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US 2011/0226486 A1Published application
Apparatus and methods for tubular makeup interlock
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorDavid M. Haugen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided 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 to for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.
Claims26
An electronic control system, comprising:
- a first tubular handling tool;
- a second tubular handling tool;
- a sensor coupled to the first tubular handling tool;
- and
- a controller in communication with the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to control actuation of the second tubular handling tool in response to an electronic signal received from the sensor that corresponds to operational data of the first tubular handling tool.
2 more elements
An electronic control system, comprising:
- a first tubular handling tool;
- a second tubular handling tool;
- and
- an electronic interlock system operable to control actuation of the first and second tubular handling tools.
1 more element
A method of controlling a tubular handling system, comprising;
- measuring an operational position of a first tubular handling tool;
- communicating the operational position to a controller in the form of an electronic signal;
- and
- controlling the actuation of a second tubular handling tool using the controller in response to the operational position of the first tubular handling tool.
1 more element
A method of handling a tubular string using a top drive, comprising:
- retaining the tubular string using a spider;
- retaining the tubular string using a tubular gripping apparatus connected to the top drive;
- determining a string load on the tubular gripping apparatus;
- and
- allowing the tubular gripping apparatus to open or close in response to the determined string load.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.