Abstract: An apparatus for making and/or breaking a threaded connection between a first tubular and a second tubular includes a spinner operable to spin the first tubular relative to the second tubular; a zero-side-load (“ZSL”) device operable to relieve the transverse force induced on the threaded connection in response to the spinner spinning the first tubular; a torque wrench operable to rotate the first tubular relative to the second tubular; and a back-up wrench operable to grip the second tubular.

Abstract: A tool for removing a portion of a casing from a wellbore. The tool includes a base having an opening or bore formed therethrough. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders may each have a first end portion coupled to the base and a second end portion distal the base. A first crane may be coupled to the base. A tong may be coupled to the first crane, and the first crane may be adapted to move the tong into alignment with the opening in the base. A second crane may be coupled to the base. An attachment may be coupled to the second crane, and the second crane may be adapted to move the attachment into alignment with the opening in the base and proximate the second end portions of the cylinders.

Abstract: The handling apparatus is used for positioning and holding of drill pipes. At least, a handling apparatus for the drill pipes is so arranged that it can be positioned both horizontally and vertically and it is equipped with a controllable clamping apparatus for the drill pipes. In the vicinity of the holding apparatus, a centering apparatus is arranged for the drill pipe to be held.

Abstract: A system and method for building and handling oilfield tubular stands while drilling operations are simultaneously and independently occurring with one drilling deck, one derrick, and one rotary system. An offline guided path horizontal to vertical arm lifts and moves in the same plane tubulars stored horizontally on the catwalk and positions the tubulars vertically directly into a preparation hole for assembling and disassembling tubular stands while online drilling operations are simultaneously being conducted. A stand arm lifts and lowers the tubulars into and out of the adjustable preparation hole, and transports the tubulars for storage to an auxiliary tubular racking station in the upper part of the derrick. A bridge racker crane moves tubular stands from the auxiliary tubular racking station to the top drive or another tubular racking station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for running tubular(s) into a well bore for use with a top drive or power swivel comprising a make-up assembly with inner and outer members, one of which has an array of ramped or inclined surface(s) while the other is an inner or outer cage with rolling support(s) with or without a central spindle and openings which may also be referred to as tubular engagement apparatus wherein relative movement of the members urges the rolling support(s) to protrude radially through the openings to engage a tubular internally or externally. Also provided is an elevator assembly with elevator links and transfer elevators to position tubular for engagement by the make-up assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus to inhibit rotation within a drilling rig. The apparatus may include a first member connected to a first component of the drilling rig, and a second member connected to the first member and connected to a second component of the drilling rig, the second component configured to move vertically with respect to the first component. The first member is configured to move vertically with respect to the second member and the first member and the second member substantially inhibit rotation between each other. The apparatus may include a rotational adjustment system, in which the rotational adjustment system is used to connect with one of the components of the drilling rig.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore. A tubular handling system having a tubular gripping apparatus having a gripping mechanism and a sensor adapted to track movement of the gripping mechanism, wherein the sensor sends a signal to a controller when the gripping apparatus is in a position that corresponds to the gripping apparatus being engaged with the tubular.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular gripping assembly for use with a top drive to handle a tubular includes a tubular gripping tool having a mandrel and gripping elements operatively coupled to the mandrel; and a link assembly attached to the mandrel, wherein a load of the link assembly is transferred to the mandrel. In another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a swivel having selectively actuatable seals. In yet another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a thread compensator to facilitate tubular make-up. In yet another embodiment, the tubular gripping assembly includes a wedge lock release apparatus to facilitate the release of gripping elements from the tubular.

Abstract: An apparatus for centering a first tubular with respect to a second tubular at a wellhead in which the apparatus has a frame, a gripping member extending outwardly of the frame and suitable for gripping the first tubular, and a guide member connected to the frame and extending outwardly therefrom. The guide member is positioned below the gripping member. The guide member has a slot therein suitable for receiving a portion of the second tubular therein. The slot of the guide member has a center vertically aligned with a center of the gripping member. The guide member is pivotally connected to the frame.

Abstract: A method for reverse circulating a tool upwardly through a wellbore, the method including: providing a manipulator tool including an upper end and a lower end, conveying the manipulator tool down hole to a position adjacent a downhole tool, using the manipulator tool to manipulate the downhole tool, and reversing fluid flow through the well to create a pressure differential about at least one of the manipulator tool and the downhole tool such that the at least one of the manipulator tool and the downhole tool is lifted upwardly through the wellbore. A manipulator tool for use in a reverse circulating method is also described as are a tool catcher, a tool catching assembly and a tool catching method.

Abstract: An articulated apparatus for handling a drilling to has a base, a first set of arms pivotally connected at one end to the base and extending outwardly therefrom, a joint member pivotally connected to an opposite end of the first set of arms, a second set of arms pivotally connected at one end of to the joint member and extending outwardly therefrom, and a carrier assembly pivotally connected to an opposite end of the second set of arms. The carrier assembly is suitable for carrying the drilling tool so as to allow the drilling tool to move upwardly and downwardly. A drive system is cooperative with the first and second sets of arms so as to move the drilling tool between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A top drive system with a plurality of top drive modules, which are configured to be quickly exchanged. The top drive modules may include any or all of the following: a main body module, a gearbox module, a drive motor module, a pipe handler module, an upper fluid module, a lower well control valve module, a block interface module, a retract system interface frame module, a cooling system module, a work platform guard module, and a quill saver sub module. Alternatively, the top drive may comprise a first top drive and a second top drive which are configured to be quickly exchanged.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a gripping device configured to couple with a pipe element. A housing of the gripping device is configured to extend over and at least partially around a distal end of the pipe element. Torsional clamp devices are configured to engage an outer circumferential surface of the pipe element with frictional engagement features that extend radially inward from the housing. A sealing mechanism is configured to shift a pipe seal relative to the housing and into engagement with the distal end of the pipe element and to facilitate fluid flow through the gripping device into the pipe element.

Abstract: A drill pipe and a method of applying hardbanding thereto. A hardbanding alloy comprising iron and manganese present in the range of 67 to 87 weight percent (wt. %), niobium and chromium present in the range of 9 to 29 wt. %, and boron, carbon and silicon present in the range of 3 to 6.5 wt. % may be welded around at least a portion of a tool joint circumference. The hardbanding alloy may exhibit a hardness of 45 Rc to 70 Rc and a wear rate in the range of 0.08 grams to 1.60 grams of mass loss after 6,000 cycles as measured using ASTM G65-04, Procedure A.

Abstract: An active, smartpipe stand (apparatus and method) for feeding and receiving pipe in a horizontal orientation to and from a pipe handling apparatus has a first pipe-lifting mechanism, a second pipe-lifting mechanism, and a pipe-rotating mechanism positioned between the first and second pipe-lifting mechanisms. The bottom of the first pipe-lifting mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom of the second pipe-lifting mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. The bottom of the pipe-rotating mechanism is connected to the skid of the pipe handling apparatus. Individual tubulars are unloaded, prepared, staged and sequenced, assembled and presented for delivery from horizontal to vertical. The pipe stand is positioned under the boom of the pipe handling apparatus when the apparatus is in the first position. The pipe stand extends within the skid structure.

Abstract: A prior art sucker rod tong is improved to remove a coupling completely from a sucker rod assembly comprising sucker rods joined end to end by couplings. The prior art sucker rod tong has a rotatable jaw assembly and a lower backup wrench adapted to cooperate to unscrew a coupling joining first and second rods, where the coupling remains screwed to the second rod after it is unscrewed from the first rod. The improvement comprises a coupling extractor for unscrewing the coupling from the second rod so that the coupling can be replaced. The coupling extractor comprises a shaft having an extractor end portion on each end of the shaft and a shield around each extractor end portion, wherein the coupling extractor is designed and sized to fit within and to be rotated by the jaw assembly. The extractor end portion engages the inside wall of the coupling to unscrew the coupling from the second rod. The extractor end portion is preferably a tapered, left-handed spiral fluted easy-out extractor.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed a stand compensator system. The stand compensator system includes gripping device configured to engage a tubular element by coupling about an outer circumference of the tubular element. Additionally, the tubular compensator system includes a plurality of resilient roller assemblies positioned proximate an inner perimeter of the gripping device, wherein the resilient roller assemblies include rollers arranged to engage with an abutting surface of the tubular element. Further, the stand compensator system includes engagement arms coupled with the gripping device, wherein the engagement arms are configured to hold the gripping device in position above a tubular elevator and couple between rig bails extending from the tubular elevator.

Abstract: An automatic top drive positioning system includes a top drive having a pipe handling system rotator gear, a drive motor rotationally coupled to the rotator gear and a rotational position sensor rotationally coupled to the rotator gear. A controller is configured to operate the drive motor to automatically move the rotator gear to a selected rotational orientation based on measurements from the rotational position sensor.

Abstract: This invention is a top drive having an inside blowout preventer connected with a rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer includes a hydraulically actuatable arm. An inside blowout preventer with a rotatable stem is connected to the top drive rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer has a hydraulically actuatable arm, a hydraulic cylinder, a tubular body having a tubular bore, and a valve operator assembly surrounding the tubular body.

Abstract: A drilling rig with a top drive having an inside blowout preventer for drilling in a wellbore, the drilling rig having a derrick and a crown, a torque track suspended from the crown, a travelling block hanging from a cable, a drawworks for raising or lowering the travelling block, and a top drive with a rotatable stem suspended from the travelling block. The top drive has a motor mounted to the top drive housing and is connected to the rotatable stem. An inside blowout preventer with a rotatable stem is connected to the top drive rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer has a hydraulically actuatable arm, a hydraulic cylinder, a tubular body having a tubular bore, and a valve operator assembly surrounding the tubular body.

Abstract: A system for deploying a string of pipe from a drilling rig into a well includes a spider for mounting on a rig floor and a pipe gripper attached to the top drive. A hydraulic safety circuit monitors hydraulic fluid pressure at an apply port of the gripper and prevents hydraulic fluid pressure from being directed to move the slips to the released position if hydraulic fluid pressure is not already present at the apply port of the gripper. The safety circuit also monitors hydraulic fluid pressure at the apply port of the spider and prevents release hydraulic fluid pressure from being directed to move the gripping members to the released position if apply hydraulic fluid pressure is not already present at the apply port of the spider.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a top drive system equipped with a mounted winch configured to draw tubular or well equipment into alignment with a quill of the top drive system. The winch comprises a spool and a flexible line that extends from the spool and through channels in the top drive system, exiting through the quill. An attachment feature at the distal end of the flexible line couples the flexible line with the tubular or drilling equipment. Once this coupling has been established, the winch may rotate such that the flexible line retracts through the quill of the top drive system, drawing the tubular or well equipment into alignment with the quill.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is adapted for easy disassembly and reassembly when the pipe slips within the spider are not engaged with the outer surface of the pipe string so that upon disassembly, a control line guide becomes vertically movable. The control line guide is adapted for being controllably elevated to a distance above the rig floor, thereby providing personnel access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated control line guide and above the rig floor for securing control line to the pipe string using a fastener.

Abstract: A break-out assembly includes a slide wrench assembly, and a slide wrench rotator assembly which rotates the slide wrench assembly in response to actuating first and second rotator assembly cylinders. The first and second rotator assembly cylinders are actuated in opposed directions. The break-out assembly includes a clamp assembly having opposed arm assemblies which are rotatable about separate pivot points.

Abstract: A system for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a first support; a mast attached to the first support, a top drive carried by the mast and longitudinally movable therealong, a second support, a skid carried by the second support, a CT injector carried by the skid, the skid being movable from the first support to the second support and a reel of CT for supplying CT to the CT injector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of drilling equipment for the discovery and production of hydrocarbons from the earth. In particular, this disclosure relates to a torque reaction device for coupling a pipe running tool to a top drive assembly on a drilling rig. In one embodiment, a system for coupling a pipe segment to a pipe string includes a top drive assembly, a pipe running tool, and a torque reaction device. The top drive assembly includes an output shaft and a link extending from the top drive. The top drive is operative to rotate the output shaft with respect to the link. The pipe running tool is coupled to the output shaft and is engageable with a pipe segment to transmit torque from the output shaft to the pipe segment. The torque reaction device couples the pipe running tool to the link.

Abstract: A device is described for maintaining a predominately constant pressure on, and flow of drilling fluid in, a drill string (100) where drilling fluid is supplied via a circulation system for drilling fluid. The device comprises a mainly elongated, internally hollow body (10) arranged to surround the drill string where the hollow body (10) comprises at least an upper pressure chamber (40a) and a lower pressure chamber (40b) connected with respective inlet and/or outlet (50a, 50b) for drilling fluid from or to the drilling fluid circulation system, as said pressure chambers (40a, 40b) are able to be closed and separated by an intermediate valve (70) arranged for circulation of drilling fluid into or out of the drill string (100) during coupling up or disconnecting of a new length of drill string (100). A method to maintain the mainly constant pressure of drilling fluid in a drill string is also described.

Abstract: A system for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a CT carrier, a reel of CT rotatably mounted on the CT carrier, a mast carrier, separate from the CT carrier, a mast mounted on the mast carrier and movable between a lowered position for transport and a position transverse to the horizontal, a top drive carried by the mast, the top drive being longitudinally movable along the mast and a CT injector on the mast carrier.

Abstract: A subsoil automatic rotary drilling system for drilling oil, mineral and water wells, characterized in that said system comprises, on a single system substructure, at least a triple-transmission hydraulic arrangement for lowering and raising a plurality of pipe elements to be introduced into and removed from a wellbore, said arrangement including a plurality of operating cables, each said cable having a dead end fixed to a cylinder carriage also supporting a plurality of transmission pulleys to handle together, while providing a triple stroke of pulling and pushing cylinders, two, three, four drilling pipe elements, having each a length of about 9.20 m (range 2).

Abstract: A system and method for carrying out simultaneous operations of assembling, dismantling, and maintaining equipment installed by an oil rig, using the tools, systems, and the areas available on the rig itself. The system includes two parallel and separated sustaining beams and two mobile bases supported on the beams to carry out the simultaneous operations. This system allows a method for simultaneously assembling two items of subsea equipment which are to be installed to be performed. Also, this system allows a method for simultaneously replacing and assembling subsea equipment to be performed. Additionally, the equipment can be lowered or recovered using either a derrick and pipe string or a winch and steel cable.

Abstract: A method of protecting a top drive drilling assembly includes incorporating a shock absorbing sub incorporated in the top drive drilling assembly. The shock absorbing sub comprises a first body and a second body capable of relative axial movement, with a shock absorbing medium disposed between the first body and the second body to absorb any reactive axial force exerted upon the top drive drilling assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for manipulating and driving casing. The apparatus includes mechanically responsive elements for gripping an interior of a casing joint, and hydraulically responsive elements for gripping an interior of the casing joint responsive to pressure of drilling fluid flowing through the apparatus. One method comprises manipulating a casing joint by mechanically gripping an interior thereof, hydraulically gripping the interior of the casing joint responsive to drilling fluid pressure, and rotating the casing joint. Another method comprises driving casing by applying weight and torque thereto through engagement with an interior thereof.

Abstract: For handling and clamping a pipe, an apparatus includes plural clamping elements movably arranged in a device body configured as an annular shell. A positioning element is vertically movably arranged in the device body, and includes an obliquely sloping actuating surface that cooperates with a sliding surface of the clamping elements, so that a vertical or axial motion of the positioning element at least partially causes a horizontal or radial motion of the clamping elements. Also, a vertical or axial motion of the clamping elements is at least partially converted into a horizontal or radial motion thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods used to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. In one instance, an interlock system is used to control the operations of a gripping apparatus connected to the top drive and a spider such that at least one of the top drive or the spider retains the tubular. The interlock system allows the spider to open when the gripping apparatus is supporting a load of the tubular or is in position to support a load of the tubular.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to wellbore tubular running systems and methods of their use. In one illustrative embodiment, a tubular running system is disclosed that includes, among other things, a torque frame, a main shaft extending through a top opening of the torque frame and rotatable by rotation apparatus, slip setting apparatus connected to the torque frame and including a levelling beam and a plurality of slip assemblies, each of the slip assemblies connected independently and pivotably to the levelling beam, and movement apparatus connected to the levelling beam for moving the slip assemblies in unison with respect to a tubular projecting into the torque frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for manipulating and driving casing. The apparatus includes mechanically responsive elements for gripping an interior of a casing joint, and hydraulically responsive elements for gripping an interior of the casing joint responsive to pressure of drilling fluid flowing through the apparatus. One method comprises manipulating a casing joint by mechanically gripping an interior thereof, hydraulically gripping the interior of the casing joint responsive to drilling fluid pressure, and rotating the casing joint. Another method comprises driving casing by applying weight and torque thereto through engagement with an interior thereof.

Abstract: A drill bit carousel for use on a blast hole drill includes a base structure that movably supports a plurality of drill receptacles. The drill bit carousel is movable between a storage position and at least one exchange position. In the exchange position, one of the drill receptacles is aligned with a centerline of a drill pipe string. In the storage position, the drill bit carousel is clear of the centerline of the drill pipe string.

Abstract: A rod-mounting apparatus for a drilling apparatus is disclosed. The rod-mounting apparatus comprises: a bracket installed at a frame of a main body of the drilling apparatus and having a rod; a base member rotatably mounted on the bracket; a rotating member hinged to one side of the base member to hold and rotate an end of a rod mounted to or separated from a driving shaft; a clamping unit mounted on the rotating member to clamp the end of the rod; and a driving unit mounted on the base member to rotate the rotating member in a direction in which in which the rod makes the rotating member stand or lie. The rod-mounting apparatus of the present invention enables rods to be smoothly connected or separated during a drilling work, thereby improving the drilling efficiency.

Abstract: A spider assembly is a round platform with a central bore used to support sections of casing as the sections of casing are joined to one another and lowered below a drilling platform. The spider assembly comprises two c-shaped section joined together at two seams, one seam at the end of each leg of the c-shape. A clamping plate is used to join each seam and apply a preload force on the joint. The preload force minimizes axial deflection at the joint.

Abstract: An automated tubular handling system adapted to make-up or break-out tubulars that includes a rotary drive adapted to operatively grip a tubular to be connected to or disconnected from a tubular string, a controller adapted to receive and process data indicative of a rotation, torque, and minimum time value associated with a make-up or a break-out of the tubular string, and a user interface adapted to convey the received data, the predetermined values, or both, of the tubular make-up or break-out to an operator. The controller compares the rotation, torque, and minimum time values to acceptable predetermined values to determine when the make-up or the break-out is complete. Automated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method for controlling the torque applied to a tubular connection. In one embodiment, a method of connecting a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular supported by a spider on a drilling rig includes engaging the first threaded tubular with the second threaded tubular; making up the connection by rotating the first tubular using a top drive; and controlling unwinding of the first tubular after the connection is made up.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with a drill string is provided. The system includes an apparatus having a first coupler, a second coupler, a frame and an actuator. The first coupler may be operatively connectable to the drill string and the second coupler may be operatively connectable to a top drive of a handling system thereby allowing communication between a surface system and a downhole system. The frame may support the first coupler and the second coupler. The frame may be operatively connectable to the handling system. The actuator may be for moving the frame with the first and second couplers between an engaged position operatively connected to the top drive and an uppermost drill pipe, and a disengaged position a distance from the uppermost drill pipe whereby the first and second couplers selectively establish a communication link between the surface system and the downhole system.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly supported by coiled tubing has components attached to each other with quick connections that do not require threading to provide the integral connection capable of supporting the BHA's required, torque, tensile and pressure loads. This quick connect feature provides torque transmission capability and does not need rig equipment such as tongs for makeup. Connecting the components is faster and safer particularly when the connections have to be made well above a rig floor. The lower end of the coiled tubing connector can also be provided with a quick connection half to mate with the uppermost tool in the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A pipe connection system (200) includes a stationary support frame (202, 204) and a slip control system (300) coupled to the stationary support frame including a slip wedge (302) and at least one actuator (306, 308) coupled between the slip wedge and the stationary support frame, wherein the actuator is operable to move the slip wedge between a retracted position and an extended position in engagement with a downhole tubular string (118).

Abstract: A torque sub for use with a top drive is disclosed. A method of connecting threaded tubular members for use in a wellbore includes operating a top drive. The top drive rotates a first threaded tubular member relative to a second threaded tubular member. The method further includes measuring a torque exerted on the first tubular member by the top drive. The torque is measured using a torque shaft rotationally coupled to the top drive and the first tubular. The torque shaft has a strain gage disposed thereon. The method further includes wirelessly transmitting the measured torque from the torque shaft to a stationary interface; measuring rotation of the first tubular member; compensating the rotation measurement by subtracting a deflection of the top drive and/or 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: A coupling adapter is insertable in at least one joint of a drill string as the drill string is extended from a drill rig. The coupling adapter includes an arrangement for receiving a data signal that is generated by an inground tool and for electromagnetically coupling the data signal onto at least a portion of the drill string that extends from the adapter to the drill rig such that at least some of the drill pipe sections cooperate as an electrical conductor for carrying the data signal to the drill rig. In another feature, a current transformer is resiliently supported to isolate the current transformer from mechanical shock and vibration that is produced by an inground operation that is performed using the drill string. In another feature, a drill string repeater is described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods may be used to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods may be used for running in casing, wellbore components, or a drill string.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an outer tubular (236) and an inner tubular (218) on a well platform by applying a crimping force to the outer tubular (236) when the outer tubular (236) is disposed about the inner tubular (218) and the inner tubular (218) is suspending from the well platform. The apparatus includes a support assembly (244) operably associated with the well platform and a crimping assembly (242) operably associated with the support assembly (244). The crimping assembly (242) is operable to mechanically deform the outer tubular (236) into contact with the inner tubular (218).

Abstract: A reinforced wellhead member for use during fracing operations. The wellhead member is preloaded at a flange section by creating compressive stresses via a ring that interacts with a tightening nut on a bolt. The bolt is rigidly attached to an adapter which may also be modified to create stresses on the flange of the wellhead member. The induced stresses counter the tensile stresses experienced by the flange during fracing operations, allowing a standard wellhead member to be utilized.

Abstract: A multi-function sub is connected between a top drive of a drilling rig and a casing gripper. The sub has telescoping upper and lower members that rotate with each other. A sleeve is mounted to one of the members. That sleeve is prevented from rotation with the upper and lower members by an anti-rotation device. A piston is located on the other member and reciprocally carried within the sleeve. An external pump is connected to the sleeve for supplying pressurized fluid into the sleeve to act against the piston. This fluid provides compensation for thread makeup when a new joint of casing is being secured to a string of casing.