CA2756624C - Top drive for casing connection - Google Patents

Top drive for casing connection Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2756624C
CA2756624C CA2756624A CA2756624A CA2756624C CA 2756624 C CA2756624 C CA 2756624C CA 2756624 A CA2756624 A CA 2756624A CA 2756624 A CA2756624 A CA 2756624A CA 2756624 C CA2756624 C CA 2756624C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
housing
tubular member
top drive
torque head
shoulder portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA2756624A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2756624A1 (en
Inventor
Randy Gene Snider
David Othman Shahin
Gary Thompson
Kevin Leon Gray
John Timothy Allen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Weatherford Technology Holdings LLC
Original Assignee
Weatherford Lamb Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Weatherford Lamb Inc filed Critical Weatherford Lamb Inc
Priority to CA2850900A priority Critical patent/CA2850900C/en
Publication of CA2756624A1 publication Critical patent/CA2756624A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2756624C publication Critical patent/CA2756624C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B19/00Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/16Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B19/00Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/02Rod or cable suspensions
    • E21B19/06Elevators, i.e. rod- or tube-gripping devices
    • E21B19/07Slip-type elevators
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B19/00Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
    • E21B19/16Connecting or disconnecting pipe couplings or joints
    • E21B19/165Control or monitoring arrangements therefor
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B21/00Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
    • E21B21/02Swivel joints in hose-lines
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21BEARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B33/00Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/02Surface sealing or packing
    • E21B33/03Well heads; Setting-up thereof
    • E21B33/04Casing heads; Suspending casings or tubings in well heads
    • E21B33/05Cementing-heads, e.g. having provision for introducing cementing plugs

Abstract

A torque head (100) for gripping tubular members has a housing, grip mechanism secured within the housing (102) for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw (141, 142, 143) selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member (12) within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slope apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.

Description

TOP DRIVE FOR CASING CONNECTION
This is a divisional application of Canadian Patent Application Serial No.
2,641,618 filed on April 17, 2001.
The present invention is directed to wellbore operations, top drives, top drive casing systems and operations, torque heads, top drives with torque heads, and methods using them.
It should be understood that the expression "the invention" and the like encompasses the subject-matter of both the parent and the divisional applications.
The prior art discloses many systems and methods for running casing. The prior art also discloses a variety of systems using a top drive for running casing.
Certain prior ail. top drive systems include the attachment of a spider (e.g. but not limited to, a flush mounted spider) suspended beneath a top drive from the bails. The bails are then rigidly fastened to a top drive quill so as to cause the flush mounted spider to rotate in unison with any rotation of the quill. Engagement of the flush mounted spider's slips with a casing joint or string causes the casing to rotate in coordinated unison with the spider. Fig. 17 shows a prior art top drive in which the collective assembly beneath a bull gear is able to rotate and is collectively referred to as the "pipe handling" or "handler" system. This pipe handling system can be made to slue in coordination with the quill by rigidly affixing the bails to .the quill. In certain embodiments of such a system since the top drive's pipe handling system rotates with the tool at all times, rotation is limited to the design speed limit of the system's seals and bearings C about 6 rpm in some cases. This can add many hours to a casing job. A system is therefore needed that can rotate significantly faster during the spin-in phase of makeup, like a tong, and which would only engage a pipe handler to turn the tool after makeup if there is a stuck pipe situation. Another disadvantage with systems such as that shown in Fig.
17 is that by making the torque head the primary hoisting device the cost of the device is increased and this also, in many cases, makes it necessary to produce or own different la size/tonnage range torque head assemblies to cover both different size ranges C and within size ranges, different tonnages. There is therefore a need for a system that allows a rig to utilize hoisting equipment it already owns for primary hoisting and a system with a torque head that is lighter, i.e. a less expensive device capable of use universally within a size range regardless of tonnage requirements.
With many known prior art devices, apparatuses and systems with which casing is gripped, e.g. by jaws, inserts, or dies, the casing is damaged. Such damage can result in casing which cannot be used. When premium tubulars are required, such damage is very expensive.
There is therefore a need for an efficient and effective system and method for running casing (making-up and breaking-out connections) with a top drive, and which provides for continuous fluid circulation during running operations. It is also desirable to efficiently and effectively rotate casing and apply downward force on a casing string while the string is being installed in a wellbore. The reduction in damage to casing is further desirable, and there is a need for an apparatus that grips casing but does not become locked on the casing.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping a tubular member, the torque head comprising a housing, and a grip mechanism within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member within the housing.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gipping tubular members, the torque head comprising a housing and a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, wherein the at least one jaw has mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, and the die apparatus is movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a top drive system comprising a top drive, bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive, elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails, wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top chive and positioned therebeneath, and a torque head as described above connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head being positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus.
3 In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member, the method comprising engaging the first tubular member with a first elevator secured to and beneath a second elevator, the second elevator comprising a component of a top drive system as described above, lifting the first tubular member above the second tubular member, the second tubular member held in position by a spider, lowering the top drive system so an upper end of the first tubular member enters the torque head and gripping said upper end with the torque head, lowering with the top drive the first tubular member so that a lower threaded end thereof enters an upper threaded end of the second tubular member, and rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to threadedly connect the first tubular member to the second tubular member. The same method can be applied in reverse for disconnecting tubulars.
In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupler device for coupling a torquing device to an item to be rotated thereby, the coupler device comprising a body having a recess in one end, a shaft, at least part of which is within the recess of the body, a clutch apparatus in the recess of the body, and clutch energizing apparatus for energizing the clutch apparatus.
In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for handling wellbore tubulars comprising a top drive, a torque head couplable to the top chive, and a coupler device connectable between the top drive and the torque head, the coupler device comprising a clutch mechanism.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a system with a top drive and its related apparatus, and a torque head connected to and below the top drive in a rig for selectively gripping casing. The present invention, in certain embodiments, discloses a torque bead useful in such systems and methods, the torque head with jaws W001179632 PCT/GB01/017.''
4 with grip members, including but not limited to, slips, dies, and inserts; and in one particular aspect slips with movable dies or inserts that have some degree of axial freedom with respect to the jaws so that, in one aspect, when the slips first contact the exterior of a casing section the dies or inserts move axially with respect to the casing rather than radially, i.e. initially they do not bite, or bite only minimally, into the casing.
Then, as the casing is moved by the top drive slips allow limited vertical movement both upward and downward. This allows the slips, dies or inserts to move upward relative to the slips as they engage the casing and to move downward relative to the slips as they are disengaged from the casing.
In certain embodiments a fluid circulation tool or apparatus is mounted in a torque head. Part of this tool is introduced into the top of a casing joint when the joint is being hoisted and readied for makeup to a casing string. With appropriate sealing packers, the joint is filled with circulation fluid and then moved into position above the casing string. Once makeup commences, circulating fluid is circulated through the joint and to the casing string.
In certain particular embodiments of the present invention relative axial movement of the torque head with respect to a casing joint being gripped by the slips is also made possible by providing a mounting plate assembly that includes bolts holding it together and springs that allow some controlled axial movement of the torque head.
With the slips gripping the casing, a torque head barrel is rigidly fixed relative to the casing and if the casing is made up to the string or is gripped at the spider, downward force on the torque head assembly causes the springs located in the top plate to compress and allows for limited axial movement relative to the casing and elevator, provided the elevator slips are engaged on the casing. Such a torque head can be used with the previously-mentioned movable dies, etc., (which engage the casing when they are moved axially downwardly relative to the inner diameter of the torque head) and which are disengaged by axial movement upwardly relative to an inner diameter of the torque head. In the event the torque head assembly is subjected to a dangerous axial load of predetermined amount (e.g., but not limited to, about 100 tons or more), the bolts fail before significant damage is done to the torque head. When the bolts fail, the top plate assembly separates from the torque head barrel while the slips of the torque head assembly remain engaged against the casing, thus causing the barrel and slip mechanism within the barrel to remain firmly attached to the casing and prevent it from free falling the rig floor. This also reduces the possibility of items falling down (e.g. the torque head) and injuring personnel.
5 In certain aspects, selectively controlled piston/cylinder devices are used to move the slips into and out of engagement with a casing joint. In certain embodiments the piston/cylinder assemblies have internal flow control valves and accumulators so that once the slips engage the casing, hydraulic pressure is maintained in the cylinders and the slips remain in engagement with the casing.
Methods according to the present invention with systems according to the present invention are more automated than previous systems because in various prior art systems the torque head can become locked onto the casing when the slips of an elevator (or other suspension/clamping device) are engaged against the casing after the slips of the torque head have been engaged. This condition is a result of the actuation of hydraulic cylinders and then not being able to provide sufficient force to disengage the slips and overcome the mechanical advantage created by the wedging action of slip assemblies without some relative vertical movement of the casing. With the slips of the elevator set, this relative vertical movement of the casing is prevented. The same condition exists for the slips of the elevator in various prior art systems so that the torque head and elevator are locked onto the casing. Various methods are employed to prevent or preclude the torque head from becoming locked onto the casing: In one aspect the dies are capable of some vertical movement relative to the slips.
In another aspect in the torque head barrel some limited vertical movement relative to the casing is allowed due to the two piece construction of the torque head barrel top assembly with incorporated spring washers. When the need to use a power tong to makeup a casing string is eliminated, as with systems according to the present invention, the need for a tong running crew is also eliminated.
At least certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for running casing with a top drive which provide automated operations;
such systems and methods which provide continuous fluid circulation during a
6 operations; such systems and methods which reduce or eliminate damage to casing by using grippers with moveable dies or inserts (marking or non-marking); that prevent a torquing apparatus from becoming locked onto casing and/or which reduce or eliminate axial loading on a torquing apparatus and/or by providing for shear release of the torque head from an item, e.g. a top drive connected to it.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for rotating a tubular member comprising:
a rig structure having a top drive operatively connected thereto;
a gripping member operatively connected to the top drive, for gripping and rotating the tubular member;
a torque monitoring device for monitoring a torque developed by the rotating tubular member; and a controller for receiving communications from the torque monitoring device and controlling an output of the top drive.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for rotating a tubular member comprising:
providing a rig structure having a top drive operatively connected thereto;
providing a gripping member, operatively connected to the top drive, for gripping the tubular member;
gripping the tubular member with the gripping member;
operating the top drive to rotate the gripping member and thereby rotating the tubular member;
monitoring a torque developed in response to rotation of the tubular member;
communicating the monitored torque to a controller; and operating the controller to control an output of the top drive.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;

6a the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and a bearing insert disposed between the die apparatus and the at least one jaw for facililating movement of the die apparatus with respect to the at least one jaw.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item, the releasable connection apparatus including:
a top plate mounted to a top of the housing; and a top barrel mounted to the top plate with shear bolts shearable in response to a predetermined load for selective separation of the top barrel from the top plate.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;

6b a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and a piston-cylinder apparatus interconnected between the at least one jaw and the housing for selectively moving the at least one jaw into and out of engagement with the portion of the tubular member.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and a fluid circulation apparatus for selectively continuously providing fluid to a tubular member gripped by the torque head.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;

6c the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and at least one lower member secured at the bottom of the housing with an inclined portion for facilitating entry of the tubular member into the housing.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including a plurality of spaced-apart jaws selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing;
each jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
each slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to a corresponding jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the jaws so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
wherein the die apparatus is movable upwardly as the portion of the tubular is engaged and downwardly as the portion of the tubular is disengaged;
a bearing insert disposed between each die apparatus and each jaw for facilitating movement of the die apparatus with respect to the jaw; and a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;

6d a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus axially movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with -- respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item;
a top plate mounted to a top of the housing; and a top barrel mounted to the top plate with shear bolts shearable in response to a -- predetermined load for selective separation of the top barrel from the top plate.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
-- a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
-- the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus axially movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another -- item; and a fluid circulation apparatus for selectively continuously providing fluid to a tubular member gripped by the torque head.

6e According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus axially movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item; and a top drive releasably secured to and above the torque head.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a top drive system comprising:
a top drive;
bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive;
an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails;
a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath;
and a torque head connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus, the torque head comprising a housing, and a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including a plurality of spaced-apart jaws selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, each jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, each slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to a corresponding jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the jaws so that relative 6f movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a top drive system comprising:
a top drive;
bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive;
an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails;
a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath;
and a torque head connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus, the torque head comprising a housing, a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including a plurality of spaced-apart jaws selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, each jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, each slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to a corresponding jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the jaws so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable, and a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member, the method comprising:
engaging the first tubular member with a first elevator secured to and beneath a second elevator, the second elevator comprising a component of a top drive system, the top drive system comprising a top drive, bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive, an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails, a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath, and a torque head connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus, the torque head comprising a housing, a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the 6g grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
lifting the first tubular member above the second tubular member, the second tubular member being held in position by a spider;
lowering the top drive system so an upper end of the first tubular member enters the torque head and gripping said upper end with the torque head;
lowering with the top drive the first tubular member so that a lower threaded end thereof enters an upper threaded end of the second tubular member; and rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to threadedly connect the first tubular member to the second tubular member.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for disconnecting a first tubular member from a second tubular member, the method comprising:
engaging a top end of the first tubular member with a torque head of a top drive system, the top drive system comprising a top drive, bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive, an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails, a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned theFebeneath, and a torque head connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus, the torque head comprising a housing, a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted thereto, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;

6h rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to disconnect the first tubular member from the second tubular member.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member, the method comprising:
engaging the first tubular member with a first elevator secured to and beneath a second elevator, the second elevator comprising a component of a top drive system, the top drive system comprising a top drive, bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive, an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails, a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath, and a torque head connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus, the torque head comprising a housing, a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including a plurality of spaced-apart jaws selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, each jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, each slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to a corresponding jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the jaws so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable, and a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item;
lifting the first tubular member above the second tubular member, the second tubular member being held in position by a spider;
lowering the top drive system so an upper end of the first tubular member enters the torque head and gripping said upper end with the torque head;
lowering with the top drive the first tubular member so that a lower threaded end thereof enters an upper threaded end of the second tubular member; and rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to threadedly connect the first tubular member to the second tubular member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for disconnecting a first tubular member from a second tubular member, the method comprising:
engaging a top end of the first tubular member with a torque head of a top drive system, the top drive system comprising a top drive, bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive, an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails, a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath, and a torque head connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus, the torque head comprising a housing, a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including a plurality of spaced-apart jaws selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, each jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, each slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to a corresponding jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the jaws so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable, and a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item; and rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to disconnect the first tubular member from the second tubular member.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;

6j the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item;
a top plate mounted to a top of the housing; and a top barrel mounted to the top plate with shear bolts shearable in response to a predetermined load for selective separation of the top barrel from the top plate.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and a coupler device for coupling a torquing device to an item to be rotated thereby, wherein the coupler device comprises:
a body with a first end and a second end;
a recess in the first end of the body;
a shaft with a shaft first end and a shaft second end, wherein at least part of the shaft is within the recess of the body;
a clutch apparatus in the recess of the body; and a clutch energizing apparatus for energizing the clutch apparatus.

6k According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupler device for coupling a torquing device to an item to be rotated thereby, the coupler device comprising:
a body having a recess in one end;
a shaft, at least part of the shaft being within the recess of the body;
a clutch apparatus in the recess of the body; and clutch energizing apparatus for energizing the clutch apparatus.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for handling wellbore tubulars comprising:
a top drive;
a torque head couplable to the top drive; and a coupler device connectable between the top drive and the torque head, the coupler device comprising a clutch mechanism.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for providing selective rotation to a tubular string, the apparatus comprising:
a drive member for providing rotational energy;
a torque head having at least one radially movable gripping member for selectively gripping the tubular string; and a coupler device operatively connected to the drive member and the torque head for selectively transmitting the rotational energy between the drive member and the torque head for selectively transmitting the rotational energy between the drive member and the torque head, the coupler device having a first configuration for transmitting the rotational energy from the drive member to the torque head and a second configuration for interrupting such transmission.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupler for use with a top drive, the coupler comprising:
a top drive;
a body having a recess formed in an end thereof;

a shaft partially disposed in the recess, wherein one of the shaft and the body is adapted for connection to an output shaft of the top drive;
a clutch apparatus disposed in the recess between the shaft and the body;
a fluid piston movable by fluid pressure to energise and de-energise the clutch apparatus; and a swivel union configured to supply fluid pressure to the clutch apparatus.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque apparatus for gripping and rotating tubular members, the torque apparatus comprising:
a top drive;
a body rotatable by the top drive;
a grip mechanism secured to the body, the grip mechanism having at least one radially movable gripping member for selectively gripping a tubular member;
a coupler device for coupling the top drive to the grip mechanism, the coupler device comprising a clutch apparatus and a clutch torque adjusting member for adjusting a torque transmitted by the clutch apparatus; and a rotatable swivel union configured to supply fluid pressure to the clutch apparatus.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupler for use with a top drive, the coupler comprising:
atop drive;
a body having a recess formed therein and a first fluid path therethrough;
a shaft at least partially disposed in the recess, the shaft having a second fluid flow path therethrough, the first and the second fluid flow paths forming a substantially continuous flow path;
a clutch apparatus disposed in the recess between the shaft and the body;
a piston configured to energise and de-energise the clutch apparatus; and a rotatable swivel union configured to supply fluid pressure to the clutch apparatus.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing selective rotation to a tubular member, the method comprising:

6m providing a gripping member operatively connected to a drive member for gripping the tubular member;
gripping the tubular member with the gripping member;
selectively transmitting torque between the drive member and the gripping member via a coupler device;
measuring the transmitted torque; and adjusting a fluid pressure in the coupler in response to the measured torque.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
and wherein the die apparatus is movable with respect to the at least one jaw upon the die apparatus contacting the tubular member so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a top drive system comprising:
a top drive;
bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive;
an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails;
a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath;
and a torque head as described herein connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith.

6n According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a top drive system comprising:
a top drive;
bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive;
an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails;
a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath;
and a torque head as described herein connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head further comprising a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member, the method comprising:
engaging the first tubular member with a first elevator secured to and beneath a second elevator, the second elevator comprising the elevator apparatus of a top drive system as described herein;
lifting the first tubular member above the second tubular member, the second tubular member being held in position by a spider;
lowering the top drive system so an upper end of the first tubular member enters the torque head and gripping said upper end with the torque head;
lowering with the top drive the first tubular member so that a lower threaded end thereof enters an upper threaded end of the second tubular member; and rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to threadedly connect the first tubular member to the second tubular member.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for disconnecting a first tubular member from a second tubular member, the method comprising:
engaging a top end of the first tubular member with a torque head of a top drive system as described herein; and rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to disconnect the first tubular member from the second tubular member.

6o According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member, the method comprising:
engaging the first tubular member with a first elevator secured to and beneath a second elevator, the second elevator comprising a component of a top drive system as described herein, the top drive system further including a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item;
lifting the first tubular member above the second tubular member, the second tubular member being held in position by a spider;
lowering the top drive system so an upper end of the first tubular member enters the torque head and gripping said upper end with the torque head;
lowering with the top drive the first tubular member so that a lower threaded end thereof enters an upper threaded end of the second tubular member; and rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to threadedly connect the first tubular member to the second tubular member.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for disconnecting a first tubular member from a second tubular member, the method comprising:
engaging a top end of the first tubular member with a torque head of a top drive system as described herein, the top drive system further including a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item; and rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to disconnect the first tubular member from the second tubular member.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system coupled to an output shaft of a top drive for handling a tubular, comprising:
a housing for supporting a gripping assembly; and a shaft member having a shoulder portion for supporting the housing, wherein the shoulder portion and the housing are axially movable relative to each other, and wherein the shaft member is coupled to the output shaft of the top drive.

6p According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of handling a tubular using a system coupled to an output shaft of a top drive, comprising:
engaging the tubular with a gripping assembly;
supporting a housing of the gripping assembly using a shoulder portion of a shaft member that is coupled to the output shaft of the top drive;
rotating the tubular with the gripping assembly using the top drive to thereby connect the tubular to a tubular string; and moving the housing relative to the shoulder portion.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system coupled to an output shaft of a top drive for handling a tubular, comprising:
a housing for supporting a gripping assembly;
a shaft member having a shoulder portion for supporting the housing, wherein the shoulder portion and the housing are axially movable relative to each other, wherein the shoulder portion is disposed in the housing and the shaft member extends through the housing;
a flange member coupled to the shaft member; and at least one fastener member disposed through the flange member, the housing, and the shoulder portion.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system coupled to an output shaft of a top drive for handling a tubular, comprising:
a housing for supporting a gripping assembly; and a shaft member having a shoulder portion for supporting the housing, wherein the shoulder portion and the housing are axially movable relative to each other, wherein the gripping assembly comprises at least one radially movable slip member disposed in the housing and operable to engage and transmit torque to the tubular.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for providing selective rotation to an oilfield tubular string at a wellbore, the apparatus comprising:

6q a top drive for providing rotational energy, wherein the top drive is operatively connected to a rig at the wellbore;
a torque head having at least one radially movable gripping member for selectively gripping the oilfield tubular string; and a coupler device having a first configuration for transmitting the rotational energy from the top drive to the torque head to rotate the torque head at a first torque and a second configuration for altering such transmission, while the coupler device is in a rotational state, to rotate the torque head at a second torque that is different than the first torque, wherein the coupler device is operatively connected to the top drive and the torque head when in the first configuration and the second configuration, and wherein the coupler device includes a fluid flow path that provides fluid communication between the top drive and the torque head.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupler for use with a top drive on a rig, the coupler comprising:
a body having a recess formed therein and a first fluid flow path therethrough;
a shaft at least partially disposed in the recess, the shaft having a second fluid flow path therethrough, the first and second fluid flow paths forming a substantially continuous flow path, wherein the top drive is operatively coupled to and disposed above the shaft to facilitate rotation of the shaft;
a clutch apparatus disposed in the recess between the shaft and the body; and a piston configured to energize and deenergize the clutch apparatus, wherein the clutch apparatus is operable to alter the transmission of torque from the shaft to the body in response to actuation of the piston while the body is in a rotational state.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for gripping and rotating oilfield tubular members, the system connectable to a rig at a wellbore, the system comprising:
a top drive operatively connected to the rig;
a gripping assembly having at least one radially movable gripping member for selectively gripping an oilfield tubular member; and a coupler device having a first configuration for transmitting rotational energy from the top drive to the gripping assembly to rotate the gripping assembly at a first 6r torque and a second configuration for altering such transmission to rotate the gripping assembly at a second torque that is different than the first torque, wherein the coupler device is operatively connected to the top drive and the gripping assembly in the first configuration and the second configuration, wherein the coupler device is selectively adjustable between the first configuration and the second configuration using fluid pressure while rotating the gripping assembly, and wherein the coupler device includes a fluid flow path that provides fluid communication between the top drive and the gripping assembly.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for providing selective rotation to a tubular string, the apparatus comprising:
a top drive for providing rotational energy;
a torque head having at least one radially movable gripping member for selectively gripping the tubular string; and a coupler device operatively connected to the top drive and the torque head for selectively transmitting the rotational energy between the top drive and the torque head;
wherein the coupler device is usable to selectively increase, reduce or stop the transmission of torque from the top drive to the torque head and includes a clutch mechanism comprising:
a plurality of spaced-apart shaft clutch plates connected to a shaft and projecting out therefrom into a recess of a body; and a plurality of spaced-apart body clutch plates connected to and projecting inwardly into the recess of the body and interleaved with the shaft clutch plates.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing selective rotation to a tubular member using the apparatus as described herein, the method comprising:
gripping the tubular member with the torque head; and selectively transmitting torque between the top drive and the torque head via the coupler device.

6s According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupler device for coupling a torquing device to an item to be rotated thereby, the coupler device comprising:
a body having a recess in one end;
a shaft, at least part of the shaft being within the recess of the body;
a clutch apparatus in the recess of the body; and clutch energizing apparatus for energizing the clutch apparatus.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for handling wellbore tubulars comprising:
a top drive;
a torque head couplable to the top drive; and a coupler device connectable between the top drive and the torque head, the coupler device comprising a clutch mechanism.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for providing selective rotation to a tubular string, the apparatus comprising:
a drive member for providing rotational energy;
a torque head having at least one radially movable gripping member for selectively gripping the tubular string; and a coupler device operatively connected to the drive member and the torque head for selectively transmitting the rotational energy between the drive member and the torque head for selectively transmitting the rotational energy between the drive member and the torque head, the coupler device having a first configuration for transmitting the rotational energy from the drive member to the torque head and a second configuration for interrupting such transmission.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupler for use with a top drive, the coupler comprising:
a top drive;
a body having a recess formed in an end thereof;
a shaft partially disposed in the recess, wherein one of the shaft and the body is adapted for connection to an output shaft of the top drive;

6t a clutch apparatus disposed in the recess between the shaft and the body;
a fluid piston movable by fluid pressure to energise and de-energise the clutch apparatus; and a swivel union configured to supply fluid pressure to the clutch apparatus.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a torque apparatus for gripping and rotating tubular members, the torque apparatus comprising:
a top drive;
a body rotatable by the top drive;
a grip mechanism secured to the body, the grip mechanism having at least one radially movable gripping member for selectively gripping a tubular member;
a coupler device for coupling the top drive to the grip mechanism, the coupler device comprising a clutch apparatus and a clutch torque adjusting member for adjusting a torque transmitted by the clutch apparatus; and a rotatable swivel union configured to supply fluid pressure to the clutch apparatus.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupler for use with a top drive, the coupler comprising:
atop drive;
a body having a recess formed therein and a first fluid path therethrough;
a shaft at least partially disposed in the recess, the shaft having a second fluid flow path therethrough, the first and the second fluid flow paths forming a substantially continuous flow path;
a clutch apparatus disposed in the recess between the shaft and the body;
a piston configured to energise and de-energise the clutch apparatus; and a rotatable swivel union configured to supply fluid pressure to the clutch apparatus.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing selective rotation to a tubular member, the method comprising:
providing a gripping member operatively connected to a drive member for gripping the tubular member;

6u gripping the tubular member with the gripping member;
selectively transmitting torque between the drive member and the gripping member via a coupler device;
measuring the transmitted torque; and adjusting a fluid pressure in the coupler in response to the measured torque.
Aspects of the present invention are described by the following clauses.
Clauses 1. A torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and a bearing insert disposed between the die apparatus and the at least one jaw for facilitating movement of the die apparatus with respect to the at least one jaw.
2. The torque head according to clause 1, wherein the bearing insert is made from a thermoplastic material or a carbon-fiber reinforced resin compound.
3. A torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;

6v the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item, the releasable connection apparatus including:
a top plate mounted to a top of the housing; and a top barrel mounted to the top plate with shear bolts shearable in response to a predetermined load for selective separation of the top barrel from the top plate.
4. The torque head according to clause 3, further comprising a spring apparatus between the top barrel and the top plate providing for limited axial movement of the top barrel with respect to the top plate.
5. A torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and 6w a piston-cylinder apparatus interconnected between the at least one jaw and the housing for selectively moving the at least one jaw into and out of engagement with the portion of the tubular member.
6. The torque head according to clause 5, further comprising a guide apparatus connected to the at least one jaw for guiding movement of the at least one jaw.
7. A torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and a fluid circulation apparatus for selectively continuously providing fluid to a tubular member gripped by the torque head.
8. The torque head according to clause 7, wherein the tubular member is connected to a tubular string extending downwardly from the torque head and the fluid circulation apparatus circulates fluid to the tubular string during operation of the torque head.
9. The torque head according to clause 7 or 8, wherein the die apparatus is movable upwardly relative to the at least one jaw as the portion of the tubular is engaged and downwardly relative to the at least one jaw as the portion of the tubular is disengaged.
10. The torque head according to clause 7, 8 or 9, wherein the die apparatus is positioned in a recess in the at least one jaw; and further comprising a stop member 6x secured to the at least one jaw with a portion thereof projecting into the recess of the at least one jaw, for limiting movement of the die apparatus and for preventing escape of the die apparatus from the recess.
11. The torque head according to any one of clauses 7 to 10, further comprising a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item.
12. The torque head according to any one of clauses 7 to 11, wherein the at least one jaw is a plurality of spaced-apart jaws.
13. The torque head according to any one of clauses 7 to 12, further comprising a coupler device for coupling a torquing device to an item to be rotated thereby.
14. A torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member; the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and at least one lower member secured at the bottom of the housing with an inclined portion for facilitating entry of the tubular member into the housing.
15. The torque head according to clause 14, wherein the at least one lower member is a plurality of spaced-apart lower members.
16. A torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:

6y a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including a plurality of spaced-apart jaws selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing;
each jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
each slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to a corresponding jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the jaws so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
wherein the die apparatus is movable upwardly as the portion of the tubular is engaged and downwardly as the portion of the tubular is disengaged;
a bearing insert disposed between each die apparatus and each jaw for facilitating movement of the die apparatus with respect to the jaw; and a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item.
17. The torque head according to clause 16, further comprising a top drive releasably secured to and above the torque head.
18. A torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;

the die apparatus axially movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item;
a top plate mounted to a top of the housing; and a top barrel mounted to the top plate with shear bolts shearable in response to a predetermined load for selective separation of the top barrel from the top plate.
19. The torque head according to clause 18, further comprising a spring apparatus between the top barrel and the top plate providing for limited axial movement of the top barrel with respect to the top plate.
20. A torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus axially movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item; and a fluid circulation apparatus for selectively continuously providing fluid to a tubular member gripped by the torque head.
21. A torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:

a housing;

6aa grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus axially movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item; and a top drive releasably secured to and above the torque head.
22. A top drive system comprising:
a top drive;
bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive;
an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails;
a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath; and a torque head connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus, the torque head comprising a housing, and a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including a plurality of spaced-apart jaws selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, each jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, each slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to a corresponding jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the jaws so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.

6bb
23. The top drive system of clause 22, further comprising a pipe handler apparatus disposed beneath the elevator apparatus.
24. A top drive system comprising:
a top drive;
bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive;
an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails;
a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath; and a torque head connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus, the torque head comprising a housing, a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including a plurality of spaced-apart jaws selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, each jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, each slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to a corresponding jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the jaws so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable, and a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item.
25. The top drive system of clause 24, further comprising a pipe handler apparatus disposed beneath the elevator apparatus.
26. A method for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member, the method comprising:
engaging the first tubular member with a first elevator secured to and beneath a second elevator, the second elevator comprising a component of a top drive system, the top drive system comprising a top drive, bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive, an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails, a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath, and a torque head connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus, the torque head comprising a housing, a grip 6cc mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
lifting the first tubular member above the second tubular member, the second tubular member being held in position by a spider;
lowering the top drive system so an upper end of the first tubular member enters the torque head and gripping said upper end with the torque head;
lowering with the top drive the first tubular member so that a lower threaded end thereof enters an upper threaded end of the second tubular member; and rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to threadedly connect the first tubular member to the second tubular member.
27. The method according to clause 26, further comprising facilitating positioning of the first tubular member with a pipe handling apparatus selectively engaging the first tubular member.
28. The method according to clause 26 or 27, wherein the top drive is movably mounted in a rig and the spider is a flush mounted spider on a rig floor.
29. The method according to clause 26, 27 or 28, wherein the second tubular member is a top tubular of a tubular string extending down into earth.
30. The method according to any one of clauses 26 to 29, wherein the tubular members are casing.
31. A method for disconnecting a first tubular member from a second tubular member, the method comprising:

6dd engaging a top end of the first tubular member with a torque head of a top drive system, the top drive system comprising a top drive, bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive, an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails, a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath, and a torque head connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus, the torque head comprising a housing, a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted thereto, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to disconnect the first tubular member from the second tubular member.
32. A method for connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member, the method comprising:
engaging the first tubular member with a first elevator secured to and beneath a second elevator, the second elevator comprising a component of a top drive system, the top drive system comprising a top drive, bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive, an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails, a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath, and a torque head connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus, the torque head comprising a housing, a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including a plurality of spaced-apart jaws selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, each jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, each slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to a corresponding jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the jaws so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is 6ee movable, and a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item;
lifting the first tubular member above the second tubular member, the second tubular member being held in position by a spider;
lowering the top drive system so an upper end of the first tubular member enters the torque head and gripping said upper end with the torque head;
lowering with the top drive the first tubular member so that a lower threaded end thereof enters an upper threaded end of the second tubular member; and rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to threadedly connect the first tubular member to the second tubular member.
33. A method for disconnecting a first tubular member from a second tubular member, the method comprising:
engaging a top end of the first tubular member with a torque head of a top drive system, the top drive system comprising a top drive, bails connected to and extending beneath the top drive, an elevator apparatus connected to a lower end of the bails, a wrenching apparatus interconnected with the top drive and positioned therebeneath, and a torque head connected to the top drive for selective rotation thereby and therewith, the torque head positioned beneath the wrenching apparatus, the torque head comprising a housing, a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including a plurality of spaced-apart jaws selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, each jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, each slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to a corresponding jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the jaws so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable, and a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item; and rotating the first tubular member with the top drive to disconnect the first tubular member from the second tubular member.
34. A torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:

a housing;

6ff a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw; the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable;
a releasable connection apparatus for releasably connecting the torque head to another item;
a top plate mounted to a top of the housing; and a top barrel mounted to the top plate with shear bolts shearable in response to a predetermined load for selective separation of the top barrel from the top plate.
35. The torque head according to clause 34, further comprising a spring apparatus between the top barrel and the top plate providing for limited axial movement of the top barrel with respect to the top plate.
36. A torque head for gripping tubular members, the torque head comprising:
a housing;
a grip mechanism secured within the housing for selectively gripping a tubular member;
the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of the tubular member within the housing;
the at least one jaw having mounted thereon a slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member;
the slip apparatus including a die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw;
the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular member with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable; and 6gg a coupler device for coupling a torquing device to an item to be rotated thereby, wherein the coupler device comprises:
a body with a first end and a second end;
a recess in the first end of the body;
a shaft with a shaft first end and a shaft second end, wherein at least part of the shaft is within the recess of the body;
a clutch apparatus in the recess of the body; and a clutch energizing apparatus for energizing the clutch apparatus.
37. The torque head according to clause 36, wherein the coupler device further comprises a clutch deenergizing apparatus for deenergizing the clutch apparatus.
38. The torque head according to clause 36 or 37, wherein the clutch apparatus further comprises:
a plurality of spaced-apart shaft clutch plates connected to the shaft and projecting out therefrom into the recess of the body; and a plurality of spaced-apart body clutch plates connected to and projecting inwardly into the recess of the body, wherein the plurality of spaced-apart shaft clutch plates is interleaved with the plurality of spaced-apart body clutch plates.
39. A coupler device for coupling a torquing device to an item to be rotated thereby, the coupler device comprising:
a body having a recess in one end;
a shaft, at least part of the shaft being within the recess of the body;
a clutch apparatus in the recess of the body; and clutch energizing apparatus for energizing the clutch apparatus.
40. The coupler device of clause 39, further comprising clutch deenergizing apparatus for deenergizing the clutch apparatus.
41. The coupler device of clause 39 or 40, wherein the clutch apparatus comprises:
a plurality of spaced-apart shaft clutch plates connected to the shaft and projecting out therefrom into the recess of the body; and 6hh a plurality of spaced-apart body clutch plates connected to and projecting inwardly into the recess of the body, the plurality of spaced-apart shaft clutch plates being interleaved with the plurality of spaced-apart body clutch plates.
42. A system for handling wellbore tubulars comprising:
a top drive;
a torque head couplable to the top drive; and a coupler device connectable between the top drive and the torque head, the coupler device comprising a clutch mechanism.
43. The system of clause 42, wherein the clutch mechanism is a torque limiting mechanism.
44. The system of clause 42 or 43, wherein the clutch mechanism is arranged to slip at a predefined torque.
45. The system of clause 42, 43 or 44, wherein the coupler device is the coupler device of clause 39,40 or 41.
46. The system of clause 42, 43, 44 or 45, further comprising a joint compensator between the top drive and the torque head.
47. An apparatus for providing selective rotation to a tubular string, the apparatus comprising:
a drive member for providing rotational energy;
a torque head having at least one radially movable gripping member for selectively gripping the tubular string; and a coupler device operatively connected to the drive member and the torque head for selectively transmitting the rotational energy between the drive member and the torque head for selectively transmitting the rotational energy between the drive member and the torque head, the coupler device having a first configuration for transmitting the rotational energy from the drive member to the torque head and a second configuration for interrupting such transmission.

6ii
48. The apparatus of clause 47, further comprising clutch deenergizing apparatus for deenergizing a clutch apparatus.
49. The apparatus of clause 47 or 48, wherein the coupler device further comprises:
a plurality of spaced-apart shaft clutch plates connected to the shaft and projecting out therefrom into the recess of the body; and a plurality of spaced-apart body clutch plates connected to and projecting inwardly into the recess of the body, the plurality of spaced-apart shaft clutch plates being interleaved with the plurality of spaced-apart body clutch plates.
50. A coupler for use with a top drive, the coupler comprising:
a top drive;
a body having a recess formed in an end thereof;
a shaft partially disposed in the recess, wherein one of the shaft and the body is adapted for connection to an output shaft of the top drive;
a clutch apparatus disposed in the recess between the shaft and the body;
a fluid piston movable by fluid pressure to energise and de-energise the clutch apparatus; and a swivel union configured to supply fluid pressure to the clutch apparatus.
51. The coupler of clause 50, further comprising a channel formed in the body for communication of fluid pressure.
52. A torque apparatus for gripping and rotating tubular members, the torque apparatus comprising:
a top drive;
a body rotatable by the top drive;
a grip mechanism secured to the body, the grip mechanism having at least one radially movable gripping member for selectively gripping a tubular member;

6j j a coupler device for coupling the top drive to the grip mechanism, the coupler device comprising a clutch apparatus and a clutch torque adjusting member for adjusting a torque transmitted by the clutch apparatus; and a rotatable swivel union configured to supply fluid pressure to the clutch apparatus.
53. A coupler for use with a top drive, the coupler comprising:
a top drive;
a body having a recess formed therein and a first fluid path therethrough;
a shaft at least partially disposed in the recess, the shaft having a second fluid flow path therethrough, the first and the second fluid flow paths forming a substantially continuous flow path;
a clutch apparatus disposed in the recess between the shaft and the body;
a piston configured to energise and de-energise the clutch apparatus; and a rotatable swivel union configured to supply fluid pressure to the clutch apparatus.
54. The coupler of clause 53, wherein the flow path is substantially isolated from the clutch apparatus.
55. The coupler of clause 53 or 54, wherein the body and the shaft are rotationally movable relative one to the other.
56. The coupler of clause 53, 54 or 55, wherein the piston is movable by fluid pressure.
57. A method for providing selective rotation to a tubular member, the method comprising:
providing a gripping member operatively connected to a drive member for gripping the tubular member;
gripping the tubular member with the gripping member;
selectively transmitting torque between the drive member and the gripping member via a coupler device;

6kk measuring the transmitted torque; and adjusting a fluid pressure in the coupler in response to the measured torque.
58. The method of clause 57, wherein the coupler device includes a first configuration for transmitting torque from the drive member to the gripping member and a second configuration for interrupting such transmission.
59. The method of clause 57 or 58, further including changing the torque in response to rotation of the tubular member.
60. The method of clause 57, 58 or 59, wherein the coupler device comprises a clutch apparatus and a clutch torque adjusting member for adjusting a torque transmitted by the clutch apparatus.
61. The method of clause 60, further including supplying fluid pressure to the clutch apparatus via a swivel union.
Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a system according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a part of a torque head according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the torque head of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is atop view of parts of the torque head of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a side cross-section view of part of the torque head of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a piston/cylinder device of the torque head of Fig, 2:
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the torque head of Fig. 2 with a circulation apparatus therein;
Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are side views in cross-section showing operation of a slip according to the present invention. Fig. 8A is a cross-section view of part of Fig. 8;
Fig. 11 is a schematic view of an hydraulic circuit useful with a torque head and system according to the present invention.

Figs. 12 - 16 are side views of steps in a method using a system according to the present invention;
Fig. 17 is a side view of a prior art top drive system; and Fig. 18 is a side view in cross-section of a top drive casing system coupler.
Referring now to Fig. 1 , a system 10 according to the present invention includes a top drive 20, a torque wrench assembly 30 used for back-up, an elevator 40 (which may also be any suitable known suspendable selective clamping apparatus or device), a pipe handler 50, and a torque head 100. The elevator 40 is suspended by bails 42 from eyes 22 of the top drive 20. The torque wrench assembly 30 is suspended by a support 32 from the top drive 20.
A torque sub 60 interconnects a spindle 24 (also called a "a quill") of the top drive 20 and the top of a joint of casing 12 that extends into the torque head 100.
Rotation of the spindle 24 by the top drive 20 rotates the torque sub 60 and the casing joint 12. A top portion of the casing 12 (or of a casing coupling if one is used) extends into the torque head 100.
A selectively operable bail movement apparatus 70 (also called a "pipe handler") moves the bails 42 and elevator 40 as desired. The top drive 20 is movably mounted to part 14 of a rig (not shown). The top drive, top drive controls, torque wrench assembly, torque sub, elevator, bail movement apparatus and pipe handler may be any suitable known apparatuses as have been used, are used, and/or are commercially available.
Preferably the torque head is positioned above the elevator and the torque head is connected to the top drive spindle. In one particular embodiment the spindle or "quill" projects down into atop barrel of the torque head about 5.625 inches (143 mm).
The spindle is threadedly connected to the top of the torque head.
By controlling and selectively rotating the spindle 24 with the top drive 20, hoisting, lowering and torquing of casing is controlled via controls 16 (shown WO 01/79652 PCT/GB01/0173`

schematically) of the top drive 20. The torque sub 60 is interconnected with and in communicafion with controls 16 and it monitors torque applied to casing, e.g.
during a makeup operation.
With the spindle or quill 24 engaged by the back-up assembly 30, the bails 42, elevator 40, and torque head 100 rotate together, thereby rotating a casing string (not shown) whose top joint is engaged by the torque head 100 while the string is lowered or raised. This is advantageous in the event the casing become stuck during setting operations, it is desirable to be able to rotate the casing siring while it is being lowered.
As shown in Fig. 7 a commercially available fillup-circulating tool 80 (e.g.
but not limited to a LaFleur Petroleum Services Auto Seal Circulating tool) within the torque head 100 has an end 81 inserted into the casing joint 12 when the joint 12 is being hoisted by the rig drawworks and readied for makeup to a casing string extending from the rig down into an earth wellbore. A lower packer element 82 of the tool 80 seals against the interior of the joint 12 so the joint can be filled with circulation fluid or mud. By moving the tool 80 further down within the joint 12 and sealing off the casing's interior with an upper packer element 83, circulation of drilling fluid is effected through the torque head, through the casing, and to the casing string.
As shown in Figs. 2 - 7, the torque head 100 has an outer housing or barrel with upper recesses 104 corresponding to projections 106 of a top plate 108.
Bolts 109 bolt the top plate 108 to the housing 102. A levelling bar 110 with three sub-parts 111, 112, 113 bolted together by bolts 114 is threadedly secured to piston/cylinder apparatuses described below by pins or bolts, and the piston/cylinder apparatuses are connected to the housing 102 described below (via mounting clips). Lower sleeve portions 121, 122, 123 secured by bolts 115 to a ring 116 are spaced-apart by three jaw guides 131, 132, 133 which are secured to the ring 116 (Fig. 2) by bolts 117.
Jaws 141, 142, 143 each have a top member 144 positioned between ears 119 of the bar 110, each with a shaft 145 that moves in a corresponding slot 118 in the levelling bar 110 as they are raised and lowered by pistons 154 of piston/cylinder apparatuses 151, 152, 153.
Lower ends of the pistons 154 are threaded for connection to part of the bar 110. Slips 160 are secured to the jaws. The controls 16 and fluid power system associated therewith or any typical rig fluid power system may be used to selectively actuate and deactivate the piston/cylinder apparatuses.
Shields 107 are bolted with bolts 105 to the housing 102. Each piston/cylinder apparatus 151, 152, 153 has flow lines 155, 156 in fluid communication with it for the selective provision of power fluid to the piston/cylinder apparatus. With a pin 157, each piston/cylinder apparatus 151 - 153 is connected to the housing 102, e.g. by clips.
The hollow top barrel 127 with a flange 128 is bolted to the top plate 106 by bolts 129. Optionally, the top barrel 127 may be mthmted to the housing 102 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 with bolts 129 extending through the flange 128 with suitable washers or springs 136, e.g. but not limited to belleville springs, around each bolt.
Each bolt 109 extends down into a lower flange 125 of the top barrel 127. Of course it is within the scope of this invention to have the top barrel 127 yieldably and movably mounted to the top plate 106 with any suitable fasteners (screws, bolts, rivets, or studs and to use any suitable spring(s) or spring apparatus(es) between the top barrel 127 and plate 106 to provide a desired degree of axial movement between these two items. This in turn permits controlled relative axial movement of the torque head relative to the casing due to the movement of the dies with respect to the slips 160. Some of the belleville springs 136 are in recesses 137 in the plate 106.
As shown in Fig. 3, the lower sleeves each has an inclined portion 166 that = facilitates entry of a top of a casing joint into the torque head 100.
Each jaw guide also has an inclined portion 167 that facilitates entry of a top of a casing joint into the torque head 100. Each lower sleeve 121 - 123 is positioned behind one of the pairs of ears 119 of the levelling bar 110 and serves as a back up or stop for each jaw. Cam followers 119b are attached to the slips and mounted in oblique slots 119a on the levelling bar 110 in the ears 119 of the leveling bar 110. This provides for free oblique motion of the slips relative to the sleeves.
Lines 155, 156 in fluid communication with a system (not shown) for selectively providing fluid under pressure, e.g. a typical rig fluid pressure system. The lines connect the hydraulic actuating cylinders to an hydraulic rotating swivel union 206 (see WO 01/79652 PCI7GB01/0173' Fig. 11) which allows hydraulic fluid to be distributed to the cylinders as they rotate with the top drive spindle or quill. The rotating swivel union 206 permits the cylinders to rotate without twisting the hydraulic lines. The cylinders are controlled by a remotely located selector valve (item 222, Fig. 11).

Fig. 11 shows a fluid control circuit 200 according to the present invention for each piston/cylinder apparatus 151 - 153. A pair of pilot operated check valves 218, 220 sense a pilot pressure via lines 215 and 216. If the pressure goes below a preset amount, the valves close off lines 155, 156 thereby holding the hydraulic fluid under 10 pressure therein and preventing the pistons 154 from moving. Thus the jaws 141 - 143 are held in engagement against a casing with a portion in the torque head 100.
An accumulator 204 maintains fluid under pressure to provide makeup hydraulic fluid and maintain pressure on the cylinders (e.g. if fluid is lost due to seal damage leakage).
Flow to and from the rotary at this swivel union 206, valve 202, accumulator 204, and piston/cylinder apparatuses 151 - 153 is controlled by a typical multi-position valve (e.g. but not limited to, a three position, two way, open center valve) and control apparatus 210 which can be manually or automatically activated.
Figs. 8 - 10 illushate movement of the slips 160 with respect to the jaws 141 -143 (and thus the possible relative movement of a tubular such as casing relative to the torque head). The controlled movement of these slips 160 permits controlled axial movement between the jaws and casing engaged thereby. The slips are engaged and disengaged by means of the hydraulic actuating cylinders. However, some relative vertical movement of the dies with respect to the slips may occur with vertical movement of the top drive, but this is limited by stops 166 at the top and bottom of the die grooves in the slips. Optionally, a member or bearing insert 167 made of material with a low coefficient of friction, (e.g. but not limited to, thermoplastic material, or carbon fiber, reinforced resin compound material) is positioned between the inner jaw surface and the outer slip or die surface. In one particular aspect these inserts are about one-eighth inch thick. Each slip 160 can move in a groove 165 in the jaws.
Removable bolts or screws 166 prevent the slips 160 from escaping from the grooves 165_ As shown in Fig. 8, the slip 160 is near yet not engaging an exterior surface of the casing 12. The slip 160 is at the bottom of its groove 165. As shown in Fig. 9, the slip 160 has *

made initial contact between the slip 160 and casing 12 (the jaw 141 has moved down and radially inwardly). The slip 160 is still at the bottom of the groove 165 and the member 167 provides a bias so that the slip 160 remains fixed in position relative to the casing 12 and jaw 141 and the jaw 141 continues to move down. In certain preferred embodiments, the teeth of the die insure that the frictional forces between the die and casing is significantly higher than the frictional force between the die and slip (due to the material of lower friction coefficient) so that the die is biased to move upward relative to the slip and not the casing as the slip is engaged and is biased to move downward relative to the slip as the slip is moved upward or retracted.
As shown in Fig. 10 the jaw 141 and slip 160 have engaged the casing 12, the jaw 141 has moved further downwardly, and the slip 160 has moved to the top of the groove 165. Such a position of 14, the slip 160, and jaw 141 (and a similar position of the other slips and jaws) prevents lockup or allows recovery from it.
Figs. 12 - 16 show steps in a method according to the present invention using a system according to the present invention as described herein, e.g. but not limited to a system as shown in Figs. 1 - 11. It is to be understood that in these figures the top drive system is mounted to a typical rig or derrick (not shown).
As shown in Fig. 12, a single joint elevator 220 has been secured around a casing joint 12 which is to be added to a casing string 223 that extends down into a wellbore W in the earth. A spider 222 (e.g. but not limited to a flush mounted spider) engages and holds a top part of a top casing joint of the string 223. It is within the scope of this invention to employ any suitable spider and single joint elevator. (Instead of the spider 222 any suitable known clamping or gripping apparatus or device may be used according to the present invention.) Also, optionally, a joint compensator 224 may be used positioned as desired, e.g. but not limited to between the torque head and the top drive. The pipe handier 50 has been lowered.
As shown in Fig. 13, the top drive 20 has been raised by the drawworks D
(shown schematically) in a derrick of a rig (not shown) and the lower end of the casing 12 has been positioned above the string 223. In Fig. 14, the torque head 100 has been , PCT/GB01/0173c lowered (by lowering the top drive 20 with the drawworks D) by lowering the top drive 20 so that the elevator 40 encompasses the casing 12 and the jaws of the torque head encompass a top portion of the casing 12. The pipe handler 50 has been raised to engage the casing 12 below the elevator 220 to facilitate correct positioning of the casing 12 with respect to the top of the string 223.
As shown in Fig. 15 the jaws of the torque head 100 have engaged the casing 12 to rotate it and the pipe handler 50 has been retracted and lowered out of the way. The top drive 20 has begun to slowly rotate the torque head 100 and,.thus, the casing 12 to find the threads in the top joint of the string 223 and then, increasing the rate of rotation, to makeup the new connection. Then (see Fig. 16) the torque head jaws are released, the elevator 40 is activated to engage the casing and slips in the elevator move down to engage the casing; the spider 222 is released, and the top drive 20 is lowered with the drawworks D to lower the entire string 223. Then the spider 222 is re-set to engage the casing 12 and the procedure begun in Fig. 12 is repeated to add another joint to the string.
Fig. 18 shows a top drive coupler 300 with a body 302 that houses a clutch apparatus 310. The body 302 has a lower threaded end 304. An input shaft 312 has a lower end 314 with bearing recesses 316 for bearings 318 a portion of which also resides in the recesses 317 of the body 302.
The clutch apparatus 310 has a plurality of spaced-apart, clutch plates 311 connected to the housing 302 (e.g. with a splined connection) and a plurality of spaced-apart clutch plates 313 connected to the input shaft 312. In certain aspects one set or the other of the clutch plates is covered with friction material, e.g. but not limited to typical brake and clutch lining materials. A piston 315 with edge 0-ring seals 323, 325 is sealingly disposed above the top most clutch plate 313 in the interior space defined by an outer surface of the shaft 312 and an inner surface of the body 302. A
spring apparatus 333 urges the piston 315 down, energizing the clutch. A snap ring 335 with a portion in a recess 337 of the body 302 holds the spring apparatus 333 in place. In one aspect the apparatus 333 is one or more belleville springs. Fig. 18 shows schematically a coupling 320 connected to or formed integrally of the shaft 312 and a top drive 330 , connected releasably to the coupling 320. The coupler 300 provides for the selective rotation of an item connected beneath it by the selective engagement of the clutch -apparatus and may be used, e.g., with any top drive casing make-up system, including those according to the present invention. A coupler 300 may be used to selectively increase, reduce, or stop the transmission of torque from the top drive to the torque head and/or other top drive driven devices, e.g. but not limited to tubular torque transmission devices; milling apparatuses and systems; drilling apparatuses and systems;
and/or external or internal tubular gripping devices. A coupler 300 may be used with a power swivel. Through a channel 340 is selectively provided fluid under pressure (e.g. from a typical rig system or from a rig joint make-up monitor system) to deenergize the apparatus 300, e.g., just prior to an indication of the shouldering of a joint.
Alternatively, to effect deenergizing, the spring apparatus 333 is deleted and the channel 340 is placed so that fluid is applied on top of the piston (with some seal member above the plates).
The top drive coupler may be necessary because top drives are generally capable of exerting torques which are significantly higher than the make up torque of casing threads. They also have fairly high rotational speed capacity. It is therefore conceivable that an operator who is using a top drive to make casing threads could inadvertently over torque a connection. The clutch mechanism in the coupler can be preset to slip at a given torque thereby preventing an inadvertent over torque.
It will be understood by the skilled person that departures from the embodiments described above bay still fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims (23)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A system coupled to an output shaft of a top drive for handling a tubular, comprising:
a housing for supporting a gripping assembly; and a shaft member having a shoulder portion for supporting the housing, wherein the shoulder portion and the housing are axially movable relative to each other, and wherein the shaft member is coupled to the output shaft of the top drive.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the shaft member is disposed through the housing such that the shoulder portion supports an inner surface of the housing to support the gripping assembly.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a top plate member, and wherein the shoulder portion supports an inner surface of the top plate member to support the gripping assembly while the shaft member extends through the top plate member.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the shoulder portion is disposed in the housing and the shaft member extends through the housing, and further comprising a spring member disposed between the housing and the shoulder portion.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the shoulder portion is disposed in the housing and the shaft member extends through the housing, and further comprising a flange member coupled to the shaft member, and at least one fastener member disposed through the flange member, the housing, and the shoulder portion.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising at least one first spring member disposed between the shoulder portion and the housing, and at least one second spring member disposed between the flange member and the housing.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one first and second spring members are coupled to the at least one fastener member.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the gripping assembly comprises at least one radially movable slip member disposed in the housing and operable to engage and transmit torque to the tubular.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the shoulder portion is disposed in the housing and the shaft member extends through the housing, and further comprising a spring member configured to allow axial movement between the shoulder portion and the housing.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the shaft member is disposed above the shoulder portion, and wherein the shoulder portion is disposed above the gripping assembly.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the shoulder portion supports an inner surface of the housing such that a load on the gripping assembly is supported by the output shaft of the top drive.
12. A method of handling a tubular using a system coupled to an output shaft of a top drive, comprising:
engaging the tubular with a gripping assembly;
supporting a housing of the gripping assembly using a shoulder portion of a shaft member that is coupled to the output shaft of the top drive;
rotating the tubular with the gripping assembly using the top drive to thereby connect the tubular to a tubular string; and moving the housing relative to the shoulder portion.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising compressing a spring member to allow axial movement between the housing and the shoulder portion.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising radially moving a slip member of the gripping assembly that is disposed in the housing to engage the tubular.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising forcing the housing to move in a downward direction relative to the shoulder portion.
16. The method of claim 12, further comprising moving the shoulder portion relative to the housing.
17. The method of claim 12, further comprising compressing a spring member that is disposed between the housing and a flange member that is coupled to the shaft member to allow axial movement between the housing and the shaft member.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the shoulder portion is disposed in the housing and supports an inner surface of the housing while the shaft member extends through the housing for connection to the output shaft.
19. The method of claim 12, wherein the shaft member is disposed above the shoulder portion, and wherein the shoulder portion is disposed above the gripping assembly.
20. A system coupled to an output shaft of a top drive for handling a tubular, comprising:
a housing for supporting a gripping assembly;
a shaft member having a shoulder portion for supporting the housing, wherein the shoulder portion and the housing are axially movable relative to each other, wherein the shoulder portion is disposed in the housing and the shaft member extends through the housing;
a flange member coupled to the shaft member; and at least one fastener member disposed through the flange member, the housing, and the shoulder portion.
21. The system of claim 20, further comprising at least one first spring member disposed between the shoulder portion and the housing, and at least one second spring member disposed between the flange member and the housing.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the at least one first and second spring members are coupled to the at least one fastener member.
23. A system coupled to an output shaft of a top drive for handling a tubular, comprising:
a housing for supporting a gripping assembly; and a shaft member having a shoulder portion for supporting the housing, wherein the shoulder portion and the housing are axially movable relative to each other, wherein the gripping assembly comprises at least one radially movable slip member disposed in the housing and operable to engage and transmit torque to the tubular.
CA2756624A 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Top drive for casing connection Expired - Fee Related CA2756624C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2850900A CA2850900C (en) 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Top drive for casing connection

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/550,721 2000-04-17
US09/550,721 US6536520B1 (en) 2000-04-17 2000-04-17 Top drive casing system
CA2641618A CA2641618C (en) 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Top drive for casing connection

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2641618A Division CA2641618C (en) 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Top drive for casing connection

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2850900A Division CA2850900C (en) 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Top drive for casing connection

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2756624A1 CA2756624A1 (en) 2001-10-25
CA2756624C true CA2756624C (en) 2014-08-19

Family

ID=24198338

Family Applications (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2756624A Expired - Fee Related CA2756624C (en) 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Top drive for casing connection
CA002404752A Expired - Fee Related CA2404752C (en) 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Top drive for casing connection
CA2641618A Expired - Fee Related CA2641618C (en) 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Top drive for casing connection
CA2850900A Expired - Fee Related CA2850900C (en) 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Top drive for casing connection

Family Applications After (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002404752A Expired - Fee Related CA2404752C (en) 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Top drive for casing connection
CA2641618A Expired - Fee Related CA2641618C (en) 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Top drive for casing connection
CA2850900A Expired - Fee Related CA2850900C (en) 2000-04-17 2001-04-17 Top drive for casing connection

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (5) US6536520B1 (en)
EP (3) EP1274919B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2001248585A1 (en)
CA (4) CA2756624C (en)
DE (2) DE60117244D1 (en)
NO (2) NO331430B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2001079652A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (161)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7013997B2 (en) * 1994-10-14 2006-03-21 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for cementing drill strings in place for one pass drilling and completion of oil and gas wells
US6868906B1 (en) * 1994-10-14 2005-03-22 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Closed-loop conveyance systems for well servicing
US6536520B1 (en) * 2000-04-17 2003-03-25 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Top drive casing system
US6742596B2 (en) * 2001-05-17 2004-06-01 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and methods for tubular makeup interlock
GB9815809D0 (en) * 1998-07-22 1998-09-16 Appleton Robert P Casing running tool
GB2340858A (en) * 1998-08-24 2000-03-01 Weatherford Lamb Methods and apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive
GB2340857A (en) * 1998-08-24 2000-03-01 Weatherford Lamb An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars and alignment with a top drive
GB2345074A (en) * 1998-12-24 2000-06-28 Weatherford Lamb Floating joint to facilitate the connection of tubulars using a top drive
GB2347441B (en) * 1998-12-24 2003-03-05 Weatherford Lamb Apparatus and method for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive
US6857487B2 (en) * 2002-12-30 2005-02-22 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Drilling with concentric strings of casing
US6854533B2 (en) * 2002-12-20 2005-02-15 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and method for drilling with casing
US7296623B2 (en) * 2000-04-17 2007-11-20 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for applying torque and rotation to connections
US7325610B2 (en) * 2000-04-17 2008-02-05 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for handling and drilling with tubulars or casing
CA2703694C (en) * 2000-10-16 2011-03-22 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Coupling apparatus
US7568522B2 (en) * 2001-05-17 2009-08-04 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. System and method for deflection compensation in power drive system for connection of tubulars
US7387170B2 (en) * 2002-04-05 2008-06-17 Baker Hughes Incorporated Expandable packer with mounted exterior slips and seal
US7341110B2 (en) * 2002-04-05 2008-03-11 Baker Hughes Incorporated Slotted slip element for expandable packer
US6994176B2 (en) * 2002-07-29 2006-02-07 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Adjustable rotating guides for spider or elevator
US6892835B2 (en) * 2002-07-29 2005-05-17 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Flush mounted spider
US6899186B2 (en) * 2002-12-13 2005-05-31 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and method of drilling with casing
US6868923B2 (en) * 2002-08-30 2005-03-22 The Regents Of The University Of California Portable apparatus and method for assisting in the removal and emplacement of pipe strings in boreholes
US7100697B2 (en) * 2002-09-05 2006-09-05 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Method and apparatus for reforming tubular connections
US7836946B2 (en) * 2002-10-31 2010-11-23 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Rotating control head radial seal protection and leak detection systems
EP1426550B1 (en) * 2002-11-27 2008-03-19 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for applying torque and rotation to coupling members
US6953096B2 (en) * 2002-12-31 2005-10-11 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Expandable bit with secondary release device
USRE42877E1 (en) 2003-02-07 2011-11-01 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for wellbore construction and completion
GB2414757B (en) * 2003-03-05 2007-01-10 Weatherford Lamb Methods and apparatus for handling and drilling with tubulars or casing
US7503397B2 (en) * 2004-07-30 2009-03-17 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and methods of setting and retrieving casing with drilling latch and bottom hole assembly
US7874352B2 (en) 2003-03-05 2011-01-25 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus for gripping a tubular on a drilling rig
GB2428059B (en) * 2003-03-05 2007-10-10 Weatherford Lamb Method and apparatus for drilling with casing
GB2439427B (en) * 2003-03-05 2008-02-13 Weatherford Lamb Casing running and drilling system
US20050000733A1 (en) * 2003-04-25 2005-01-06 Stuart Schaaf Systems and methods for performing mud pulse telemetry using a continuously variable transmission
US7650944B1 (en) 2003-07-11 2010-01-26 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Vessel for well intervention
US7100698B2 (en) * 2003-10-09 2006-09-05 Varco I/P, Inc. Make-up control system for tubulars
US7377324B2 (en) * 2003-11-10 2008-05-27 Tesco Corporation Pipe handling device, method and system
US8632111B2 (en) * 2003-12-12 2014-01-21 Varco I/P, Inc. Apparatus and method for facilitating handling pipe
GB2429025B (en) * 2004-05-01 2009-02-18 Varco Int Apparatus and method for handling pipe
US7284617B2 (en) * 2004-05-20 2007-10-23 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Casing running head
US7188686B2 (en) * 2004-06-07 2007-03-13 Varco I/P, Inc. Top drive systems
US7320374B2 (en) 2004-06-07 2008-01-22 Varco I/P, Inc. Wellbore top drive systems
DE602005006198T2 (en) * 2004-07-20 2009-07-09 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc., Houston Upper drive for connecting casing pipes
US7770635B2 (en) 2004-11-08 2010-08-10 Tesco Corporation Wellbore tubular handling torque multiplier
US7926593B2 (en) 2004-11-23 2011-04-19 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Rotating control device docking station
US8826988B2 (en) 2004-11-23 2014-09-09 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Latch position indicator system and method
US7055594B1 (en) * 2004-11-30 2006-06-06 Varco I/P, Inc. Pipe gripper and top drive systems
US7350587B2 (en) * 2004-11-30 2008-04-01 Varco I/P, Inc. Pipe guide
GB2422162B (en) * 2005-01-12 2009-08-19 Weatherford Lamb One-position fill-up and circulating tool
CA2533115C (en) * 2005-01-18 2010-06-08 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Top drive torque booster
WO2006116870A1 (en) * 2005-05-03 2006-11-09 Noetic Engineering Inc. Gripping tool
CA2702189C (en) * 2005-05-12 2012-10-23 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Equalized load distribution slips for spider and elevator
EP1931851B1 (en) * 2005-08-22 2009-10-14 Itrec B.V. Apparatus for gripping a downhole tubular
US7303021B2 (en) 2005-09-20 2007-12-04 Varco I/P, Inc. Wellbore rig elevator systems
CA2937095C (en) * 2005-12-12 2019-02-26 Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC. Apparatus for gripping a tubular on a drilling rig
US7188547B1 (en) 2005-12-23 2007-03-13 Varco I/P, Inc. Tubular connect/disconnect apparatus
US7445050B2 (en) * 2006-04-25 2008-11-04 Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. Tubular running tool
GB2437647B (en) * 2006-04-27 2011-02-09 Weatherford Lamb Torque sub for use with top drive
US7401664B2 (en) 2006-04-28 2008-07-22 Varco I/P Top drive systems
US7487848B2 (en) * 2006-04-28 2009-02-10 Varco I/P, Inc. Multi-seal for top drive shaft
CA2661405C (en) 2006-08-25 2013-01-08 Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. Methods and apparatus for automated oilfield torque wrench set-up to make-up and break-out tubular strings
US20080060818A1 (en) * 2006-09-07 2008-03-13 Joshua Kyle Bourgeois Light-weight single joint manipulator arm
WO2008028302A1 (en) 2006-09-08 2008-03-13 Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. Oilfield tubular spin-in and spin-out detection for making-up and breaking-out tubular strings
US7882902B2 (en) * 2006-11-17 2011-02-08 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Top drive interlock
US7472762B2 (en) * 2006-12-06 2009-01-06 Varco I/P, Inc. Top drive oil flow path seals
US7665530B2 (en) 2006-12-12 2010-02-23 National Oilwell Varco L.P. Tubular grippers and top drive systems
US7552764B2 (en) * 2007-01-04 2009-06-30 Nabors Global Holdings, Ltd. Tubular handling device
US20080230274A1 (en) 2007-02-22 2008-09-25 Svein Stubstad Top drive washpipe system
US7748445B2 (en) * 2007-03-02 2010-07-06 National Oilwell Varco, L.P. Top drive with shaft seal isolation
US20090211404A1 (en) * 2008-02-25 2009-08-27 Jan Erik Pedersen Spinning wrench systems
US7784834B2 (en) 2007-03-28 2010-08-31 Varco I/P, Inc. Clamp apparatus for threadedly connected tubulars
US8356674B2 (en) * 2007-04-13 2013-01-22 National Oilwell Varco, L.P. Tubular running tool and methods of use
US7997345B2 (en) 2007-10-19 2011-08-16 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Universal marine diverter converter
US8286734B2 (en) 2007-10-23 2012-10-16 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Low profile rotating control device
US8844652B2 (en) 2007-10-23 2014-09-30 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Interlocking low profile rotating control device
CA2974298C (en) 2007-12-12 2019-07-23 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Top drive system
US20090159271A1 (en) * 2007-12-21 2009-06-25 Bastiaan De Jong Top drive systems for wellbore & drilling operations
WO2009132264A2 (en) * 2008-04-25 2009-10-29 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Method of controlling torque applied to a tubular connection
CA2821684C (en) * 2008-05-02 2016-04-12 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for gripping a wellbore tubular
US8720541B2 (en) 2008-06-26 2014-05-13 Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. Tubular handling device and methods
US7921918B2 (en) * 2008-06-26 2011-04-12 Bryant Jr Charles Larue Support apparatus for a well bore tool
US8074711B2 (en) 2008-06-26 2011-12-13 Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. Tubular handling device and methods
US7854265B2 (en) * 2008-06-30 2010-12-21 Tesco Corporation Pipe gripping assembly with power screw actuator and method of gripping pipe on a rig
WO2010006445A1 (en) * 2008-07-18 2010-01-21 Noetic Technologies Inc. Grip extension linkage to provide gripping tool with improved operational range, and method of use of the same
DK2313600T3 (en) * 2008-07-18 2017-08-28 Noetic Tech Inc AXIAL TENSION EXTENSION TO A GRIP TOOL WITH IMPROVED OPERATING AREA AND CAPACITY
US7926577B2 (en) * 2008-09-10 2011-04-19 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for supporting tubulars
EP2344717B1 (en) 2008-10-22 2019-09-18 Frank's International, LLC External grip tubular running tool
US8322432B2 (en) 2009-01-15 2012-12-04 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Subsea internal riser rotating control device system and method
US9359853B2 (en) 2009-01-15 2016-06-07 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Acoustically controlled subsea latching and sealing system and method for an oilfield device
US20100252325A1 (en) * 2009-04-02 2010-10-07 National Oilwell Varco Methods for determining mechanical specific energy for wellbore operations
CA2663348C (en) * 2009-04-15 2015-09-29 Shawn J. Nielsen Method of protecting a top drive drilling assembly and a top drive drilling assembly modified in accordance with this method
CN101550810B (en) * 2009-05-08 2012-12-12 深圳市远东石油钻采工程有限公司 Outer suspension positioning mechanism of an underwater cutting tool
US8347983B2 (en) 2009-07-31 2013-01-08 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Drilling with a high pressure rotating control device
EP2470748A2 (en) * 2009-08-27 2012-07-04 Baker Hughes Incorporated Methods and apparatus for manipulating and driving casing
CN102822442B (en) 2010-01-15 2015-09-09 维米尔制造公司 Rig and boring method
US20110280104A1 (en) * 2010-03-05 2011-11-17 Mcclung Iii Guy L Dual top drive systems and methods for wellbore operations
US8240372B2 (en) * 2010-04-15 2012-08-14 Premiere, Inc. Fluid power conducting swivel
US8347982B2 (en) 2010-04-16 2013-01-08 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. System and method for managing heave pressure from a floating rig
US9175542B2 (en) 2010-06-28 2015-11-03 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Lubricating seal for use with a tubular
US9803785B1 (en) * 2010-08-04 2017-10-31 Raleigh Boudreaux Disc brake lock swivel
WO2012021555A2 (en) 2010-08-09 2012-02-16 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Fill up tool
IT1402176B1 (en) * 2010-09-06 2013-08-28 Drillmec Spa METHOD OF AUTOMATIC HANDLING OF PERFORATION AUCTIONS AND PROGRAM FOR ASSOCIATED PROCESSORS.
US8919452B2 (en) 2010-11-08 2014-12-30 Baker Hughes Incorporated Casing spears and related systems and methods
US8689866B2 (en) 2011-04-28 2014-04-08 Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd. Automated systems and methods for make-up and break-out of tubulars
US8726743B2 (en) 2011-06-22 2014-05-20 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Shoulder yielding detection during tubular makeup
US20130056223A1 (en) * 2011-09-01 2013-03-07 Mark B. Nichols Downhole torque limiter and method
WO2013043153A1 (en) 2011-09-20 2013-03-28 Halliburton Energy Services Inc. Systems and methods for limiting torque transmission
US9010410B2 (en) 2011-11-08 2015-04-21 Max Jerald Story Top drive systems and methods
US20130133899A1 (en) * 2011-11-29 2013-05-30 Keith A. Holliday Top drive with automatic positioning system
US8985225B2 (en) 2011-12-16 2015-03-24 Tesco Corporation Tubular engaging device and method
US8960324B2 (en) * 2012-01-27 2015-02-24 GDS International, LLC Top drive with automatic anti-rotation safety control
US8863846B2 (en) * 2012-01-31 2014-10-21 Cudd Pressure Control, Inc. Method and apparatus to perform subsea or surface jacking
WO2013142950A1 (en) * 2012-03-28 2013-10-03 Mccoy Corporation Device and method for measuring torque and rotation
US20130341042A1 (en) * 2012-06-21 2013-12-26 Complete Production Services, Inc. Gripping attachment for use with drive systems
US9540878B2 (en) 2012-06-21 2017-01-10 Superior Energy Services—North America Services, Inc Method and apparatus for inspecting and tallying pipe
US9708860B2 (en) 2012-06-21 2017-07-18 Superior Energy Services-North America Services, Inc Ground level rig and method
US9476268B2 (en) * 2012-10-02 2016-10-25 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Compensating bails
WO2014089615A1 (en) 2012-12-11 2014-06-19 Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab Rod handler improvements
EP2976487A1 (en) * 2013-03-22 2016-01-27 McCoy Global Inc. Apparatus for handling tubulars
US9605503B2 (en) 2013-04-12 2017-03-28 Seaboard International, Inc. System and method for rotating casing string
DE102014005234B4 (en) * 2013-07-18 2015-12-03 Blohm + Voss Oil Tools Gmbh Device for holding pipes or rods
US9598916B2 (en) 2013-07-29 2017-03-21 Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLP Top drive stand compensator with fill up tool
US20150101821A1 (en) * 2013-10-16 2015-04-16 Robert Cole Bridges Flow Head Swivel System and Method of Use
US9416601B2 (en) * 2013-10-17 2016-08-16 DrawWorks LLP Top drive operated casing running tool
EP3572614B1 (en) 2013-12-06 2022-01-05 Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC Tubular handling tool
RU2642734C2 (en) 2013-12-23 2018-01-25 Халлибертон Энерджи Сервисез Инк. Built-in mechanism for attenuating torsional vibrations for oil field drilling tool
US10036215B2 (en) 2014-03-28 2018-07-31 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Swivel elevator
CN104018801B (en) * 2014-05-27 2016-04-20 成都来宝石油设备有限公司 Wellhead protecting mechanism
US9784054B2 (en) * 2014-07-28 2017-10-10 Tesco Corporation System and method for establishing tubular connections
US9551196B2 (en) 2014-08-26 2017-01-24 Raptor Rig, Inc. Dual device apparatus and methods usable in well drilling and other operations
NL2014988B1 (en) * 2015-06-18 2017-01-23 Itrec Bv A drilling rig with a top drive sytem operable in a drilling mode and a tripping mode.
US10626683B2 (en) 2015-08-11 2020-04-21 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Tool identification
US10465457B2 (en) 2015-08-11 2019-11-05 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Tool detection and alignment for tool installation
AU2016309001B2 (en) 2015-08-20 2021-11-11 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Top drive torque measurement device
US10323484B2 (en) 2015-09-04 2019-06-18 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Combined multi-coupler for a top drive and a method for using the same for constructing a wellbore
US10309166B2 (en) 2015-09-08 2019-06-04 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Genset for top drive unit
US10590744B2 (en) 2015-09-10 2020-03-17 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Modular connection system for top drive
US10167671B2 (en) 2016-01-22 2019-01-01 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Power supply for a top drive
US11162309B2 (en) 2016-01-25 2021-11-02 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Compensated top drive unit and elevator links
WO2018132861A1 (en) 2017-01-18 2018-07-26 Deep Exploration Technologies Crc Limited Mobile coiled tubing drilling apparatus
US10422450B2 (en) 2017-02-03 2019-09-24 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Autonomous connection evaluation and automated shoulder detection for tubular makeup
US10704364B2 (en) 2017-02-27 2020-07-07 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Coupler with threaded connection for pipe handler
US10954753B2 (en) 2017-02-28 2021-03-23 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Tool coupler with rotating coupling method for top drive
US10480247B2 (en) 2017-03-02 2019-11-19 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Combined multi-coupler with rotating fixations for top drive
US11131151B2 (en) 2017-03-02 2021-09-28 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Tool coupler with sliding coupling members for top drive
US10443326B2 (en) 2017-03-09 2019-10-15 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Combined multi-coupler
US10247246B2 (en) * 2017-03-13 2019-04-02 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Tool coupler with threaded connection for top drive
CN106907118A (en) * 2017-04-27 2017-06-30 中煤科工集团重庆研究院有限公司 Disengaging type drill rod connecting device
US10711574B2 (en) 2017-05-26 2020-07-14 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Interchangeable swivel combined multicoupler
US10544631B2 (en) 2017-06-19 2020-01-28 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Combined multi-coupler for top drive
US10526852B2 (en) 2017-06-19 2020-01-07 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Combined multi-coupler with locking clamp connection for top drive
US10527104B2 (en) 2017-07-21 2020-01-07 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Combined multi-coupler for top drive
US10355403B2 (en) 2017-07-21 2019-07-16 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Tool coupler for use with a top drive
US10745978B2 (en) 2017-08-07 2020-08-18 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Downhole tool coupling system
US11047175B2 (en) 2017-09-29 2021-06-29 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Combined multi-coupler with rotating locking method for top drive
US11441412B2 (en) 2017-10-11 2022-09-13 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Tool coupler with data and signal transfer methods for top drive
US11149503B2 (en) 2018-08-22 2021-10-19 Weatherford Technology Holdings Llc Compensation system for a tong assembly
CN109115255B (en) * 2018-10-15 2021-02-02 哈尔滨工程大学 Clamping groove cut-off type anti-disturbance impact isolation platform
US10844675B2 (en) 2018-12-21 2020-11-24 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Autonomous connection makeup and evaluation
US11131160B2 (en) 2019-08-06 2021-09-28 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Smart tubular running machine
US20230212919A1 (en) * 2020-06-03 2023-07-06 Robert Fanguy Wellbore Adapter Assembly
CA3186123A1 (en) * 2020-06-05 2021-12-09 Premiere, Inc. Mechanically actuated tubular drilling, reaming and running tool with slip set control
US20240068307A1 (en) * 2022-08-31 2024-02-29 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Safety Clutch System for Circulation/Fill-up/Flowback Tool

Family Cites Families (837)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3123160A (en) * 1964-03-03 Retrievable subsurface well bore apparatus
US3124023A (en) * 1964-03-10 Dies for pipe and tubing tongs
US122514A (en) * 1872-01-09 Improvement in rock-drills
US179973A (en) 1876-07-18 Improvement in tubing-clutches
US3006415A (en) 1961-10-31 Cementing apparatus
US1077772A (en) 1913-01-25 1913-11-04 Fred Richard Weathersby Drill.
US1185582A (en) 1914-07-13 1916-05-30 Edward Bignell Pile.
US1301285A (en) 1916-09-01 1919-04-22 Frank W A Finley Expansible well-casing.
US1342424A (en) 1918-09-06 1920-06-08 Shepard M Cotten Method and apparatus for constructing concrete piles
US1386908A (en) * 1920-03-12 1921-08-09 Taylor William Henry Rotary well-drilling machine
US1414207A (en) * 1920-07-06 1922-04-25 Frank E Reed Shaft coupling
US1471526A (en) 1920-07-19 1923-10-23 Rowland O Pickin Rotary orill bit
US1418766A (en) 1920-08-02 1922-06-06 Guiberson Corp Well-casing spear
US1398551A (en) * 1920-08-02 1921-11-29 Gustaf W Hanson Boring-drill
US1518634A (en) * 1923-06-29 1924-12-09 Jr Dick Kendall Cason Safety clutch for drill stems
US1648158A (en) * 1923-07-24 1927-11-08 Wilson William Webster Hoisting tackle
US1601369A (en) * 1924-02-25 1926-09-28 Titusville Forge Company Elevator for well casings
US1585069A (en) 1924-12-18 1926-05-18 William E Youle Casing spear
US1725902A (en) * 1925-03-30 1929-08-27 Dennis L Driscoll Universal hanger for well-drilling tools
US1728136A (en) 1926-10-21 1929-09-10 Lewis E Stephens Casing spear
US1830625A (en) 1927-02-16 1931-11-03 George W Schrock Drill for oil and gas wells
US1805007A (en) 1927-12-27 1931-05-12 Elmer C Pedley Pipe coupling apparatus
US1708378A (en) * 1928-04-09 1929-04-09 Lester C Nielson Rotary friction coupling
US1777592A (en) 1929-07-08 1930-10-07 Thomas Idris Casing spear
US1998833A (en) 1930-03-17 1935-04-23 Baker Oil Tools Inc Cementing guide
US1825026A (en) 1930-07-07 1931-09-29 Thomas Idris Casing spear
US1842638A (en) * 1930-09-29 1932-01-26 Wilson B Wigle Elevating apparatus
US1880218A (en) 1930-10-01 1932-10-04 Richard P Simmons Method of lining oil wells and means therefor
US1917135A (en) 1932-02-17 1933-07-04 Littell James Well apparatus
US2105885A (en) 1932-03-30 1938-01-18 Frank J Hinderliter Hollow trip casing spear
US2049450A (en) 1933-08-23 1936-08-04 Macclatchie Mfg Company Expansible cutter tool
US2017451A (en) 1933-11-21 1935-10-15 Baash Ross Tool Co Packing casing bowl
US1981525A (en) 1933-12-05 1934-11-20 Bailey E Price Method of and apparatus for drilling oil wells
US2060352A (en) 1936-06-20 1936-11-10 Reed Roller Bit Co Expansible bit
US2128430A (en) 1937-02-08 1938-08-30 Elmer E Pryor Fishing tool
US2167338A (en) 1937-07-26 1939-07-25 U C Murcell Inc Welding and setting well casing
US2184681A (en) 1937-10-26 1939-12-26 George W Bowen Grapple
US2214194A (en) 1938-10-10 1940-09-10 Frankley Smith Mfg Co Fluid control device
US2216895A (en) 1939-04-06 1940-10-08 Reed Roller Bit Co Rotary underreamer
US2228503A (en) * 1939-04-25 1941-01-14 Boyd Liner hanger
US2214429A (en) 1939-10-24 1940-09-10 William J Miller Mud box
GB540027A (en) 1940-04-26 1941-10-02 Percy Cox Improvements in and relating to rock boring and like tools
US2324679A (en) 1940-04-26 1943-07-20 Cox Nellie Louise Rock boring and like tool
US2305062A (en) 1940-05-09 1942-12-15 C M P Fishing Tool Corp Cementing plug
US2295803A (en) 1940-07-29 1942-09-15 Charles M O'leary Cement shoe
US2370832A (en) * 1941-08-19 1945-03-06 Baker Oil Tools Inc Removable well packer
US2379800A (en) 1941-09-11 1945-07-03 Texas Co Signal transmission system
US2354217A (en) * 1941-12-09 1944-07-25 Byron Jackson Co Elevator device
US2414719A (en) 1942-04-25 1947-01-21 Stanolind Oil & Gas Co Transmission system
US2536483A (en) * 1944-07-29 1951-01-02 Nat Supply Co Consolidated rig
US2522444A (en) * 1946-07-20 1950-09-12 Donovan B Grable Well fluid control
US2641444A (en) 1946-09-03 1953-06-09 Signal Oil & Gas Co Method and apparatus for drilling boreholes
US2499630A (en) * 1946-12-05 1950-03-07 Paul B Clark Casing expander
US2668689A (en) 1947-11-07 1954-02-09 C & C Tool Corp Automatic power tongs
US2570080A (en) 1948-05-01 1951-10-02 Standard Oil Dev Co Device for gripping pipes
US2633333A (en) * 1948-05-17 1953-03-31 Lynn W Storm Pipe spinner
US2621742A (en) 1948-08-26 1952-12-16 Cicero C Brown Apparatus for cementing well liners
US2536458A (en) 1948-11-29 1951-01-02 Theodor R Munsinger Pipe rotating device for oil wells
US2595902A (en) 1948-12-23 1952-05-06 Standard Oil Dev Co Spinner elevator for pipe
US2720267A (en) 1949-12-12 1955-10-11 Cicero C Brown Sealing assemblies for well packers
US2582987A (en) * 1950-01-26 1952-01-22 Goodman Mfg Co Power winch or hoist
US2610690A (en) * 1950-08-10 1952-09-16 Guy M Beatty Mud box
US2666689A (en) 1950-08-21 1954-01-19 Monsanto Chemicals Process for the production of hydrocyanic acid
US2627891A (en) * 1950-11-28 1953-02-10 Paul B Clark Well pipe expander
US2743495A (en) 1951-05-07 1956-05-01 Nat Supply Co Method of making a composite cutter
GB709365A (en) 1952-01-29 1954-05-19 Standard Oil Dev Co Improvements in or relating to drill assemblies
GB716761A (en) 1952-01-29 1954-10-13 Standard Oil Dev Co Improvements in or relating to drill assemblies
US2805043A (en) 1952-02-09 1957-09-03 Jr Edward B Williams Jetting device for rotary drilling apparatus
US2765146A (en) 1952-02-09 1956-10-02 Jr Edward B Williams Jetting device for rotary drilling apparatus
US2650314A (en) 1952-02-12 1953-08-25 George W Hennigh Special purpose electric motor
US2764329A (en) 1952-03-10 1956-09-25 Lucian W Hampton Load carrying attachment for bicycles, motorcycles, and the like
US2633339A (en) 1952-03-13 1953-03-31 George J Okulitch Immersion type agitator and the like
US2663073A (en) 1952-03-19 1953-12-22 Acrometal Products Inc Method of forming spools
US2743087A (en) 1952-10-13 1956-04-24 Layne Under-reaming tool
US2738011A (en) * 1953-02-17 1956-03-13 Thomas S Mabry Means for cementing well liners
US2741907A (en) 1953-04-27 1956-04-17 Genender Louis Locksmithing tool
US2692059A (en) 1953-07-15 1954-10-19 Standard Oil Dev Co Device for positioning pipe in a drilling derrick
GB792886A (en) 1956-04-13 1958-04-02 Fritz Huntsinger Well pipe and flexible joints therefor
US2965177A (en) 1957-08-12 1960-12-20 Wash Overshot And Spear Engine Fishing tool apparatus
US2978047A (en) 1957-12-03 1961-04-04 Vaan Walter H De Collapsible drill bit assembly and method of drilling
US3021739A (en) * 1957-12-23 1962-02-20 Joy Mfg Co Hydraulically controlled and operated power tong
US3054100A (en) 1958-06-04 1962-09-11 Gen Precision Inc Signalling system
US3159219A (en) 1958-05-13 1964-12-01 Byron Jackson Inc Cementing plugs and float equipment
US2950639A (en) * 1958-08-11 1960-08-30 Mason Carlton Tool Co Power operated pipe wrench
US3087546A (en) 1958-08-11 1963-04-30 Brown J Woolley Methods and apparatus for removing defective casing or pipe from well bores
GB838833A (en) 1958-08-25 1960-06-22 Archer William Kammerer Expansible rotary drill bit
US2953406A (en) 1958-11-24 1960-09-20 A D Timmons Casing spear
US3041901A (en) * 1959-05-20 1962-07-03 Dowty Rotol Ltd Make-up and break-out mechanism for drill pipe joints
US3090031A (en) 1959-09-29 1963-05-14 Texaco Inc Signal transmission system
GB881358A (en) 1960-02-12 1961-11-01 Archer William Kammerer Retrievable drilling apparatus for bore holes
US3131586A (en) * 1960-05-11 1964-05-05 Wilson John Hart Mechanism for making up and breaking out screw threaded joints of drill stem and pipe
US3117636A (en) * 1960-06-08 1964-01-14 John L Wilcox Casing bit with a removable center
US3111179A (en) 1960-07-26 1963-11-19 A And B Metal Mfg Company Inc Jet nozzle
US3086413A (en) * 1960-08-22 1963-04-23 Mason Carlton Tool Co Power operated pipe wrench and spinning means
US3180186A (en) * 1961-08-01 1965-04-27 Byron Jackson Inc Power pipe tong with lost-motion jaw adjustment means
BE621348A (en) 1961-08-25
US3102599A (en) 1961-09-18 1963-09-03 Continental Oil Co Subterranean drilling process
US3191680A (en) 1962-03-14 1965-06-29 Pan American Petroleum Corp Method of setting metallic liners in wells
US3131769A (en) 1962-04-09 1964-05-05 Baker Oil Tools Inc Hydraulic anchors for tubular strings
US3122811A (en) * 1962-06-29 1964-03-03 Lafayette E Gilreath Hydraulic slip setting apparatus
US3266582A (en) 1962-08-24 1966-08-16 Leyman Corp Drilling system
US3169592A (en) * 1962-10-22 1965-02-16 Lamphere Jean K Retrievable drill bit
US3193116A (en) 1962-11-23 1965-07-06 Exxon Production Research Co System for removing from or placing pipe in a well bore
US3191683A (en) * 1963-01-28 1965-06-29 Ford I Alexander Control of well pipe rotation and advancement
US3220245A (en) * 1963-03-25 1965-11-30 Baker Oil Tools Inc Remotely operated underwater connection apparatus
US3191677A (en) 1963-04-29 1965-06-29 Myron M Kinley Method and apparatus for setting liners in tubing
NL6411125A (en) * 1963-09-25 1965-03-26
GB1087137A (en) * 1963-10-25 1967-10-11 F N R D Ltd Improvements relating to twist joints
US3305021A (en) * 1964-06-11 1967-02-21 Schlumberger Technology Corp Pressure-responsive anchor for well packing apparatus
US3353599A (en) 1964-08-04 1967-11-21 Gulf Oil Corp Method and apparatus for stabilizing formations
US3368396A (en) * 1964-09-14 1968-02-13 Exxon Production Research Co Assembling pipe strings with leak-tight joints
US3321018A (en) * 1964-10-07 1967-05-23 Schlumberger Technology Corp Well tool retrieving apparatus
DE1216822B (en) 1965-03-27 1966-05-18 Beteiligungs & Patentverw Gmbh Tunneling machine
US3380528A (en) 1965-09-24 1968-04-30 Tri State Oil Tools Inc Method and apparatus of removing well pipe from a well bore
US3419079A (en) 1965-10-23 1968-12-31 Schlumberger Technology Corp Well tool with expansible anchor
US3349455A (en) * 1966-02-01 1967-10-31 Jack R Doherty Drill collar safety slip
US3392609A (en) 1966-06-24 1968-07-16 Abegg & Reinhold Co Well pipe spinning unit
US3420344A (en) * 1967-03-22 1969-01-07 Twin Disc Inc Self-stabilizing power transmitting device having hydraulically actuated friction plates and torque responsive hydraulic inverse feedback
US3477527A (en) 1967-06-05 1969-11-11 Global Marine Inc Kelly and drill pipe spinner-stabber
US3443291A (en) * 1967-09-25 1969-05-13 Jack R Doherty Drill collar safety slip
US3635105A (en) 1967-10-17 1972-01-18 Byron Jackson Inc Power tong head and assembly
GB1215967A (en) 1967-12-04 1970-12-16 Byron Jackson Inc Well pipe tongs
US3518903A (en) * 1967-12-26 1970-07-07 Byron Jackson Inc Combined power tong and backup tong assembly
US3475038A (en) * 1968-01-08 1969-10-28 Lee Matherne Pipe stabber with setscrews
GB1277461A (en) 1968-06-05 1972-06-14 Wadsworth Walton Mount Method and apparatus for joining ends of pipe sections by driven force fit and joints formed thereby
US3489220A (en) 1968-08-02 1970-01-13 J C Kinley Method and apparatus for repairing pipe in wells
US3511349A (en) * 1968-08-30 1970-05-12 Deere & Co Clutch
US3548936A (en) 1968-11-15 1970-12-22 Dresser Ind Well tools and gripping members therefor
US3552507A (en) 1968-11-25 1971-01-05 Cicero C Brown System for rotary drilling of wells using casing as the drill string
US3747675A (en) 1968-11-25 1973-07-24 C Brown Rotary drive connection for casing drilling string
FR1604950A (en) 1968-12-31 1971-05-15
US3575245A (en) 1969-02-05 1971-04-20 Servco Co Apparatus for expanding holes
US3552508A (en) 1969-03-03 1971-01-05 Cicero C Brown Apparatus for rotary drilling of wells using casing as the drill pipe
US3745820A (en) * 1969-04-04 1973-07-17 Exxon Production Research Co Leak proof threaded connections
US3606664A (en) 1969-04-04 1971-09-21 Exxon Production Research Co Leak-proof threaded connections
US3570598A (en) 1969-05-05 1971-03-16 Glenn D Johnson Constant strain jar
US3550684A (en) 1969-06-03 1970-12-29 Schlumberger Technology Corp Methods and apparatus for facilitating the descent of well tools through deviated well bores
US3566505A (en) 1969-06-09 1971-03-02 Hydrotech Services Apparatus for aligning two sections of pipe
US3559739A (en) * 1969-06-20 1971-02-02 Chevron Res Method and apparatus for providing continuous foam circulation in wells
DE1937349B2 (en) 1969-07-23 1973-08-23 Leo Gottwald KG, 4000 Dusseldorf CRANE WITH ROTATING UPPER CARRIAGE
US3552509A (en) 1969-09-11 1971-01-05 Cicero C Brown Apparatus for rotary drilling of wells using casing as drill pipe
US3603413A (en) 1969-10-03 1971-09-07 Christensen Diamond Prod Co Retractable drill bits
US3552510A (en) 1969-10-08 1971-01-05 Cicero C Brown Apparatus for rotary drilling of wells using casing as the drill pipe
US3624760A (en) 1969-11-03 1971-11-30 Albert G Bodine Sonic apparatus for installing a pile jacket, casing member or the like in an earthen formation
US3602302A (en) 1969-11-10 1971-08-31 Westinghouse Electric Corp Oil production system
BE757087A (en) * 1969-12-03 1971-04-06 Gardner Denver Co REMOTELY CONTROLLED DRILL ROD UNSCREWING MECHANISM
US3691624A (en) 1970-01-16 1972-09-19 John C Kinley Method of expanding a liner
US3603411A (en) 1970-01-19 1971-09-07 Christensen Diamond Prod Co Retractable drill bits
US3603412A (en) 1970-02-02 1971-09-07 Baker Oil Tools Inc Method and apparatus for drilling in casing from the top of a borehole
US3638989A (en) 1970-02-05 1972-02-01 Becker Drills Ltd Apparatus for recovering a drill stem
US3662842A (en) 1970-04-14 1972-05-16 Automatic Drilling Mach Automatic coupling system
US3696332A (en) 1970-05-25 1972-10-03 Shell Oil Co Telemetering drill string with self-cleaning connectors
US3808916A (en) * 1970-09-24 1974-05-07 Robbins & Ass J Earth drilling machine
US3656564A (en) 1970-12-03 1972-04-18 Cicero C Brown Apparatus for rotary drilling of wells using casing as the drill pipe
US3669190A (en) 1970-12-21 1972-06-13 Otis Eng Corp Methods of completing a well
US3692126A (en) 1971-01-29 1972-09-19 Frank C Rushing Retractable drill bit apparatus
US3706347A (en) 1971-03-18 1972-12-19 Cicero C Brown Pipe handling system for use in well drilling
US3780883A (en) 1971-03-18 1973-12-25 Brown Oil Tools Pipe handling system for use in well drilling
US3697113A (en) 1971-03-25 1972-10-10 Gardner Denver Co Drill rod retrieving tool
US3766991A (en) 1971-04-02 1973-10-23 Brown Oil Tools Electric power swivel and system for use in rotary well drilling
US3785193A (en) * 1971-04-10 1974-01-15 Kinley J Liner expanding apparatus
US3838613A (en) * 1971-04-16 1974-10-01 Byron Jackson Inc Motion compensation system for power tong apparatus
US3722331A (en) * 1971-06-21 1973-03-27 Ipcur Inst De Proiectari Cerce Torque-controlled pipe-thread tightener
US3746330A (en) * 1971-10-28 1973-07-17 W Taciuk Drill stem shock absorber
GB1306568A (en) 1971-11-09 1973-02-14 Fox F K Rotary drilling tool for use in well bores
US3760894A (en) 1971-11-10 1973-09-25 M Pitifer Replaceable blade drilling bits
US3729057A (en) 1971-11-30 1973-04-24 Werner Ind Inc Travelling drill bit
US3691825A (en) 1971-12-03 1972-09-19 Norman D Dyer Rotary torque indicator for well drilling apparatus
US3776320A (en) * 1971-12-23 1973-12-04 C Brown Rotating drive assembly
US3796418A (en) * 1972-02-17 1974-03-12 Byron Jackson Inc Hydraulic pipe tong apparatus
US3941348A (en) * 1972-06-29 1976-03-02 Hydril Company Safety valve
FR2209038B1 (en) 1972-12-06 1977-07-22 Petroles Cie Francaise
US3881375A (en) 1972-12-12 1975-05-06 Borg Warner Pipe tong positioning system
US4054426A (en) 1972-12-20 1977-10-18 White Gerald W Thin film treated drilling bit cones
FR2234448B1 (en) 1973-06-25 1977-12-23 Petroles Cie Francaise
US3840128A (en) 1973-07-09 1974-10-08 N Swoboda Racking arm for pipe sections, drill collars, riser pipe, and the like used in well drilling operations
US3870114A (en) * 1973-07-23 1975-03-11 Stabilator Ab Drilling apparatus especially for ground drilling
US3848684A (en) 1973-08-02 1974-11-19 Tri State Oil Tools Inc Apparatus for rotary drilling
US3857450A (en) 1973-08-02 1974-12-31 W Guier Drilling apparatus
US3871618A (en) 1973-11-09 1975-03-18 Eldon E Funk Portable well pipe puller
US3913687A (en) 1974-03-04 1975-10-21 Ingersoll Rand Co Pipe handling system
US3893556A (en) * 1974-05-02 1975-07-08 Dana Corp Fluid released clutch
US3915244A (en) 1974-06-06 1975-10-28 Cicero C Brown Break out elevators for rotary drive assemblies
US3934660A (en) * 1974-07-02 1976-01-27 Nelson Daniel E Flexpower deep well drill
US3964556A (en) 1974-07-10 1976-06-22 Gearhart-Owen Industries, Inc. Downhole signaling system
US3933108A (en) * 1974-09-03 1976-01-20 Vetco Offshore Industries, Inc. Buoyant riser system
US4077525A (en) 1974-11-14 1978-03-07 Lamb Industries, Inc. Derrick mounted apparatus for the manipulation of pipe
US3999610A (en) 1974-11-21 1976-12-28 Otis Engineering Corporation Pipe snubbing method and apparatus
US3969961A (en) * 1974-12-09 1976-07-20 M.A.T. Industries, Inc. Torque limiting adaptor
US3947009A (en) * 1974-12-23 1976-03-30 Bucyrus-Erie Company Drill shock absorber
US3964552A (en) 1975-01-23 1976-06-22 Brown Oil Tools, Inc. Drive connector with load compensator
US3961399A (en) 1975-02-18 1976-06-08 Varco International, Inc. Power slip unit
US3986564A (en) * 1975-03-03 1976-10-19 Bender Emil A Well rig
US3945444A (en) * 1975-04-01 1976-03-23 The Anaconda Company Split bit casing drill
US4008773A (en) * 1975-05-19 1977-02-22 Standard Pressed Steel Co. Tightening system
US3980143A (en) 1975-09-30 1976-09-14 Driltech, Inc. Holding wrench for drill strings
DE2604063A1 (en) 1976-02-03 1977-08-04 Miguel Kling SELF-PROPELLING AND SELF-LOCKING DEVICE FOR DRIVING ON CANALS AND FORMED BY LONG DISTANCES
US4183555A (en) 1976-04-02 1980-01-15 Martin Charles F Methods and joints for connecting tubular members
US4049066A (en) 1976-04-19 1977-09-20 Richey Vernon T Apparatus for reducing annular back pressure near the drill bit
US4005621A (en) * 1976-04-27 1977-02-01 Joy Manufacturing Company Drilling tong
US4054332A (en) 1976-05-03 1977-10-18 Gardner-Denver Company Actuation means for roller guide bushing for drill rig
GB1516491A (en) 1976-05-06 1978-07-05 A Z Int Tool Co Well drilling method and apparatus therefor
US4051587A (en) * 1976-08-02 1977-10-04 Varco International, Inc. Pile handling apparatus and methods
US4100968A (en) 1976-08-30 1978-07-18 Charles George Delano Technique for running casing
US4257442A (en) * 1976-09-27 1981-03-24 Claycomb Jack R Choke for controlling the flow of drilling mud
US4189185A (en) * 1976-09-27 1980-02-19 Tri-State Oil Tool Industries, Inc. Method for producing chambered blast holes
US4127927A (en) 1976-09-30 1978-12-05 Hauk Ernest D Method of gaging and joining pipe
US4082144A (en) 1976-11-01 1978-04-04 Dresser Industries, Inc. Method and apparatus for running and retrieving logging instruments in highly deviated well bores
US4064939A (en) 1976-11-01 1977-12-27 Dresser Industries, Inc. Method and apparatus for running and retrieving logging instruments in highly deviated well bores
US4186628A (en) 1976-11-30 1980-02-05 General Electric Company Rotary drill bit and method for making same
US4100981A (en) 1977-02-04 1978-07-18 Chaffin John D Earth boring apparatus for geological drilling and coring
US4202225A (en) 1977-03-15 1980-05-13 Sheldon Loren B Power tongs control arrangement
US4106176A (en) * 1977-04-06 1978-08-15 Ingersoll-Rand Company Method and apparatus for fastener tensioning
US4142739A (en) * 1977-04-18 1979-03-06 Compagnie Maritime d'Expertise, S.A. Pipe connector apparatus having gripping and sealing means
US4091451A (en) * 1977-04-26 1978-05-23 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Method of and apparatus for making up a threaded connection
SE411139B (en) 1977-04-29 1979-12-03 Sandvik Ab DRILLING DEVICE
US4095865A (en) 1977-05-23 1978-06-20 Shell Oil Company Telemetering drill string with piped electrical conductor
CA1069494A (en) * 1977-07-21 1980-01-08 Gary D. Gray Floating cushion sub
US4125040A (en) * 1977-09-29 1978-11-14 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Power tong apparatus
US4133396A (en) * 1977-11-04 1979-01-09 Smith International, Inc. Drilling and casing landing apparatus and method
US4159637A (en) * 1977-12-05 1979-07-03 Baylor College Of Medicine Hydraulic test tool and method
GB1575104A (en) 1977-12-08 1980-09-17 Marconi Co Ltd Load moving devices
US4199032A (en) * 1978-02-17 1980-04-22 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus for measuring and controlling a force
US4173457A (en) 1978-03-23 1979-11-06 Alloys, Incorporated Hardfacing composition of nickel-bonded sintered chromium carbide particles and tools hardfaced thereof
DE2815705C2 (en) * 1978-04-12 1986-10-16 Rolf 3100 Celle Rüße Method and device for centering casing pipes
US4170908A (en) * 1978-05-01 1979-10-16 Joy Manufacturing Company Indexing mechanism for an open-head power tong
US4280380A (en) 1978-06-02 1981-07-28 Rockwell International Corporation Tension control of fasteners
US4194383A (en) 1978-06-22 1980-03-25 Gulf & Western Manufacturing Company Modular transducer assembly for rolling mill roll adjustment mechanism
US4334444A (en) * 1978-06-26 1982-06-15 Bob's Casing Crews Power tongs
US4274777A (en) 1978-08-04 1981-06-23 Scaggs Orville C Subterranean well pipe guiding apparatus
US4175619A (en) 1978-09-11 1979-11-27 Davis Carl A Well collar or shoe and cementing/drilling process
US4365402A (en) * 1978-09-12 1982-12-28 Baker International Corporation Method for counting turns when making threaded joints
US4176436A (en) * 1978-09-12 1979-12-04 Baker International Corporation Method and apparatus for counting turns when making threaded joints
US4221269A (en) * 1978-12-08 1980-09-09 Hudson Ray E Pipe spinner
US4241878A (en) 1979-02-26 1980-12-30 3U Partners Nozzle and process
US4402239A (en) * 1979-04-30 1983-09-06 Eckel Manufacturing Company, Inc. Back-up power tongs and method
CA1150234A (en) 1979-04-30 1983-07-19 Eckel Manufacturing Company, Inc. Back-up power tongs and method
USRE31699E (en) * 1979-04-30 1984-10-09 Eckel Manufacturing Company, Inc. Back-up power tongs and method
US4235469A (en) * 1979-05-11 1980-11-25 Den-Con Tool Company Pipe handling apparatus
US4281722A (en) 1979-05-15 1981-08-04 Long Year Company Retractable bit system
US4274778A (en) 1979-06-05 1981-06-23 Putnam Paul S Mechanized stand handling apparatus for drilling rigs
DE2925400C2 (en) 1979-06-23 1983-11-10 Siegfried 7971 Aichstetten Gebhart Device for sawing bricks, panels, wood, pipes and the like
US4262693A (en) * 1979-07-02 1981-04-21 Bernhardt & Frederick Co., Inc. Kelly valve
US4246809A (en) * 1979-10-09 1981-01-27 World Wide Oil Tools, Inc. Power tong apparatus for making and breaking connections between lengths of small diameter tubing
US4304261A (en) * 1979-12-10 1981-12-08 Forester Buford G Valve
US4287949A (en) 1980-01-07 1981-09-08 Mwl Tool And Supply Company Setting tools and liner hanger assembly
US4277197A (en) 1980-01-14 1981-07-07 Kearney-National, Inc. Telescoping tool and coupling means therefor
US4291762A (en) * 1980-01-18 1981-09-29 Drill Tech Equipment, Inc. Apparatus for rapidly attaching an inside blowout preventer sub to a drill pipe
MX153352A (en) 1980-03-11 1986-10-01 Carlor Ramirez Jauregui IMPROVEMENTS IN CONTRACTIL DRILL FOR DRILLING WELLS
US4320915A (en) 1980-03-24 1982-03-23 Varco International, Inc. Internal elevator
US4401000A (en) * 1980-05-02 1983-08-30 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Tong assembly
US4346629A (en) * 1980-05-02 1982-08-31 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Tong assembly
US4336415A (en) 1980-05-16 1982-06-22 Walling John B Flexible production tubing
US4573359A (en) 1980-07-02 1986-03-04 Carstensen Kenneth J System and method for assuring integrity of tubular sections
US4311195A (en) * 1980-07-14 1982-01-19 Baker International Corporation Hydraulically set well packer
US4392534A (en) 1980-08-23 1983-07-12 Tsukamoto Seiki Co., Ltd. Composite nozzle for earth boring and bore enlarging bits
US4315553A (en) * 1980-08-25 1982-02-16 Stallings Jimmie L Continuous circulation apparatus for air drilling well bore operations
US4483399A (en) 1981-02-12 1984-11-20 Colgate Stirling A Method of deep drilling
US4407378A (en) 1981-03-11 1983-10-04 Smith International, Inc. Nozzle retention method for rock bits
US4446745A (en) 1981-04-10 1984-05-08 Baker International Corporation Apparatus for counting turns when making threaded joints including an increased resolution turns counter
CA1213653A (en) 1981-04-10 1986-11-04 Lyndon R. Stone Apparatus for making threaded joints incorporating a make-up speed controller and apparatus for counting turns when making threaded joints including an increased resolution turns counter
US4396076A (en) 1981-04-27 1983-08-02 Hachiro Inoue Under-reaming pile bore excavator
US4437363A (en) * 1981-06-29 1984-03-20 Joy Manufacturing Company Dual camming action jaw assembly and power tong
US4460053A (en) 1981-08-14 1984-07-17 Christensen, Inc. Drill tool for deep wells
GB2108552B (en) 1981-09-17 1985-01-23 Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Earth boring apparatus
US4396077A (en) 1981-09-21 1983-08-02 Strata Bit Corporation Drill bit with carbide coated cutting face
DE3138870C1 (en) * 1981-09-30 1983-07-21 Weatherford Oil Tool Gmbh, 3012 Langenhagen Device for screwing pipes
US4427063A (en) * 1981-11-09 1984-01-24 Halliburton Company Retrievable bridge plug
US4445734A (en) 1981-12-04 1984-05-01 Hughes Tool Company Telemetry drill pipe with pressure sensitive contacts
FR2522144A1 (en) 1982-02-24 1983-08-26 Vallourec METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ENSURING THE CORRECT VISE OF A TUBULAR JOINT HAVING A SCREW LIMITATION BIT
FR2523635A1 (en) 1982-03-17 1983-09-23 Bretagne Atel Chantiers DEVICE FOR MOUNTING A DRILL ROD TRAIN AND FOR TRAINING IN ROTATION AND TRANSLATION
FR2523637A1 (en) 1982-03-17 1983-09-23 Eimco Secoma RETRACTABLE FLOWER GUIDE FOR DRILLING AND BOLTING SLIDERS
US4474243A (en) 1982-03-26 1984-10-02 Exxon Production Research Co. Method and apparatus for running and cementing pipe
DE3213464A1 (en) 1982-04-10 1983-10-13 Schaubstahl-Werke, 5910 Kreuztal Device for cutting longitudinal slits in the circumference of manhole pipes
US4524998A (en) 1982-05-04 1985-06-25 Halliburton Company Tubular connecting device
US4489793A (en) 1982-05-10 1984-12-25 Roy Boren Control method and apparatus for fluid delivery in a rotary drill string
US5263748A (en) * 1982-05-19 1993-11-23 Carstensen Kenneth J Couplings for standard A.P.I. tubings and casings
US4738145A (en) 1982-06-01 1988-04-19 Tubular Make-Up Specialists, Inc. Monitoring torque in tubular goods
USRE34063E (en) 1982-06-01 1992-09-15 Monitoring torque in tubular goods
US4440220A (en) 1982-06-04 1984-04-03 Mcarthur James R System for stabbing well casing
US4413682A (en) 1982-06-07 1983-11-08 Baker Oil Tools, Inc. Method and apparatus for installing a cementing float shoe on the bottom of a well casing
US4676310A (en) 1982-07-12 1987-06-30 Scherbatskoy Serge Alexander Apparatus for transporting measuring and/or logging equipment in a borehole
US4449596A (en) 1982-08-03 1984-05-22 Varco International, Inc. Drilling of wells with top drive unit
US4442892A (en) * 1982-08-16 1984-04-17 Domenico Delesandri Apparatus for stabbing and threading a safety valve into a well pipe
DE3234027C1 (en) 1982-09-14 1984-01-19 Christensen, Inc., 84115 Salt Lake City, Utah Device for locking and breaking threaded connections
US4466498A (en) 1982-09-24 1984-08-21 Bardwell Allen E Detachable shoe plates for large diameter drill bits
US4681158A (en) 1982-10-07 1987-07-21 Mobil Oil Corporation Casing alignment tool
US4605268A (en) 1982-11-08 1986-08-12 Nl Industries, Inc. Transformer cable connector
US4463814A (en) 1982-11-26 1984-08-07 Advanced Drilling Corporation Down-hole drilling apparatus
DE3248084A1 (en) * 1982-12-24 1984-06-28 Gewerkschaft Eisenhütte Westfalia, 4670 Lünen TRANSMISSION WITH OVERLOAD PROTECTION, ESPECIALLY FOR THE DRIVE OF CARBON PLANES AND THE LIKE
US4760882A (en) 1983-02-02 1988-08-02 Exxon Production Research Company Method for primary cementing a well with a drilling mud which may be converted to cement using chemical initiators with or without additional irradiation
US4604724A (en) 1983-02-22 1986-08-05 Gomelskoe Spetsialnoe Konstruktorsko-Tekhnologicheskoe Bjuro Seismicheskoi Tekhniki S Opytnym Proizvodstvom Automated apparatus for handling elongated well elements such as pipes
US4515045A (en) 1983-02-22 1985-05-07 Spetsialnoe Konstruktorskoe Bjuro Seismicheskoi Tekhniki Automatic wrench for screwing a pipe string together and apart
US4489794A (en) 1983-05-02 1984-12-25 Varco International, Inc. Link tilting mechanism for well rigs
US4630691A (en) 1983-05-19 1986-12-23 Hooper David W Annulus bypass peripheral nozzle jet pump pressure differential drilling tool and method for well drilling
US4494424A (en) 1983-06-24 1985-01-22 Bates Darrell R Chain-powered pipe tong device
US4561529A (en) * 1983-09-02 1985-12-31 Borg-Warner Corporation Torque-limiting clutch with temperature-responsive rapid release mechanism
SE454196C (en) 1983-09-23 1991-10-24 Jan Persson EARTH AND MOUNTAIN DRILLING DEVICE CONCERNING BORING AND LINING OF THE DRILL
GB8326736D0 (en) 1983-10-06 1983-11-09 Salvesen Drilling Services Analysis of torque applied to joint
US4683962A (en) 1983-10-06 1987-08-04 True Martin E Spinner for use in connecting pipe joints
US4544041A (en) 1983-10-25 1985-10-01 Rinaldi Roger E Well casing inserting and well bore drilling method and means
US4646827A (en) 1983-10-26 1987-03-03 Cobb William O Tubing anchor assembly
US4565003A (en) 1984-01-11 1986-01-21 Phillips Petroleum Company Pipe alignment apparatus
NO154578C (en) 1984-01-25 1986-10-29 Maritime Hydraulics As BRIDGE DRILLING DEVICE.
US4652195A (en) 1984-01-26 1987-03-24 Mcarthur James R Casing stabbing and positioning apparatus
US4921386A (en) 1988-06-06 1990-05-01 John Harrel Device for positioning and stabbing casing from a remote selectively variable location
US5049020A (en) 1984-01-26 1991-09-17 John Harrel Device for positioning and stabbing casing from a remote selectively variable location
US4529045A (en) 1984-03-26 1985-07-16 Varco International, Inc. Top drive drilling unit with rotatable pipe support
EP0162000A1 (en) 1984-04-16 1985-11-21 Hughes Tool Company Top drive well drilling apparatus with removable link adapter
US4589495A (en) 1984-04-19 1986-05-20 Weatherford U.S., Inc. Apparatus and method for inserting flow control means into a well casing
US4651837A (en) 1984-05-31 1987-03-24 Mayfield Walter G Downhole retrievable drill bit
US4649777A (en) * 1984-06-21 1987-03-17 David Buck Back-up power tongs
US4593584A (en) 1984-06-25 1986-06-10 Eckel Manufacturing Co., Inc. Power tongs with improved hydraulic drive
US4759239A (en) * 1984-06-29 1988-07-26 Hughes Tool Company Wrench assembly for a top drive sub
US4832552A (en) 1984-07-10 1989-05-23 Michael Skelly Method and apparatus for rotary power driven swivel drilling
CA1239634A (en) 1984-07-27 1988-07-26 William D. Stringfellow Weight compensating elevator
US4604818A (en) 1984-08-06 1986-08-12 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Seisakusho Under reaming pile bore excavating bucket and method of its excavation
FR2568935B1 (en) 1984-08-08 1986-09-05 Petroles Cie Francaise DRILL PIPE CONNECTION, PARTICULARLY FOR CROSSING A LOSS OF TRAFFIC AREA
US4595058A (en) 1984-08-28 1986-06-17 Shell Oil Company Turbulence cementing sub
HU195559B (en) 1984-09-04 1988-05-30 Janos Fenyvesi Drilling rig of continuous operation
US4643259A (en) 1984-10-04 1987-02-17 Autobust, Inc. Hydraulic drill string breakdown and bleed off unit
US4605077A (en) 1984-12-04 1986-08-12 Varco International, Inc. Top drive drilling systems
GB2170528A (en) 1985-01-26 1986-08-06 Ed Oscar Seabourn Casing extender
US4580631A (en) 1985-02-13 1986-04-08 Joe R. Brown Liner hanger with lost motion coupling
US4655286A (en) 1985-02-19 1987-04-07 Ctc Corporation Method for cementing casing or liners in an oil well
US4825947A (en) 1985-02-22 1989-05-02 Mikolajczyk Raymond F Apparatus for use in cementing a casing string within a well bore
US4625796A (en) 1985-04-01 1986-12-02 Varco International, Inc. Well pipe stabbing and back-up apparatus
US4667752A (en) 1985-04-11 1987-05-26 Hughes Tool Company Top head drive well drilling apparatus with stabbing guide
US4709766A (en) 1985-04-26 1987-12-01 Varco International, Inc. Well pipe handling machine
SE461345B (en) 1985-06-03 1990-02-05 Sandvik Rock Tools Ab SETTING AND DEVICE CAREFULLY DOWNLOAD FEEDING ROOMS BY ORIGINAL MARK AND ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTIONS
US4773218A (en) 1985-06-18 1988-09-27 Ngk Spark Plug Co., Ltd. Pulse actuated hydraulic pump
DE3523221A1 (en) 1985-06-28 1987-01-02 Svetozar Dipl Ing Marojevic Method of screwing pipes
US4686873A (en) 1985-08-12 1987-08-18 Becor Western Inc. Casing tong assembly
FR2588297B1 (en) 1985-10-09 1987-12-04 Soletanche DEVICE FOR UNDERWATER DRILLING OF FOUNDATIONS
US4715625A (en) 1985-10-10 1987-12-29 Premiere Casing Services, Inc. Layered pipe slips
US4693316A (en) 1985-11-20 1987-09-15 Halliburton Company Round mandrel slip joint
US4671358A (en) 1985-12-18 1987-06-09 Mwl Tool Company Wiper plug cementing system and method of use thereof
US4691587A (en) 1985-12-20 1987-09-08 General Motors Corporation Steering column with selectively adjustable and preset preferred positions
US4709599A (en) 1985-12-26 1987-12-01 Buck David A Compensating jaw assembly for power tongs
FR2600172B1 (en) 1986-01-17 1988-08-26 Inst Francais Du Petrole DEVICE FOR INSTALLING SEISMIC SENSORS IN A PETROLEUM PRODUCTION WELL
US4678031A (en) 1986-01-27 1987-07-07 Blandford David M Rotatable reciprocating collar for borehole casing
US4681162A (en) 1986-02-19 1987-07-21 Boyd's Bit Service, Inc. Borehole drill pipe continuous side entry or exit apparatus and method
SE460141B (en) 1986-02-24 1989-09-11 Santrade Ltd DRILLING TOOL FOR ROTATION AND / OR SHIPPING DRILLING INCLUDING AN Eccentric Rifle AND RIDER INCLUDED IN SUCH A DRILLING TOOL
FR2596803B1 (en) 1986-04-02 1988-06-24 Elf Aquitaine SIMULTANEOUS DRILLING AND TUBING DEVICE
US4699224A (en) 1986-05-12 1987-10-13 Sidewinder Joint Venture Method and apparatus for lateral drilling in oil and gas wells
DE3617227A1 (en) 1986-05-22 1987-11-26 Wirth Co Kg Masch Bohr DEVICE WITH AN END OF A TUBE CLAMPABLE SPIDER OR THE LIKE.
US4744426A (en) 1986-06-02 1988-05-17 Reed John A Apparatus for reducing hydro-static pressure at the drill bit
GB8616006D0 (en) 1986-07-01 1986-08-06 Framo Dev Ltd Drilling system
US4712284A (en) 1986-07-09 1987-12-15 Bilco Tools Inc. Power tongs with hydraulic friction grip for speciality tubing
US4765401A (en) 1986-08-21 1988-08-23 Varco International, Inc. Apparatus for handling well pipe
US4715451A (en) * 1986-09-17 1987-12-29 Atlantic Richfield Company Measuring drillstem loading and behavior
FR2605657A1 (en) * 1986-10-22 1988-04-29 Soletanche METHOD FOR PRODUCING A PIEU IN SOIL, DRILLING MACHINE AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING SAID METHOD
US4725179A (en) 1986-11-03 1988-02-16 Lee C. Moore Corporation Automated pipe racking apparatus
US5717334A (en) * 1986-11-04 1998-02-10 Paramagnetic Logging, Inc. Methods and apparatus to produce stick-slip motion of logging tool attached to a wireline drawn upward by a continuously rotating wireline drum
US4676312A (en) 1986-12-04 1987-06-30 Donald E. Mosing Well casing grip assurance system
US4788544A (en) 1987-01-08 1988-11-29 Hughes Tool Company - Usa Well bore data transmission system
US4778008A (en) 1987-03-05 1988-10-18 Exxon Production Research Company Selectively releasable and reengagable expansion joint for subterranean well tubing strings
US4843945A (en) 1987-03-09 1989-07-04 National-Oilwell Apparatus for making and breaking threaded well pipe connections
US4821814A (en) 1987-04-02 1989-04-18 501 W-N Apache Corporation Top head drive assembly for earth drilling machine and components thereof
US4762187A (en) 1987-07-29 1988-08-09 W-N Apache Corporation Internal wrench for a top head drive assembly
AU1400188A (en) 1987-04-02 1988-10-06 W-N Apache Corporation Internal wrench for a top head drive assembly
US4815546A (en) * 1987-04-02 1989-03-28 W-N Apache Corporation Top head drive assembly with axially movable quill
US4836064A (en) 1987-04-10 1989-06-06 Slator Damon T Jaws for power tongs and back-up units
US4813493A (en) 1987-04-14 1989-03-21 Triten Corporation Hydraulic top drive for wells
US4813495A (en) 1987-05-05 1989-03-21 Conoco Inc. Method and apparatus for deepwater drilling
US4901069A (en) 1987-07-16 1990-02-13 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Apparatus for electromagnetically coupling power and data signals between a first unit and a second unit and in particular between well bore apparatus and the surface
US4806928A (en) * 1987-07-16 1989-02-21 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Apparatus for electromagnetically coupling power and data signals between well bore apparatus and the surface
US5000065A (en) 1987-09-08 1991-03-19 Martin-Decker, Inc. Jaw assembly for power tongs and like apparatus
US4800968A (en) 1987-09-22 1989-01-31 Triten Corporation Well apparatus with tubular elevator tilt and indexing apparatus and methods of their use
US4781359A (en) 1987-09-23 1988-11-01 National-Oilwell Sub assembly for a swivel
US4875530A (en) 1987-09-24 1989-10-24 Parker Technology, Inc. Automatic drilling system
US4811635A (en) 1987-09-24 1989-03-14 Falgout Sr Thomas E Power tong improvement
CA1302391C (en) 1987-10-09 1992-06-02 Keith M. Haney Compact casing tongs for use on top head drive earth drilling machine
US4836299A (en) 1987-10-19 1989-06-06 Bodine Albert G Sonic method and apparatus for installing monitor wells for the surveillance and control of earth contamination
US4883125A (en) 1987-12-11 1989-11-28 Atlantic Richfield Company Cementing oil and gas wells using converted drilling fluid
CA1270479A (en) 1987-12-14 1990-06-19 Jerome Labrosse Tubing bit opener
FI85178C (en) * 1987-12-21 1992-03-10 Tampella Oy Ab Method of rotary drilling and rotary drilling device
US4791997A (en) 1988-01-07 1988-12-20 Vetco Gray Inc. Pipe handling apparatus and method
US4878546A (en) 1988-02-12 1989-11-07 Triten Corporation Self-aligning top drive
US4793422A (en) 1988-03-16 1988-12-27 Hughes Tool Company - Usa Articulated elevator links for top drive drill rig
GB2216926B (en) 1988-04-06 1992-08-12 Jumblefierce Limited Drilling method and apparatus
NO163973C (en) 1988-04-19 1990-08-15 Maritime Hydraulics As MOMENT tong.
US4880058A (en) 1988-05-16 1989-11-14 Lindsey Completion Systems, Inc. Stage cementing valve
SE8802142L (en) 1988-06-08 1989-12-09 Diamant Boart Craelius Ab DEVICE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF A TOOL INSIDE A PIPE IN THE MARKET
US4848469A (en) 1988-06-15 1989-07-18 Baker Hughes Incorporated Liner setting tool and method
NO169399C (en) 1988-06-27 1992-06-17 Noco As DEVICE FOR DRILLING HOLES IN GROUND GROUPS
US4854386A (en) 1988-08-01 1989-08-08 Texas Iron Works, Inc. Method and apparatus for stage cementing a liner in a well bore having a casing
US4962579A (en) 1988-09-02 1990-10-16 Exxon Production Research Company Torque position make-up of tubular connections
GB8822574D0 (en) 1988-09-26 1988-11-02 Gbe International Plc Vibratory steaming conveyor
US4854383A (en) 1988-09-27 1989-08-08 Texas Iron Works, Inc. Manifold arrangement for use with a top drive power unit
GB2224481A (en) 1988-11-04 1990-05-09 Heerema Engineering Improvements in internal elevators
US4971146A (en) 1988-11-23 1990-11-20 Terrell Jamie B Downhole chemical cutting tool
GB8828084D0 (en) 1988-12-01 1989-01-05 Weatherfor U S Inc Apparatus for connecting & disconnecting threaded members
GB8828087D0 (en) 1988-12-01 1989-01-05 Weatherford Us Inc Active jaw for power tong
US4899816A (en) 1989-01-24 1990-02-13 Paul Mine Apparatus for guiding wireline
GB8901918D0 (en) 1989-01-28 1989-03-15 Franks Casing Crews Uk Limited Control system
US4962819A (en) 1989-02-01 1990-10-16 Drilex Systems, Inc. Mud saver valve with replaceable inner sleeve
US5009265A (en) 1989-09-07 1991-04-23 Drilex Systems, Inc. Packer for wellhead repair unit
US5036927A (en) 1989-03-10 1991-08-06 W-N Apache Corporation Apparatus for gripping a down hole tubular for rotation
US4936382A (en) 1989-03-31 1990-06-26 Seaboard-Arval Corporation Drive pipe adaptor
US4909741A (en) 1989-04-10 1990-03-20 Atlantic Richfield Company Wellbore tool swivel connector
US4938109A (en) 1989-04-10 1990-07-03 Carlos A. Torres Torque hold system and method
FR2649155B1 (en) * 1989-06-28 1991-09-13 Elf Aquitaine DYNAMOMETRIC MEASURING DEVICE FOR DRILL ROD
MY106026A (en) * 1989-08-31 1995-02-28 Union Oil Company Of California Well casing flotation device and method
US5456317A (en) 1989-08-31 1995-10-10 Union Oil Co Buoyancy assisted running of perforated tubulars
US5050691A (en) 1989-10-10 1991-09-24 Varco International, Inc. Detachable torque transmitting tool joint
US4960173A (en) 1989-10-26 1990-10-02 Baker Hughes Incorporated Releasable well tool stabilizer
BR8905595A (en) 1989-11-01 1991-05-07 Petroleo Brasileiro Sa INTERVENTION SYSTEM EXPANSION AND REPAIR OF SUBMARINE LINES OPERATOR BY REMOTE OPERATION VEHICLE
US5022472A (en) 1989-11-14 1991-06-11 Masx Energy Services Group, Inc. Hydraulic clamp for rotary drilling head
US5096465A (en) 1989-12-13 1992-03-17 Norton Company Diamond metal composite cutter and method for making same
US4962822A (en) 1989-12-15 1990-10-16 Numa Tool Company Downhole drill bit and bit coupling
DE3942438A1 (en) 1989-12-22 1991-07-11 Eastman Christensen Co DEVICE FOR DRILLING A SUB-DRILLING OR DEFLECTING DRILL OF A PARTICULARLY PIPED HOLE
US5191939A (en) 1990-01-03 1993-03-09 Tam International Casing circulator and method
US4997042A (en) 1990-01-03 1991-03-05 Jordan Ronald A Casing circulator and method
US5069297A (en) 1990-01-24 1991-12-03 Rudolph E. Krueger, Inc. Drill pipe/casing protector and method
US5251709A (en) 1990-02-06 1993-10-12 Richardson Allan S Drilling rig
US5082069A (en) * 1990-03-01 1992-01-21 Atlantic Richfield Company Combination drivepipe/casing and installation method for offshore well
US5176518A (en) * 1990-03-14 1993-01-05 Fokker Aircraft B.V. Movement simulator
US5172765A (en) 1990-03-15 1992-12-22 Conoco Inc. Method using spoolable composite tubular member with energy conductors
US5908049A (en) 1990-03-15 1999-06-01 Fiber Spar And Tube Corporation Spoolable composite tubular member with energy conductors
US5097870A (en) * 1990-03-15 1992-03-24 Conoco Inc. Composite tubular member with multiple cells
US5202681A (en) * 1990-03-21 1993-04-13 Wilbur L. Dublin, Jr. Integral transducer housing and method
AU646024B2 (en) 1990-04-12 1994-02-03 Htc A/S A borehole, as well as a method and an apparatus for forming it
US5224540A (en) 1990-04-26 1993-07-06 Halliburton Company Downhole tool apparatus with non-metallic components and methods of drilling thereof
US5271468A (en) 1990-04-26 1993-12-21 Halliburton Company Downhole tool apparatus with non-metallic components and methods of drilling thereof
US5062756A (en) 1990-05-01 1991-11-05 John Harrel Device for positioning and stabbing casing from a remote selectively variable location
US5092399A (en) 1990-05-07 1992-03-03 Master Metalizing And Machining Inc. Apparatus for stabbing and threading a drill pipe safety valve
DE4108760A1 (en) 1990-05-11 1991-11-14 Weatherford Prod & Equip DEVICE FOR INITIATING FORCES IN MOVABLE BODIES
US5027914A (en) 1990-06-04 1991-07-02 Wilson Steve B Pilot casing mill
US5074366A (en) 1990-06-21 1991-12-24 Baker Hughes Incorporated Method and apparatus for horizontal drilling
US5148875A (en) 1990-06-21 1992-09-22 Baker Hughes Incorporated Method and apparatus for horizontal drilling
FR2665215B1 (en) * 1990-07-27 1997-12-26 Elf Aquitaine DYNAMOMETRIC MEASUREMENT ASSEMBLY FOR DRILLING ROD PROVIDED WITH RADIO TRANSMISSION MEANS.
US5141063A (en) 1990-08-08 1992-08-25 Quesenbury Jimmy B Restriction enhancement drill
GB9019416D0 (en) 1990-09-06 1990-10-24 Frank S Int Ltd Device for applying torque to a tubular member
US5083356A (en) 1990-10-04 1992-01-28 Exxon Production Research Company Collar load support tubing running procedure
US5085273A (en) * 1990-10-05 1992-02-04 Davis-Lynch, Inc. Casing lined oil or gas well
US5060542A (en) 1990-10-12 1991-10-29 Hawk Industries, Inc. Apparatus and method for making and breaking joints in drill pipe strings
FR2668198B1 (en) 1990-10-19 1997-01-10 Elf Aquitaine MOTORIZED INJECTION HEAD WITH A DYNAMOMETRIC MEASUREMENT ASSEMBLY.
US5052483A (en) 1990-11-05 1991-10-01 Bestline Liner Systems Sand control adapter
US5107940A (en) 1990-12-14 1992-04-28 Hydratech Top drive torque restraint system
US5152554A (en) 1990-12-18 1992-10-06 Lafleur Petroleum Services, Inc. Coupling apparatus
US5245877A (en) * 1991-03-12 1993-09-21 Weatherford U.S., Inc. Tong load cell assembly
GB9107813D0 (en) 1991-04-12 1991-05-29 Weatherford Lamb Tong
GB9107826D0 (en) 1991-04-12 1991-05-29 Weatherford Lamb Rotary for use in a power tong
GB9107788D0 (en) 1991-04-12 1991-05-29 Weatherford Lamb Power tong for releasing tight joints
US5160925C1 (en) 1991-04-17 2001-03-06 Halliburton Co Short hop communication link for downhole mwd system
US5156213A (en) 1991-05-03 1992-10-20 Halliburton Company Well completion method and apparatus
DE4119874A1 (en) * 1991-06-17 1993-01-07 Deere & Co MULTI-DISC CLUTCH
SE9102122D0 (en) * 1991-07-08 1991-07-08 Skf Nova Ab SENSOR RESPECTIVE PROCEDURE BEFORE SEATING TORQUE AND / OR FORCES
US5191932A (en) 1991-07-09 1993-03-09 Douglas Seefried Oilfield cementing tool and method
FR2679958B1 (en) 1991-08-02 1997-06-27 Inst Francais Du Petrole SYSTEM, SUPPORT FOR PERFORMING MEASUREMENTS OR INTERVENTIONS IN A WELLBORE OR DURING DRILLING, AND USES THEREOF.
FR2679957B1 (en) 1991-08-02 1998-12-04 Inst Francais Du Petrole METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PERFORMING MEASUREMENTS AND / OR INTERVENTIONS IN A WELL BORE OR DURING DRILLING.
US5197553A (en) 1991-08-14 1993-03-30 Atlantic Richfield Company Drilling with casing and retrievable drill bit
US5271472A (en) 1991-08-14 1993-12-21 Atlantic Richfield Company Drilling with casing and retrievable drill bit
US5186265A (en) * 1991-08-22 1993-02-16 Atlantic Richfield Company Retrievable bit and eccentric reamer assembly
US5294228A (en) 1991-08-28 1994-03-15 W-N Apache Corporation Automatic sequencing system for earth drilling machine
DE4129709C1 (en) 1991-09-06 1992-12-03 Bergwerksverband Gmbh
NO173750C (en) 1991-09-30 1994-01-26 Wepco As Circulating Equipment
US5209302A (en) 1991-10-04 1993-05-11 Retsco, Inc. Semi-active heave compensation system for marine vessels
DE4133802C1 (en) 1991-10-12 1992-10-22 Manfred 5210 Troisdorf De Hawerkamp Thermoplastics thrust pipe - has respective plug and socket ends with opposed angle cone design so it can mate with next section
US5168942A (en) 1991-10-21 1992-12-08 Atlantic Richfield Company Resistivity measurement system for drilling with casing
US5351767A (en) 1991-11-07 1994-10-04 Globral Marine Inc. Drill pipe handling
US5255751A (en) 1991-11-07 1993-10-26 Huey Stogner Oilfield make-up and breakout tool for top drive drilling systems
US5255741A (en) 1991-12-11 1993-10-26 Mobil Oil Corporation Process and apparatus for completing a well in an unconsolidated formation
US5238074A (en) 1992-01-06 1993-08-24 Baker Hughes Incorporated Mosaic diamond drag bit cutter having a nonuniform wear pattern
US5390568A (en) 1992-03-11 1995-02-21 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Automatic torque wrenching machine
US5207128A (en) 1992-03-23 1993-05-04 Weatherford-Petco, Inc. Tong with floating jaws
US5199542A (en) * 1992-03-31 1993-04-06 Flotow Richard A Air releasing wet clutch
US5291956A (en) 1992-04-15 1994-03-08 Union Oil Company Of California Coiled tubing drilling apparatus and method
US5234052A (en) 1992-05-01 1993-08-10 Davis-Lynch, Inc. Cementing apparatus
US5311952A (en) 1992-05-22 1994-05-17 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Apparatus and method for directional drilling with downhole motor on coiled tubing
MY108743A (en) 1992-06-09 1996-11-30 Shell Int Research Method of greating a wellbore in an underground formation
FR2692315B1 (en) 1992-06-12 1994-09-02 Inst Francais Du Petrole System and method for drilling and equipping a lateral well, application to the exploitation of oil fields.
GB9212723D0 (en) 1992-06-16 1992-07-29 Weatherford Lamb Apparatus for connecting and disconnecting threaded members
US5233742A (en) 1992-06-29 1993-08-10 Gray N Monroe Method and apparatus for controlling tubular connection make-up
US5285204A (en) * 1992-07-23 1994-02-08 Conoco Inc. Coil tubing string and downhole generator
US5318122A (en) 1992-08-07 1994-06-07 Baker Hughes, Inc. Method and apparatus for sealing the juncture between a vertical well and one or more horizontal wells using deformable sealing means
US5322127C1 (en) 1992-08-07 2001-02-06 Baker Hughes Inc Method and apparatus for sealing the juncture between a vertical well and one or more horizontal wells
US5524180A (en) 1992-08-10 1996-06-04 Computer Motion, Inc. Automated endoscope system for optimal positioning
DE4229345C2 (en) 1992-09-04 1998-01-08 Weatherford Prod & Equip Device for introducing forces into movable bodies
US5340182A (en) 1992-09-04 1994-08-23 Varco International, Inc. Safety elevator
EP0593803B1 (en) 1992-10-21 1998-01-07 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Positioning device for loads
US5343950A (en) 1992-10-22 1994-09-06 Shell Oil Company Drilling and cementing extended reach boreholes
US5343951A (en) 1992-10-22 1994-09-06 Shell Oil Company Drilling and cementing slim hole wells
US5332048A (en) 1992-10-23 1994-07-26 Halliburton Company Method and apparatus for automatic closed loop drilling system
US5355967A (en) 1992-10-30 1994-10-18 Union Oil Company Of California Underbalance jet pump drilling method
DE4237075C1 (en) * 1992-11-03 1994-06-23 Deere & Co Fluid-operated friction disc clutch
US5323852A (en) * 1992-11-03 1994-06-28 Atlantic Richfield Company Torque limiter for auger gravel pack assembly
US5297833A (en) 1992-11-12 1994-03-29 W-N Apache Corporation Apparatus for gripping a down hole tubular for support and rotation
US5323858A (en) 1992-11-18 1994-06-28 Atlantic Richfield Company Case cementing method and system
US5320178A (en) 1992-12-08 1994-06-14 Atlantic Richfield Company Sand control screen and installation method for wells
DE4244587A1 (en) 1992-12-28 1994-07-07 Mannesmann Ag Pipe string with threaded pipes and a sleeve connecting them
US5305839A (en) 1993-01-19 1994-04-26 Masx Energy Services Group, Inc. Turbine pump ring for drilling heads
US5284210A (en) 1993-02-04 1994-02-08 Helms Charles M Top entry sub arrangement
US5354150A (en) 1993-02-08 1994-10-11 Canales Joe M Technique for making up threaded pipe joints into a pipeline
US5361859A (en) 1993-02-12 1994-11-08 Baker Hughes Incorporated Expandable gage bit for drilling and method of drilling
US5560440A (en) 1993-02-12 1996-10-01 Baker Hughes Incorporated Bit for subterranean drilling fabricated from separately-formed major components
US5402688A (en) * 1993-03-17 1995-04-04 Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. Method and apparatus for determining the tightened condition of a pipe joint
GB2276886B (en) 1993-03-19 1997-04-23 Smith International Rock bits with hard facing
US5388651A (en) 1993-04-20 1995-02-14 Bowen Tools, Inc. Top drive unit torque break-out system
US5379835A (en) * 1993-04-26 1995-01-10 Halliburton Company Casing cementing equipment
US5386746A (en) 1993-05-26 1995-02-07 Hawk Industries, Inc. Apparatus for making and breaking joints in drill pipe strings
EP0702746B1 (en) 1993-06-16 2000-02-23 Down Hole Technologies Pty. Ltd. System for in situ replacement of cutting means for a ground drill
US5433279A (en) 1993-07-20 1995-07-18 Tessari; Robert M. Portable top drive assembly
US5332043A (en) 1993-07-20 1994-07-26 Abb Vetco Gray Inc. Wellhead connector
US5887655A (en) 1993-09-10 1999-03-30 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc Wellbore milling and drilling
US5787978A (en) 1995-03-31 1998-08-04 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Multi-face whipstock with sacrificial face element
US5826651A (en) 1993-09-10 1998-10-27 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Wellbore single trip milling
US5887668A (en) 1993-09-10 1999-03-30 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Wellbore milling-- drilling
DE4334378C2 (en) 1993-10-08 1999-01-14 Weatherford Oil Tool Device for aligning hanging loads
US5392715A (en) * 1993-10-12 1995-02-28 Osaka Gas Company, Ltd. In-pipe running robot and method of running the robot
US5542472A (en) 1993-10-25 1996-08-06 Camco International, Inc. Metal coiled tubing with signal transmitting passageway
JPH07158124A (en) 1993-12-02 1995-06-20 Nagaoka:Kk Screen for well having uniform outside diameter
US5402856A (en) 1993-12-21 1995-04-04 Amoco Corporation Anti-whirl underreamer
US6082225A (en) 1994-01-31 2000-07-04 Canrig Drilling Technology, Ltd. Power tong wrench
US5588916A (en) * 1994-02-17 1996-12-31 Duramax, Inc. Torque control device for rotary mine drilling machine
GB2287263B (en) 1994-03-04 1997-09-24 Fmc Corp Tubing hangers
US5836395A (en) 1994-08-01 1998-11-17 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Valve for wellbore use
US5472057A (en) 1994-04-11 1995-12-05 Atlantic Richfield Company Drilling with casing and retrievable bit-motor assembly
US5461905A (en) 1994-04-19 1995-10-31 Bilco Tools, Inc. Method and apparatus for testing oilfield tubular threaded connections
US5435400B1 (en) 1994-05-25 1999-06-01 Atlantic Richfield Co Lateral well drilling
EP0760896B1 (en) 1994-05-28 2002-07-17 MACKINTOSH, Kenneth A well entry tool
GB9411228D0 (en) 1994-06-04 1994-07-27 Camco Drilling Group Ltd A modulated bias unit for rotary drilling
NO180552C (en) 1994-06-09 1997-05-07 Bakke Oil Tools As Hydraulically releasable disconnecting device
IT1266026B1 (en) 1994-06-14 1996-12-16 Soilmec Spa DEVICE FOR THE LOADING AND SCREWING OF RODS AND LINING PIPES COMPONENTS OF A DRILLING BATTERY
US5452923A (en) 1994-06-28 1995-09-26 Canadian Fracmaster Ltd. Coiled tubing connector
GB9413141D0 (en) 1994-06-30 1994-08-24 Exploration And Production Nor Downhole data transmission
US5634671A (en) 1994-08-01 1997-06-03 Dril-Quip, Inc. Riser connector
US5577566A (en) 1995-08-09 1996-11-26 Weatherford U.S., Inc. Releasing tool
US5615747A (en) 1994-09-07 1997-04-01 Vail, Iii; William B. Monolithic self sharpening rotary drill bit having tungsten carbide rods cast in steel alloys
US6547017B1 (en) 1994-09-07 2003-04-15 Smart Drilling And Completion, Inc. Rotary drill bit compensating for changes in hardness of geological formations
US5526880A (en) 1994-09-15 1996-06-18 Baker Hughes Incorporated Method for multi-lateral completion and cementing the juncture with lateral wellbores
US5547029A (en) 1994-09-27 1996-08-20 Rubbo; Richard P. Surface controlled reservoir analysis and management system
US5503234A (en) 1994-09-30 1996-04-02 Clanton; Duane 2×4 drilling and hoisting system
US5501286A (en) 1994-09-30 1996-03-26 Bowen Tools, Inc. Method and apparatus for displacing a top drive torque track
US5494122A (en) * 1994-10-04 1996-02-27 Smith International, Inc. Composite nozzles for rock bits
US5553672A (en) 1994-10-07 1996-09-10 Baker Hughes Incorporated Setting tool for a downhole tool
US6857486B2 (en) * 2001-08-19 2005-02-22 Smart Drilling And Completion, Inc. High power umbilicals for subterranean electric drilling machines and remotely operated vehicles
US6158531A (en) 1994-10-14 2000-12-12 Smart Drilling And Completion, Inc. One pass drilling and completion of wellbores with drill bit attached to drill string to make cased wellbores to produce hydrocarbons
US7147068B2 (en) 1994-10-14 2006-12-12 Weatherford / Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for cementing drill strings in place for one pass drilling and completion of oil and gas wells
US5551521A (en) 1994-10-14 1996-09-03 Vail, Iii; William B. Method and apparatus for cementing drill strings in place for one pass drilling and completion of oil and gas wells
US6868906B1 (en) 1994-10-14 2005-03-22 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Closed-loop conveyance systems for well servicing
US7013997B2 (en) 1994-10-14 2006-03-21 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for cementing drill strings in place for one pass drilling and completion of oil and gas wells
US7100710B2 (en) 1994-10-14 2006-09-05 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for cementing drill strings in place for one pass drilling and completion of oil and gas wells
US6397946B1 (en) 1994-10-14 2002-06-04 Smart Drilling And Completion, Inc. Closed-loop system to compete oil and gas wells closed-loop system to complete oil and gas wells c
US5894897A (en) 1994-10-14 1999-04-20 Vail Iii William Banning Method and apparatus for cementing drill strings in place for one pass drilling and completion of oil and gas wells
US7040420B2 (en) 1994-10-14 2006-05-09 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for cementing drill strings in place for one pass drilling and completion of oil and gas wells
US7108084B2 (en) 1994-10-14 2006-09-19 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for cementing drill strings in place for one pass drilling and completion of oil and gas wells
US6263987B1 (en) 1994-10-14 2001-07-24 Smart Drilling And Completion, Inc. One pass drilling and completion of extended reach lateral wellbores with drill bit attached to drill string to produce hydrocarbons from offshore platforms
US5501280A (en) 1994-10-27 1996-03-26 Halliburton Company Casing filling and circulating apparatus and method
US5566769A (en) 1994-10-31 1996-10-22 Eckel Manufacturing Company, Inc. Tubular rotation tool for snubbing operations
US5497840A (en) 1994-11-15 1996-03-12 Bestline Liner Systems Process for completing a well
US5667023B1 (en) 1994-11-22 2000-04-18 Baker Hughes Inc Method and apparatus for drilling and completing wells
DE69528435D1 (en) 1994-11-22 2002-11-07 Baker Hughes Inc Procedure for drilling and completing boreholes
US5477925A (en) 1994-12-06 1995-12-26 Baker Hughes Incorporated Method for multi-lateral completion and cementing the juncture with lateral wellbores
GB9425499D0 (en) 1994-12-17 1995-02-15 Weatherford Lamb Method and apparatus for connecting and disconnecting tubulars
US5842149A (en) 1996-10-22 1998-11-24 Baker Hughes Incorporated Closed loop drilling system
MY121223A (en) 1995-01-16 2006-01-28 Shell Int Research Method of creating a casing in a borehole
US5732776A (en) 1995-02-09 1998-03-31 Baker Hughes Incorporated Downhole production well control system and method
US5829520A (en) 1995-02-14 1998-11-03 Baker Hughes Incorporated Method and apparatus for testing, completion and/or maintaining wellbores using a sensor device
GB9503830D0 (en) * 1995-02-25 1995-04-19 Camco Drilling Group Ltd "Improvements in or relating to steerable rotary drilling systems"
US5520072A (en) 1995-02-27 1996-05-28 Perry; Robert G. Break down tong apparatus
GB9504968D0 (en) 1995-03-11 1995-04-26 Brit Bit Limited Improved casing shoe
US5651420A (en) 1995-03-17 1997-07-29 Baker Hughes, Inc. Drilling apparatus with dynamic cuttings removal and cleaning
US5566772A (en) 1995-03-24 1996-10-22 Davis-Lynch, Inc. Telescoping casing joint for landing a casting string in a well bore
US5735351A (en) 1995-03-27 1998-04-07 Helms; Charles M. Top entry apparatus and method for a drilling assembly
GB2300896B (en) 1995-04-28 1999-04-28 Hopkinsons Ltd A valve
US5584343A (en) 1995-04-28 1996-12-17 Davis-Lynch, Inc. Method and apparatus for filling and circulating fluid in a wellbore during casing running operations
US5575344A (en) 1995-05-12 1996-11-19 Reedrill Corp. Rod changing system
US5540279A (en) 1995-05-16 1996-07-30 Halliburton Company Downhole tool apparatus with non-metallic packer element retaining shoes
US5743344A (en) 1995-05-18 1998-04-28 Down Hole Technologies Pty. Ltd. System for in situ replacement of cutting means for a ground drill
US5542473A (en) 1995-06-01 1996-08-06 Pringle; Ronald E. Simplified sealing and anchoring device for a well tool
US5661888A (en) 1995-06-07 1997-09-02 Exxon Production Research Company Apparatus and method for improved oilfield connections
US5547314A (en) 1995-06-08 1996-08-20 Marathon Oil Company Offshore system and method for storing and tripping a continuous length of jointed tubular conduit
AUPN357995A0 (en) 1995-06-15 1995-07-06 Rear, Ian Graeme Down hole hammer assembly
US5711382A (en) 1995-07-26 1998-01-27 Hansen; James Automated oil rig servicing system
AUPN505295A0 (en) 1995-08-28 1995-09-21 Down Hole Technologies Pty Ltd Retraction system for a latching mechanism of the tool
US5667045A (en) * 1995-09-18 1997-09-16 Rockford Powertrain, Inc. Continuously variable fan drive clutch arrangement
US5791417A (en) * 1995-09-22 1998-08-11 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Tubular window formation
US5921285A (en) 1995-09-28 1999-07-13 Fiberspar Spoolable Products, Inc. Composite spoolable tube
DE59508569D1 (en) 1995-10-09 2000-08-17 Baker Hughes Inc Method and drill for drilling holes in underground formations
US6196336B1 (en) 1995-10-09 2001-03-06 Baker Hughes Incorporated Method and apparatus for drilling boreholes in earth formations (drilling liner systems)
US5878815A (en) 1995-10-26 1999-03-09 Marathon Oil Company Assembly and process for drilling and completing multiple wells
CA2189376C (en) 1995-11-03 1999-02-09 Donald A. Smith Hybrid coiled tubing/conventional drilling unit
US5697442A (en) 1995-11-13 1997-12-16 Halliburton Company Apparatus and methods for use in cementing a casing string within a well bore
FR2741907B3 (en) 1995-11-30 1998-02-20 Drillflex METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR DRILLING AND LINERING A WELL, IN PARTICULAR AN OIL DRILLING WELL, BY MEANS OF INITIALLY FLEXIBLE BUTTED TUBULAR SECTIONS, AND HARDENED IN SITU
GB2307939B (en) 1995-12-09 2000-06-14 Weatherford Oil Tool Apparatus for gripping a pipe
US5845549A (en) 1995-12-20 1998-12-08 Frank's Casing Crew And Rental Tools, Inc. Power tong gripping ring mechanism
BR9600249A (en) 1996-01-29 1997-12-23 Petroleo Brasileiro Sa Method and apparatus for the disposal of subsea oil production
US5828003A (en) 1996-01-29 1998-10-27 Dowell -- A Division of Schlumberger Technology Corporation Composite coiled tubing apparatus and methods
US6065550A (en) 1996-02-01 2000-05-23 Gardes; Robert Method and system for drilling and completing underbalanced multilateral wells utilizing a dual string technique in a live well
US5720356A (en) * 1996-02-01 1998-02-24 Gardes; Robert Method and system for drilling underbalanced radial wells utilizing a dual string technique in a live well
GB9603402D0 (en) 1996-02-17 1996-04-17 Camco Drilling Group Ltd Improvements in or relating to rotary drill bits
US5842390A (en) 1996-02-28 1998-12-01 Frank's Casing Crew And Rental Tools Inc. Dual string backup tong
US5785132A (en) 1996-02-29 1998-07-28 Richardson; Allan S. Backup tool and method for preventing rotation of a drill string
US6085851A (en) 1996-05-03 2000-07-11 Transocean Offshore Inc. Multi-activity offshore exploration and/or development drill method and apparatus
US5823264A (en) 1996-05-03 1998-10-20 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Travel joint for use in a subterranean well
US5806589A (en) 1996-05-20 1998-09-15 Lang; Duane Apparatus for stabbing and threading a drill pipe safety valve
JP3959552B2 (en) * 1996-06-03 2007-08-15 忠弘 大見 Plumbing tightening management method
GB2313860B (en) 1996-06-06 2000-11-01 Paul Bernard Lee Adjustable roller reamer
US5833002A (en) 1996-06-20 1998-11-10 Baker Hughes Incorporated Remote control plug-dropping head
US5706894A (en) 1996-06-20 1998-01-13 Frank's International, Inc. Automatic self energizing stop collar
US5992801A (en) 1996-06-26 1999-11-30 Torres; Carlos A. Pipe gripping assembly and method
US5931231A (en) 1996-06-27 1999-08-03 Bucyrus International, Inc. Blast hole drill pipe gripping mechanism
US5794703A (en) 1996-07-03 1998-08-18 Ctes, L.C. Wellbore tractor and method of moving an item through a wellbore
GB9614761D0 (en) 1996-07-13 1996-09-04 Schlumberger Ltd Downhole tool and method
GB2315696A (en) 1996-07-31 1998-02-11 Weatherford Lamb Mechanism for connecting and disconnecting tubulars
US5890537A (en) 1996-08-13 1999-04-06 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Wiper plug launching system for cementing casing and liners
US5971086A (en) 1996-08-19 1999-10-26 Robert M. Bee Pipe gripping die
US5850877A (en) 1996-08-23 1998-12-22 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Joint compensator
US6056060A (en) 1996-08-23 2000-05-02 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Compensator system for wellbore tubulars
NO302774B1 (en) 1996-09-13 1998-04-20 Hitec Asa Device for use in connection with feeding of feeding pipes
US5947213A (en) * 1996-12-02 1999-09-07 Intelligent Inspection Corporation Downhole tools using artificial intelligence based control
US6378627B1 (en) 1996-09-23 2002-04-30 Intelligent Inspection Corporation Autonomous downhole oilfield tool
US6279654B1 (en) 1996-10-04 2001-08-28 Donald E. Mosing Method and multi-purpose apparatus for dispensing and circulating fluid in wellbore casing
US5918673A (en) 1996-10-04 1999-07-06 Frank's International, Inc. Method and multi-purpose apparatus for dispensing and circulating fluid in wellbore casing
US5735348A (en) 1996-10-04 1998-04-07 Frank's International, Inc. Method and multi-purpose apparatus for dispensing and circulating fluid in wellbore casing
US6688394B1 (en) 1996-10-15 2004-02-10 Coupler Developments Limited Drilling methods and apparatus
AU732227B2 (en) 1996-10-15 2001-04-12 National Oilwell Varco, L.P. Continuous circulation drilling method
US6059051A (en) 1996-11-04 2000-05-09 Baker Hughes Incorporated Integrated directional under-reamer and stabilizer
US5839519A (en) 1996-11-08 1998-11-24 Sandvik Ab Methods and apparatus for attaching a casing to a drill bit in overburden drilling equipment
US5813456A (en) 1996-11-12 1998-09-29 Milner; John E. Retrievable bridge plug and retrieving tool
JP3187726B2 (en) 1996-12-05 2001-07-11 日本海洋掘削株式会社 Composite pipe lifting device for deep water drilling
GB2320270B (en) 1996-12-06 2001-01-17 Psl Tools Ltd Downhole tool
FR2757426B1 (en) * 1996-12-19 1999-01-29 Inst Francais Du Petrole WATER-BASED FOAMING COMPOSITION - MANUFACTURING METHOD
US5803666A (en) 1996-12-19 1998-09-08 Keller; Carl E. Horizontal drilling method and apparatus
US5890549A (en) 1996-12-23 1999-04-06 Sprehe; Paul Robert Well drilling system with closed circulation of gas drilling fluid and fire suppression apparatus
US5765638A (en) 1996-12-26 1998-06-16 Houston Engineers, Inc. Tool for use in retrieving an essentially cylindrical object from a well bore
US5791410A (en) 1997-01-17 1998-08-11 Frank's Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc. Apparatus and method for improved tubular grip assurance
US6360633B2 (en) 1997-01-29 2002-03-26 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and method for aligning tubulars
GB2321866A (en) 1997-02-07 1998-08-12 Weatherford Lamb Jaw unit for use in a tong
US6082224A (en) 1997-01-29 2000-07-04 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Power tong
GB2321867A (en) 1997-02-07 1998-08-12 Weatherford Lamb Apparatus for gripping a tubular
GB9703854D0 (en) 1997-02-25 1997-04-16 Weir Pumps Ltd Improvements in downhole pumps
US5947214A (en) * 1997-03-21 1999-09-07 Baker Hughes Incorporated BIT torque limiting device
US5950742A (en) 1997-04-15 1999-09-14 Camco International Inc. Methods and related equipment for rotary drilling
US5960881A (en) 1997-04-22 1999-10-05 Jerry P. Allamon Downhole surge pressure reduction system and method of use
IT1292266B1 (en) * 1997-04-22 1999-01-29 Soilmec Spa LOCKING DEVICE FOR THE LOADING AND SCREWING OF A BATTERY OF RODS AND LINING PIPES FOR USE IN
US6464004B1 (en) 1997-05-09 2002-10-15 Mark S. Crawford Retrievable well monitor/controller system
US5819605A (en) 1997-05-23 1998-10-13 Buck; David A. Low friction power tong jaw assembly
US6085838A (en) 1997-05-27 2000-07-11 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Method and apparatus for cementing a well
US6234257B1 (en) 1997-06-02 2001-05-22 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Deployable sensor apparatus and method
US5860474A (en) * 1997-06-26 1999-01-19 Atlantic Richfield Company Through-tubing rotary drilling
US5839515A (en) 1997-07-07 1998-11-24 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Slip retaining system for downhole tools
US6119772A (en) 1997-07-14 2000-09-19 Pruet; Glen Continuous flow cylinder for maintaining drilling fluid circulation while connecting drill string joints
US5957225A (en) 1997-07-31 1999-09-28 Bp Amoco Corporation Drilling assembly and method of drilling for unstable and depleted formations
MY122241A (en) 1997-08-01 2006-04-29 Shell Int Research Creating zonal isolation between the interior and exterior of a well system
US6275938B1 (en) 1997-08-28 2001-08-14 Microsoft Corporation Security enhancement for untrusted executable code
GB9718543D0 (en) 1997-09-02 1997-11-05 Weatherford Lamb Method and apparatus for aligning tubulars
US7509722B2 (en) 1997-09-02 2009-03-31 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Positioning and spinning device
US6536520B1 (en) 2000-04-17 2003-03-25 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Top drive casing system
US6742596B2 (en) 2001-05-17 2004-06-01 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and methods for tubular makeup interlock
US5988273A (en) 1997-09-03 1999-11-23 Abb Vetco Gray Inc. Coiled tubing completion system
US5971079A (en) 1997-09-05 1999-10-26 Mullins; Albert Augustus Casing filling and circulating apparatus
US6179055B1 (en) * 1997-09-05 2001-01-30 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Conveying a tool along a non-vertical well
US5954131A (en) 1997-09-05 1999-09-21 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Method and apparatus for conveying a logging tool through an earth formation
US6098717A (en) 1997-10-08 2000-08-08 Formlock, Inc. Method and apparatus for hanging tubulars in wells
US6199641B1 (en) * 1997-10-21 2001-03-13 Tesco Corporation Pipe gripping device
US6296066B1 (en) 1997-10-27 2001-10-02 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Well system
YU34800A (en) 1997-12-05 2003-08-29 Deutsche Tiefbohr Aktiengesellschaft Handling of tube sections in a rig for subsoil drilling
US6435280B1 (en) * 1997-12-24 2002-08-20 Well Engineering Partners B.V. Making and breaking of couplings between pipe sections in a drilling rig
US5921332A (en) 1997-12-29 1999-07-13 Sandvik Ab Apparatus for facilitating removal of a casing of an overburden drilling equipment from a bore
US5984007A (en) 1998-01-09 1999-11-16 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Chip resistant buttons for downhole tools having slip elements
GB2333542B (en) 1998-01-24 2002-12-11 Downhole Products Plc Downhole tool
GB9803116D0 (en) 1998-02-14 1998-04-08 Weatherford Lamb Apparatus for delivering a tubular to a wellbore
US6367566B1 (en) 1998-02-20 2002-04-09 Gilman A. Hill Down hole, hydrodynamic well control, blowout prevention
CA2261495A1 (en) 1998-03-13 1999-09-13 Praful C. Desai Method for milling casing and drilling formation
EA001956B1 (en) 1998-04-14 2001-10-22 ВЕЛТЕК АпС Coupling for drill pipes
US6070500A (en) * 1998-04-20 2000-06-06 White Bear Energy Serives Ltd. Rotatable die holder
US6390190B2 (en) 1998-05-11 2002-05-21 Offshore Energy Services, Inc. Tubular filling system
US6142246A (en) 1998-05-15 2000-11-07 Petrolphysics Partners Lp Multiple lateral hydraulic drilling apparatus and method
GB2364728B (en) 1998-05-16 2002-12-04 Duncan Cuthill Method of and apparatus for installing a pile underwater to create a mooring anchorage
US6135208A (en) 1998-05-28 2000-10-24 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Expandable wellbore junction
US6065372A (en) 1998-06-02 2000-05-23 Rauch; Vernon Power wrench for drill pipe
CA2273568C (en) 1998-06-04 2007-08-14 Philip Head A method of installing a casing in a well and apparatus therefor
EP0962384A1 (en) 1998-06-05 1999-12-08 Single Buoy Moorings Inc. Loading arrangement
AU751544B2 (en) 1998-06-11 2002-08-22 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc A drilling tool
CA2240559C (en) * 1998-06-12 2003-12-23 Sandvik Ab Embankment hammer
US6012529A (en) 1998-06-22 2000-01-11 Mikolajczyk; Raymond F. Downhole guide member for multiple casing strings
US6170573B1 (en) 1998-07-15 2001-01-09 Charles G. Brunet Freely moving oil field assembly for data gathering and or producing an oil well
GB9815809D0 (en) 1998-07-22 1998-09-16 Appleton Robert P Casing running tool
US6220117B1 (en) 1998-08-18 2001-04-24 Baker Hughes Incorporated Methods of high temperature infiltration of drill bits and infiltrating binder
GB2340859A (en) 1998-08-24 2000-03-01 Weatherford Lamb Method and apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive
GB2340857A (en) 1998-08-24 2000-03-01 Weatherford Lamb An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars and alignment with a top drive
GB2340858A (en) 1998-08-24 2000-03-01 Weatherford Lamb Methods and apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive
US6079509A (en) 1998-08-31 2000-06-27 Robert Michael Bee Pipe die method and apparatus
US6202764B1 (en) 1998-09-01 2001-03-20 Muriel Wayne Ables Straight line, pump through entry sub
US6241036B1 (en) 1998-09-16 2001-06-05 Baker Hughes Incorporated Reinforced abrasive-impregnated cutting elements, drill bits including same
EP1115959A1 (en) 1998-09-25 2001-07-18 Robert Patrick Appleton An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive
IT1302379B1 (en) * 1998-10-16 2000-09-05 Geomeccanica S R L ROTATION HEAD OF A DRILLING COLUMN WITH CLUTCH COUPLING
AUPP683898A0 (en) 1998-10-29 1998-11-26 Dht Technologies Limited Retractable drill bit system
US6142545A (en) 1998-11-13 2000-11-07 Bj Services Company Casing pushdown and rotating tool
US6557640B1 (en) 1998-12-07 2003-05-06 Shell Oil Company Lubrication and self-cleaning system for expansion mandrel
US6863129B2 (en) 1998-11-19 2005-03-08 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Method and apparatus for providing plural flow paths at a lateral junction
US6186233B1 (en) * 1998-11-30 2001-02-13 Weatherford Lamb, Inc. Down hole assembly and method for forming a down hole window and at least one keyway in communication with the down hole window for use in multilateral wells
US6725919B2 (en) 1998-12-07 2004-04-27 Shell Oil Company Forming a wellbore casing while simultaneously drilling a wellbore
EP1149228B1 (en) 1998-12-12 2005-07-27 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Apparatus for measuring downhole drilling efficiency parameters
US6347674B1 (en) * 1998-12-18 2002-02-19 Western Well Tool, Inc. Electrically sequenced tractor
AU772327B2 (en) 1998-12-22 2004-04-22 Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc Procedures and equipment for profiling and jointing of pipes
GB2345074A (en) 1998-12-24 2000-06-28 Weatherford Lamb Floating joint to facilitate the connection of tubulars using a top drive
GB2347441B (en) 1998-12-24 2003-03-05 Weatherford Lamb Apparatus and method for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive
US6250405B1 (en) 1999-01-06 2001-06-26 Western Well Tool, Inc. Drill pipe protector assembly
DE60010647T2 (en) 1999-01-11 2005-05-19 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc., Houston GRINDING UNIT WITH A MULTIDENCE OF EXTRACTS FOR USE IN A BOREOLE, AND METHOD FOR INTRODUCING SUCH A RADIATORY PURITY
GB2346577B (en) 1999-01-28 2003-08-13 Weatherford Lamb An apparatus and a method for facilitating the connection of pipes
GB2346576B (en) 1999-01-28 2003-08-13 Weatherford Lamb A rotary and a method for facilitating the connection of pipes
US6273189B1 (en) 1999-02-05 2001-08-14 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Downhole tractor
US6173777B1 (en) 1999-02-09 2001-01-16 Albert Augustus Mullins Single valve for a casing filling and circulating apparatus
US6347292B1 (en) 1999-02-17 2002-02-12 Den-Con Electronics, Inc. Oilfield equipment identification method and apparatus
US6429784B1 (en) 1999-02-19 2002-08-06 Dresser Industries, Inc. Casing mounted sensors, actuators and generators
US6896075B2 (en) 2002-10-11 2005-05-24 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing
US6854533B2 (en) * 2002-12-20 2005-02-15 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and method for drilling with casing
US6837313B2 (en) * 2002-01-08 2005-01-04 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and method to reduce fluid pressure in a wellbore
GB9904380D0 (en) 1999-02-25 1999-04-21 Petroline Wellsystems Ltd Drilling method
US6857487B2 (en) * 2002-12-30 2005-02-22 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Drilling with concentric strings of casing
US7311148B2 (en) 1999-02-25 2007-12-25 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for wellbore construction and completion
US7591304B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2009-09-22 Varco I/P, Inc. Pipe running tool having wireless telemetry
US6637526B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2003-10-28 Varco I/P, Inc. Offset elevator for a pipe running tool and a method of using a pipe running tool
WO2000052297A2 (en) * 1999-03-05 2000-09-08 Varco International, Inc. Pipe running tool
US6691801B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2004-02-17 Varco I/P, Inc. Load compensator for a pipe running tool
US7699121B2 (en) * 1999-03-05 2010-04-20 Varco I/P, Inc. Pipe running tool having a primary load path
GB2348223B (en) 1999-03-11 2003-09-24 Shell Internat Res Maatschhapp Method of creating a casing in a borehole
US6330911B1 (en) 1999-03-12 2001-12-18 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Tong
US6305720B1 (en) 1999-03-18 2001-10-23 Big Inch Marine Systems Remote articulated connector
US6385837B1 (en) * 1999-04-05 2002-05-14 Central Motor Wheel Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for fixedly connecting threaded tubes, and recording medium storing control program for practicing or controlling those method and apparatus
US6290432B1 (en) 1999-04-06 2001-09-18 Williams Field Services Gulf Coast Company, L.P. Diverless subsea hot tap system
US6431626B1 (en) * 1999-04-09 2002-08-13 Frankis Casing Crew And Rental Tools, Inc. Tubular running tool
US6309002B1 (en) 1999-04-09 2001-10-30 Frank's Casing Crew And Rental Tools, Inc. Tubular running tool
EP1169547B1 (en) 1999-04-09 2003-07-02 Shell Internationale Researchmaatschappij B.V. Method of creating a wellbore in an underground formation
US6538576B1 (en) 1999-04-23 2003-03-25 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Self-contained downhole sensor and method of placing and interrogating same
US6276450B1 (en) 1999-05-02 2001-08-21 Varco International, Inc. Apparatus and method for rapid replacement of upper blowout preventers
GB9910238D0 (en) 1999-05-05 1999-06-30 Brit Bit Down Hole Tools Improvements relating to subsea drilling of boreholes
US6626248B1 (en) 1999-05-05 2003-09-30 Smith International, Inc. Assembly and method for jarring a drilling drive pipe into undersea formation
US6206096B1 (en) 1999-05-11 2001-03-27 Jaroslav Belik Apparatus and method for installing a pipe segment in a well pipe
US6598677B1 (en) 1999-05-20 2003-07-29 Baker Hughes Incorporated Hanging liners by pipe expansion
EP1181432B1 (en) 1999-06-03 2004-05-06 Shell Internationale Researchmaatschappij B.V. Method of creating a wellbore
US6446723B1 (en) 1999-06-09 2002-09-10 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Cable connection to sensors in a well
US6237684B1 (en) 1999-06-11 2001-05-29 Frank's Casing Crewand Rental Tools, Inc. Pipe string handling apparatus and method
US6347706B1 (en) * 1999-07-07 2002-02-19 D'ambrosio Elizabeth Lunchbox with voice recording mechanism for message delivery
US6223629B1 (en) 1999-07-08 2001-05-01 Daniel S. Bangert Closed-head power tongs
AU4883400A (en) 1999-07-27 2001-02-01 Baker Hughes Incorporated Reusable cutting and milling tool
US6189621B1 (en) 1999-08-16 2001-02-20 Smart Drilling And Completion, Inc. Smart shuttles to complete oil and gas wells
US6343649B1 (en) 1999-09-07 2002-02-05 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Methods and associated apparatus for downhole data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation
NZ517176A (en) 1999-09-15 2003-01-31 Shell Int Research System for enhancing fluid flow in a well with flow boosters retrievably mounted in side pockets of production tubing
US6315062B1 (en) 1999-09-24 2001-11-13 Vermeer Manufacturing Company Horizontal directional drilling machine employing inertial navigation control system and method
US6311792B1 (en) * 1999-10-08 2001-11-06 Tesco Corporation Casing clamp
US6334376B1 (en) 1999-10-13 2002-01-01 Carlos A. Torres Mechanical torque amplifier
CA2287696C (en) 1999-10-28 2005-11-22 Leonardo Ritorto Locking swivel device
GB0004354D0 (en) 2000-02-25 2000-04-12 Wellserv Plc Apparatus and method
US7028585B2 (en) * 1999-11-26 2006-04-18 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Wrenching tong
US6367552B1 (en) 1999-11-30 2002-04-09 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Hydraulically metered travel joint
CA2327920C (en) 1999-12-10 2005-09-13 Baker Hughes Incorporated Apparatus and method for simultaneous drilling and casing wellbores
CA2393754C (en) 1999-12-22 2009-10-20 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Drilling bit for drilling while running casing
US6325148B1 (en) 1999-12-22 2001-12-04 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Tools and methods for use with expandable tubulars
US6708769B2 (en) 2000-05-05 2004-03-23 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and methods for forming a lateral wellbore
JP3389184B2 (en) * 1999-12-22 2003-03-24 住友重機械建機クレーン株式会社 Excavator drive for ground excavator
GB9930450D0 (en) 1999-12-23 2000-02-16 Eboroil Sa Subsea well intervention vessel
US6227587B1 (en) 2000-02-07 2001-05-08 Emma Dee Gray Combined well casing spider and elevator
GB2373520B (en) 2000-02-18 2004-11-24 Halliburton Energy Serv Inc Downhole drilling apparatus and method for use of same
US6553825B1 (en) 2000-02-18 2003-04-29 Anthony R. Boyd Torque swivel and method of using same
US6374924B2 (en) 2000-02-18 2002-04-23 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Downhole drilling apparatus
BR0108593A (en) 2000-02-22 2002-11-12 Weatherford Lamb Artificial lifting device with automated monitoring features
US6412554B1 (en) 2000-03-14 2002-07-02 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Wellbore circulation system
US7107875B2 (en) 2000-03-14 2006-09-19 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for connecting tubulars while drilling
CA2301963C (en) 2000-03-22 2004-03-09 Noetic Engineering Inc. Method and apparatus for handling tubular goods
US6427776B1 (en) 2000-03-27 2002-08-06 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Sand removal and device retrieval tool
US20020108748A1 (en) 2000-04-12 2002-08-15 Keyes Robert C. Replaceable tong die inserts for pipe tongs
GB0008988D0 (en) * 2000-04-13 2000-05-31 Bbl Downhole Tools Ltd Drill bit nozzle
US7334650B2 (en) 2000-04-13 2008-02-26 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and methods for drilling a wellbore using casing
US7296623B2 (en) 2000-04-17 2007-11-20 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for applying torque and rotation to connections
US7325610B2 (en) 2000-04-17 2008-02-05 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus for handling and drilling with tubulars or casing
GB0010378D0 (en) 2000-04-28 2000-06-14 Bbl Downhole Tools Ltd Expandable apparatus for drift and reaming a borehole
CA2335192A1 (en) 2000-05-31 2001-11-30 Vincent J. Kozak Improvements in downhole tools
US6349764B1 (en) 2000-06-02 2002-02-26 Oil & Gas Rental Services, Inc. Drilling rig, pipe and support apparatus
CA2311158A1 (en) 2000-06-09 2001-12-09 Tesco Corporation A method for drilling with casing
US6374506B1 (en) 2000-06-16 2002-04-23 Stp Nuclear Operating Company Shaft centering tool for nuclear reactor coolant pump motor
GB2364079B (en) 2000-06-28 2004-11-17 Renovus Ltd Drill bits
US20030070841A1 (en) 2000-06-30 2003-04-17 S & S Trust Shallow depth, coiled tubing horizontal drilling system
US6554064B1 (en) 2000-07-13 2003-04-29 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Method and apparatus for a sand screen with integrated sensors
US6408943B1 (en) 2000-07-17 2002-06-25 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Method and apparatus for placing and interrogating downhole sensors
US6419014B1 (en) 2000-07-20 2002-07-16 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Apparatus and method for orienting a downhole tool
GB2365463B (en) 2000-08-01 2005-02-16 Renovus Ltd Drilling method
GB2365888B (en) 2000-08-11 2002-07-24 Renovus Ltd Drilling apparatus
US8171989B2 (en) 2000-08-14 2012-05-08 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Well having a self-contained inter vention system
US6392317B1 (en) 2000-08-22 2002-05-21 David R. Hall Annular wire harness for use in drill pipe
US6571868B2 (en) 2000-09-08 2003-06-03 Bruce M. Victor Well head lubricator assembly with polyurethane impact-absorbing spring
US6896055B2 (en) * 2003-02-06 2005-05-24 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling wellbore equipment
US7264050B2 (en) 2000-09-22 2007-09-04 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling wellbore equipment
US20040011534A1 (en) * 2002-07-16 2004-01-22 Simonds Floyd Randolph Apparatus and method for completing an interval of a wellbore while drilling
GB2357530B (en) 2000-11-04 2003-09-03 Weatherford Lamb Method and apparatus for gripping tubulars
US6752211B2 (en) 2000-11-10 2004-06-22 Smith International, Inc. Method and apparatus for multilateral junction
US6651737B2 (en) 2001-01-24 2003-11-25 Frank's Casing Crew And Rental Tools, Inc. Collar load support system and method
US6374706B1 (en) * 2001-01-25 2002-04-23 Frederic M. Newman Sucker rod tool
GB0103576D0 (en) 2001-02-14 2001-03-28 Axtech Ltd Pump
GB2372765A (en) 2001-02-27 2002-09-04 Philip Head Use of coiled tubing and jet drilling to install a casing
US6698595B2 (en) 2001-04-19 2004-03-02 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Screen material
US6702040B1 (en) 2001-04-26 2004-03-09 Floyd R. Sensenig Telescopic drilling method
US6745834B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2004-06-08 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Complete trip system
NO322809B1 (en) 2001-06-15 2006-12-11 Schlumberger Technology Bv Device and method for monitoring and controlling deployment of seabed equipment
WO2003006778A1 (en) 2001-07-09 2003-01-23 Baker Hughes Inc Drilling system and method for controlling equivalent circulating density during drilling of wellbores
US6648075B2 (en) 2001-07-13 2003-11-18 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Method and apparatus for expandable liner hanger with bypass
GB2377951B (en) * 2001-07-25 2004-02-04 Schlumberger Holdings Method and system for drilling a wellbore having cable based telemetry
US6725949B2 (en) 2001-08-27 2004-04-27 Varco I/P, Inc. Washpipe assembly
US6877553B2 (en) 2001-09-26 2005-04-12 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Profiled recess for instrumented expandable components
US6655460B2 (en) 2001-10-12 2003-12-02 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Methods and apparatus to control downhole tools
US6679333B2 (en) 2001-10-26 2004-01-20 Canrig Drilling Technology, Ltd. Top drive well casing system and method
US6634430B2 (en) 2001-12-20 2003-10-21 Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Method for installation of evacuated tubular conduits
GB0206227D0 (en) 2002-03-16 2002-05-01 Weatherford Lamb Bore-lining and drilling
US20030178847A1 (en) * 2002-03-19 2003-09-25 Galle Edward M. Threaded connection makeup method
US6749026B2 (en) 2002-03-21 2004-06-15 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Method of forming downhole tubular string connections
US7234546B2 (en) * 2002-04-08 2007-06-26 Baker Hughes Incorporated Drilling and cementing casing system
US6666274B2 (en) 2002-05-15 2003-12-23 Sunstone Corporation Tubing containing electrical wiring insert
CA2487120A1 (en) 2002-05-30 2003-12-11 Gray Eot, Inc. Drill pipe connecting and disconnecting apparatus
FR2841293B1 (en) 2002-06-19 2006-03-03 Bouygues Offshore TELESCOPIC GUIDE FOR DRILLING AT SEA
US6832656B2 (en) 2002-06-26 2004-12-21 Weartherford/Lamb, Inc. Valve for an internal fill up tool and associated method
US6715430B2 (en) 2002-07-19 2004-04-06 Jae Chul Choi Sectional table with gusset
US6892835B2 (en) 2002-07-29 2005-05-17 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Flush mounted spider
US6994176B2 (en) 2002-07-29 2006-02-07 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Adjustable rotating guides for spider or elevator
US6899186B2 (en) 2002-12-13 2005-05-31 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Apparatus and method of drilling with casing
GB2382361B (en) 2002-08-30 2004-02-25 Technology Ventures Internat L A method of forming a bore
US7219730B2 (en) 2002-09-27 2007-05-22 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Smart cementing systems
US6832658B2 (en) 2002-10-11 2004-12-21 Larry G. Keast Top drive system
US7303022B2 (en) 2002-10-11 2007-12-04 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Wired casing
US6889772B2 (en) 2002-10-23 2005-05-10 Frank's International, Inc. Method and apparatus for installing control lines in a well
US6953096B2 (en) 2002-12-31 2005-10-11 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Expandable bit with secondary release device
US7128154B2 (en) 2003-01-30 2006-10-31 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Single-direction cementing plug
GB2414502B (en) 2003-02-27 2007-10-17 Weatherford Lamb Drill shoe
CA2517978C (en) 2003-03-05 2009-07-14 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Drilling with casing latch
GB2428059B (en) 2003-03-05 2007-10-10 Weatherford Lamb Method and apparatus for drilling with casing
CA2517883C (en) 2003-03-05 2010-01-12 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Full bore lined wellbores
GB2439427B (en) 2003-03-05 2008-02-13 Weatherford Lamb Casing running and drilling system
US6907934B2 (en) 2003-03-11 2005-06-21 Specialty Rental Tool & Supply, L.P. Universal top-drive wireline entry system bracket and method
NO20032220L (en) 2003-05-15 2004-11-16 Mechlift As Ceiling Tool II and method for using the same
US7100698B2 (en) 2003-10-09 2006-09-05 Varco I/P, Inc. Make-up control system for tubulars
US7140443B2 (en) 2003-11-10 2006-11-28 Tesco Corporation Pipe handling device, method and system
US7188686B2 (en) 2004-06-07 2007-03-13 Varco I/P, Inc. Top drive systems
DE602005006198T2 (en) 2004-07-20 2009-07-09 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc., Houston Upper drive for connecting casing pipes
CA2533115C (en) 2005-01-18 2010-06-08 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Top drive torque booster

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO20024756L (en) 2002-11-27
CA2404752A1 (en) 2001-10-25
CA2756624A1 (en) 2001-10-25
US20110232919A1 (en) 2011-09-29
US8230933B2 (en) 2012-07-31
DE60117244D1 (en) 2006-04-20
CA2641618A1 (en) 2001-10-25
NO20111533A1 (en) 2011-11-08
NO339602B1 (en) 2017-01-09
EP1659258A2 (en) 2006-05-24
US20030173073A1 (en) 2003-09-18
EP1274919A1 (en) 2003-01-15
US20030164276A1 (en) 2003-09-04
US7712523B2 (en) 2010-05-11
US7918273B2 (en) 2011-04-05
WO2001079652A1 (en) 2001-10-25
DE60135509D1 (en) 2008-10-02
US20080110637A1 (en) 2008-05-15
NO20024756D0 (en) 2002-10-03
EP1970526A3 (en) 2009-01-28
CA2641618C (en) 2012-08-21
EP1659258B1 (en) 2008-08-20
CA2850900C (en) 2016-09-13
EP1659258A3 (en) 2006-07-05
EP1970526B1 (en) 2012-05-16
CA2404752C (en) 2009-09-15
NO331430B1 (en) 2011-12-27
AU2001248585A1 (en) 2001-10-30
EP1970526A2 (en) 2008-09-17
CA2850900A1 (en) 2001-10-25
US7793719B2 (en) 2010-09-14
US6536520B1 (en) 2003-03-25
EP1274919B1 (en) 2006-02-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2756624C (en) Top drive for casing connection
US7665531B2 (en) Apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive
EP1327095B1 (en) Coupling apparatus
EP1257724B1 (en) Apparatus and method relating to tongs, continuous circulation and to safety slips
CA2517895C (en) Casing running and drilling system
EP2603662B1 (en) Fill up tool
EA015156B1 (en) Apparatus for gripping a tubular on a drilling rig
US20240068307A1 (en) Safety Clutch System for Circulation/Fill-up/Flowback Tool

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
MKLA Lapsed

Effective date: 20200831