Apparatus for applying an axial force to well pipe slips
AssigneeTesco Corporation
InventorErrol A Sonnier
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for gripping a string of well pipe being lowered into or retrieved from a well includes pipe slips defining a central bore opening having an axis. The pipe slips are configured to abut and grip a surface of a pipe passing through the central bore opening while the pipe slips are in a first position. The pipe slips are further configured to allow axial movement of the pipe when moved to a second position. The apparatus includes at least one hydraulic ram device configured to exert an axial force on the pipe slips while the pipe slips are in the first position to enhance gripping of the pipe.
Claims19
An apparatus for gripping a string of well pipe being lowered into or retrieved from a well, comprising:
- pipe slips defining a central bore opening having an axis;
- the pipe slips configured to abut and grip a surface of a pipe passing through the central bore opening while in a first position;
- the pipe slips further configured to allow axial movement of the pipe when moved to a second position;
- an actuator connected with the pipe slips for moving the slips between the first and second position;
- and
- at least one hydraulic ram device configured to exert an axial force on the pipe slips that urges the pipe slips into tighter engagement with the pipe while the pipe slips are in the first position to enhance gripping of the pipe.
An apparatus for assisting support of well pipe being lowered into or retrieved from a well, comprising:
- a load ring for encircling a set of well pipe slips, the pipe slips defining a conical exterior having a larger diameter end and a smaller diameter end;
- a conical bowl mounted to the load ring, the pipe slips being carried in the bowl between a released position at least partially retracted from the bowl and a gripping position inserted into the bowl;
- an actuator mounted to the load ring and the pipe slips for moving the slips from the gripping position to the released position;
- a setting plate defining an opening coaxial with an axis of the load ring;
- a plurality of axially oriented hydraulic rams connected between the setting plate and the load ring for moving the setting plate axially relative to the load ring, the hydraulic rams being spaced around the opening;
- and
- at least one setting plate extension coupled to the setting plate and having an end configured to engage and exert an axial force on the larger diameter end of the pipe slips in response to axial movement of the hydraulic rams while the pipe slips are in the gripping position, the axial force having a load path passing through the pipes slips and into the pipe to more tightly grip the pipe.
A method for gripping well pipe being run into a well, comprising:
- (a) providing pipe slips defining a central bore opening having an axis and placing the pipe slips in a first position;
- (b) lowering a pipe into the central bore opening while the pipe slips are in the first position;
- (c) moving the pipe slips to a second position in abutment with the pipe;
- then
- (d) with a hydraulic ram device, exerting an axial force on the pipe slips, tightly gripping the pipe;
- and
- wherein the hydraulic ram device is completely disengaged from the pipe slips during step (c).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.