Drill string bridge coupler and actuator

Abstract

A bridge coupling for connecting between a drill pipe and an upper tubular member, such as a kelly cock safety valve in a drill rig and an actuator mechanism for the coupling. The bridge coupling permits rapid and accurate coupling at lower torque levels than with prior couplings. The coupling basically includes a stem having a lower male threaded end adapted to connect with female threads on the upper end of a drill pipe and a threaded upper end adapted to connect with an upper member on a drill rig. A shoulder sleeve surrounds and is secured to the stem intermediate the ends thereof. A spacer sleeve surrounds the stem at the lower stem end, spaced from the shoulder sleeve. A shoulder on a spacer sleeve engages the upper edge of the drill pipe when the drill pipe is threaded onto the stem to low torque, typically by a kelly spinner. An actuator sleeve surrounding the stem and shoulder sleeve is movable to drive a wedge ring between the stem and shoulder ring, tensioning the stem and loading the shoulder engaging the pipe end to provide the required forces locking the pipe in place. A bridge coupler actuator includes an upper fork adapted to engage the stem and a lower fork adapted to engage the actuator sleeve. A hydraulic cylinder system forces the lower fork away from the upper fork to make the connection and toward the upper fork to break the connection. A locking spring ring is provided to lock the connection in the engaged position and prevent accidental opening of the connection under vibration and automatically open when the connection is broken.