Varco I/p, Inc.

Dietrich B&ouml;ttger

Gustaaf Louis Van Wechem

Herman Kamphorst

A drive unit ( ) for a subsoil drilling rig comprises a drive unit ( ), an engagement unit ( ) for releasably engaging a tube section ( ) extending therefrom in a drilling direction and a gripper ( ) movable relative to the engagement unit ( ) between a first position for gripping a tube engaged by the engagement unit ( ) and a second position for gripping a tube section ( ) in a transfer position. Supplied tube sections ( ) can be handled reliably and movements of supplied tube section ( ) can be controlled accurately. Co-ordination of positions and movements between the supplied tube sections ( ) and the drive unit ( ) is simplified. A drilling rig incorporating such a drive unit ( ) and a method employing such a drive unit ( ) are described as well.

Growing community of inventors

Den Helder, Netherlands

Dietrich Böttger

Growing community of inventors

Den Helder, Netherlands

Dietrich B&ouml;ttger

Dietrich Böttger