Modular apparatus for assembling tubular goods
OwnerKris Henderson, Lee J. Matherne, Jr. +1inventors
InventorsKris Henderson, Lee J. Matherne, Jr., Lee M. Robichaux
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A modular pipe gripping assembly has a universal actuator assembly having a control fluid swivel. An external pipe gripping assembly can be attached to the actuator assembly for gripping the external surface of a section of pipe. Alternatively, the external pipe gripping assembly can be quickly and easily removed and replaced with an internal pipe gripping assembly for gripping the internal surface of a section of pipe. Control fluid pressure is trapped within the actuator assembly, but relieved from a fluid swivel, permitting high speed rotation of the modular pipe gripping assembly and preserving swivel seal life.
Claims10
A modular pipe running assembly comprising:
- a) a fluid operated actuator assembly adapted to be connected to a top drive assembly, said actuator assembly comprising:
- i) a control fluid swivel assembly having at least one fluid sealing element;
- ii) a control manifold detachably connected to said swivel assembly for supplying control fluid to said swivel assembly;
- iii) at least one fluid actuated piston;
- iv) a check valve disposed between said swivel assembly and said at least one fluid actuated piston;
- and
- b) an interchangeable pipe gripping assembly connected to said actuator assembly, wherein said interchangeable pipe gripping assembly is actuated by said actuator assembly.
A modular pipe running assembly comprising:
- a) a fluid operated actuator assembly adapted to be connected to a top drive assembly, said actuator assembly comprising:
- i) a control fluid swivel assembly comprising:
- aa) a swivel sleeve member having an outer surface, a central bore defining an inner surface, a plurality of fluid channels disposed along said inner surface, and at least one bore extending from a channel to said outer surface defining a port;
- bb) a body member rotatably received within the central bore of said swivel sleeve, wherein said body member has at least one bore aligned with and in fluid communication with a channel of said swivel sleeve;
- cc) at least one sealing element disposed between fluid channels of said swivel sleeve, wherein said at least one sealing element forms a fluid pressure seal between said swivel sleeve and said body member;
- ii) a control manifold detachably connected to said swivel assembly for supplying control fluid to said swivel assembly though said at least one port in said swivel sleeve;
- iii) at least one fluid actuated piston;
- iv) a check valve disposed between said swivel assembly and said at least one fluid actuated piston;
- and
- b) an interchangeable pipe gripping assembly connected to said actuator assembly, wherein said interchangeable pipe gripping assembly is actuated by said actuator assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.