Automatic false rotary
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for handling tubulars, comprising:
- at least two elevators for engaging one or more tubular sections, the at least two elevators interchangeable to support one or more tubular sections above a wellbore and to lower the one or more tubular sections into the wellbore;
elevator links attachable to each elevator, wherein the elevator links are remotely transferable between the at least two elevators; and
a link spreading assembly attaching the elevator links to one another, wherein the link spreading assembly is configured to remotely extend a distance between the elevator links in order to transfer the elevator links between the at least two elevators.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for remotely performing a pipe handling operation is provided. In one aspect, the method and apparatus includes a false rotary table capable of supporting one or more tubulars during the pipe handling operation which is moveable between a position for landing one or more tubulars to a position for running one or more tubulars into a wellbore. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely connecting elevator links alternatingly between interchangeable elevators which are capable of axially engaging one or more tubulars above the wellbore.
62 Citations
39 Claims
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1. An apparatus for handling tubulars, comprising:
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at least two elevators for engaging one or more tubular sections, the at least two elevators interchangeable to support one or more tubular sections above a wellbore and to lower the one or more tubular sections into the wellbore; elevator links attachable to each elevator, wherein the elevator links are remotely transferable between the at least two elevators; and a link spreading assembly attaching the elevator links to one another, wherein the link spreading assembly is configured to remotely extend a distance between the elevator links in order to transfer the elevator links between the at least two elevators. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of remotely transferring elevator links between at least two elevators, comprising:
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providing elevator links attachable interchangeably to a first elevator and a second elevator, wherein each elevator link comprises a body with a link retainer at a lower end thereof; detaching the elevator links from the first elevator by remotely exerting a force on the body of the each elevator link thereby extending a distance between the elevator links, and attaching the elevator links to the second elevator by retracting the distance between the elevator links. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method of forming and lowering a tubular string into a wellbore using a remotely operated elevator system, comprising:
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providing elevator links attached to a first elevator and a sliding false rotary table located above a rig floor, wherein the false rotary table is disposed in a landing position to axially support a tubular; axially engaging the tubular with the first elevator; locating the first elevator substantially coaxial with the wellbore on the false rotary table; remotely detaching the elevator links from the first elevator by utilizing a link spreader arrangement, wherein the link spreader assembly is disposed between the elevator links and operatively attached to each elevator link; and remotely attaching the elevator links to a second elevator. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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37. An apparatus for handling tubulars, comprising:
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at least two elevators for engaging one or more tubular sections, the at least two elevators interchangeable to support one or more tubular sections above a wellbore and to lower the one or more tubular sections into the wellbore; elevator links attachable to each elevator, wherein the elevator links are remotely transferable between the at least two elevators; and a false rotary table remotely moveable between a landing position for supporting one or more tubular sections above a wellbore using at least one of the at least two elevators and a running position for lowering the one or more tubular sections into the wellbore, wherein the false rotary table comprises a table slidable along a stationary surface to move the false rotary table between the landing position and the running position. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39)
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Specification