Abstract: A casing running tool is provided, including one or more sensors built into the casing running tool; an electronics housing that includes one or more power sources for powering the one or more sensors; one or more circuit boards for converting sensor data for transmission and transmission means for transmitting sensor data. The one or more sensors sense tool status and operational parameters of the casing running tool. A system is also provided for detection, processing and transmission of one or parameters of tool status and operational status of a casing running tool or associated tools in a casing installation or casing while drilling operation. The system includes a casing running tool; and a processor for receiving sensor data for processing and transmitting processed data in real-time for viewing by an operator. A method is further provided for performing a casing installation or casing while drilling operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a modification of U.S. Pat. No. 9,416,601 that is incorporated herein as if fully set forth. Once the tool is secure to the tubular, axial translation of the driving nut to the “locked” position prevents selective grip or release. A slot cut in the driven nut and in the surrounding housing allows additional right hand rotation so that a lug is captured on a shoulder to prevent subsequent axial compression of the selective grip assembly, where the tubular grip will be maintained with rotation. By preventing the tool from moving to the “unlocked” position when set down weight from the rig as applied, it can be operated in a variety of common conditions in today's well drilling environments with applied tension or compression as well as rotation in a direction that leaves the lug captured on a ledge adjacent the slot cut in the driven nut.

Abstract: A casing running tool is provided. The casing running tool includes one or more sensors built into the casing running tool; an electronics housing that includes one or more power sources for powering the one or more sensors; one or more circuit boards for converting sensor data for transmission and transmission means for transmitting sensor data. The one or more sensors sense tool status and operational parameters of the casing running tool including axial load, axial position, torque, turns, internal mud pressure, hook load, tension, rotation speed, rotational position, vibration, alignment, X, Y, Z acceleration and temperature. A system is also provided for detection, processing and transmission of one or parameters of tool status and operational status of a casing running tool or associated tools in a casing installation or casing while drilling operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a modification of U.S. Pat. No. 9,416,601 that is incorporated herein as if fully set forth. Once the tool is secure to the tubular, axial translation of the driving nut to the “locked” position prevents selective grip or release. A slot cut in the driven nut and in the surrounding housing allows additional right hand rotation so that a lug is captured on a shoulder to prevent subsequent axial compression of the selective grip assembly, where the tubular grip will be maintained with rotation. By preventing the tool from moving to the “unlocked” position when set down weight from the rig as applied, it can be operated in a variety of common conditions in today's well drilling environments with applied tension or compression as well as rotation in a direction that leaves the lug captured on a ledge adjacent the slot cut in the driven nut.

Abstract: In the preferred mode of the present invention, the bottom end of a connector sleeve couples the non-rotating sleeve to the top drive swivel. The top end of the connector sleeve rotatably impinges on a non-rotating member of the top drive directly, the top drive longitudinal carriage, or a combination of the two. Rotation of the top drive out put shaft will transmit a force to the non-rotating sleeve through seal friction until the top end of the connector sleeve contacts a non-rotating body of the top drive's longitudinal carriage or the top drive directly or both. Upon contact, the non-rotating sleeve will resist the torque aided by the connector sleeve and overcome the seal friction transmitted to the non-rotating sleeve. The top drive and connector move axially in tandem and even have some capability of relative axial movement while resisting further relative rotation while facilitating assembly of the components.

Abstract: A tubular is automatically gripped below an upset end or coupling and released mechanically or with the use of pressure or other devices such as motors and or gear arrangements. A mandrel connects to a traveling block and/or top drive and enables selective supporting and releasing of an “upset end” tubular (casing, tubing or drill pipe) by changing the load carrying element as well as sealing element, this allows supporting while running or pulling, filling, flow back and/or circulation.

Abstract: The laterally rotating height of a fill up and circulating tool that is mounted on one of the bails supporting an elevator is made shorter with integration of design components. A power cylinder features a hollow piston which incorporates the positioning system for the fill up and circulation tool. An interior slot with a longitudinal and spiral component receives a pin extending that is supported by the cylinder. The mud line is connected below the positioning system. As the mud line descends the fill up tool moves initially axially and rotationally and then axially to align with a sting for connection thereto. Raising the mud line reverses the movement pattern. The tool is cantilevered from the mud line for sole support. Height savings allows tool use with bails of varying lengths without interference. A selectable clutch and valve allow this tool to provide additional features beneficial to operators.

Abstract: Spring loaded dogs are attached to the housing to engage the casing internally or externally to facilitate extension or retraction of the slips that selectively grab the topmost of a string of casing. When the tool is suspended from the top drive, its components are rotationally locked to facilitate insertion into the casing stand on top of a string being run in the hole. Some set down weight allows top drive rotation to move a multi-ramped mandrel axially because that mandrel is rotationally locked to the housing that is held fast by the spring loaded dogs bearing on the casing. Once the slips are extended with a specified torque applied from the top drive, further setting down weight locks the components and the housing so that applied rotation with setting down weight will turn the casing string but will not torque up the slips beyond their set position.

Abstract: The laterally rotating height of a fill up and circulating tool that is mounted on one of the bails supporting an elevator is made shorter with integration of design components. A power cylinder features a hollow piston which incorporates the positioning system for the fill up and circulation tool. An interior slot with a longitudinal and spiral component receives a pin extending that is supported by the cylinder. The mud line is connected below the positioning system. As the mud line descends the fill up tool moves initially axially and rotationally and then axially to align with a sting for connection thereto. Raising the mud line reverses the movement pattern. The tool is cantilevered from the mud line for sole support. Height savings allows tool use with bails of varying lengths without interference. A selectable clutch and valve allow this tool to provide additional features beneficial to operators.

Abstract: The laterally rotating height of a fill up and circulating tool that is mounted on one of the bails supporting an elevator is made shorter with integration of design components. A power cylinder features a hollow piston which integrates the mud line connected to the fill up tool. The hollow piston forms an integral part of the mud line. The mud line has an exterior slot with a longitudinal and a spiral component into which a pin extends that is supported by the cylinder. As the mud line descends the fill up tool moves initially axially followed by rotational movement to align with a sting for connection thereto. Raising the mud line reverses the movement pattern. The fill up tool is cantilevered from the mud line for its sole support. Height savings allows tool use with bails of varying lengths without interference.

Abstract: A rotary table has a non-circular drive recess in the central opening which carries an assembly of mounting structures and slip carriers that when joined together fit in the non-circular drive recess. The plurality of slip carriers are distributed about the periphery of the drive recess are extended down into the central opening of the rotary table. A slip and die arrangement is situated on each slip carrier. Slip manipulation drive cylinders, are distributed about the assembly periphery and move a synchronizer plate that moves the slips vertically to grip or release pipe extending through the opening of the rotary table.

Abstract: A casing running tool is connected to a top drive with a clutch that operates with set down weight against a spring resistive force. Setting down weight with rotation in a first direction raises an actuation member that pushes the slips out radially. The weight of the string then keeps the slips in position so that the string can be picked up and the rig floor slips removed followed by lowering the string while circulating and rotating. With slips set inside the joint and the string hanging free, rotating the top drive rotates the string as the string is lowered. With slips again supporting the string on the rig floor the top drive can be rotated in an opposed direction with weight set down to back off the slips and to remove it from the top joint.

Abstract: The laterally rotating height of a fill up and circulating tool that is mounted on one of the bails supporting an elevator is made shorter with integration of design components. A power cylinder features a hollow piston which integrates the mud line connected to the fill up tool. The hollow piston forms an integral part of the mud line. The mud line has an exterior slot with a longitudinal and a spiral component into which a pin extends that is supported by the cylinder. As the mud line descends the fill up tool moves initially axially followed by rotational movement to align with a sting for connection thereto. Raising the mud line reverses the movement pattern. The fill up tool is cantilevered from the mud line for its sole support. Height savings allows tool use with bails of varying lengths without interference.

Abstract: A fill up tool has an adjustable length to selectively lengthen the fill up a tool or retract to be positioned completely above the elevator so that elevator movement will not interfere with the fill up tool. The seal is fixed to the tool so that the load caused by the pressurized seal does not have to be balanced by the operating force of the piston. A full open valve is operated when the tool is extended to fill up or take flow back.

Abstract: A rotary table has a non-circular drive recess in the central opening which carries an assembly of mounting structures and slip carriers that when joined together fit in the non-circular drive recess. The plurality of slip carriers are distributed about the periphery of the drive recess are extended down into the central opening of the rotary table. A slip and die arrangement is situated on each slip carrier. Slip manipulation drive cylinders, are distributed about the assembly periphery and move a synchronizer plate that moves the slips vertically to grip or release pipe extending through the opening of the rotary table.

Abstract: A fill up and circulating tool has a threaded hub covered by a rapidly removable cover. The cover protects the threads from damage until a well kick occurs. When the well kicks the cover is rapidly removed and the fill up tool is brought down with the top drive to which it is connected. The top drive rotates the mandrel of the tool to make the threads up to a coupling on the uppermost stand of casing to provide a metal to metal seal that can resist a well kick coming up through the casing and around the outside of the fill up tool. The top drive system has a surface valve that can be closed quickly to contain the kick through the fill up tool.

Abstract: Spring loaded dogs are attached to the housing to engage the casing internally or externally to facilitate extension or retraction of the slips that selectively grab the topmost of a string of casing. When the tool is suspended from the top drive, its components are rotationally locked to facilitate insertion into the casing stand on top of a string being run in the hole. Some set down weight allows top drive rotation to move a multi-ramped mandrel axially because that mandrel is rotationally locked to the housing that is held fast by the spring loaded dogs bearing on the casing. Once the slips are extended with a specified torque applied from the top drive, further setting down weight locks the components and the housing so that applied rotation with setting down weight will turn the casing string but will not torque up the slips beyond their set position.

Abstract: A casing running tool is connected to a top drive with a clutch that operates with set down weight against a spring resistive force. Setting down weight with rotation in a first direction raises an actuation member that pushes the slips out radially. The weight of the string then keeps the slips in position so that the string can be picked up and the rig floor slips removed followed by lowering the string while circulating and rotating. With slips set inside the joint and the string hanging free, rotating the top drive rotates the string as the string is lowered. With slips again supporting the string on the rig floor the top drive can be rotated in an opposed direction with weight set down to back off the slips and to remove it from the top joint.