method may include rotating a drive stem of drive unit, threading coupling with a tool stem of tool adapter; moving a torque sleeve of drive unit to engage a torque gear profile of the drive stem and a stem gear profile of the tool stem; or rotating a spindle unit relative to drive stem to contact a counter nut of spindle unit with the tool stem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a drive unit of a top drive system including a first, second, and third drive gears that are operationally coupled; a motor engagable with the first drive gear; a drive stem having a load coupling and engagable with the second drive gear; and a torque shaft having a torque coupling and engagable with the third drive gear. The drive stem cannot engage with the second drive gear when the torque shaft is engaged with the third drive gear. A method of coupling a drive unit to a tool adapter includes engaging a first drive gear with a motor of the drive unit while engaging a second drive gear with a drive stem of the drive unit; coupling a load between the drive stem and a tool stem of the tool adapter; and coupling a torque between a torque shaft of the drive unit and the tool stem.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a tubular handling tool. The tool may include a base and a ring or sleeve member. The tool may further include an actuation member configured to move or rotate the ring or sleeve member relative to the base. Additionally, the tool may include a clamp or dog member attached to the base. The clamp or dog member is configured to move between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position as the ring or sleeve member moves or rotates relative to the base.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a tubular handling tool. The tool may include a base and a ring or sleeve member. The tool may further include an actuation member configured to move or rotate the ring or sleeve member relative to the base. Additionally, the tool may include a clamp or dog member attached to the base. The clamp or dog member is configured to move between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position as the ring or sleeve member moves or rotates relative to the base.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular lifting system for lifting a wellbore tubular includes an outer tubular; an inner tubular disposed in the outer tubular; an annular chamber defined between the inner tubular and the outer tubular; and a tubular piston selectively movable in the annular chamber, wherein the wellbore tubular is connected to the tubular piston and movable thereby.