Varco I/p, Inc.

Herman Kamphorst

Gustaaf Louis Van Wechem

Dietrich B&ouml;ttger

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.

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Nordhorn, Germany

Herman Kamphorst