Apparatus and method for handling wellbore tubulars
OwnerCheryl GUST, Sam GUSTinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A handling apparatus and method for manipulation of tubulars include an elongate base such as a trailer supporting one or more layers of tubulars in a stack. A trough extends along the base for receiving and supporting a tubular and can be actuated to adjust its elevation such as to unstack or stack tubulars on the base, adjust its inclination to assist with longitudinal manipulation of the tubulars on and off of the trough. The trough can be oriented between an upright tubular supporting position and tipped transfer position for transfer of tubulars to and from an uppermost layer of the stack. More preferably, a pivoting grabber at the discharge end of the trough is used to engage and manipulate tubulars on and off of the trough.
Claims23
An apparatus for handling tubulars comprising:
- a base for supporting a stack of one or more layers of a plurality of tubulars;
- a trough having a longitudinal axis positioned along the base and having an open top for receiving a tubular;
- a first actuator for adjusting the elevation of the trough relative to the base and for at least maintaining the trough substantially parallel to the base;
- and
- a second actuator for orienting the open top of the trough between an upright supporting position and tipped transfer position for transfer of tubulars to and from an uppermost layer of the stack.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.