Stand compensator
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorsJimmy L. Hollingsworth, Jr., Karsten Heidecke, Kevin Wood
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for connecting a tubular to a tubular string are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus suitable for engaging, compensating, and connecting a tubular includes one or more compensating pistons, an engaging assembly for engaging a tubular, and a connector for connecting the engaging assembly to the one or more compensating pistons while allowing for rotation of the tubular relative to the compensation pistons.
Claims19
A method of connecting a tubular to a tubular string in a drilling rig, comprising:
- providing a compensator assembly having one or more compensator pistons;
- moving the compensator assembly to a position proximate the tubular by maneuvering a traveling block;
- engaging the tubular with a plurality of engaging members operatively coupled to the compensator assembly;
- moving a lower end of the tubular into engagement with the tubular string which is supported by a gripping apparatus proximate a rig floor;
- rotating the tubular in order to facilitate connection of the tubular to the tubular string;
- compensating the engaging members during connection of the tubular to the tubular string by allowing the engaging members to axially translate with the tubular relative to the traveling block;
- disengaging the tubular from the engaging members;
- supporting the tubular with a main elevator operatively coupled to the traveling block;
- and
- releasing the gripping apparatus.
An apparatus for connecting a tubular to a tubular string at a wellbore, comprising:
- a plurality of engaging members configured to support the tubular;
- wherein at least one of the engaging members comprises an arm configured to pivot about a substantially horizontal axis from a first disengaged position to a second engaged position in which the engaging member is engaged with the tubular;
- one or more compensator pistons operatively coupled to a traveling member, wherein the one or more compensator pistons are configured to support the weight of the engaging members and the tubular while allowing the engaging members to move axially relative to the traveling member during connection of the tubular to the tubular string;
- and
- a swivel configured to couple the engaging members to the compensator pistons thereby allowing the plurality of engaging members to rotate relative to the one or more compensator pistons.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.