Method and apparatus for drilling with casing
View Patent ↗A top drive system includes a top drive, top drive adapter, and a tubular positioning apparatus. In another aspect, the top drive adapter includes a housing operatively connected to the top drive and a plurality of retaining members disposed in the housing for gripping the tubular. In another aspect, the tubular positioning apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging a tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. A spinner may be provided to rotate the tubular.
1. An apparatus for use with a top drive to handle a tubular, comprising:
a top drive adapter connected to and rotatable by the top drive, wherein the top drive adapter includes a housing, and a plurality of radially movable retaining members for gripping the tubular; and
a tubular transport apparatus connected to the housing of the top drive adapter, wherein the tubular transport apparatus is adapted to deliver the tubular to a position for engagement with the top drive adapter.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tubular transport apparatus is pivotally connected to the housing.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tubular transport apparatus includes a link arm having one end pivotally connected to the housing and another end pivotally connected to an elevator.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the link arm comprises telescopic links.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the link arm includes a piston and cylinder assembly.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the cylinder assembly is hydraulically activated.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising a radially movable piston for moving the plurality of retaining members.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , further comprising an insert disposed on the plurality of retaining members.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a radially movable piston pivotally connected to a retaining member.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an insert disposed on the plurality of retaining members.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the insert is movable relative to the plurality of retaining members.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising a biasing member for biasing the insert.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a guide plate for guiding the tubular into the housing.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein movement of the plurality of retaining members is substantially horizontal.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of retaining members comprises a jaw.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein an axial load acting on the plurality of retaining members is transmitted to the housing.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of retaining members are disposed within the housing.
18. A tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive to handle a tubular, comprising:
a tubular gripping apparatus connected to the top drive, the tubular gripping apparatus having:
a housing rotatable by the top drive; and
a plurality of retaining members at least partially disposed in the housing, wherein the plurality of retaining members are radially movable to engage the tubular;
a link arm pivotally connected to the housing; and
a tubular retaining apparatus connected to a lower end of the link arm.
19. The assembly of claim 18 , wherein the link arm are telescopic.
20. The assembly of claim 19 , wherein the link arm is retracted to move the tubular retaining apparatus closer to the tubular gripping apparatus.
21. The assembly of claim 18 , further comprising a circulating tool coupled to the tubular gripping apparatus.
22. The assembly of claim 21 , wherein the circulating tool is in fluid communication with the top drive and includes a seal for sealingly engaging an interior of the tubular.