Abstract: Various clamps for connecting one tubular member to another, methods of using and making such clamps are disclosed. In one aspect a clamp for coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member is provided. The clamp includes a first clamp half and a second clamp half engageable with the first clamp half. The first and second clamp halves define a first through bore to accommodate the first tubular member and a second through bore to accommodate the second tubular member. A strap is adapted to circumscribe at least a portion of and bring into engagement the first and second clamp halves. The clamp is buoyant in water.

Abstract: Various clamps for connecting one tubular member to another, methods of using and making such clamps are disclosed. In one aspect a clamp for coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member is provided. The clamp includes a first clamp half and a second clamp half engageable with the first clamp half. The first and second clamp halves define a first through bore to accommodate the first tubular member and a second through bore to accommodate the second tubular member. A strap is adapted to circumscribe at least a portion of and bring into engagement the first and second clamp halves. The clamp is buoyant in water.

Abstract: A make-up assembly and process provides a true power-tight connection between a first and second tubular segment. Each of the segments has an externally threaded male member at one end and an internally threaded female member at the other end. The male member of the first segment is inserted into the female member of the second segment. A primary torque component is applied to the first segment to engage the external threads of the first segment with the internal threads of the second segment and to advance the male member of the first segment into the female member of the second segment. The value of the primary torque component is monitored. An impulse energy component is then superimposed on the primary torque component when a predetermined onset threshold has been reached. Application of one or both of the primary and impulse energy components is discontinued when a predetermined maximum threshold has been reached.

Abstract: A make-up assembly and process provides a true power-tight connection between a first and second tubular segment. Each of the segments has an externally threaded male member at one end and an internally threaded female member at the other end. The male member of the first segment is inserted into the female member of the second segment. A primary torque component is applied to the first segment to engage the external threads of the first segment with the internal threads of the second segment and to advance the male member of the first segment into the female member of the second segment. The value of the primary torque component is monitored. An impulse energy component is then superimposed on the primary torque component when a predetermined onset threshold has been reached. Application of one or both of the primary and impulse energy components is discontinued when a predetermined maximum threshold has been reached.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an anti-rotation device for mating connectors, and methods of using same. In one illustrative embodiment, the method comprises coupling a first connector to a second connector, removing at least a portion of the second connector after the first and second connectors are coupled together to thereby define a recess in the second connector, and coupling an anti-rotation member to at least one of the first and second connectors, wherein the anti-rotation member engages at least a portion of the first connector and is adapted to engage at least a portion of the recess in the second connector.

Abstract: An elevator for assembling a plurality of a large diameter pipe joints into a pipe string with a drilling rig is disclosed. The first one of a number of large diameter pipe joints is adapted to threadingly engage another large diameter pipe joint. The elevator is detachably securable to the upper end of the first joint, and is adapted to both lift and position the first joint while it is stabbed and tightened onto the string. The elevator is further adapted to co-operatively engage the rotary table of the drilling rig to rotatably tighten the second joint to the first joint as the second joint is added to the string.

Abstract: The threaded connection between the pin and the box ends of two pipes is sealed externally and internally to protect the threads in the connection from exposure to corrosive fluids. Seals are provided at each axial end of the threads. External seals are formed by metal-to-metal engagement between the pin and box and a third metal body secured circumferentially about the pin. The metal body may be fashioned into a desired annular pin seal surface to mate with and seal with the box at full makeup of the connection. The metal body can be removed and replaced as required to repair or reconstructed the pin seal surface.

Abstract: The taper and pitch diameter of a conventional API eight round thread coupling are varied over the axial length of the threads. The variations are held within the allowable tolerances of the applicable API specifications. The variations minimize the interference and galling occurring in the first and last engaged threads between the coupling and a pipe end having an externally formed API thread that is screwed into the coupling beyond the maximum API penetration.

Abstract: A data resource specific to a pipe coupling centrally positioned within the coupling, intermediate the coupling ends. Multiple couplings are employed to connect together a string of well pipe. The data resource is adapted to be deployed at the coupling center in the space formed between the abutting ends of pipe made up into the coupling. The data resource provides information regarding the physical characteristics and locations of the coupling, the attached string pipe or the environment within which the coupling is disposed. The data resource may be a read-only component or it may be a readable and writeable component. The resource communicates with an instrument movable through the pipe and coupling. The data resource may be removably positioned at the center of the coupling or it may be permanently cemented in place. The data resource may take on the form of an annular ring with a crushable structure and suitable recesses for holding a data resource module.

Abstract: The threaded connection between the pin and the box ends of two pipes is sealed externally and internally to protect the threads in the connection from exposure to corrosive fluids. Seals are provided at each axial end of the threads. The external seals may be formed by metal-to-metal engagement between the pin and box or may be provided by an annular, elastomeric ring engaging the pin and box of the connection. A threaded compression ring may be used to compress the elastomeric seal between the pin and box. The seals protect dynamically loaded threaded connections from fatigue-induced failure in corrosive environments.

Abstract: A data resource specific to a pipe coupling centrally positioned within the coupling, intermediate the coupling ends. Multiple couplings are employed to connect together a string of well pipe. The data resource is adapted to be deployed at the coupling center in the space formed between the abutting ends of pipe made up into the coupling. The data resource provides information regarding the physical characteristics and locations of the coupling, the attached string pipe or tile environment within which the coupling is disposed. The data resource may be a read-only component or it may be a readable and writeable component. The resource communicates with an instrument movable through the pipe and coupling. The data resource may be removably positioned at the center of the coupling or it may be permanently cemented in place. The data resource may take on the form of an annular ring with a crushable structure and suitable recesses for holding a data resource module.

Abstract: A data resource specific to a pipe coupling centrally positioned within the coupling, intermediate the coupling ends. Multiple couplings are employed to connect together a string of well pipe. The data resource is adapted to be deployed at the coupling center in the space formed between the abutting ends of pipe made up into the coupling. The data resource provides information regarding the physical characteristics and locations of the coupling, the attached string pipe or the environment within which the coupling is disposed. The data resource may be a read-only component or it may be a readable and writeable component. The resource communicates with an instrument movable through the pipe and coupling. The data resource may be removably positioned at the center of the coupling or it may be permanently cemented in place. The data resource may take on the form of an annular ring with a crushable structure and suitable recesses for holding a data resource module.

Abstract: The threaded connection between the pin and the box ends of two pipes is sealed externally and internally to protect the threads in the connection from exposure to corrosive fluids. Seals are provided at each axial end of the threads. External seals are formed by metal-to-metal engagement between the pin and box and a third metal body secured circumferentially about the pin. The metal body may be fashioned into a desired annular pin seal surface to mate with and seal with the box at full makeup of the connection. The metal body can be removed and replaced as required to repair or reconstructed the pin seal surface.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting first and second tubular members, the coupling including a tubular body having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first threaded box formed in the first end portion, a second threaded box formed in the second end portion, the tubular body having an outer, annularly extending surface with at least one groove formed in the outer surface and extending from the first end portion to the second end portion of the tubular body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method directed particularly to improving a modified threaded buttress collar. The method is also of value with any internally threaded member having a seal ring groove therein. The method specifically deals with the removal of the feather edge thread created when a seal ring groove is placed within an internally threaded member. Such groove usually provides residence for a seal ring. When the groove is placed in the internally threaded member there is created a feather edge thread immediately adjacent the groove. This feather edge thread is easily deformable and can create severe galling problems within the coupling.The feather edge is removed, preferably, in stepped fashion utilizing a machining tool such as a grooving tool within a computer numerically controlled lathe. The grooving tool is set such that as the coupling turns in the lathe, the movement of the grooving tool matches the pitch and helix of the threads and the speed of the lathe.