NO20120732L - Top-powered rotation system - Google Patents

Abstract

A top drive rotation system for borehole operations, which top drive rotation system comprises an AC permanent magnet motor (30) having a through bore, a planetary gear unit (20) coupled to the alternating current permanent magnet motor (30), and a planetary gear motor through a bore (20). is substantially aligned with the bore through the planetary gear (20) so that fluid can flow through, and the top driven rotation system further comprises a hollow shaft (50) which is pivotally connected to the planetary gear to rotate the hollow shaft.

Description

TOP DRIVE ROTATION SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a top-driven rotation system, in particular, but not exclusively, a top-driven rotation system for use in drilling, building up, repairing and maintaining an oil or gas well. The present invention also relates to various components in or for use together with a top-driven rotation system.

The prior art describes a number of different devices that use a direct current or alternating current motor. US Patents 4,458,768; 5,433,279; 6,276,450; 4,813,493; 6,705,405; 4,800,968; 4,878,546; 4,872,577; 4,753,300; 6,536,520; 6,679,333 describes various devices. The closest prior art is believed to be described in the document WO-A_2003/038229 which deals with an apparatus for use in a top-driven rotation system whereby two hydraulically-activated, opposite clamping devices are arranged so that they receive and clamp a pipe between them.

The prior art describes a Varco Drilling Systems TDS-9S AC Top Drive, with a top drive rotation system powered by an AC motor.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a top-driven rotary system for borehole operations, wherein the top-driven rotary system comprises an alternating current permanent magnet motor having a through bore, a planetary gear apparatus coupled to the alternating current permanent magnet motor, which planetary gear apparatus has a through bore, the bore through the alternating current permanent magnet motor being in the substantially aligned with the bore through the planetary gear apparatus, so that fluid can be passed therethrough, and the top-driven rotation system further comprises a hollow shaft which is drivingly coupled to the planetary gear apparatus to rotate the hollow shaft.

The alternating current permanent magnet motor is preferably arranged above the planetary gear apparatus, preferably directly above, possibly at a distance via a spacer element and/or means to prevent the ingress of oil and lubricants. The top-driven rotation system advantageously further comprises a support arrangement which shall support the alternating current permanent magnet motor and the planetary gear device, which support arrangement comprises a swivel body, a suspension element above the permanent magnet motor, at least one connecting link arranged between the swivel body and the suspension element. The swivel body is preferably located below the planetary gear mechanism. Two connecting links are advantageously arranged between the swivel body and the suspension element. The at least one connecting link is preferably provided with a through opening to receive a pin or an ear, the opening being oversized to allow a degree of vertical movement, preferably a non-circular opening, most preferably elongated.

The suspension element advantageously comprises a block which has pulleys and a strap rigidly attached thereto, where the pulleys can be connected with a rope to a derrick on a rig and the strap is connected to the at least one connecting link, as it is preferably rotatably attached to this and advantageously can be fixed at various angles and advantageously is releasably attached to it. The strap can preferably be selectively attached to the running block in a plurality of positions.

The top-driven rotation system advantageously further comprises a weight compensating device arranged between the strap and the swivel body to compensate for the weight of the top-driven rotation system and a pipe to be inserted into the pipe string (stabbed) during a joining operation (stabbing operation), to prevent damage to pipes. The weight compensation device preferably comprises a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly and an accumulator.

The swivel body preferably has an inner space, a main bearing is placed in the inner space, and the hollow shaft has a flange that rests against and is rotatable on the main bearing.

The top-driven rotation system further advantageously comprises a load sleeve which is held by the swivel body, the hollow shaft being rotatable within the load sleeve, a load collar positioned around the load sleeve and supported by it, at least one hoop hanging down from the load collar, and a pipe clamp which selectively must receive and hold a pipe, as the pipe clamp is carried by at least one hoop. Preferably, two hoops in ears hang down from the load collar and carry the pipe clamp on opposite sides of the pipe clamp. The top-driven rotation system preferably further comprises a tilting device for tilting the at least one hoop, which tilting device is adapted to rotate the hoops about the load collar to tilt the at least one hoop relative to the central line extending down through a center in the permanent magnet, through a center in the planetary gear set, through a center in the hollow shaft, the centers being mutually aligned. The tilting device advantageously comprises a clamp on the at least one brace, which clamp has two roller pins, between which a part of the at least one brace can be displaced to facilitate movement of the brace with respect to the braces.

The two roller pins are preferably mounted with mounting plates which have offset holes for mounting the roller pins, so that reversing the mounting plates changes the distance between the roller pins to make room for a hoop of different widths.

The top-driven rotation system advantageously further comprises a clamping device which is rotatably arranged on the top-driven rotation system, which clamping device is to selectively clamp a pipe.

The load collar is preferably placed freely rotatable, and the clamping device is placed between the two hoops, so that the load collar, the hoops and the pipe clamp can rotate together with the clamping mechanism. The clamping device advantageously comprises at least two jaws to selectively receive between them a pipe to be clamped between them. There are preferably at least two jaws. The pipe to be gripped or clamped in the clamping device can be a wear piece, a pipe, casing or a tool. The at least one jaw advantageously comprises a piston which is displaceable inside a cylinder towards and away from a tube to be clamped. The clamping device preferably further comprises at least one telescopic leg. The at least one leg preferably hangs down from the load collar. The clamping device advantageously comprises at least two telescopic legs placed at a distance from each other. The top-driven rotation system preferably further comprises at least one additional motor.

The top-driven rotation system preferably comprises further apparatus for generating electrical power, which is connected to the fixed voltage apparatus to provide electrical power. The top-driven rotation system advantageously further comprises a hydraulic manifold, a plurality of directional valves to control hydraulic fluid flow in a plurality of corresponding flow pipes, which plurality of corresponding flow pipes includes flow pipes which shall provide hydraulic fluid for operation of apparatus below the fixed voltage system. The hydraulic manifold and the plurality of directional valves are preferably arranged on the at least one telescopic leg.

The load sleeve preferably has fluid-carrying channels, and the apparatus further comprises a pivot which is connected to the load sleeve to receive fluid from the load sleeve's fluid-carrying channels and to transport the fluid to the lower

hydraulic manifold, and the pivot can be rotated together with the clamping device.

The top-driven rotation system advantageously further comprises a selective locking mechanism, which is attached to the swivel body to selectively lock the clamping device and prevent its rotation while the hollow shaft is allowed to rotate. The clamping device preferably hangs down from a gear collar which can be moved or braked in response to the locking mechanism. The clamping device is most preferably in rotational connection with the gear collar and the load collar. The load collar and gear collar may be in one piece and may be cast as a single unit. The top-driven rotation system preferably further comprises a mud saving device which is releasably connected to the hollow shaft. The top-driven rotation system further comprises a wear piece, preferably releasably connected to and below the mud saving device, it being advantageously connected to a non-rotating coupling means. Preferably, first coupling locking device locks the hollow shaft to the mud saver device, and second coupling locking device locks the mud saver device to the wear piece.

A spacer plate is advantageously arranged between

the alternating current permanent magnet motor and the planetary gear mechanism, which spacer plate has a bearing recess and a bearing in the bearing recess to facilitate rotation of the hollow shaft.

The top-mounted rotation system preferably further comprises an access platform which is pivotably connected to the swivel body at a lower end, which access platform has a platform section which can be pivoted to a generally horizontal position, so that personnel on the access platform can gain access to components in the top-driven rotation system.

The top-driven rotation system advantageously further comprises an extension mechanism which should displace the top-driven rotation system horizontally. The extension mechanism preferably comprises a plurality of piston-cylinder assemblies and a frame. The extension mechanism preferably has an opening through which a length of pipe can be moved while the extension mechanism with the top-driven rotation system connected to it moves with respect to the length of pipe.

A second aspect of the present invention provides apparatus for use in a top-driven rotary system for releasably holding a tube, which apparatus comprises at least two mutually opposed clamping devices spaced apart for selectively receiving a tube to be clamped between them , where each of the two mutually opposed clamping devices has a housing and a piston which is displaceable inside the housing, the piston being selectively displaceable towards and away from a pipe to be clamped; two telescopic legs which are placed at a distance from each other, and which in use hang down from part of the top-driven rotation system, as the telescopic legs must be able to displace the at least two mutually opposing clamping devices in an essentially vertical plane. The pipe preferably comprises one of: pipe, casing, production pipe, wear piece, and hollow shaft in an apparatus.

The two mutually opposite clamping devices are preferably releasably connected together with coupling devices, so that one or both coupling devices can be disconnected. The two halves can preferably be opened to receive a pipe to be clamped, when one of the two coupling devices is disconnected, and the two halves can be separated from each other and moved apart when both coupling devices are disconnected. Each coupling device advantageously comprises a plurality of mutually engaging pins with holes in them, which engaging pins are spaced apart, and a pin which can be removably inserted through the holes, preferably so that a hinge is formed. The two telescopic legs advantageously have a non-circular cross-section; they are preferably rectangular, oblong or square in cross-section. The device preferably further comprises a spring device inside each telescopic leg, which should compensate for the movement of a tube clamped by the device. The compensation preferably facilitates pipe jointing (stabbing) because damage is less likely to occur when the threads are brought into engagement when at least most of the weight of the pipe to be connected to a string is compensated. The apparatus advantageously further comprises a piston-cylinder assembly in each telescopic leg, where the cylinder has a vacuum inside and a piston can be extended from and retracted into the hollow cylinder, which piston-cylinder assembly provides compensation for movement of the element which clamped by the clamping device.

Each of the telescopic legs preferably comprises an outer leg part and an inner leg part, and further comprises a chain connection structure on each outer leg part and each inner leg part, to which a chain can be connected to prevent the outer leg part from being separated from the inner leg part . The apparatus advantageously further comprises guiding apparatus which is attached to and below the two mutually opposite clamping devices in order to guide a pipe between the two mutually opposing clamping devices. The guide apparatus is preferably releasably connected to at least one of the two mutually opposing clamping devices, preferably by chain(s) or pin(s).

The device advantageously further comprises a generator device which is connected to one of the two legs, for generating electrical power. The device preferably further comprises an electrical distribution device. The generator device advantageously transforms hydraulic power from fluid flow and/or pressure into electricity. A top-driven rotation system is thus provided with a generator for electric power, which is rotatable together with pipe handling apparatus.

Further embodiments include a hydraulic fluid manifold connected to at least one of the two telescopic legs for receiving hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid source and providing hydraulic fluid for releasably clamping and holding an element for downhole operations, preferably for supplying hydraulic fluid to another element below the device. The hydraulic fluid manifold advantageously includes a plurality of hydraulic fluid lines and a plurality of controllable valves to selectively control fluid flow in each hydraulic fluid line. The device preferably further comprises a generator device which is connected to at least one of the two legs to generate electrical power, and a control device on one of the two legs, which is in connection with the controllable valves in order to control the controllable valves.

The control apparatus preferably includes digital signal processing apparatus and an antenna for communicating with the control apparatus from a location remote from the apparatus to releasably clamp and hold a pipe for borehole operations.

Each piston advantageously includes a ground holder and ground device for engaging the tubular member. Each housing preferably has a cylinder which lines the housing, and the piston is slidably arranged in the cylinder.

The device preferably further comprises a coupling structure on each of the two telescopic legs for connecting the device to the top-driven rotation system, preferably to a rotation device to thereby be rotated. The coupling construction advantageously provides a rotatable connection of each telescopic leg at its upper end so that the two telescopic legs can be swung apart.

The two legs preferably further comprise an anti-rotation structure which will receive a part of an adjacent apparatus and releasably hold the part so that the adjacent apparatus can be rotated simultaneously with the apparatus to releasably clamp and hold an element for borehole operations.

The second aspect of the invention also provides a top driven rotation system comprising a drive motor and an apparatus according to the invention.

The invention also provides a method for gripping an element, which method comprises the steps of placing the element inside a main body of an apparatus, which apparatus comprises a main body, two mutually opposing clamping devices in the main body, where the two mutually opposing clamping devices are spaced apart for selective reception between these of an element to be clamped between them, where each of the two mutually opposite clamping devices has a housing and piston device which is displaceable inside the housing, where the piston device is selectively displaceable towards and away from an element which must be fastened, two legs, which legs are placed at a distance from each other and each leg has an upper end and a lower end, where each lower end is connected to the main body, each leg comprises an outer leg part and an inner leg part, where the inner leg part has a portion that is displaceable within the outer leg portion to provide an area for upward movement upward/downward displacement of the main body, wherein the element for drilling operations is a tubular member, and each piston apparatus includes a piston and a ground holder attached to an outer end of the piston, and ground apparatus on the ground holder for engaging the tubular member, each housing has a liner which is removably placed in this, and each piston is displaceable inside a corresponding liner, and to displace the pistons so that the ground apparatus engages with the element to be gripped, thereby gripping the element.

The method preferably further comprises the step of rotating the apparatus and thereby rotating the element that is gripped by the apparatus.

Further embodiments provide a top-driven rotation system comprising a drive motor, and a support apparatus and pipe handling apparatus connected to and below and supported by the support apparatus, wherein the pipe handling apparatus includes hydraulic fluid driven apparatus on or below the pipe handling apparatus, supply apparatus connected to the pipe handling apparatus for providing hydraulic fluid for operation of the hydraulic fluid-driven apparatus, the supply apparatus including flow pipe apparatus which shall supply the hydraulic fluid-driven apparatus with hydraulic fluid, and electrically operable control apparatus which shall regulate fluid flow to and from the flow pipe apparatus, and apparatus which generates electrical power, which is coupled to the pipe handling apparatus to supply the electrically-operated control apparatus with electrical power.

The top-driven rotation system preferably further comprises a gear apparatus, a hollow drive shaft which is connected to the ta nnhju Isa ppa rate and a suspension arrangement. The pipe handling apparatus preferably includes clamping apparatus for clamping an element, where the clamping apparatus is driven by hydraulic fluid from the supply apparatus. The clamping device is advantageously rotatable with respect to the drive motor, as the support device includes a locking mechanism for selectively locking the pipe handling device in position, the locking mechanism includes a drive device for rotating the clamping device, and the hollow drive shaft can be rotated by the ta nnhju Isa ppa rate with the clamping device locked in position by the locking mechanism.

The electrically driven control device preferably includes a plurality of selectively operable control valves which selectively regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid to devices below the support device. The devices below the lower support device advantageously include a clamping device for clamping an element, a pipe clamp to hold an element, and a connecting joint tilting device to move the pipe clamp obliquely in relation to the support apparatus. The clamping device preferably comprises at least two mutually opposing clamping devices which are placed at a distance from each other for selective reception of a pipe to be clamped between them, where each of the two mutually opposing clamping devices has a housing and a piston which is displaceable inside the housing, the piston being selectively displaceable towards and away from a tube to be clamped; two telescopic legs which are placed at a distance from each other and which in use hang down from a part of the top-driven rotation system, which telescopic legs are to displace the at least two mutually opposed clamping devices in a substantially vertical plane.

The top-driven rotation system preferably further comprises a piston-cylinder assembly in each telescopic leg, a first part of which is connected to the upper end and a second part of it is connected to the lower end of the piston-cylinder assembly, where the cylinder hair vacuum inside and the piston can be extended from and retracted into the cylinder, and the piston-cylinder assembly provides compensation for movement of the tube clamped by the clamping device, and fluid for operating the piston-cylinder assembly is provided by the supply device.

The generator apparatus for generating electrical power is advantageously connected to one of the two telescopic legs. The supply device preferably comprises a hydraulic fluid manifold which is connected to one of the two telescopic legs to receive hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid source and supply the generator device with hydraulic fluid to operate the generator device. The hydraulic fluid manifold advantageously includes a plurality of hydraulic fluid lines and a plurality of controllable valves to selectively regulate fluid flow in each hydraulic fluid line. The top-driven rotation system preferably further comprises a pivot which is connected to and between the two telescopic legs, which pivot is to receive hydraulic fluid from a fluid supply and deliver the hydraulic fluid to operate the generator. The rotary head delivers beneficial hydraulic fluid to the majority of controllable valves.

The drive motor is preferably an alternating current permanent magnet motor having a through-bore, planetary gear mechanism coupled to

the alternating current permanent magnet motor, which planetary gear mechanism has a through bore, where the bore through

the alternating current permanent magnet motor is substantially aligned with the bore through the planetary gear mechanism, so that fluid can be passed through, and the top-driven rotation system further comprises a hollow shaft which is drivingly coupled to the planetary gear mechanism for rotation of the hollow shaft.

The suspension arrangement preferably comprises a swivel body, a suspension element above the permanent magnet motor, at least one connecting link arranged between the swivel body and the suspension element. The swivel body is preferably located below the planetary gear mechanism. Two connecting links are advantageously arranged between the swivel body and the suspension element. The at least one connecting link is preferably provided with a through opening to receive a pin or ear, which opening is oversized to allow a degree of vertical movement. The opening is preferably non-circular, most preferably elongated. The suspension element advantageously comprises a block having pulleys and a strap which is rigidly attached to it, where the pulleys can be connected by a rope to a derrick on a rig, and the strap is connected to the at least one connecting link, being preferably rotatably attached to this and advantageously releasably attached to this. The strap can advantageously be selectively attached to the running block in a plurality of positions. The top-driven rotation system preferably further comprises a weight compensating device arranged between the strap and the swivel body to compensate for the weight of the top-driven rotation system and a pipe to be inserted into the pipe string (stabbed) during a joining operation (stabbing operation), to prevent damage to pipes. The weight compensation device preferably comprises a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly and an accumulator. The swivel body advantageously has an inner space, a main bearing located in the inner space, and the hollow shaft has a flange which abuts and can rotate on the main bearing. The top-driven rotation system preferably further comprises a load sleeve held by the swivel body, where the hollow shaft is rotatable within the load sleeve, a load collar positioned around the load sleeve and supported by it, at least one hoop hanging down from the load collar and a pipe clamp for selectively taking against and holding a pipe, which pipe clamp is carried by the at least one hoop.

The top-driven rotation system preferably further comprises an access platform which is pivotably connected to the swivel body at a lower end, which access platform has a platform section which is pivotable to a generally horizontal position, so that personnel on the access platform can gain access to components in the top-driven rotation system.

The top-driven rotation system advantageously further comprises an extension mechanism for displacing the top-driven rotation system horizontally. The extension mechanism preferably comprises a plurality of piston-cylinder assemblies and a frame. The extension mechanism preferably has an opening through which a length of pipe can be moved while the extension mechanism with the top-driven rotation system connected to it moves with respect to the length of pipe.

Further embodiments provide a containerized apparatus comprising a container, top drive rotation system removably located within the container, an extension mechanism for moving the top drive rotation system generally horizontally within a derrick, wherein the top drive rotation system is attached to the extension mechanism, the extension mechanism is removably located inside the container together with the top drive rotation system, a rail for the top drive rotation system to be able to move in a vertical plane in use in a derrick, which rail is composed of multiple rail parts that can be connected together, a transport frame to hold the top drive rotation system during transport, where part of the transport frame forms at least one rail part. The transport frame alternatively or preferably constitutes a torque frame, so that the transport frame in use forms part of the top-driven rotation system to help counteract the drive motor's torque. The container is preferably an ISO container, preferably a 12.2 m x 2.4 m x 2.6 m (40' x 8' x 8.5') ISO container.

The rail preferably further comprises at least one first chamber for removably storing the multiple rail parts, the multiple rail parts being removably placed in the at least one first chamber, and the multiple rail parts can be assembled outside the container to include the multiple rail parts and the at least one transport frame rail part together with the extension mechanism which is displaceable along the rail together with the top-driven rotation system. The multiple rail parts advantageously include at least one length-adjustable rail part, so that the rail can be installed in derricks of different heights. The top-driven rotation system apparatus preferably includes a motor, a gear system and pipe handling apparatus, where the pipe handling apparatus includes a pipe clamp which must be able to selectively hold a pipe, and connecting links which must connect the pipe clamp with the top-driven rotation system apparatus, and where the motor, the gear system and the pipe handling apparatus are removably located inside the container .

The transport frame rail part preferably has lifting fork pockets for receiving lifting fork protrusions. At least one of the multiple rail parts advantageously has lifting fork pockets to be able to receive lifting fork protrusions. Preferably, all the multiple rail parts have lifting fork pockets to be able to receive lifting fork protrusions.

The top-driven rotation system advantageously includes an access platform pivotally connected to a part of the top-driven rotation system, which access platform has an upper end releasably connected to the top-driven rotation system, and when the upper end of the access platform is released, the access platform can be pivoted from a position where the is generally aligned with the apparatus, to a position generally normal thereto, such that the access platform provides a platform upon which a person can stand to gain access to a portion of the apparatus, and the access platform is removably located inside the container with the apparatus.

The containerized device preferably further comprises a suspension device which is removably placed in the container, which suspension device is connected to the top-driven rotation system and which suspension device is for suspending the top-driven rotation system in a derrick. The suspension apparatus preferably includes a running block, a hook connectable to the running block, and a strap connectable to the top drive rotation system apparatus and to the hook. The suspension device advantageously includes a block and a strap, where the strap is directly connected to the block. The strap is preferably selectively rotatable with respect to the block and can be attached to the block in a selected non-rotating position.

The rail can advantageously be connected to a derrick and is suitable for reversing torque generated by the top-driven rotation system apparatus of the derrick.

The containerized apparatus preferably further comprises a control system in the container, which can be operated by personnel in the container to control the apparatus when the apparatus is taken out of the container and placed in a derrick for operation.

The containerized apparatus preferably further comprises a power system inside the container to provide power for operation of at least part of the top-driven rotation system. The power system preferably provides hydraulic power.

The containerized apparatus advantageously further comprises a reservoir inside the container, which accommodates hydraulic fluid used by the power system to provide hydraulic power to the apparatus. The containerized apparatus preferably further comprises a cooling system inside the container to provide cooling to the apparatus.

The containerized apparatus preferably has an alternating current permanent magnet motor having a through bore, a planetary gear apparatus coupled to the alternating current permanent magnet motor, which planetary gear apparatus has a through bore, where the bore through the alternating current permanent magnet motor is substantially aligned with the bore through the planetary gear apparatus, so that fluid can be passed through, and the top drive rotation system further comprises a hollow shaft which is drivingly coupled to the planetary gear mechanism to rotate the hollow shaft.

The extension mechanism advantageously has an opening through which a length of pipe can be moved while the extension mechanism with the top-driven rotation system connected to it moves with respect to the length of pipe.

Further embodiments provide an apparatus for downhole operations, which apparatus includes a derrick, a guide beam connected to the derrick, a top-driven rotation system displaceable on the guide beam, a torque reaction structure connected to the guide beam, and transport frame apparatus held by the torque reaction structure, which transport frame apparatus is vertically displaceable with consideration of the torque reaction structure to prevent a vertical load from being transferred from the transport frame apparatus to the torque reaction structure.

The derrick preferably comprises a rig deck, the guide beam has an upper part, which upper part comprises an outer part and an inner part which is displaceable inside the outer part, and the inner part and the outer part can be selectively connected together at a plurality of different places for to make the guide beam adjustable in length, so that the position of the guide beam with respect to the rig deck is adjustable. The apparatus advantageously further comprises a first shackle which is connected to the derrick, a second shackle connected to the first shackle and to the inner part of the upper part of the guide beam to prevent the transfer of torque between the upper part and the derrick. The apparatus preferably further comprises at least one secondary shackle which is connected to the outer part of the upper part to provide a fastening for a cable, which cable can be connected to the derrick.

The borehole operations are advantageously carried out at a well, which well is the well center, and the torque reaction structure includes a frame which is displaceable with respect to the guide beam toward and away from the well center.

The top-driven rotation system preferably comprises a load collar, a pipe clamp, two hoops each having upper ends connected to the load collar and lower ends connected to the pipe clamp, and each hoop comprises an outer body with an end eye and an inner body with an end eye, where the inner body is displaceable within the outer body to adjust the length of the brace, and the inner body can be selectively connected to the outer body at a plurality of locations to make the braces length adjustable. The top-driven rotation system advantageously comprises a gear apparatus and a gear collar, the gear collar and the load collar being a single undivided part.

The top-driven rotation system preferably includes a top-driven rotation system motor and a hollow shaft, and a brake device which is to brake the hollow shaft, which brake device has a brake hub around the hollow shaft, and the device further comprises sealing device inside the brake hub for sealing an interface between the hollow shaft and the brake hub, which sealing apparatus comprises a body having a first part and a second part, the first part being rotatable together with the hollow shaft, the second part together with the top drive rotation system motor, and an absorbent sealing element between the first part of the seal in the ngsa ppa rate and the second part of the seal in the ngsa ppa rate, where the absorbent sealing element is positioned so that force on it during rotation forces lubricating fluid out of the absorbent sealing element, while the absorbent sealing element seals an interface between the first part and the second part.

The top-driven rotation system advantageously has a drive motor and includes a gear apparatus with a sun gear, which gear apparatus is located below the drive motor, and the apparatus further includes a sealing apparatus which is to selectively engage the sun gear to seal a passage from the gear apparatus to the drive motor. The seal preferably includes a seal, a seal support which supports the seal and is displaceably positioned within or on a body such that the seal engages the sun gear to seal the passage, the seal support being displaceable by fluid under pressure applied to the seal support , and resilient apparatus which forces the seal support so that the seal contacts the sun gear to seal the passage when the seal support is applied with insufficient, or no, fluid negative pressure. The resilient device advantageously comprises a spring.

The top-driven rotation system preferably comprises a

alternating current permanent magnet motor having a through bore, a planetary gear apparatus coupled to the alternating current permanent magnet motor, which planetary gear apparatus has a through bore, wherein the bore through the alternating current permanent magnet motor is substantially aligned with the bore through the planetary gear apparatus, so that fluid can be passed through, and the top-driven rotation system further comprises a hollow shaft which is drivingly connected to the planetary gear mechanism to rotate the hollow shaft.

The top-driven rotation system advantageously comprises a suspension arrangement such as the hair swivel body, a suspension element above the permanent magnet motor, at least one connecting link arranged between the swivel body and the suspension element. The top-driven rotation system preferably further comprises a load sleeve held by the pivot body, where the hollow shaft is rotatable inside the load sleeve, a load collar placed around the load sleeve and supported by it, at least one hoop hanging down from the load collar and a pipe clamp for selectively taking against and holding a pipe, which pipe clamp is carried by the at least one hoop.

The torn-down rotation system preferably further comprises an access platform which is pivotably connected to the swivel body at a lower end, which access platform has a platform section which is pivotable to a generally horizontal position, so that personnel on the access platform can gain access to components in the top-driven rotation system.

The apparatus preferably further comprises an extension mechanism which should displace the top-driven rotation system horizontally. The extension mechanism preferably comprises a plurality of piston-cylinder assemblies and a frame. The extension mechanism advantageously has an opening through which a length of pipe can be moved while the extension mechanism with the top-driven rotation system connected to it moves with respect to the length of pipe.

Further embodiments provide an apparatus for downhole operations, the apparatus comprising a guide beam connectable to a derrick with a rig deck, the guide beam including an upper portion, the upper portion comprising an outer portion and an inner portion displaceable within the outer portion, and the inner part and the outer part can be selectively connected together in a plurality of different places to make the guide beam length adjustable, so that the position of the guide beam with respect to the rig deck is adjustable.

The apparatus preferably further comprises a first shackle which is connected to the derrick, a second shackle connected to the first shackle and to the inner part of the upper part of the guide beam to prevent the transfer of torque between the upper part and the derrick.

The apparatus advantageously further comprises at least one secondary shackle which is connected to the outer part of the upper part to provide an attachment for a cable, which cable can be connected to the derrick.

Further embodiments provide an apparatus for downhole operations, the apparatus comprising a derrick, a top drive rotation system slidably connected to the derrick, a coupling below the top drive rotation system, pipe clamp, two hoops each having upper ends connected to the coupling and lower ends connected to the pipe clamp, and each hoop comprises an outer body with an end eye and an inner body with an end eye, wherein the inner body is displaceable within the outer body to adjust the length of the hoop, and the inner body is selectively connectable to the outer body at a plurality of locations to make the braces length adjustable.

Further embodiments provide a top-driven rotation system comprising a drive motor and a hollow shaft, and a braking apparatus to brake the hollow shaft, which braking apparatus has a brake hub around the hollow shaft, and the apparatus further comprises sealing apparatus inside the brake hub for sealing an interface between the hollow axle and the brake hub, which sealing apparatus comprises a body having a first part and a second part, the first part being rotatable together with the hollow shaft, the second part together with the top drive rotation system motor, and an absorbent sealing element between the first part of tetn i ngsa ppa rate and the second part of the sealing device, where the absorbent sealing element is placed so that force on it during rotation forces lubricating fluid out of the absorbent sealing element, as the absorbent sealing element seals an interface between the first part and the second part.

Further embodiments provide a top-driven rotation system comprising a drive motor and including a gear mechanism with a sun gear, which gear mechanism is located below the drive motor, and the apparatus further includes a sealing device to selectively engage the sun gear to seal a passage from the gear mechanism to the drive motor.

The sealing apparatus preferably comprises a seal, a seal support which supports the seal and is movably located within or on a body, so that the seal engages with the sun wheel to seal the passage, the seal support being displaceable by fluid under pressure applied to the seal support, and resilient apparatus which forces the seal support so that the seal contacts the sun gear to seal the passage when the seal support is applied with insufficient, or no, fluid negative pressure. The resilient device advantageously comprises a spring. For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, where: Fig. IA is a perspective elevation of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment, which apparatus comprises a top-driven rotation system having a motor, a gearbox, a brake system, a hollow shaft and a casing, where the top-driven rotation system is slidably mounted on a torque rail, a strap and connecting link connected to a swivel body for suspending the top-driven rotation system, a pipe clave hanging in mechanically movable shackles down from a load collar, a clamping device for clamping pipes, a gear collar, a locking mechanism and coupling locking element for selectively rotating the clamping mechanism to facilitate spinning and tightening of connections between pipes in a string, an extension mechanism for displacing the top-driven rotation system relative to the torque rail, a braking system that is supposed to decelerate and stopping the rotation of the hollow shaft, and a mud saving device, a transition piece and a wear piece; Fig. 1B is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 1C is a cross-sectional front view of the apparatus shown in Fig. IA, where the torque tube or clamping device is not shown; Fig. 1D is a side view of the apparatus shown in Fig. IA, where the torque tube is not shown; Fig. 1E is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. IA, top view; Fig. 1F is a front view of part of the apparatus shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 1G is a side view of the hollow shaft in the top-driven rotary system shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 1H is a perspective elevation of the hollow shaft shown in fig. 1G; Fig. II is a cross-sectional elevation of one end of the hollow shaft shown in Fig. 1G; Fig. 1J and IK are perspective elevations of the load sleeve in the top-driven rotation system shown in fig. IA; Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation of the load sleeve of Fig. 1J taken along the line 1L-1L in fig. IM; Fig. IM is an end view of the load sleeve of fig. IL; Fig. IN is a perspective elevation of a swivel body in the top-driven rotation system shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 10 is a plan view of the swivel body shown in fig. IN, top view; Fig. 1P is a cross-sectional elevation of the swivel body shown in fig. IN; Fig. IQ is a plan view of the swivel body shown in fig. IN, bottom view; Fig. IR is a partially cut perspective elevation of the swivel body shown in Fig. IN; Fig. 1S is a perspective elevation of a swivel body in the top-driven rotation system shown in Fig. IA; Fig. IT is an end view of a pin for use in the swivel body shown in Fig. IN; Fig. 1U is a cross-sectional elevation of the pin shown in Fig. IT; Fig. 2A is a side view of a portion of a rig incorporating the apparatus shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 2B is a plan view of the part of the rig shown in fig. 2A is a top view, also showing additional tube storage areas; Fig. 2C is a perspective elevation of an extension mechanism in the apparatus shown in fig. IA, shown in retracted position; Fig. 2D shows the extender mechanism shown in Fig. 2C, shown in an extended position; Fig. 2E is a plan view of the extender mechanism shown in Fig. 2D, top view, in extended position; Fig. 2F is a side view of part of the torque tube shown in Fig. 2C; Fig. 2G is a schematic elevation of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 shows the floor plan of fig. 3A to 3E which are combined to show a schematic view of a control system for the apparatus shown in FIG. IA; Fig. 3F is a schematic elevation of a cooling circuit for a system; Fig. 4A is a perspective elevation of a portion of the top-driven rotation system shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional elevation of that shown in Fig. 4A; Fig. 4C is an exploded view of a portion of the top-driven rotary system shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 4D is an enlargement of a gear arrangement in the top-driven rotary system shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 4E is a perspective elevation of part of the apparatus shown in fig. IA; Fig. 4F is an exploded view of the portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 4E; Fig. 5A is a perspective elevation of the gear collar in the apparatus shown in fig. IA showing the top of the gear collar; Fig. 5B is a perspective elevation of the gear collar shown in fig. 5A showing the underside of the gear collar; Fig. 5C is a plan view of the gear collar shown in Fig. 5A, top view; Fig. 5D is a front view of the gear collar of Fig. 5A; Figs. 5E and 5F are perspective elevations of part of the apparatus shown in Figs. IA; Fig. 6A is a perspective elevation of the load collar in the apparatus shown in fig. IA and shows the top of the load collar; Fig. 6B is a perspective elevation of the load collar shown in fig. 6A showing the underside of the load collar; Fig. 6C is a front elevation of the loading collar shown in Fig. 6A; Fig. 6D is a plan view of the load collar shown in fig. 6A, top view; Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional elevational view of part of the locking mechanism for the apparatus shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 7B is a perspective elevation of part of the locking mechanism shown in fig. 7A showing the top of the section; Fig. 7C is a perspective elevation of the portion of the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 7A and shows the underside of the part; Fig. 7D is a perspective elevation of a knurled element in the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 7A; Fig. 7E is a perspective elevation of a gear in the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 7A; Fig. 7F is a perspective elevation of a pinion in the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 7A; Fig. 7G is a perspective elevation showing part of the locking mechanism shown in Fig. 7A and shows the rear part of the locking element; Fig. 7H is a perspective elevation showing part of the locking mechanism shown in fig. 7A in place in the top-driven rotary system shown in FIG. IA; Fig. 71 is an exploded view of the locking mechanism shown in fig. 7G; Fig. 8A is a front view of the clamping device in the apparatus shown in Fig. IA in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 8B is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 8A, top view; Fig. 8C is a partially cutaway perspective elevation of the clamping device shown in Fig. 8A; Fig. 8D is a perspective elevation of an upper leg of the clamping device shown in Fig. 8A; Fig. 8E is a front view of the upper leg shown in Fig. 8D; Fig. 8F is a perspective elevation of an inner leg in the clamping device shown in Fig. 8A; Fig. 8G is a partially cutaway perspective elevation of the clamping device shown in Fig. 8A; Fig. 8H is a perspective elevation of part of the clamping device shown in fig. 8G; Fig. 81 is a perspective elevation of part of the clamping device shown in fig. 8G; Fig. 8J is a cross-sectional plan view of the clamping device shown in fig. 8H, top view; Fig. 8K is a perspective elevation of a ground holder in the clamping device shown in fig. 8G; Fig. 8L is a perspective elevation of a liner in the clamping device shown in Fig. 8G; Fig. 8M is a cross-sectional elevation of the liner of Fig. 8L; Figs. 8N and 80 are perspective elevations of a piston in the clamping device shown in Figs. 8G; Fig. 8P is an end view and 8Q is a cross-sectional elevation of the piston shown in Fig. 8N; Fig. 8R and 8S are perspective elevations of parts of a piping in the clamping device shown in Fig. 8; Fig. 8T illustrates alternative cross-sectional shapes for the legs in the clamping device shown in Fig. 8A (and for corresponding holes accommodating such legs); Fig. 8U is a perspective elevation of a spring holder in the clamping device shown in fig. 8A; Fig. 8V is a plan view of an inner leg of the apparatus shown in Fig. 8A, top view; Figs. 8W to 8Y are perspective elevations showing various positions of a torque wrench clamping apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 8Z is an exploded view of parts of the torque wrench clamping apparatus shown in Fig. 8W; Fig. 9A is a side view of part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1A and shows a reed harp and mechanically displaceable hoops in a first position; Fig. 9B is a side view of the portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 9A showing a reed harp and mechanically displaceable hoops in a second position; Fig. 9C is a side view of the portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 9A showing a reed harp and mechanically movable hoops in a third position; Fig. 10A is a perspective elevation of a brake drum in the brake system in the apparatus shown in fig. IA; Fig. 10B is a perspective elevation of a brake disk in the brake system in the apparatus shown in fig. IA; Fig. 11A is a perspective elevation of the coupling lock element showing the top of the coupling lock element; Fig. 11B is a perspective elevation of a coupling lock element showing the underside of the coupling lock element; Fig. 11C is a plan view of the coupling lock element shown in Fig. 11A, top view; Fig. 11D is a cross-sectional elevational view of the coupling lock element shown in Fig. 11A; Fig. 11E is a perspective elevation of the sludge saving apparatus and the wear piece in the apparatus shown in fig. IA; Fig. 11F is an exploded view of the mud saver and wear piece shown in Fig. 11E; Fig. 12A is a perspective elevation of the transition piece in the apparatus shown in fig. IA; Fig. 12B is a plan view of the transition piece shown in Fig. 12A, top view; Fig. 12C is a cross-sectional elevation of the transition piece shown in Fig. 12A taken along line 12C-12C of FIG. 12B; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the casing in the apparatus shown in fig. IA; Fig. 14A is a perspective elevation of a load nut in the apparatus of Fig. 1A showing a top side of the load nut; Fig. 14B is a perspective elevation of the load nut shown in fig. 14A showing the underside of the load nut; Figs. 15A and 15B are perspective elevations of an inner drum in the turntable of the apparatus shown in Figs. IA; Fig. 15C is a cross-sectional elevation of the inner drum shown in Fig. 15A taken along line 15C-15C of FIG. 15E; Fig. 15D is a cross-sectional elevation of the inner drum shown in Fig. 15A taken along line 15D-15D of FIG. 15E; Fig. 15E is a cross-sectional elevation of the inner drum shown in Fig. 15A; Fig. 15F is a cross-sectional elevational view of the inner drum shown in Fig. 15A taken along line 15F-15F in fig. 15E; Fig. 15G is a perspective elevation of an outer drum in the turntable; Fig. 15H is a side view in cross section of a part of the apparatus shown in fig. IA; Fig. 16A is a perspective elevation of a pressure pipe assembly in the apparatus shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 16B is a side view, partially in cross section, of the pressure tube assembly shown in Fig. 16A; Fig. 17A is a side view of an access platform in the apparatus shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 17B is a front view, fig. 17C is a front perspective view, FIG. 17D is a rear perspective elevation, fig. 17E is a plan view from below, and FIG. 17F is a top plan view of the access platform shown in FIG. 17A; Fig. 17G and 17H are side views of the access platform in Fig. 17A connected to the top-driven rotary system shown in FIG. IA in a first and a second position, respectively; Fig. 171 is a perspective elevation of a protective element shown in fig. 17A and shows the front side of the protective element; Fig. 17J is a perspective elevation of the protective element shown in fig. 171 and shows the back of the protective element; Fig. 18A is a perspective elevational view of a motor dam for use with the motor in the top drive rotary system shown in Fig. IA; 18B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the motor dam shown in FIG. 18A; Fig. 19A is a perspective elevational view of a sling for use with the apparatus shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 19B is a cross-sectional elevation of the loop shown in Fig. 19A; Fig. 20A is a perspective elevation of a sling for use with the apparatus shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 20B is a cross-sectional elevation of the loop shown in Fig. 20A; Fig. 21 is a plan view of a wear sleeve lock guide for use with the apparatus shown in fig. IA, top view; Fig. 22 is an elevation in cross-section of the wear sleeve lock guide shown in fig. 21; Fig. 23A is a side view of a coupling device for use in suspending the apparatus shown in fig. 1; Fig. 23B is a cross-sectional elevational view of the coupling shown in Fig. 23B. 23A; Fig. 23C is a perspective elevational view of a coupling device in connection with the apparatus shown in fig. 23A; Fig. 23D is a perspective elevation of a portion of the coupling shown in fig. 23A; Fig. 23E is a cross-sectional side view of the part of the running coupling apparatus shown in fig. 23D; Fig. 23F is a cross-sectional front (or rear) elevation of the part of the coupling apparatus shown in Fig. 23D; Fig. 23G is a plan view, from below, of the portion of the coupling apparatus shown in Fig. 23D; Fig. 23H is a perspective elevation of the part of the coupling device shown in fig. 23D, showing the underside of the part; Fig. 24A is a perspective elevation of a spacer plate in the apparatus shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 24B is a cross-sectional elevational view of the spacer plate shown in Fig. 24A; Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the spacer plate shown in fig. 24A and shows the underside of the spacer plate; Figs. 26A and 26B are perspective elevations of a connector for use with a system as shown in Figs. IA; Fig. 26C is a side view and Fig. 26D is a front view of the connector shown in Fig. 26A; Fig. 26E is a plan view from above, and Fig. 26F is a plan view from below of the joint shown in Fig. 26A; Figs. 27A to 27C are side views of a part of the apparatus shown in Figs. IA and indicates steps in an operation; Fig. 27D to 27F are cross-sectional plane views of the parts of the apparatus shown in Fig. 27A to 27C, seen from above, and indicate the steps in the method shown in fig. 27A to 27C; Figs. 28A and 28B are perspective elevations of a building for use with the apparatus shown in Figs. IA; Fig. 28C is an end view of the building shown in Fig. 28A, where doors in the building open; Fig. 28D is a plan view of the building shown in Fig. 28A, top view, where a roof of the building has been removed; Fig. 28E is a perspective elevation of a transport frame for use with the building shown in Fig. 28A; Fig. 29A is a perspective elevation of a protective element for use in the apparatus as shown in fig. IA, showing a front and a first side of the protective element; Fig. 29B is a perspective elevation of the protective element shown in Fig. 29A and shows the rear part and the first side of the protective element; Fig. 29C is a perspective elevation of the protective element shown in Fig. 29A and shows the rear part and a second side of the protective element; Fig. 29D is a plan view of the protective element shown in Fig. 29A taken from the first side of the protective element; Fig. 29E is a plan view of the protective element shown in Fig. 29A taken from the rear of the protective element; Fig. 29F is a plan view of the protective element shown in Fig. 29A taken from the other side of the protective element; Fig. 29G is a plan view of the protective element shown in Fig. 29A, top view; Fig. 29H is a plan view of the protective element shown in Fig. 29A, bottom view; Fig. 30A is a perspective elevation of a protective element for use in the apparatus shown in fig. IA and showing a front and a first page; Fig. 30B is a perspective elevation of the protective element shown in fig. 30A and shows the front and a second side of the protective element; Fig. 30C is a perspective elevation of the protective element shown in Fig. 30A showing the first and second sides and the back of the front of the protective element; Fig. 30D is a plan view of the protective element shown in Fig. 30A, taken from the first side of the protective element; Fig. 30E is a plan view of the protective element shown in Fig. 30A, taken from the back of the protective element; Fig. 30F is a plan view of the protective element shown in Fig. 30A, taken from the other side of the protective element; Fig. 30G is a plan view of the protective element shown in Fig. 30A, top view; Fig. 30H is a plan view of the protective element shown in fig. 30A, bottom view; Fig. 31A is a top plan view of the top-driven rotary system shown in Fig. IA and a reaction frame in a first function step; Fig. 31B is a top plan view of the top drive rotation system shown in Fig. IA and the reaction frame shown in fig. 31A in a second functional step; Fig. 31C is a side view of a portion of the reaction frame shown in Fig. 31A; Fig. 31D is a perspective elevational view of a rack/support for use with the top drive rotation system shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 31E is a perspective elevation of a portion of the reaction frame shown in Fig. 31A; Fig. 31F is a perspective elevation of a portion of the reaction frame shown in Fig. 31C showing the rear portion of the part; Fig. 31G is a perspective elevation of the portion of the reaction frame shown in Fig. 31F showing the front of the part; Fig. 31H is a perspective elevation of part of the reaction frame shown in fig. 31C; Fig. 32A is a front view of a portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2A, shown in a first position; Fig. 32B is a front view of the portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 32A, shown in a second position; Fig. 32C is a side view of the portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 32B; Fig. 32D is a perspective elevation of a portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 32A; Fig. 32E is a perspective elevation of a portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 32A; Fig. 33A is a top plan view of a seal assembly for use in the apparatus shown in Fig. IA; Fig. 33B is a cross-sectional side view of the seal assembly shown in Fig. 33A; Fig. 33C is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the seal assembly shown in Fig. 33B; Fig. 34A is a front view of a seal assembly, with some parts hidden; Fig. 34B is an enlarged view of a portion of the seal assembly shown in Fig. 34A; Fig. 35A is a side view of a connector for use in the apparatus shown in Fig. IA in a first use position; Fig. 35B is a front view of the connector shown in Fig. 35A; Fig. 35C is a front view of the connector shown in Fig. 35A in a second use position; Fig. 35D is a plan view of the connector shown in Fig. 35A, top view; Fig. 35E is a perspective elevation of the connector shown in Fig. 35A in a first use position; Fig. 35F is a perspective elevation of the connector shown in Fig. 35A in a second position of use; and

Fig. 35G is a plan view, from below, of the connector shown in Fig. 35A.

Figs. 1A to 1D show an apparatus which is generally indicated by the reference numeral 10.

The device 10 has a swivel body 12 which is suspended on connecting link 14 in a strap 16. The strap 16 is connected to a running block, or a coupling device of the type shown in fig. 23 could be used to suspend the top-driven rotation system from a part of a derrick in which the apparatus in use is located. A gear system 20 is mounted on a spacer plate 22 carried by the swivel body 12. The apparatus is optionally dehumidified with a dehumidification system (not shown ).

A hollow bore AC permanent magnet motor 30 is coupled to the gear system 20. Any suitable permanent magnet motor may be used; for example, but not limited to a commercially available hollow bore AC permanent magnet motor, Model TERA TORQ™ from Comprehensive Power Ltd., Boston, Massachusetts (which motor is supplied with a control system and which has associated computer system software and controls; and which can be programmed so that the motor itself can serve as a brake). A brake system 40 connected to the motor 30 is located inside or is covered or protected by a casing 44, through which extends a gooseneck 46 which is connected to a drive pipe hose 7 which forms part of an operating loop 48. Drilling fluid flows through the drive pipe hose 7 in certain stages of use. An extender mechanism 98 provides substantially horizontal displacement of a top-driven rotary system 1 (see Figs. 2C, 2D, 2E). The emergency braking system 40 can work either selectively or automatically, e.g. does the drill have an emergency brake button on a drill panel 141.

Reference is made to fig. 1C and 1H, wherein the motor 30 has a knurled output shaft 32 drivingly engaged with a knurled portion 26 of the gear system 20 having a knurled portion 224 engaging a knurled portion 52 on a hollow shaft 50. A flange 54 on the hollow shaft 50 carries string load weight and rotates on a main bearing system 56 in the swivel body 12. The hollow shaft 50 extends through the motor 30, the gear system 20, the spacer plate 22, the swivel body 12, a locking mechanism 60, a load collar 70, and a rotary seal 80. A lower end 58 of the hollow shaft 50 is threadedly connected to a mud saver device 90 which is in turn connected to a wear piece 92. A clamping device 100 which is to selectively grip or clamp fixed pipe is suspended in a load collar 70 which is attached to a static part in the top-driven rotation system 1. Brackets 72 suspend a pipe clamp 74 in the load collar 70. Keys 395 in keyways 396 (see Fig. II) releasably connect the end of the hollow shaft 50 to a coupling lock element 340 (f ig. 11A) as described below, to ensure that a connection between the hollow shaft 50 and the mud saving device 90 is maintained.

A compensating system 110 which can support the weight of the entire top-driven rotation system 1 and associated pipes to be inserted into the pipe string (stabbed) during pipe jointing, includes two load compensators 112 each having an upper end connected to a connecting link 14 and a lower end connected to the swivel body 12. The lower ends of the connecting links 14 have elongate openings 14c which are sized and configured to allow a range of movement in a vertical plane (eg, about 15 cm (6 inches)) with respect to pins 13 holding the connecting links 14 in the swivel body 12 The load compensator cylinders 112 may be hydraulic and preferably include an accumulator 116 which allows the pipe joint to be load balanced to offset the load of the top driven rotary system and the pipe or length of pipe to be inserted, to facilitate insertion into a female threaded portion of a pipe in a string held in a holding clave (spider) in the rigging deck. The weight is preferably equalized and the chances of the threads on the male part of the pipe to be inserted colliding with the threads in the female part being inserted are minimised. When the swivel body 12 carries the brakes, the motor, the gear system and the casing, compensation can thus be carried out. Retaining plates 399 attached to the swivel body 12 with bolts 399a releasably hold the pins 13 in place in recesses 12b (ie the pins 13 do not occupy the entire space inside the connecting joint openings). Each load compensator 112 includes a piston-cylinder assembly 114. The cylinders are balanced using charged accumulators 116 located on the connecting links.

A movable hoop apparatus 120 provides selective tilting of the hoops 72 and thus selective movement of the pipe clamp 74 and movement of a pipe or length of pipe supported by the pipe clamp 74 to and away from a borehole centerline. A shaft 120a passes through the load collar 70 and the hoops 72 (see Fig. 71). Brace holders 404 hold the braces 72 on the load collar 70 (Fig. 8A). The displaceable hoop apparatus 120 has hydraulic cylinders 128 pivotally connected between ears 128a on the load collar 70 and arms 122. Each coupling 124 is pivotally connected to a lower end of an arm 122 and to a clamp 126 which is clamped on a hoop 72. Optionally, it extends roll pins 127 through the clamps 126 to make it easier to move the hoops 72 inside the clamps 126.

There are protective elements 73 and 390 on the sides of an access platform 130 (see also Figs. 29A-29H and 30A-30H). The access platform 130 is releasably connected at its top to a rear guard member 454 and is pivotable at its lower portion to the guard members so that it can pivot and be lowered to provide a platform on which personnel can stand to gain access to various components on the rear protection element. The access platform 130 can optionally have a recessed part 132 which should make it easier to place pipes on it, and which should make it easier to

move pipes on the outside of the access platform 130.

The top-driven rotation system 1 may be displaceably mounted on a beam 82 (or "torque tube"). Horizontal displacement is provided by the extender mechanism 98 which includes a torque bushing 98a. The extension mechanism 98 with the top-driven rotation system 1 connected thereto is vertically displaceable on the beam 82. The motor is optionally a four-quadrant drive, so that it can be used to regenerate power. Fig. 1J to IM shows load sleeve 170 with four continuous channels 170a. These channels extend to a lower end of the load sleeve 170. At the bottom, each of the four channels is in fluid connection with corresponding channels in a pivot 80 (see, for example, Fig. 15A). The pivot top 80 is connected to the lower end of the load sleeve 170. Via the fluid channels in the load sleeve and the corresponding channels in the pivot top 80, hydraulic fluid provides negative pressure power and/or lubrication to devices below the pivot top; including e.g. movable hoop apparatus, the clamping of the clamping apparatus 100, the upward/downward displacement of the clamping apparatus 100, the pipe clamp 74 when this is hydraulically driven, and the sludge saving apparatus 90. This fluid also flows via suitable channels to a generator system 240 located at or near the level of a pipe handling apparatus, which described below, which provides electrical power for directional valves that regulate flow in the various channels. In one aspect, the generator system 240 is a mini generator set. The mini generator set is in one aspect hydraulically driven (with pressurized hydraulic fluid or water-glycol mixture). A flange 170c is connected to or is integrally formed with a body 170d. A threaded end 170e engages with corresponding threads in a load nut. The flange 170c is bolted to the pivot body 12. In one aspect, when the displaceable hoop apparatus pipe clamp 74 has received and is holding a pipe or a length of pipe, the cylinder assemblies 128 are under relatively high stress. A directional valve 260 allows fluid to flow from the lines connected to the cylinder assemblies 128 thereby relieving the pressure therein and allows the hoops 72 to displace the block ("float") until it is vertical, see "LINK TILT FLOAT", fig. 3, "link tilt" in fig. 3 refers to the mechanically movable hoops. Fig. IN to 1P shows one embodiment of a swivel body 12. Fig. IN shows one side and end (the other side and end are the same as the side and end shown). The swivel body 12 has two holes 12a for the ends of the connecting links 14 and two holes 12b for the removable pins 13. The holes 12b can have bushings 12e. In one particular aspect, the bushings are 12e phenolic bushings, but they may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, brass, bronze, zinc, aluminum and composite materials. The bushings 12e facilitate the placement and removal of the pins 13, and the bushings 12e are easy to replace. A channel 12c extends through the swivel body 12 and accommodates and holds a main bearing 56. As shown, the pins 13 are stepped with portions 13a, 13b, 13c, and phenolic bushings 13d and 13e can be used with the pins 13 (see also Fig. 4F). Drain port or outlet ports 12s, 12t (plugged with removable plugs) allow the flow of lubricating oil and allow the draining of oil from the system. The port 12t passes lubricating oil through to lubricate a lower hollow shaft stabilizer bearing 57 via access via the load sleeve 170. Fig. IT shows a pin 13p which is usable as a pin 13 in Fig. IR. The pin 13p has a body with a hole 13h leading to a channel 13f for the introduction of air into and through the pin 13p, for example to assist the insertion of the pin 13p into a swivel body and to facilitate the removal of the pin 13p from a swivel body. The pin 13p has a hole 13i which leads to a channel 13g for the introduction of lubricating grease into and through the pin 13p to facilitate its insertion into and removal from a swivel body. Fig. IT shows a pin 13p which is applicable as a pin 13 in fig. IR. The pin 13p has a body with a hole 13h leading to a channel 13f for the introduction of air into and through the pin 13p, for example to assist the insertion of the pin 13p into a swivel body and to facilitate the removal of the pin 13p from a swivel body. The pin 13p has a hole 13i which leads to a channel 13g for the introduction of lubricating grease into and through the pin 13p to facilitate its introduction into and removal from a swivel body.

The holes 12a can be circular, but are shown as rectangular to prevent turning of the connecting links 14 in the holes. The holes may be of any suitable shape to prevent rotation of the connecting links.

Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate one installation of the apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention in a derrick 140. The driven rotation system 1 is suspended in a coupling device 18 which is suspended in the derrick 140 in a typical manner. Although it is within the scope of the present invention to use a normal block and hook for attaching a normal strap, the coupling device 18 can do without the normal swivel block. As shown in fig. 2A, the pipe clamp 74 carries a length of pipe 142 that includes two pieces of drill pipe 143. The pipe length 142 has been moved from a tower platform 145 with multiple bolted lengths 149 to a position aligned axially in line with a borehole 147. A pipe coupling sleeve (mousehole) 144 may be used. for example to make lengths of pipe. A driller controls drilling from a drill panel 141. The system optionally includes an emergency braking system and/or an emergency stop device, either or both of which are optionally controllable from the panel 141. In one aspect, if power to the system is lost, a valve (in the system of FIG. 171; see "SHUT-OFF VALVE", fig. 3) and pressure in a corresponding accumulator is released and thus closes the system brakes.

Fig. 2G schematically shows a top drive rotation system 10a in accordance with the present invention (which may be any top drive rotation system in accordance with the present invention as described herein, but without a coupling device in accordance with the present invention) with a runner block T, hook H and strap B (each of which may be a suitable known block, hook and/or strap respectively).

The flange 54 of the hollow shaft 50 abuts the main bearing 56, an axial bearing, for example a flat V-type axial bearing, which has multiple tapered rollers 57. The upper surface of the flange 54 abuts an upper axial bearing 59 which is placed in a suitable recess 24 in the spacer plate 22 (see for example fig. 1C, ID, 1G, 1H). The hollow shaft 50 has an upper portion 51 which is in fluid communication with the gooseneck 46 via a pressure tube 374. In one particular aspect, the main bearing 56 is a V-type thrust bearing which accommodates eccentricity, if any, in the hollow shaft 50 and is self-cleaning.

The swivel body 12 and associated structures provide dual load paths (desirable to reduce the need for maintenance). Drilling loads through the hollow shaft 50 pass through the main bearing 56, through the swivel body 12, to the connecting links 14, to the strap 16 and then to the coupling device 18. Entry/exit loads (or "string loads" applied to the system of pipes carried by the device) are applied to the hoops 72 through the tube collar 74, then on to the load collar 70 and the load sleeve 170, to the swivel body 12, to the connecting links 14 and to the strap 16. This double load path allows for rotation of the clamping device 100 whether the hollow shaft 50 rotates or not. The entry/exit loads are not applied to the hollow shaft 50, but are transferred via the entry/exit load path around the hollow shaft 50 through the swivel body 12 and the connecting links 14. In certain aspects, the gear system and the motor are not subjected to loads (eg, the drill string load). When scaling up the system (for example from a 150 tonne unit to a 1500 tonne unit) the swivel housing (body) is thus scaled up to make room for a larger load, while an identical gear system (which is not located in the swivel housing) and motor is used .

In one particular aspect, the permanent magnet motor 30 is a Model 2600 TERA TORQ™ motor commercially available from Comprehensive Power Ltd., which is a liquid-cooled, hollow-bore AC permanent magnet motor generating 700 hp and operating at a maximum speed of 2400 rpm. The motor has thrust bearings and a knurled output shaft and is designed to hold drill string torque at full stop (stall)

(at "full stop" the engine's rpm is zero) or while it is used for jolting (jarring)

(for example, when using shock loads for various purposes). A central hollow bore 30a extends through the motor 30 from top to bottom, via which fluid, for example drilling fluid, can flow through the motor. In one particular aspect, such a motor is provided with a variable frequency drive control system (in one aspect, drive system 531, Fig. 28D) which is a liquid-cooled modular electronic unit with modules that can be replaced in about five minutes. Such a system can convert generator horsepower with over 90% efficiency and can operate at temperatures of -40°C to 60°C and at high (eg up to 100%) humidity.

In one particular aspect, the gear system 20 includes a single gear planetary gear reduction system with gear combinations that provide a ratio of 9.25:1 (or a ratio of 12:1) and with a liquid cooled transmission that has full lubrication down to 0 rpm. The system has a splined input shaft 26 that engages the engine's splined output shaft 32 to transmit power to the hollow shaft 50.

The compensator system 110 allows for a soft lowering of a pipe when the top driven rotary system is lowered to insert the pipe into a coupling.

In one particular aspect, the mud saver 90 is a commercially available two ball internal blowout protection system from R Folk Ventures of Calgary, Canada, which has two internal blowout protections and is designed for

103,421 kPa (15,000 psi). An upper valve is actuated hydraulically by an actuator mounted on the valve, and a lower valve is opened and closed manually. Alternatively, a Hi-Kaliber mud saver (commercially available) can be used in place of this mud saver. Fig. 4A to 4F show i.a. the coupling of the motor 30 and the gear system 20 and the respective positions of these elements, the casing 44, the brake system 40, the spacer plate 22, the swivel body 12, the hollow shaft 50, and the load sleeve 170. Within the lower part of the casing 44 there are three harpsichord disc brakes 180 (e.g. commercially available systems) acting on a brake disc 183 (see Fig. 10B) which is attached to a brake hub 41 (see Fig. 10A) attached to the motor 30. Intermediate elements preload the bearing 59, a preload which, due to a shoulder construction on the spacer plate 22, does not need set again. Fig. 4D shows a gear system 20 having a housing 480, from which extends a level glass device 481 for controlling fluid level in the system 20, which includes a vent device 482 that allows atmospheric pressure above the lubrication system to contribute to downward gravity flow. The level glass apparatus 481 may be located at any suitable desired level (eg, but not limited to, emerging from a spacer plate 22 on top of the transmission). A knurled input shaft 26 is drivingly engaged with a corresponding knurled output shaft 32 in the motor 30. A first sun gear 483 rotates, e.g. at 2400 rpm, and three planetary gears 484 on spindles 485a on an upper carrier 485 rotate around the first sun gear 483. Five lower planet gears 486 rotatably mounted on spindles 487a on a lower carrier 487 revolve around a second sun gear 488. An output knurling 489 drivingly engages the knurled portion 52 in the hollow shaft. In one aspect, the output rifling rotates at 259 rpm when the first sun gear 483 rotates at 2400 rpm. An optional seal 491 seals an interface between the gear system 20 and the motor 30. Bolts through holes 492 connect the system 20 to the spacer plate 22. The first sun gear 483, driven by the motor 30, drives the planet gears 484 which drive the upper carrier 485, which rotates the second sun gear 488, which drives the five lower planet gears 486, which drives the lower carrier 487, which drives the output spline 489. The output spline 489 rests on bearings 493. Magnetic plugs 494 (one shown) collect metal debris. An upper bearing 495 is lubricated via a port 496, and an upper mechanical seal 497 (which prevents oil from moving up into the motor 3D) is located in an upper member 498 which is connected to and is rotatable with the sun gear 483 Bolts in bolt holes 499 (one shown; twenty-four bolts used in one aspect) connect the gear system 20 to the motor 30. An oil path 501 allows oil to lubricate the planetary gears and their bearings. The gear system can be a 3-stage/2-gear system, or as shown, a 2-stage/1-gear system.

The locking mechanism 60, described in detail below with reference to fig. 7A to 7E, the bolt is below the swivel body 12, supported on the load collar 70, and provides releasable locking of the clamping device 100 in a desired position. In one particular aspect, the clamping device 100 may be operative all the way around, 360°, in both directions at approximately 4 rpm. In one particular aspect, the clamping apparatus 100 is driven by four low-speed, high-torque motors 190, which are mounted on a displaceable toothed locking plate 191 that is suspended via two hydraulic cylinders 192 that selectively move the locking plate 191 up and down (for example, in one aspect with a range of motion of approximately 4.5 cm (1.75 inches) to bring a rotary pinion 193 into and out of mesh, its rotation via pinions 69 located in pinion recesses 69c (driven by the motors 190) resulting in a rotation of the clamping device 100. Shafts from the motors 190 are located in channels 69d in the pinions 69. The rotation gear 193 is bolted to the top of a gear collar 194 which in turn is bolted on top of the load collar 70. A lock guide 62 (fig. 7D) bolted in and below the swivel body 12, has a knurled portion 63 which is always in mating engagement with a corresponding knurled part 195 in the locking plate 191, so that lowering the locking plate 191 results in rotational the gear 193 is brought into engagement with the locking plate 191, and thus the clamping device 100 is locked, which prevents it from rotating when the hydraulic cylinders 192 have brought the locking plate 191 down, so that its inner teeth 196 engage with teeth 197 on the rotary gear 193. The pinions 69 (fig. 7F) is in contact with the rotary gear 193 whether the clamping device 100 is locked or not, and rotation of the pinions 69 via the motors 190 results in rotation of the clamping device 100. Fig. 7A shows the lock engaged in a locked position, i.e. the clamping device 100 cannot rotate. When the locking mechanism 60 is unlocked, the pinions 69, which are rotated by the motors 190, turn the rotary gear 193, for example to reposition the clamping device 100 or the pipe clamp 74. In the locked position, the hollow shaft 50 can still rotate, but the clamping device 100 cannot. The teeth 194 can, to make it easier to engage the teeth, optionally have tapered inlet portions 195a, and the teeth 197 can have tapered inlet portions 197a. These profiles ensure synchronization between the gear 196 and the rotation gear 193. The gear 196 has teeth over most of its circumference, which provides more structure and more strength to hold the clamping device 100 and the movable hoop device 120 and prevent rotation of the clamping device 100 in a locked position. Cups 69a hold the pinions 69 in recesses 69c. The lock guide 62 has four ports 62q to 62t, each of which is aligned with a channel 170a in the load sleeve 170, so that hydraulic fluid from the upper hydraulic manifold 452 can flow to and through the load sleeve 170 to the pivot 80. Suitable hoses and/or pipes lead fluid from the upper hydraulic manifold 452 to the lock guide ports 62q to 62t.

The gear collar 194 (fig. 5A, 5B) is bolted on top of the load collar 70 with bolts 194a. Grease for lubrication of the lock guide 62 and the load collar bearing 67 is fed into grease ports 194d. When the locking plate 191 has been brought down to engage the rotary gear 193 to prevent rotation of the clamping device 100 and pipe clamp 74, the hollow shaft 50 can still rotate. The hydraulic cylinders 192 may optionally have springs and/or spring washers 198 to provide a fail-safe lock, for example when there is a loss of power to the hydraulic cylinders 192. Depending on the size, configuration and arrangement of the teeth that engage each other , the clamping device 100 can be locked in desired circumferential steps (incremental). In one particular aspect, for example with components as shown in FIG. 7A to 7E, the clamping device 100 can be locked every 4 degrees. Such a range of motion - all around, 360° degrees - allows the lower pipe handling equipment to twist pipes together. In one aspect (see Figs. 5E, 5F), the load collar 70 and the gear collar 194 are a single undivided piece 194p (for example, made by casting).

A pivot 80 supplies hydraulic power to the rotatable clamping device 100. This hydraulic power drives a generator 240 mounted in a lower electrical junction box 250 and valves 260 (see, eg, Fig. 8A). In one aspect, the generator 240 is a mini generator, such as, but not limited to, a commercially available mini generator set from Comprehensive Power Ltd. in Boston, Massachusetts. In one aspect, the junction box 250 is a junction box rated for zone 0. The generator 240 supplies electrical power to directional valves 260 on the lower hydraulic manifold 400 mounted on an upper leg of the clamping apparatus 100. The generator 240 is powered by hydraulic fluid from the turntable which drives the generator. The clamping device 100 also optionally includes digital signal processor board systems 256a, 256b, 256c (lower electrical junction box 250), 256d, each with its own RF antenna. A digital signal processing (DSP) system 256a (shown schematically in Fig. 2A) is located in the drill panel 141; a DSP system 256b is located on the rear protection element 454 of the upper electrical box 450; and a DSP system is located in the lower electrical junction box 250 on a lower leg of the clamping device 100; and/or a DSP system 256d in the building 160. These DSP systems provide communication between top drive rotation system components [e.g. the mud saving device 90, the extension mechanism 98, the motor 30, the clamping device 100, the pipe clamp 74 (when this is motor driven), the brake system 40, the locking system 60] and the drill; and in one aspect with personnel in building 160.

Fig. 8A to 8C and 8W to 8Z illustrate one embodiment of the clamping device 100 for selective clamping of pipes, e.g. pipe or casing. The upper ends of the outer legs 285 of the clamping device 100 are connected to coupling structures 194b and 194c on the gear collar 194 with pins 285a and with pins 285b to coupling structures 70a on the load collar 70; and the lower ends of the inner legs 283 are bolted to a body 284 (including housing 293). The inner leg 283 and the outer leg 285 are made of square elements which may be of steel or a plastic or composite material. The square cross-section facilitates the transmission of torque when

pipe joints are spun and tightened with the clamping device. Bolts 283a bolt plates 284a and ends of legs 283 to housings 293. Each leg has two parts, an inner (lower) part 283 and an outer (upper) part 285. The inner parts 283 move inside the outer parts 285 to providing a telescoping motion that allows upward and downward displacement

of the clamping device 100 (e.g. in one aspect with a range of motion

up/down of 72 cm (28.5")). A spring or springs 286 inside each leg is supported on a spring holder 289 so that when

loosening a coupling, the springs compensate for the thread travel; and when a connection is made, the vacuum in assemblies 282 compensates for the upward travel of the threads. In one particular aspect (see Fig. 8C), stacks of Belleville spring rings 286 in each leg are mounted on rods 289a in the spring holder 289 which is connected to the inner leg.

The body 284 has two mutually opposite halves 288, 289 which are attached to each other with removable pins 291, so that the body 284 can be opened from one side or the other, the construction on the unopened side serving as a hinge. Also, both halves can be detached (upon removal of pins 291), allowing the legs to be moved apart (after removal of pins 285b), thereby allowing access to elements on the legs (e.g., the lower electrical junction box 250 and the lower hydraulic manifold 400) and to other components in the device. In certain aspects, the two halves are identical, which makes replacement easier and minimizes the necessary inventory. Each inner leg has a piston-cylinder assembly 282 that receives hydraulic power fluid via an inlet 282c from the lower hydraulic manifold 400. Each assembly 282 has a hollow cylinder 282a and an extendable rod 282b that provides the range of motion for the legs. Fig. 8W to 8Y show various positions of the clamping device 100.

A pair of jaws 280 in the clamping apparatus 100 (see Figs. 8G to 8Q) are provided to selectively and releasably clamp a tube. Each jaw 280 has a piston 281 which is displaceably located in a liner 292 in a housing 293. Each housing 293 has a plurality of ears 294 with through holes 295 for receiving the pins 291. Connected to each piston 281 with bolts 299c (in holes 299d in the pistons 281) there is a tray holder 297 with recesses 298 which is to releasably receive and hold tray sockets 299 with trays 301. In one aspect, the liner 292 is made of steel or other suitably hard material, and it is replaceable. Grease is supplied through grease nipples 299a (one shown), and pins 299b (one shown) limit rotation of the tray holders 297. Gear collar 194 is connected to legs 285 with couplings 285g, load collar is connected to legs 285 with couplings 2851. It is optional provided one or more grooves on the inner surface of the housing 293 for seals to seal the interface between the housing 293 and the liner 292, instead of or in addition to the grooves to carry seals on the liner 292 (see Fig. 8M).

Hydraulic fluid underpressure from the pivot 80, supplied from the lower hydraulic manifold 400 at a rear portion 302 of each piston 281, flows into a "close" port ("CLOSE" port) 304 for clamping a tube. To release a pipe, hydraulic fluid is supplied to an "open" port ("OPEN" port) 306. Dotted lines 687 indicate the lines between the pivot 80 and the lower hydraulic manifold 400. One of the lines 687 may be a spare line that has been plugged until there is a need for it. Power cables 688 conduct electrical current to the lower electrical junction box 250. Junction boxes may be used as connections. This fluid pushes against a piston opening surface 307 to displace the piston 281 and its associated ground apparatus away from a tube, resulting in the tube being unclamped and released. Fluid flows into (or out of) the ports 304, 306 and fills up behind the pistons which are to be clamped against a pipe or other element. As fluid flows in through one port, fluid flows out through the other. Furthermore, in one aspect, fluid flows to (and from) both pistons simultaneously for balanced clamping and release. Directional valves 260 in the lower hydraulic manifold 400 control flow to and from the ports 304, 306. A recess 285m receives and holds a corresponding projection member (not shown) on the mud saver 90 to ensure that the mud saver 90 rotates together with the clamping device 100.

In one aspect, the clamping device 100 develops sufficient torque to loosen connections involving the hollow shaft 50 and the mud saver 90 and a wear piece 290; and to tighten/loosen tubular connections between wear piece 290 and pipe. In one particular aspect, a clamping device 100 as shown in FIG. 1C and 8A a downward thread feed of approximately 15 cm (6") against the springs 286; an area of upward movement of approximately 18 cm (7") against a hydraulic cylinder vacuum in the cylinders 282; and a walking area up and down when it is not fastened, of approx. 72 cm (28.5"). By using two spaced legs instead of a single support to support the clamping device 100, relatively thinner legs can be used to allow for the same amount of torque as a single leg support according to the prior art technique, and with the present invention, twisting is prevented and reduced compared to a single leg support (for example, in certain aspects, a single leg in a single leg system according to the prior art is more than twice the thickness of each of the two legs described herein) , but the two legs are sufficient to handle the tightening/unscrewing torques produced (for example, up to 81,300 Nm (60,000 ft. Ibs) in some designs). Providing relatively thinner legs also means that the total area taken up of the clamping device 100, is reduced, thus allowing the clamping device 100 during rotation to require a smaller, constricted space to work in. By withdrawing both pins 290, the gripping system half elers are separated and moved apart. The range of clamping device up/down displacement with corresponding clamping locations allows the clamping device 100 to clamp onto the mud saver device 90, or the wear piece 290 to assist in unscrewing the connection between the hollow shaft and the mud saver system, the connection between the mud saver and the wear piece, or a connection between a pipe and the wear piece.

In one particular aspect, a clamping device 100 as shown in fig. 1C and 8A with a tray holder 297 approximately 3 cm (1.25 inches) wide and trays 301 measuring 15 cm (5 3/4") long x 1.6 cm (5/8") thick handle a range of pipes between 9 cm (3.5") (for example, pipe fittings) and 24 cm (9.5") (for example, collars). In one particular aspect, the ground sockets 299 are swivel sockets which facilitate the system's ability to accommodate a range of pipe diameters; but it is within the scope of this invention to use ground mounts that are not floating Ifatn inge r.

A conduit 310 is connected to the bottom of the body 284. In one aspect, the conduit 310 includes two halves 311 (see Figs. 8R, 8S) with tapered surfaces 312 to facilitate tube insertion into the clamping apparatus 100. Pins 313a through holes 313 in the halves 311 and through holes 316 in ears 315 on the housings 293 releasably attach the halves 311 to the housings 293. Safety chains 316, which are releasably connected to couplings 317 on the housings 293 and to couplings 317a on the body 284, prevent the clamping device 100 from falling if it were to be accidentally released from the legs , nipped in, pulled in or pulled up with the top-driven rotation system. The legs 283, 284 can be connected to each other by chain at connections 283d, 285d. Safety chains 314a attach the upper leg parts to the lower leg parts.

It is within the scope of this invention that the legs 282 have a circular cross-sectional shape. In one aspect, as shown in FIG. 8A to 8F, the inner legs 283 have a rectangular cross-sectional shape 322 which prevents them from rotating within correspondingly designed openings 321 in the outer legs 285. This zero-rotation feature is desirable because it prevents twisting of the legs and thus twisting of the clamping device 100. It is within the framework of the present invention to achieve this zero rotation function with legs with a non-circular cross-section, for example inner legs with non-circular shapes 323-329 as illustrated in fig. 8T.

Fig. 9A shows the braces 72 which suspend the pipe clamp 74 below the clamping device 100. The displaceable brace device known as a link tilt system 120 is not activated. As shown in fig. 9B, the displaceable hoop apparatus 120 is activated by hydraulic fluid from a pivot 230 being supplied to the piston-cylinder assemblies 128 to extend the piston 121 which moves the arms 122 to displace the hoops 72 and pipe clamp 74 away from the clamping apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. fig. 9C, the piston 121 is retracted, resulting in the arms 122 displacing the hoops 72 and pipe clamp 74 in a direction opposite to the direction of movement shown in FIG. 9B. Roller pins 127 within the clamps 126 facilitate joint movement with respect to the clamps 126. In one particular aspect, such a two-way joint tilting system can be tilted in one direction against a V-door on a rig to more easily receive a length of pipe from a tower platform , and in the other direction towards the rig, whereby the pipe clamp is moved out of the way of a drill string and a top-driven rotation system to allow drilling down closer to a rig deck since the pipe clamp is moved out of the way. In one particular aspect, the link tilting system 120 can move the hoops 72 and pipe clamp 74 thirty degrees toward the V-door, and in the other direction fifty degrees toward the derrick. The hoops 72 and the arms 122 are on the outside of the clamping device 100, and the hoops 72 are preferably arranged on the sides, and the legs 285 are arranged at right angles to this front and back.

Figs. 8A and 11A to 11F show a pair of coupling lock members 340. Corresponding pairs of coupling lock members (similar to members 340) have corresponding teeth 341 which engage to lock together: the hollow shaft 50 and the mud saver 90; and the mud saver 90 and the wear piece 290. Keys 395 on the hollow shaft 50, keys 395a on the mud saver 90, and keys 395b on the wear piece 290 are received and held in corresponding keyways 344 in the coupling lock members 340 (keys marked "K" in Fig. 11F). The clutch lock members 340 are attached with set screws 402 extending through holes 342. Clips 401 are clamped around the hollow shaft 50, the mud saver 90, and the wear piece 290 (see Fig. 8A and Figs. 11E, 11F) to hold the clutch lock members in place with wedges in their respective keyways. Use of the coupling locking elements 340 provides a positive releasable locking of the hollow shaft 50 to the mud saver 90 and of the mud saver 90 to the wear piece 290, so that the top-driven rotation system cannot unscrew the mud saver 90 from the hollow shaft 50 or the mud saver 90 from the wear piece 290. pipe joints are screwed on and off with the system 10 without the mud saver device 90 being separated from the wear piece, and without the hollow shaft 50 being separated from the mud saver device 90.

Optionally, a coupling device 18 is used in the apparatus 10 (see Figs. 23A-23G - used instead of a strap 16 as in Fig. IA, and a running block-hook combination, for example as in Fig. 2G) as in one particular execution only amounts to an addition of 43 cm

(17 in.) in appliance height, eliminating the need for a standard block-hook combination that can be over 2.7 m (9' tall). Pin holes 303a in a strap 303 can be aligned with pin holes 420a (four of which are equally spaced in the block 420) in a block 420 to allow selective placement of the strap 303 with respect to the block 420. This allows selective orientation as can be advantageous for example on some smaller rigs with crown wheels oriented differently than those on other rigs. The coupling device 18 comprises a plurality of pulleys 420. It is within the scope of the present invention to use any number of strap and block pin holes to provide any number of positions. The strap 303 has ears 305, 307 with holes 305a and 307a respectively, through which pins 309 extend to releasably connect to the corresponding structure in the top-driven rotation system 1. Plates 311 bolted with bolts 313 to the strap 303 hold the pins 309 releasably in place. A shaft 422 in the block 420 is received in a channel 315 in the strap 303. Plates 424, which are bolted to the shaft 422 with bolts 426 and bolted to a bushing or holder 428 with bolts 432, hold the strap 303 on the shaft 422. The channel 315 and the shaft 422 may be threaded for threading the block 420 and the strap 303. Typical lines or cables (not shown) are placed around pulleys 434 which rotate about a shaft 436 in the block 420. The coupling device 18 can be raised and lowered using eyes 442.

In one particular aspect, the height of a system 10 with a coupling device 18 is approximately 5.8 m (19') from the strap neck down to a pipe fitting in a pipe clave using upper connectors that are approximately 2.4 m (96") long , and a hook is used which may be, for example, 3 m (10') long. Using an integrated coupler-strap system in accordance with the present invention, this overall height is approximately 6.25 m (20'6 ").

Using the hollow-bore permanent magnet motor 30, the planetary gear system 20 and a standard swivel-seal assembly mounted on top of the motor 30, a fluid path is provided throughout the top-driven rotary system from the gooseneck 46, down to the wear piece 290 and then to a pipe or length of pipe which is connected to the wear piece 290. In certain aspects, this fluid path is designed for a working pressure of 345 bar (5000 psi) (eg, a fluid path approximately 7.6 cm (3") in diameter from the pressure tube down to the wear piece). the gasket assembly (see Figs. 16A, 16B) includes a conventional pressure tube assembly 370 with a pressure tube 374, unitary gasket 381, 385 and coupling nuts 371, 372 which allow the assembly to be removed as a unit. Figs. 12A through 12C illustrate an optional adapter 350 with a body 351 having internal threads 352 for selective, releasable connection of the transition piece 350 to the lower end of the hollow shaft 50. Upper teeth 353 engage with corresponding teeth in a coupling lock element on the hollow shaft 50. Lower teeth 354 can engage with teeth on a coupling lock element on the mud saver 90 located below a hollow shaft 50. These engagement teeth prevent unwanted disconnection. A threaded end 355 of smaller diameter can thread engage with a correspondingly threaded mud saver. Fig. 13 shows the cover 44 with its lower housing 361 housing the brake system 40, and with an upper plate 362 with a hole 362a for the gooseneck 46. Hatches 363 provide access to the brake devices 180 and allow their removal from within the cover 44.

A load nut 366 is shown in FIG. 14A and 14B. As shown in fig. 1F, the load nut 366 holds the load collar 70 on the load sleeve 170. The load collar 70 rotates on a bearing 367 housed in a recess 368 in the load nut 366. Threads 369 engage with threads 170e on the load sleeve 170 to attach the load nut 366 to the load sleeve 170.

The rotary top 80 as in fig. 1C and fig. 15A to 15H is shown in the bottom of the load sleeve 170, has an inner drum 230 with a body 82 with an upper flange 83 and an outer drum 372 with rotation ears 373 which are received in recesses 374 (see Fig. 8D) in the outer legs 285 in the clamping device 100 to ensure that the pivot 80 rotates with the clamping device 100. A recess 84 in the inner drum 230 provides space for a stabilizing bearing 85 which stabilizes the lower end of the hollow shaft 50. A bearing holder 560 holds the bearing 85 in place. Bolts 561 (eight; one shown) bolt the inner drum 230 to the load sleeve 170. A gap 562 (for example, between 0.75 cm (0.30 in) and 0.25 cm (0.10 in)) between the inner drum 230 and load nut 366 prevent a load from being transferred from the load nut to the inner drum. Bolts 563 prevent load nut 366 from rotating.

The inner drum 230 has three ports (and channels) 230a and lubrication channel port 230a-l which correspond and are aligned with the four channels 170a in the load sleeve 170, and fluid flows down through the channels 170a and into the ports 230a-230d. Three of the channels 230a are in fluid communication with corresponding paths 372a, 372b, 372c in the outer drum 372 and one of the channels 230a-l, a lubrication channel, supplies lubrication to elements below the pivot top 80 (for example the lower hollow shaft stabilization bearing 85). Four seals 372s isolate the paths 372a-c.

The location and operation of the pivot 80 (which rotates with elements such as the clamping device 100 below the pinion drive rotation system gears and engine components rotated by the motors 190) allows for a lower hydraulic manifold 400 with flow regulating directional valves, which also rotates as the motor 190 rotates the clamping device 100 By placing the generator 240 at this level, electrical power to the directional valves is provided by the generator 240. Figures 16A and 16B illustrate the pressure tube assembly 370 which is located at the top of the hollow shaft 50 inside the casing 44. In use, the nut 372 does not rotate and remains stationary with the gooseneck 46 connected to it, allowing fluid to pass through the gooseneck 46 and into a central fluid channel in the nut 372. The nut 371 has a female threaded end for threaded connection to the top of the hollow shaft 50. The nut 371 rotates together with the hollow shaft 50 around the pressure tube 374. Fig. 17A to 1 7H shows the access platform 130 in the top-driven rotation system 1 (see e.g. also fig. IA, IB, ID). When the access platform 130 is released, it is pivotable from a position as shown in fig. 17G to a position as shown in fig. 17H, as it is carried by one or more cables 134. In the position in fig. 17H, a person may stand on the access platform 130 to gain access to the motor 30 and/or elements connected to an internal protection element 135 (shown in Figs. 17H, 171), e.g. elements including elements of a rear protection element 454 including a heat exchanger 455, pump 458, upper electrical junction box 450, expansion accumulators 451, filter 457 for hydraulic fluid, motor 459, pump 458, flow meter 456, upper hydraulic manifold 452 with electrically operated directional valves 453 (one of which is a shut-off valve for shutting off pressurized fluid flow to the rotary seal that is activated by rotating the pipe handling device, so that the rotary seal is not damaged by pressurized fluid). Couplings 136 are bolted to the swivel body 12, and a stabilizer element 137 is connected to a motor flange 30f. Connectors 130a on the access platform 130 are hinged to connectors 136a on the rear protection element 454, for example with one or more pins 130c. Bolts 130b through holes 130d releasably attach the access platform 130 to the top of the rear guard member 454. An optional brace 138 extends across the access platform 130 interior space. Chamfered, tapered, rounded or beveled edges 139a, 139b, 139c, 139d, 139e and/or with a tapered lower part 139d are optionally used to prevent elements from hooking into a part of the access platform 130. The access platform 130 can be lifted using an eye element 130e. Figs. 18A and 18B illustrate a motor dam 31 placed on the motor 30 to prevent drilling mud or other fluid from entering the motor 30.

Two loops, loops 76 and 77, prevent fluid (eg drilling mud) from contacting the brake system 40; fig. 19A and 19B show an upper sling 76 with a recess 76b which will house a lip on the jacket 44, and a groove 76c for an O-ring seal which will seal the interface between the sling and the hollow shaft. Fig. 20A and 20B show a lower sling 77 with an O-ring groove 77a for an O-ring seal which is to seal the interface between the sling and the hollow shaft. These slings prevent drilling fluid from getting on the brake disc. Figs. 21 and 22 show a wear sleeve lock guide 62. This wear sleeve lock guide acts as a bearing on which the rotary gear 193 rotates, and also maintains a desired intermediate shape between the rotary gear 193 and the lock guide 62. In one aspect, the lock guide 62 is made of phenolic material. Fig. 24A, 24B and 25 show the spacer plate 22 with its recess 22a for receiving the bearing 59. The gear system 20 sits in a recess 22b. An extension 22c fits into the channel 12c in the swivel body 12. Through a hole 22d passes lubricating fluid coming from the gear system 20, which flows down into the swivel body 12 and then downwards to lubricate elements below the swivel body 12. From the swivel body 12 this lubricating fluid flows into the load sleeve 170 lubrication path and from there to the rotation seal 80, then to the lower stabilizer bearing 85. A shoulder 22s prevents bearing deflection, for example during impact (jarring), and makes it unnecessary to set the bearing preload again. Fig. 26A and 26E show arms 430 which should make it easier to move the hoops 72. Each arm 430 has a body member 432 with an upper coupling 434 at the top and a lower coupling 435. A slot 436 extends through the body member 432.

A lower part 437 of the arm 430 is placed outward (for example to the right in Fig. 26C) from the upper part of the arm. A hole 438 allows connection to the connector. Holes 439 allow connection to the load collar. This placement in the lower portion 437 facilitates the movement of the connector with respect to system components adjacent to this portion of the connector.

Figs. 27A to 27F illustrate how the clamp 126 in the displaceable hoop apparatus (connector tilting system) 120 can accommodate hoops of different cross-sectional diameters. The clamps 126 have two roller pins 127a, 127b, each with a roller 127d and roller sockets 217c. Holes 127e are offset in each roller socket 127c and thereby provide two positions for the rollers 127d. As shown in fig. 27A and 27D, a hoop A (similar to hoop 72) moves between the rollers 127d and is e.g. approximately 7.3 cm (2 7/8") wide. As shown in Figs. 27B and 27E, with rollers 127d in the same position as rollers 127d in Fig. 27D, space is provided for a hoop B (similar to hoop 72) , for example a hoop B with a width of 8.9 cm (3.5"). As shown in fig. 27C and 27F, the roller sockets 127c have been relocated in holes 127f, whereby the rollers 127d are moved further apart, so that the clamp can accommodate a wider connecting link, e.g. the connecting link C (similar to the hoop 72) which is 11.4 cm (4.5") wide. A grease nipple 127g is provided for each pin 127a, 127b. Each pin 127a, 127b has a threaded end (an upper end as seen in Fig. 27D) which are threadedly engaged in corresponding threads in the roller sockets 127c (upper roller sockets 127c as seen in Figs. 27D, 27E, 27F). Holes in the other roller sockets (the lower ones as seen in Fig. 27D, 27E , 27F) may be unthreaded. In one aspect, stirrups A are 250 ton stirrups; stirrups B are 350 ton stirrups; and stirrup C are 500 ton stirrups. Fig. 3 (3A to 3E) schematically shows a control system 150 with a hydraulic circuit 150a and a cooling circuit 150b (FIG. 3F) for a top-driven rotary system 152 (such as any top-driven rotary system described herein) with a building 160 adjacent to a location of the top-driven rotary system 152. The building 160 houses, among other things, various circuits and controls as explained in detail below For parts of the apparatus described in this document, which uses hydraulic fluid, either a hydraulic fluid or a mixture of water and glycol can be used. Figs. 28A to 28C and 28E show the building 160 on a transport frame 540 in accordance with the present invention, which has four walls 161a to 161d, a floor 161e and a roof 161f (which in one aspect constitutes a typical ISO container). A carrier 169 (see Fig. 28E) with a transport frame 169a with lifting fork pockets 169b is mounted on top of the roof 161f to hold and store the operating loop and/or hoses. There are doors 541 at both ends of the building 160 and there are doors 541a and 541b (optionally vented with vents 541f) on one side. There are windows 541c on one side and ventilation openings 541d, 541e on another side. Pieces 82b of the beam 82 (or "moment rail") are housed inside chambers 162 in the wall 161d. A room 163 inside the building 160 is sufficiently large to accommodate the main components of an apparatus such as the apparatus 10 shown in fig. IA. In certain aspects, building 160 contains a 600 volt panel PL to drive motor starters, variable frequency drive (VFD) controls, transformers (eg 100 kva and 10 kva), and fuses for all 600 volt equipment. There is a 120 volt panel PN and a 24 volt panel PE which supplies 24 volt control current to the drive system for a precharge circuit; and a spare battery BB to keep the control current even when the rig power is lost for control of various elements, e.g. flow meters, flow switches, tank heaters, coils, lights, circulation motor heaters and/or air conditioners, building heaters and/or air conditioners, temperature signal converters, emergency stop devices (ESD), fuses and motor control starting circuits. Panels PL, PN, PE, emergency stop device ESD, and reserve battery BB are shown schematically in fig. 28E.

The building 160 also houses the electric-power generator 530 (example diesel-powered); system 531 for variable frequency operation, which will provide electrical power for the motor 30; a temperature/humidity control system 531a which will regulate temperature and humidity in the system 531 and in a cooling system 532; a hydraulic fluid tank 533; an electrical junction box 534; an optional control system 535; pumps 536 and radiators 537 in the cooling system 532; and furniture and furnishings, such as item 538. An optional vacuum system 688 will remove drilling fluid from the system in the event of a shutdown, so that the fluid will not freeze in the lines. The cooling system (see Fig. 3A) 532 supplies coolant via the operating loop 48 to the gear system 20 in the top drive rotation system 152 and to the swivel body 12. A motor 150c drives a pump 150d which pumps coolant through a filter 150e and a heat exchanger 150f. When the pump 150d is on, the gearbox 150g in the gear system 20 is supplied with full lubrication regardless of speed, for example at 1 rpm or full speed. Coolant (lubricating oil) flows from an upper bearing 150h to the gearbox 150g.

In certain aspects, the beam 82 serves as a "torque pipe" through which torque generated by the top drive rotation system is fed back from the top drive rotation system, to the extender mechanism 98, to the beam 82 and then to the derrick. In one particular aspect, a portion 82a of this beam 82 is used as a transport frame or support on which the top drive rotation system is mounted to facilitate transport of the top drive rotation system; and this portion 82a of the beam 82, with a transport frame portion 82d, is removably housed in the building 160 with the top-driven rotation system in place thereon. In one particular aspect (see Fig. 2F), an upper piece 82f (Fig. 2D) of the beam 82 is adjustable in length to accommodate different derrick conditions. In one aspect, one, some, or all of the pieces are length-adjustable, such as two telescoping pieces 82g, 82h that can be attached with pin(s) through one hole 82j and one hole 82k with a pin (or pins) 82i, at a variety of different lengths depending on which holes are selected; and/or such pieces may be threaded to each other with threads 82m, 82n for length adjustability. Pieces making up the beam 82 may have holes or pockets 82e to receive the fork of a lifting fork.

In one aspect as shown in FIG. 31A through 31H, the top drive rotation system is mounted on a transport frame 620 which can be removably placed in a socket 622 on a reaction frame 600. When mounted, the transport frame 620 (similar to transport frame 82d, FIG. 2A) and the reaction frame 600, with the transport frame 620 connected to the beam 82, remaining in place while the top-driven rotation system is displaceable up and down on the beam 82. In one aspect, the reaction frame 600 is welded to the transport frame 620. Torque generated by the top-driven rotation system is fed back through the transport frame 620, through the reaction frame 600, to and through the beam 82 and then to the derrick 140 (and to other structure connected to the derrick, and/or to foundations or derrick foundations). Reversed torque is thus carried through the transport frame instead of to the derrick structure alone.

The reaction frame 600 has a rear beam 606 with a lifting eye 608. Side beams 602 move within holders 610, 612 on the rear beam 606. Clamps 604 releasably clamp the reaction frame 600 to the beam 82. Clamps 605 adjustably clamp the side beams 602 to the rear beam 606 A piece 614 is a piece of a torque rail that is welded to the transport frame 620. The side beams 602 extend into and are held in corresponding holes 624 in the socket 622. The transport frame 620 with the top-driven rotation system 1 is placed in the socket 622. The transport frame 620 with the top-driven rotation system 1 connected thereto is held by and is vertically movable with respect to sliding elements 623 (see eg Fig. 31E). The transport frame 620 and the top-driven rotation system can thus engage vertically with respect to the reaction frame 600 to isolate the reaction frame 600 (and the derrick) from vertical loads. The transport frame 620 and the reaction frame can be sized and configured such that the transport frame 620 with the top drive rotation system 1 can be displaced any vertical distance with respect to the reaction frame, for example, but not limited to, from 2 cm to 215 cm (one to sixty inches) , and in one particular aspect is vertically displaced approximately 1.3 cm (half an inch).

Figures 31A and 31B illustrate the range of motion of the reaction frame 600 (with the top-driven rotation system attached) toward and away from a well center. A transport rack/support 630, fig. 31D, surrounds a top-driven shipping rotation system on transport frame 620, and pins 630a are inserted into corresponding holes in a beam 82. The rack/support secures the top-driven shipping rotation system.

As shown in fig. 2C to 2D, an opening 375 between elements of the extension mechanism 98 provides a passage through which a length of pipe 376 can pass, when a top-driven rotary system 1 carried by the extension mechanism 98 is extended such that the top-driven rotary system is no longer above the length of pipe. This can be beneficial in a number of different circumstances, such as when pipe is stuck in the well, or access to the top-driven rotary system is required, such as for inspection or repair. The wear piece is disconnected from the pipe length; the top-driven rotary system is moved further out, so that it is no longer located directly above the length of pipe; and the extension mechanism 98 is lowered as the length of pipe moves through the opening 375. This allows access to the top-driven rotation system at a lower level, for example at or near the rigging deck. The source of power for the cylinder assemblies 392 in the system 98 is the accumulators 451 (see FIG. 17D). The assemblies 392 are pivotally connected to the support structure 393 with the top drive rotation system holder 394 which is bolted to the swivel body 12.

Control over the various components of the apparatus is provided through a control system which includes: the drill panel 141; a digital signal processor (DSP) system 256a in the drill panel 141; a DSP system 256b in the upper electrical junction box 450; a DSP system 256c in the lower electrical junction box 250; and/or a DSP system 256d with the control system 531. Each DSP system has an RF antenna so that all DSP systems can communicate with each other. A driller at the drill panel 141 and/or a person at the control system 531 can thus control all functions of the device 10.

Lubricating oil (hydraulic fluid) flows in the operating loop 48 (see also Fig. 3F) to the switchboard 391; into the upper hydraulic manifold 452 and the heat exchanger on the rear protection element 454, behind the access platform 130; through filter 457 with flow measured by flow meter 456; out to the gear system 20 (cleaned of the magnetic plugs 494) with level indicated in the level glass 481; out of the bottom of the gear system 20, lubricating the knurled portion 52 of the hollow shaft 50 and the upper bearing 59; into the swivel body 12 and out through its outlet 12s; into the load sleeve lubrication port and down through a channel 170a in the load sleeve; into and through the pivot 80 through the inner drum 230 lubrication port; to the lower hollow shaft stabilizer bearing 85; up through a space 405 between the load sleeve 170 and the hollow shaft 50 through the self-cleaning main bearing 56; then back to an outgoing line in the switchboard 391 and into an outlet line in the operating loop 48. An oil lubrication pump OLP for the system's lubrication system can optionally be located in the protective element 73 to pump lubricating fluid to the various parts of the system that are lubricated. Hydraulic fluid flows through the other three ports (other than the lubrication ports/channels) in a similar manner. Appropriate wires, hoses, cables and conduits from the operating loop 48 (including electrical wires, etc. to the upper electrical junction box 450) are connected to the junction board 391 and from this: control cables to the upper electrical junction box 450 and to an upper junction box (not shown) in the engine 30; hydraulic lines to the upper hydraulic manifold 452 and to the lubrication system; cooling fluid lines to the engine 459 and the heat exchanger 455. Power cables from the operating loop 48 are connected to the engine's 30 junction box.

Cables from the operating loop 48 are connected to the corresponding input on the switchboard 391; for example, in one aspect three hydraulic fluid power lines are used between the switchboard 391 and the upper hydraulic manifold 452 - an "in" fluid line, and an "out" fluid line and a backup line for use in case of problems with one or the other the other two wires. In one aspect, there are also three wires from the circuit board 391 to the motor 459. The motor 459 powered by pressurized hydraulic fluid drives a pump 458 which pumps fluid to elements below the rear guard element 454. The fluid supplied to the pump 458 is a coolant (e.g. . glycol and/or water; ethylene glycol) provided in one of the lines in the operating loop 48. The pump 458 pumps the cooling fluid to and through the heat exchanger 455 and then, from the heat exchanger 455, the fluid is pumped to elements below the access platform 130 for lubrication and for cooling. The fluid that flows through the motor 459 flows back in a line to the operating loop 48 (for example, back to a fluid reservoir, e.g. fluid id reservoir 533, Fig. 28D). The fluid from the motor 459 can optionally first pass through the heat exchanger 455 and then to the operating loop 48. Expedient lines with flow regulated by the directional valves 260 deliver hydraulic power fluid to each of the elements operated thereby.

Fig. 32A to 32E illustrate various designs of top pieces in a torque rail for use

together with top-driven rotary systems as described in this document. (The beam 82, Fig. IA, may be referred to as a "guide beam" or "torque rail".) A top piece 630 in such a torque rail has a body 632 internally connected to a receiver 634 having a plurality of connection holes 636. One end of safety cables may be attached to shackles 638 while the other end is attached to any suitable structure, e.g. part of a derrick, for example part of the crown of a derrick. Which

any suitable number of torque rail pieces is used on a given installation to adjust the distance of the torque rail transport frame with respect to a rig deck. Displacement of an element 640 in and with respect to the receiver 634 provides

height adjustability of the torque rail as a whole with regard to the derrick 140 and the rig deck. A system 696 shown in FIG. 2A, similar to the elements of fig. 32A through 32E, can be used to suspend the apparatus in a derrick and to provide height adjustability for the apparatus. One or more pins 642 are used to releasably connect the element 640 to the receiver 634. Two shackles 644, 646 are optionally used to connect the element 640 and the top piece 630 (and thus the entire torque rail) to the derrick 140. Such a free connection with two shackles prevent torque from being transmitted to the derrick 140 through the top piece 630, which prevents such torque from being reflected back through the torque rail to the derrick, particularly to and through the top of the derrick. Apparatus in accordance with the present invention have a "pull-down" capability, i.e., weight can be added to the bit (WOB) using cables, winches, etc. to pull down on the top-driven rotary system while the top-driven rotary system is rotating. Figs. 33A-33C illustrate a construction for sealing between a brake hub (for example in the brake pad 40, Fig. 1B) and a hollow shaft (such as the hollow shaft 50, Fig. 4B). A seal-bearing insulator 650 has a body 651 with one, two or more static O-ring seals 652 in corresponding grooves 652a which seal an insulator-hollow shaft interface. Such seals also seal this interface when the system is not vertical, for example during shipment. An O-ring 653 seals an insulator-brake hub interface. A ring 654 which is partly located in a recess 654a in a body part 651a and partly in a recess 654b in a body part 651b, holds the two body parts 651a, 651b together. A clamping ring 655 in a recess 655a in the body part 651b acts as a sling that slings oil outwards. A felt seal 660 is placed between the two body parts 651a, 651b and seals the interface between these parts at the place with the seal 660. Body part 651a moves at the speed of the hollow shaft, for example from 0 to 2400 rpm. The drug member 651b rotates at the speed of the top drive rotation system motor, for example 200 rpm when the hollow shaft rotates at 200 rpm. The body 651 sits in the brake hub, being held there by a friction fit (for example as shown in Fig. 4B). The felt seal 660 is filled with grease or oil. When the seal is rotated (for example, when the hollow shaft is rotated), the seal is subject to forces that tend to displace grease or oil out of the seal. Figs. 34A and 34B illustrate an embodiment of a sealing system 661 in accordance with the present invention for sealing between a gear system and a motor in an apparatus. The sealing system 660 has a lift seal 662 that seals against a surface of a rotating sun gear 680 in a gear system 690 (for example, but not limited to, a sun gear as in any gear transmission system described above). The lift seal 662 includes a mechanical seal 664 bolted with a bolt 665 to a portion 667 of a piston rod 668. The piston rod 668 is displaceable with respect to a non-rotating seal housing 670 (upper plate in gearbox). A spring 672 forces the piston rod 668 upwards and thus presses the seal 664 against the sun gear 680. The piston rod 668 moves in a piston cylinder 677 which has a lower side 676. A seal 674 seals the interface between the rod and the cylinder. Seals 671a seal the interface between cylinder and seal housing. A locking member 677b holds the cylinder 677 in place (or it may be bolted in place). A lower flange 678 on the motor is located on top of the seal housing 670.

The passage sealed by the seal 664 is a passage through which oil from the gear system can flow from the gear system to a motor 692 in the top drive rotation system. When the top-driven rotation system is in operation, oil flowing into an oil supply port 679 from an oil supply and through a channel 681 into a cylinder housing 677a pushes down on the piston rod 668, and the seal 664 is released from the sun gear 680. When the apparatus is off ( oil does not flow through channel 681), spring 672 forces piston rod 668 upward so that seal 664 engages sun gear 668 and thus closes the oil flow path and prevents oil from leaking from the gear system into the engine (for example, in one aspect if the device is in a non-vertical orientation). A brake hub is attached to a top 692a on the motor's rotor.

Figs. 35A through 35F illustrate a length adjustable link 700 which is useful as a support link for carrying any item or equipment, and which, in certain aspects, is useful as any of the links described above, such as hoops 72 or links 14. Each connecting link 700 has a hollow first part 701, in which a second part of a second part 702 is displaceably placed. The first part 701 has an eye 703, and the second part 702 has an eye 704. Bolts 705 through holes 706 in the first part 701 and through holes 707 (or holes 708) in the second part 702 detachably attach the parts 701, 702 to each other. Any number of holes at any desired locations may be provided in the first portion 701 and/or in the second portion 702 for connector length adjustability, the resulting length of the connector being as shown in FIG. 35C and 35F. The connecting members (outer and inner) have, as shown, a generally square or rectangular cross-section, but this cross-section can be of any desired shape, for example, but not limited to circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal . The rear elevations of the connecting links as shown in fig. 35B, 35C, 35E and 35F are similar to the elevations in fig. 35B, 35C, 35E and 35F. The side grid opposite to the page shown in fig. 35A is similar to the outline in fig. 35A.

Claims (22)

1. Apparatus for use in a top-driven rotary system for releasably holding a pipe, the apparatus comprising at least two mutually opposed clamping devices (280) spaced apart for selectively receiving a pipe to be clamped between them, each of the two opposing clamping devices has a housing (293) and a piston (281) which is displaceable inside the housing (293), the piston (281) being selectively displaceable towards and away from a pipe to be clamped, characterized in that the device further comprises two telescopic legs (283, 285) which are placed at a distance from each other and in use hang down from a part of the top-driven rotation system, which telescopic legs (283, 285) must be able to displace the at least two mutually opposite clamping devices (280 ) in an essentially vertical plane. 2. Apparatus as stated in claim 1, characterized in that the two mutually opposite clamping devices (280) are releasably connected to each other with a coupling device (291, 294), so that one or both coupling devices can be disconnected. 3. Apparatus as stated in claim 1, characterized in that each coupling device comprises a plurality of lugs (294) which engage each other and have holes (295), and a pin (291) which can be removably inserted through said holes. 4. Apparatus as stated in claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the two telescopic legs (283, 285) have a non-circular cross-section. 5. Apparatus as stated in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises the spring apparatus (286) inside each telescopic leg (283, 285), which is to compensate for the displacement of a tube clamped by the apparatus. 6. Apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises a piston-cylinder assembly (282, 286b) in each telescopic leg (283, 285), wherein the cylinder (286b) has a vacuum , and a piston (282) is extendable from and retractable into the hollow cylinder (286b), and the piston-cylinder assembly (282, 286b) provides compensation for displacement of the element clamped by the clamping apparatus. 7. Apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the telescopic legs (283, 285) comprise an outer leg part (283) and an inner leg part (285) each and further comprise a chain link structure (314a) on each outer leg portion (283) and each inner leg portion (285), to which a chain can be connected to prevent the outer leg portion (283) from being separated from the inner leg portion (285). 8. Apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a guide device (312) which is attached to and below the two mutually opposed clamping devices (293) to guide a pipe between the two mutually opposed clamping devices (293). 9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8, characterized in that the guide plate (312) is releasably connected to at least one of the two mutually opposite clamping devices. 10. Apparatus as stated in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises a generator device (240) which is connected to one of the two legs, for generating electrical power. 11. Apparatus as stated in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises a hydraulic fluid manifold (400) which is connected to at least one of the two telescopic legs (283, 285), for receiving hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid source and for supplying hydraulic fluid to releasably clamp and hold an element for downhole operations. 12. Apparatus as stated in claim 11, characterized in that the hydraulic fluid manifold (400) includes a plurality of hydraulic fluid lines and a plurality of controllable valves (260) to selectively regulate fluid flow in each hydraulic fluid line. 13. Apparatus as stated in claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises generator apparatus (240) which is connected to at least one of the two legs (283, 285), for generating electrical power, and control apparatus on one of the two legs, which communicate with the controllable valves (260) to control the controllable valves. 14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13, characterized in that the control apparatus includes a digital signal processing apparatus and an antenna for communication with the control apparatus from a location located at a distance from the apparatus, for releasably clamping and holding a pipe for borehole operations. 15. Apparatus as stated in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that each piston (281) further comprises a ground holder (297) and ground device (301) which must engage with the tubular element. 16. Apparatus as stated in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that each housing (293) has a cylinder (292) which lines the housing (293), where the piston (281) is slidably arranged in the cylinder (292). 17. Apparatus as stated in any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it further comprises a coupling structure (285g, 2851) on each of the two telescopic legs (283, 285) for connecting the apparatus to the top-driven rotation system. 18. Apparatus as stated in claim 17, characterized in that the coupling construction (285g, 2851) provides a pivotable connection of each telescopic leg at its upper end in order to be able to swing the two telescopic legs apart. 19. Apparatus as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the two legs further comprise an anti-rotation structure which is to receive part of an adjacent apparatus and releasably hold said part so that said adjacent apparatus can be rotated simultaneously with the apparatus for releasably clamping and holding an element for downhole operations. 20. Top driven rotation system, characterized in that it comprises a drive motor and an apparatus as stated in any of claims 1 to 19. 21. Method for grasping an element, characterized in that the method comprises placing the element inside a main body of an apparatus, which apparatus comprises a main body, two mutually opposing clamping devices in the main body, which two mutually opposing clamping devices are placed at a distance from each other for selective to be able to receive between them an element to be clamped between them, and each of the two mutually opposite clamping devices has a housing and piston device which is displaceable inside the housing, which piston device can be selectively moved towards and away from an element to be are clamped, two legs, which legs are placed at a distance from each other, and each leg has an upper end and a lower end, where each lower end is connected to the main body, each leg comprises an outer leg part and an inner leg part, where the inner leg part has a portion which is movable within the outer leg portion to provide an area for up/down displacement of h the upper body, the element for downhole operations is a tubular member, and each piston apparatus includes a piston and a ground holder attached to an outer end of the piston, and ground apparatus on the ground holder to engage the tubular member, each housing having a liner which is removably located therein, each piston being displaceable within a corresponding liner; and displacing the pistons so that the ground apparatus engages with the element to be gripped, thereby gripping the element. 22. Method in accordance with claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises the step of rotating the apparatus and thereby rotating the element that is gripped by the apparatus.