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US 2002/0170720 A1Published application
Apparatus and methods for tubular makeup interlock
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorDavid M. Haugen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides for an apparatus and methods to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods can be used to for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.
Claims57
An apparatus for use with tubulars, comprising:
- a first device for gripping and joining the tubulars;
- a second device for gripping the tubulars;
- and
- an interlock system to ensure that a tubular string is gripped by at least the first or second device.
1 more element
An apparatus for assembling and disassembly tubulars, comprising:
- a first member having a motor for rotating and joining tubulars at a joint and forming a tubular string therefrom, and a cylindrical body having a first set of slips and a wedge lock assembly disposed on the cylindrical body, the first set of slips is coupled to a piston that is coupled to a resilient member;
- a second member having a piston coupled to a second set of slips;
- and
- an interlock system.
1 more element
A method for use with assemble and disassembling tubulars, comprising:
- joining a first tubular engaged by a top drive to a second tubular engaged by a spider, thereby forming a joint therebetween;
- collecting data related to the formation of the joint;
- comparing the data to preprogrammed values using a controller;
- collecting data from the top drive and the spider via sensors to determine if they are engaging the tubulars;
- opening the spider when predetermined conditions are met;
- lowering the tubular string through the spider;
- engaging the tubular string with the spider;
- and
- disengaging the tubular string with the top drive when predetermined conditions are met.
6 more elements
A method for use with assembling and dissembling tubulars comprising:
- joining a first tubular engaged by a first apparatus to a second tubular engaged by a second apparatus thereby forming a tubular string;
- providing an interlock system to ensure that at least the first apparatus or the second apparatus is engaging the tubular string;
- opening the second apparatus thereby disengaging the string;
- lowering the tubular string through the second apparatus;
- engaging the second apparatus to the string;
- and
- disengaging the first apparatus from the string.
4 more elements
A method of use for an apparatus with tubular comprising:
- closing a first member around a first tubular;
- engaging a second member to a second tubular;
- moving the second tubular to a well center;
- threading the second tubular to the first tubular to form a joint and thereby a tubular string;
- sending data from the second member to a controller;
- opening the first member;
- lowering the tubular string through the first member;
- closing the first member around the tubular string;
- and
- disengaging the second member from the tubular string.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.