Apparatus for retrieving a tubular member from a well

Abstract

Apparatus for grasping the exterior surface of a tubular member to facilitate removal thereof from within a well is characterized by a substantially hollow, elongated housing having first and second flapper members pivotally mounted within the housing for movement relative to the axis thereof from an open to a grasping position. In the grasping position the flapper members are disposed substantially perpendicularly to the interior surface of the housing. Each of the flappers is provided with a cutout portion which registers to define an opening therebetween, the opening between said flapper members having a dimension less than the outer diameter of a tubular member to be retrieved. The edges of the flapper members defining the opening are provided with means for graspingly engaging a tubular member. The flappers are responsive to abutting contact with the tubular member to be retrieved by pivoting toward the open position to permit the tubular member to extend upwardly within the housing for a predetermined axial distance. The flapper members are responsive to a uphole movement of the housing by pivoting toward the grasping position to bring the grasping means into engagement with the exterior surface of the tubular member to graspingly engage the same and maintain grasping engagement therewith as the housing is withdrawn from the well.