Apparatus and method for improved oilfield connections
AssigneeExxon Production Research Company
InventorKenneth J. Hanslik
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device for positioning two threaded pipes being threaded together within a target range of relative axial positions, which device generally includes a sensor base, and a calibrating device for positioning the sensor base a calibrated distance from the end of one of the pipes. The device further includes a sensor head extending from the sensor base, for abutting the end of the second threaded pipe during the threading of the pipes together, to indicate a relative axial position of the pipes. The device even further includes a signal generator that generates a signal once the sensor head indicates the relative axial position of the pipes are within the target range of relative axial positions.
Claims12
An apparatus for positioning a first threaded pipe having an externally threaded end and a second threaded pipe having an internally threaded end within a target range of relative axial positions, during the threading of the pipes together to form a tubular joint, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) a sensor base;
- (b) an adjustable calibrating device for positioning the sensor base on the first pipe within an adjustable range of distances from the end of the first pipe;
- (c) a sensor head extending from the sensor base, for abutting the end of the second threaded pipe during the threading of the pipes together, to indicate a relative axial position of the pipes;
- (d) a signal generator that generates a signal once the sensor head indicates that the relative axial position of the pipes is within the target range of relative axial positions.
A method for positioning a first threaded pipe having an externally threaded end and a second threaded pipe having an internally threaded end within a target range of relative axial positions, during the threading of the pipes together to form a tubular joint, the method comprising:
- (a) attaching an adjustable calibrating device on the end of the first pipe wherein the calibrating device includes a platform positionable within a range of distances from the end of the first pipe;
- (b) adjusting the adjustable calibrating device to position the platform a calibrated distance within the range of distances from the end of the first pipe;
- (c) placing a sensing device on the platform adjacent the first pipe, wherein the sensing device comprises a sensor head extending from a sensor base, for abutting the end of the second threaded pipe during the threading of the pipes together, to indicate a relative axial position of the pipes;
- (d) securing the sensing device to the first pipe;
- (e) removing the calibrating device;
- (f) threading the pipes together to form a joint, until abutment of the sensor head with the end of the second threaded pipe indicates the relative axial position of the pipes is within the target range of relative axial positions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.