Abstract: In one embodiment, a top drive system for drilling with casing is provided with an access tool to retrieve a downhole tool. The top drive system for drilling with casing comprises a top drive; a top drive adapter for gripping the casing, the top drive adapter operatively coupled to the top drive; and an access tool coupled to the top drive and adapted for accessing a fluid passage of the top drive system. In another embodiment, a method for retrieving a downhole tool through a tubular coupled to a top drive adapter of a top drive system is provided. The method comprises coupling an access tool to the top drive system, the access tool adapted to provide access to a fluid path in the top drive system and inserting a conveying member into the fluid path through the access tool.

Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for gripping one or more tubulars, which may include casing, during a tubular handling operation, drilling operation, and/or drilling with casing operation. The gripping apparatus comprises a housing having a bore extending therethrough and one or more gripping members which extend radially within the bore to grippingly engage a tubular or casing when activated. Adjustable guides attached to a portion of the gripping apparatus facilitate rotational movement of the casing during the drilling operation when the gripping members of the gripping apparatus are deactivated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a torque sub for use with a top drive. In one embodiment a method of connecting threaded tubular members for use in a wellbore is disclosed. The method includes operating a top drive, thereby rotating a first threaded tubular member relative to a second threaded tubular member; measuring a torque exerted on the first tubular member by the top drive, wherein the torque is measured using a torque shaft rotationally coupled to the top drive and the first tubular, the torque shaft having a strain gage disposed thereon; wirelessly transmitting the measured torque from the torque shaft to a stationary interface; measuring rotation of the first tubular member; determining acceptability of the threaded connection; and stopping rotation of the first threaded member when the threaded connection is complete or if the threaded connection is unacceptable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for connecting a tubular to a tubular string are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus suitable for engaging, compensating, and connecting a tubular includes one or more compensating pistons, an engaging assembly for engaging a tubular, and a connector for connecting the engaging assembly to the one or more compensating pistons while allowing for rotation of the tubular relative to the compensation pistons.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for supporting a tubular includes a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. A bowl is formed on an inner wall of the housing to provide an incline surface for one or more gripping members. As the gripping members are move down along the incline, the incline causes the gripping members to move radially toward the tubular and contact the tubular. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two body portions coupled together using one or mores hinges. In one aspect, the bowl is formed as a recess in the inner wall of the housing. The hinges of the housing are progressively curved to accommodate the recess bowl, thereby increasing the tubular size handling capacity of the gripping apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include guide keys that mate with guide slots formed on an outer surface of the gripping members to minimize the rotational movement of the gripping members relative to the housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore. A gripping apparatus is activated with an actuator having a primary actuator and a redundant safety feature. The redundant safety feature may include one or more redundant fluid operated pistons. The gripping apparatus may include an integrated safety system adapted to prevent damage to the tubulars while making and breaking out connections between the tubulars and the tubular string.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for supporting a tubular includes a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. A bowl is formed on an inner wall of the housing to provide an incline surface for one or more gripping members. As the gripping members are move down along the incline, the incline causes the gripping members to move radially toward the tubular and contact the tubular. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two body portions coupled together using one or mores hinges. In one aspect, the bowl is formed as a recess in the inner wall of the housing. The hinges of the housing are progressively curved to accommodate the recess bowl, thereby increasing the tubular size handling capacity of the gripping apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include guide keys that mate with guide slots formed on an outer surface of the gripping members to minimize the rotational movement of the gripping members relative to the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing additional torque in a top drive system for rotating a tubular during tubular drilling, running, and/or handling operations. In one embodiment, a gear arrangement is operatively connected to a top drive of the top drive system to increase the amount of available torque for rotating a tubular. In another embodiment, a gear box is operatively connected to the top drive to boost the amount of torque available for rotating the tubular.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for gripping one or more tubulars, which may include casing, during a tubular handling operation, drilling operation, and/or drilling with casing operation. The gripping apparatus comprises a housing having a bore extending therethrough and one or more gripping members which extend radially within the bore to grippingly engage a tubular or casing when activated. Adjustable guides attached to a portion of the gripping apparatus facilitate rotational movement of the casing during the drilling operation when the gripping members of the gripping apparatus are deactivated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a top drive system for drilling with casing is provided with an access tool to retrieve a downhole tool. The top drive system for drilling with casing comprises a top drive; a top drive adapter for gripping the casing, the top drive adapter operatively coupled to the top drive; and an access tool coupled to the top drive and adapted for accessing a fluid passage of the top drive system. In another embodiment, a method for retrieving a downhole tool through a tubular coupled to a top drive adapter of a top drive system is provided. The method comprises coupling an access tool to the top drive system, the access tool adapted to provide access to a fluid path in the top drive system and inserting a conveying member into the fluid path through the access tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for gripping one or more tubulars, which may include casing, during a tubular handling operation, drilling operation, and/or drilling with casing operation. The gripping apparatus comprises a housing having a bore extending therethrough and one or more gripping members which extend radially within the bore to grippingly engage a tubular or casing when activated. Adjustable guides attached to a portion of the gripping apparatus facilitate rotational movement of the casing during the drilling operation when the gripping members of the gripping apparatus are deactivated.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for supporting a tubular includes a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. A bowl is formed on an inner wall of the housing to provide an incline surface for one or more gripping members. As the gripping members are move down along the incline, the incline causes the gripping members to move radially toward the tubular and contact the tubular. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two body portions coupled together using one or mores hinges. In one aspect, the bowl is formed as a recess in the inner wall of the housing. The hinges of the housing are progressively curved to accommodate the recess bowl, thereby increasing the tubular size handling capacity of the gripping apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include guide keys that mate with guide slots formed on an outer surface of the gripping members to minimize the rotational movement of the gripping members relative to the housing.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for supporting a tubular includes a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. A bowl is formed on an inner wall of the housing to provide an incline surface for one or more gripping members. As the gripping members are move down along the incline, the incline causes the gripping members to move radially toward the tubular and contact the tubular. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two body portions coupled together using one or mores hinges. In one aspect, the bowl is formed as a recess in the inner wall of the housing. The hinges of the housing are progressively curved to accommodate the recess bowl, thereby increasing the tubular size handling capacity of the gripping apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include guide keys that mate with guide slots formed on an outer surface of the gripping members to minimize the rotational movement of the gripping members relative to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for gripping one or more tubulars, which may include casing, during a tubular handling operation, drilling operation, and/or drilling with casing operation. The gripping apparatus comprises a housing having a bore extending therethrough and one or more gripping members which extend radially within the bore to grippingly engage a tubular or casing when activated. Adjustable guides attached to a portion of the gripping apparatus facilitate rotational movement of the casing during the drilling operation when the gripping members of the gripping apparatus are deactivated.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for supporting a tubular includes a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. A bowl is formed on an inner wall of the housing to provide an incline surface for one or more gripping members. As the gripping members are move down along the incline, the incline causes the gripping members to move radially toward the tubular and contact the tubular. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two body portions coupled together using one or mores hinges. In one aspect, the bowl is formed as a recess in the inner wall of the housing. The hinges of the housing are progressively curved to accommodate the recess bowl, thereby increasing the tubular size handling capacity of the gripping apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include guide keys that mate with guide slots formed on an outer surface of the gripping members to minimize the rotational movement of the gripping members relative to the housing.