Pipe manipulation apparatus and methods

A pipe manipulation apparatus comprising:

• a base frame having a lengthwise axis;
• a sliding end movably connected to the base frame, the sliding end being slidable towards and away from the base frame in the direction of the lengthwise axis;
• hydraulic cylinders for sliding the sliding end towards and away from the base frame, the hydraulic cylinders configured to generate 100 to 200 tons of pressure;
• at least one pipe support on each of the base frame and the sliding end;
• and
• a press clamp coupled to each of the at least one pipe support, the press clamp having a first side, a second side, and a clamp section, the first side being pivotally connected to one side of the pipe support, thereby allowing the press clamp to transition between an open position and a closed position, wherein,
• in the closed position, the second side of the press clamp is engaged with the other side of the pipe support and the inner surfaces of the clamp section and the pipe support define a bore and, in the closed position, the distance between the clamp section and the pipe support is selectively adjustable and further comprising hydraulics in the press clamp for selectively adjusting the distance between the clamp section and the pipe support;
• and
• in the open position, the second side of the press clamp is positioned away from the pipe support thereby exposing the inner surface of the pipe support.