METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING TUBULARS WHILE DRILLING

The present invention provides an apparatus that permits sections of tubula rs to be connected to or disconnected from a string of pipe during a drilling operation. The apparatus further permits the sections of drill pipe to be rotated and t o be axially translated during the connection or disconnec...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author HAUGEN, DAVID M
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
French
Published 05.09.2004
Edition7
Subjects
EARTH DRILLING
EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
MINING
OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR ASLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
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Summary:The present invention provides an apparatus that permits sections of tubula rs to be connected to or disconnected from a string of pipe during a drilling operation. The apparatus further permits the sections of drill pipe to be rotated and t o be axially translated during the connection or disconnection process. The apparatus further allows for the continuous circulation of fluid to and through the tubular string during the makeup or breakout process. The apparatus defines a rig assembly comprising a top drive mechanism, a rotary drive mechanism, and a fluid circulating device. Rotation and axial movement of the tubular string is alternately provided by the top drive and the rotary drive. Additionally, continuous fluid flow into the tubular string is provided through the circulation device and alternately through the tubular section once a connection is made between an upper tubular connected to the top driv e mechanism and the tubular string.
Bibliography:Application Number: CA20042459839