Schlumberger Technology Corporation

Cameron International Corporation

Kenneth McCabe

Dag Holen

Kristian Tindvik

Max Holand

Glenn Saebo

Lars Petter Smeland

Svein Jarle Haugland

Embodiments of a vertical pipe handler system () and method of its use include a casing tong handling tool () connected to a lifting tool () having a gripper head () and supported by an arm () of the vertical pipe handler system. The casing tong connection () of the handling tool is located toward the tool's lower end () and may be offset in a horizontal direction from the connection () to the lifting tool. The casing tong () then hangs off-center relative to the lifting tool. The amount of offset may be effective to prevent interference between the gripper head and a tubular being handled by the casing tong.

Handling tool for casing tongs

Systems and methods for vertical pipe handling include telescopic arm structures that move between retracted and extended positions in a horizontal plane, a cross arm structure connected to each telescopic arm structure, and a gripper head connected to the cross arm structure. The gripper head may be positioned at a desired location to receive, grip, position, and release a vertically oriented drill pipe or other tubular, and may include jaws that can be positioned to accommodate different sizes of drill pipe or tubulars. Means for raising and lower the gripper head, extending or retracting the gripper head in a horizontal plane, and tilting or pivoting the gripper head may also be provided. The vertical pipe handler may be housed below the drill floor and attached to the drill floor support structure.

Vertical pipe handling system and method for its use

Growing community of inventors

Kristiansand, Norway

Kenneth McCabe