Direct coupled tong and spider
AssigneeFrank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
InventorVernon J Bouligny
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A spider, preferably a flush mounted spider, and powered lead tong are coupled by a rotationally rigid structure so that torque reaction forces apply no side load to pipe. The tong preferably tilts upward to clear larger objects approaching the spider. An optional grabber is mounted, preferably atop the lead tong, and may tilt with the lead tong. Fluid powered motors, linear or rotary, provide the tilting energy and extend and retract the grabber. The tong and related structure has quick coupler provisions for removal from the spider.
Claims13
A pipe handling apparatus usable on derrick floors for assembly and dismantling of pipe strings suspended in wells, the apparatus comprising;
- a) a spider for pipe suspension, having a frame and a generally central bore with a centerline, arranged to occupy the opening of a rotary table;
- b) a powered lead tong
- c) a rotationally rigid, torque transmitting structure arranged to provide support for said lead tong, to support said lead tong a selected distance above said spider and to convey pipe turning reaction torque therethrough;
- and
- d) latch means to releasably secure said structure to said frame of said spider.
A pipe handling apparatus usable on derrick floors for assembly and dismantling of pipe strings suspended in wells, the apparatus comprising;
- a) a rig supported spider for pipe suspension, having a frame and a generally central bore with a centerline;
- b) a powered lead tong arranged with a frame having trunnions for mounting and tilting about a horizontal axis;
- c) a rotationally rigid, torque transmitting structure arranged to provide support for said trunnions, to support said power tong a selected distance above said spider for pivoting about said horizontal axis;
- and
- d) latch means to releasably secure said structure to said frame of said spider;
- and
- e) a pipe grabber secured to said lead tong frame.
A pipe handling apparatus usable on derrick floors for assembly and dismantling of pipe strings suspended in wells, the apparatus comprising;
- a) a rig supported spider for pipe suspension, having a frame and a generally central bore with a centerline;
- b) a powered lead tong arranged with a frame having trunnions for mounting and tilting about a horizontal axis;
- c) a rotationally rigid, torque transmitting structure arranged to provide support for said trunnions, to support said powered lead tong a distance above said spider for pivoting about said horizontal axis;
- d) attachment means to releasably secure said structure to said frame of said spider;
- and
- e) a pipe grabber secured to said spider.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.