Casing grapple
AssigneeDrawWorks LP
InventorsAlbert A. Mullins, Matthew J. Hickl
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims21
An assembly for moving at least one tubular between a location outside a borehole and the borehole, comprising:
- a mandrel comprising an upper end adapted for connection to a device that provides axial or rotational movement and fluid delivery to a passage through said mandrel, said mandrel further comprising an open lower end;
- an outer housing surrounding said mandrel comprising a lower end entry opening for the tubular;
- a gripping assembly within said outer housing having a first position interfering with said passage for mechanical engagement with the tubular on insertion into said lower end entry opening for tandem movement toward a second position radially displaced clear of said passage by the tubular passing said lower end entry opening, said gripping assembly selectively movable toward said first position relative to and against the passing tubular to grip the tubular for support from said outer housing;
- a release assembly on said outer housing for selectively moving said gripping assembly to said second position to permit removal of the tubular;
- said gripping assembly rotatably mounted to turn with the tubular when in contact therewith and relative to said outer housing as said tubular is advanced into said lower end entry opening.
An assembly for moving at least one tubular between a location outside a borehole and the borehole, comprising:
- a mandrel comprising an upper end adapted for connection to a device that provides axial or rotational movement and fluid delivery to a passage through said mandrel, said mandrel further comprising an open lower end;
- an outer housing surrounding said mandrel comprising a lower end entry opening for the tubular;
- a gripping assembly within said outer housing having a first position interfering with said passage for mechanical engagement with the tubular on insertion into said lower end entry opening for tandem movement toward a second position radially displaced clear of said passage by the tubular passing said lower end entry opening, said gripping assembly selectively movable toward said first position relative to and against the passing tubular to grip the tubular for support from said outer housing;
- a release assembly on relatively movable components of said outer housing for selectively mechanically moving said gripping assembly toward said second position to permit removal of the tubular;
- said release assembly selectively actuated adjacent an upper end of said outer housing by said device to move said gripping assembly from said first to said second positions when the tubular is independently supported.
An assembly for moving at least one tubular between a location outside a borehole and the borehole, comprising:
- a mandrel comprising an upper end adapted for connection to a device that provides axial or rotational movement and fluid delivery to a passage through said mandrel, said mandrel further comprising an open lower end;
- an outer housing surrounding said mandrel comprising a lower end entry opening for the tubular;
- a gripping assembly within said outer housing having a first position interfering with said passage for mechanical engagement with the tubular on insertion into said lower end entry opening for tandem movement toward a second position radially displaced clear of said passage by the tubular passing said lower end entry opening, said gripping assembly selectively movable toward said first position relative to and against the passing tubular to grip the tubular for support from said outer housing;
- a release assembly on said outer housing for selectively moving said gripping assembly to said second position to permit removal of the tubular;
- said passage further comprising a sealing member biased to move axially into selective engagement with the tubular for subsequent tandem movement when the tubular is advanced through said lower end entry opening and into said passage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.