WO2018107095A2

WO2018107095A2 - Casing running tool adapter

Info

Publication number: WO2018107095A2
Application number: PCT/US2017/065420
Authority: WO
Inventors: Blake T. Deberry; James A. Gariepy
Original assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
Priority date: 2016-12-09
Filing date: 2017-12-08
Publication date: 2018-06-14
Also published as: WO2018107095A3

Abstract

A casing running tool (CRT) adapter for use with a casing running tool (CRT) is provided. The CRT adapter includes a top end that is shaped and sized similar to a box of a casing joint and configured to interface with the CRT, and a bottom end that is designed to interface either directly with a casing joint or with well equipment coupled to the casing joint. The CRT adapter is used to transmit torque from the CRT to the final casing joint, which is connected to well equipment such as a hanger or wellhead housing.

Description

CASING RUNNING TOOL ADAPTER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to casing running operations and, more particularly, to a casing running tool adapter for making up a final casing stand connected to a piece of well equipment using a casing running tool.

BACKGROUND

After drilling a wellbore through a subterranean formation, a string of casing is often run downhole to line the wellbore. Multiple strings of casing with different diameters may be progressively run into and secured within the wellbore. Such casing operations may be performed both at land-based drilling environments as well as off-shore well environments.

To improve the speed and personnel needs at the rig, a casing running tool (CRT) can be used to run casing on the rig floor. A top end of the CRT interfaces with the top drive of the rig, and a bottom end of the CRT is designed to stab into or otherwise interface with a casing joint. The CRT transmits torque from the top drive to the attached casing joint in order to make up a string of casing joints for running into the well.

Running casing using a CRT typically involves the following steps. The CRT picks up the first casing joint and lands the casing joint in a rotary table or the rig floor. The casing is held in the floor by a spider, slips, or both. The CRT then picks up the next casing joint, which the CRT aligns with and lands on the previous casing joint or casing string held in the rotary table or rig floor. The CRT then makes the connection up between the casing landed in the table/floor and the new casing joint. The top drive applies torque through the CRT, which is connected to the casing by a gripping mechanism on the lower end of the tool. Once the connection is made up to a desired preload or torque of the particular casing connection, the entire casing string is picked up by the CRT. The slips are removed and the casing string is lowered through the floor and landed in the same position as the previous casing joints.

This process is repeated until all but the last casing joint is run. The last casing joint is normally attached to some type of well equipment and an appropriate running tool, and this running tool generally has a drill pipe connection as its upper interface. Unfortunately, the well equipment running tool is generally not equipped to transmit the torque needed to make up the last casing joint to the casing string. Accordingly, power tongs are often used to make this final connection. The process of switching the top drive from the CRT to the well equipment running tool and connecting the last casing string via power tongs is a time consuming process that is often performed by a different group of operators on the rig than those who were running the casing string. This process for connecting the last casing joint must also be repeated for each subsequent string of casing that is lowered downhole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG 1 is a schematic diagram of a casing running tool (CRT), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2E are schematic diagrams of a casing running tool (CRT) adapter coupled to a casing joint with well equipment attached thereto, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the CRT adapter, the casing joint, and the well equipment of FIG. 2 A attached to the CRT of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of a CRT adapter coupled to well equipment attached to a casing joint, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another CRT adapter coupled to well equipment attached to a casing joint, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a CRT adapter coupled to well equipment including a housing attached to a casing joint, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7A-7E are schematic diagrams of a well equipment running tool coupled to well equipment and adapted to transfer torque to a casing joint coupled to the well equipment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a well equipment running tool coupled to well equipment and adapted to transfer torque to a casing joint coupled to the well equipment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a clam shell clamp coupling a running tool to a casing joint at a position below well equipment coupled to the casing joint, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail herein. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation specific decisions must be made to achieve developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system related and business related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in no way should the following examples be read to limit, or define, the scope of the disclosure.

Certain embodiments according to the present disclosure may be directed to a casing running tool (CRT) adapter for use with a casing running tool (CRT). The CRT adapter includes a top end that is shaped and sized similar to a box of a casing joint and configured to interface with the CRT, and a bottom end that is designed to interface either directly with a casing joint or with well equipment coupled to the casing joint. The CRT adapter is used to transmit torque from the CRT to the final casing joint, which is connected to well equipment such as a hanger or wellhead housing. The CRT adapter is also used to carry the load of the completed casing string with the well equipment attached.

During typical casing operations, once a CRT has completed its job running the casing string, the CRT is removed or disconnected from the top drive, and drill pipe running equipment is installed on the top drive. The final casing joint is coupled to well equipment, which is attached to a well equipment running tool that has a drill pipe connection at its upper end. Once the top drive has been switched over to drill pipe running equipment, this equipment is used to pick up and install the last joint of casing onto the casing string, via connection with the well equipment running tool. The torque connection between the last casing joint and the rest of the casing string is typically made up with power tongs, since the well equipment running tool is not designed to transmit the torque required to make up the casing connections. Once the power tongs have made up the connection, the well equipment running tool picks up the string (well equipment and casing string), the slips are removed, and the string is run into the well. This process is repeated for each piece of well equipment that has casing run with it until the well has been completed.

Unfortunately, the process of changing over the top drive running equipment, positioning the power tongs, and then connecting the last casing joint to the string via power tongs requires a relatively long amount of time (e.g., 1-1/2 to 4 hours), and often a different crew performs these operations at the rig than those who were initially operating the CRT. This equates to relatively high costs associated with multiple changeovers that are often necessary when running a series of casing strings into the wellbore.

The disclosed CRT adapter is designed to address the drawbacks associated with existing methods for connecting the final casing joint with an attached piece of well equipment to a casing string. The CRT adapter allows the CRT to run the last casing joint having well equipment connected thereto without having to first switch the top drive running equipment. Although the operators will still have to switch the top drive running equipment (from the CRT to the well equipment running tool), this is performed after connecting the final casing joint to the casing string. The top drive may be switched over while the well equipment running tool is being installed and functioned. This may streamline the process of running the casing string and wellbore equipment, since only one changeover of the top drive equipment is needed (as opposed to two changeovers). As a result, the CRT adapter may provide time savings and make running the complete casing string more efficient since power tongs will not be needed to make up the last casing joint.

Various embodiments of the CRT adapter will now be provided in detail. In each instance, the CRT adapter generally includes a top end that functions essentially the same as the top of a casing joint. As described in detail below, the lower end of the CRT adapter may be specific to the well equipment attached to the casing joint, or the CRT adapter may be agnostic to the design. The CRT adapter may be designed to interface with a wide variety of different types of well equipment, including casing hangers, liner hangers, low or high pressure housings, and any other types of equipment that may be connected to and run in with a casing string. The CRT adapter may be designed for connection to a single size of casing or may include grippers that can be used to connect the CRT adapter to multiple sizes of casing. The CRT adapter may be pre-installed onto the final casing joint and/or associated well equipment prior to the casing joint being delivered to the well location, or the CRT adapter may be installed onto the casing joint and/or well equipment just prior to making up the final casing connection. In still other instances, the CRT adapter may be pre-installed onto the CRT itself. Other arrangements of a CRT adapter may be possible as well, and the following figures are not meant to be limiting.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a casing running tool (CRT) 110 to which the disclosed casing running tool (CRT) adapter may be attached. The CRT 110 includes an upper end 112 that interfaces with a top drive on a drilling rig. The CRT includes a lower end 114 with at least one gripping mechanism 116 disposed thereon. The lower end 114 is designed to interface with casing joints via the gripping mechanism 116. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the CRT 110 may include an elongated lower end 114 designed to stab into a casing joint (or CRT adapter) and an internal gripping mechanism 116 disposed on the outside of the lower end 114 and used to engage an internal surface of the casing joint (or CRT adapter). In other embodiments, the CRT 110 may include an external gripping mechanism disposed on an internal surface of a hollow lower end of the CRT and used to engage an external surface of the casing joint (or CRT adapter). The CRT 110 may also include seals and a way to fill the casing string with fluids during construction of the casing string.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the CRT adapter 210 that may be used with the CRT

110 to run a final casing joint 212 equipped with some type of well equipment 214. As shown, the CRT adapter 210 may be very similar in shape, size, and function to the CRT (e.g., 110 of FIG. 1). However, the CRT adapter 210 may include an upper section 216 designed to directly interface with the lower end 114 of the CRT 110, instead of the top drive.

As illustrated, the CRT adapter 210 may include a gripping mechanism 218 on a lower section 220 thereof to grip the casing joint 212 internally at a position below the attached well equipment 214. The CRT adapter 210 may also include a central body portion 221 located between the upper section 216 and the lower section 220. The lower section 220 is generally coupled to and extending downward from the central body portion 221. The upper section 216 is generally coupled to and extending upward from the central body portion 221. The lower section 220 includes the gripping mechanism 218, which may be disposed about an external diameter of the lower section 220. The gripping mechanism 218 may be configured to engage an internal diameter of the casing joint 212 attached to the well equipment 214. In this way, the CRT adapter 210 may interface directly with the casing joint 212 below, without interfacing in any meaningful way with the well equipment 214 coupled to the casing joint 212.

The upper section 216 of the CRT adapter 210 may generally simulate an upper section of a casing joint (e.g., 212) that is the same diameter as the casing string being run by the CRT 110. The upper section 216 is generally cylindrical with a profile substantially matching the shape of an upper end of a casing joint (e.g., 212). This simulated casing upper section (216) allows the CRT 110 to interface with the CRT adapter 210 and the attached casing joint 212, as shown in FIG. 3. The CRT 110 may then run the final casing joint 212 before the top drive equipment is switched over to run the well equipment 214 using drill pipe.

In some embodiments, the upper section 216 of the CRT adapter 210 that simulates the casing string below may be selectively removable from the central body portion 221 of the CRT adapter 210 and interchangeable with one or more other upper sections 216 corresponding to differently sized casing joints. The different interchangeable upper sections 216 may have different outer diameters from each other so as to be compatible with CRTs 110 configured to run different respective sizes of casing. That way, the upper section 216 of the adapter may be switched to allow for different sizes and weights of casing 212 to be run using the same adapter 210. The interchangeable upper sections 216 may be removably connected to the CRT adapter 210 via a quick connect.

In some embodiments, the CRT adapter 210 may include a lower section 220 that can be selectively removed from the central body portion 221 of the CRT adapter 210 and interchanged with one or more other lower sections 220 that are removably attachable to the CRT adapter 210. This may allow for different sizes and weights of casing to be run using the same adapter 210. The different lower sections 220 of the adapter may include a gripping mechanism having different numbers, arrangements, sizes, or types of grippers used to interface directly with the casing or with the well equipment coupled to the casing (e.g., one gripper 218 in FIG. 2A versus three grippers 218 in FIG. 2C). The different lower section attachments 220 may have different downwardly extending lengths to enable a longer or shorter section of the adapter to reach below the well equipment. For example, a length 222 of the lower section 220 in FIG. 2A is less than a length 226 of the lower section 220 in FIG. 2B. In still other instances, the different lower section attachments 220 may feature both different arrangements of gripping mechanisms and different lengths compared to other available lower section attachments 220. The interchangeable lower sections 220 may be removably connected to the adapter 210 via a quick connect.

The lower sections 220 of the adapter 210 may be interchanged when running different sizes of casing 212 equipped with the well equipment 214 (e.g., a casing hanger 228). Each of the different lower sections 220 of the adapter 210 may be equipped with a different size of gripping mechanism 218 designed to grip a particular diameter of casing joint. In other embodiments, the lower section 220 may be equipped with multiple levels or stages of gripping mechanisms 218, each stage of gripping mechanisms 218 designed to accommodate a different casing size or range of casing sizes.

The lower sections 220 of the adapter 210 may be interchanged to adjust both the length of the lower section 220 as well as the size, number, or arrangement of stages of gripping mechanisms 218 disposed thereon. In some embodiments, the lower section 220 may be equipped with multiple sets of gripping mechanisms 218 (e.g., 2 or more) that can be independently actuated. Each set of gripping mechanisms 218 may be designed to provide additional torque capability, in addition to load carrying capability, to the adapter 210. That way, the adapter 210 can run different sizes of casing 212 and thread types while still applying the required torque to make up the connections and ultimately being able to support the load of the casing string, without needing to change out the lower section 220 for each size of casing or length of casing string.

In some embodiments, the lower section 220 of the adapter 210 may include a telescopic member 230, as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E. This may allow the length of the lower section 220 of the adapter 210 and/or the number or size of gripping mechanisms 218 engaged with the casing joint 212 to be adjusted without removing the lower section 220 from the adapter 210. When it is time to connect the last casing joint 212, the telescopic member 230 of the adapter 210 may be extended to engage with the casing 212 at a position below the attached well equipment 214. This telescopic member 230 may be mechanically (FIG. 2E), hydraulically (FIG. 2D), or pneumatically actuated. The telescopic member 230 may be equipped with one or more sets of gripping mechanisms 218 designed to interface with the different sizes of casing 212 based on the required torque needed to make up the casing connection. The telescopic member 230 may be used to extend the gripping mechanism(s) 218 to a location below the well equipment 214 and into the casing 212 so as to prevent any damage to the well equipment 214. The telescopic member 230 may be used to extend the gripping mechanism(s) 218 to different locations within the casing 212 so as to accommodate a multitude of different lengths of well equipment 214.

The gripping mechanism 218 on the lower section 220 of the adapter 210 may include a split ring, a group of individual gripping mechanisms, or multiple sets of gripper stages that can be selectively energized into the casing joint 212. This may allow the adapter 210 to energize a select number of sets of gripping mechanisms 218 needed to accommodate the torque and load carrying requirements for different sizes and threads of casing or casing string lengths. For example, for low torque requirements, one set of gripping mechanisms 218 may be energized, while two or more sets of gripping mechanisms 218 may be energized for higher torque requirements. In addition, for longer casing strings that place a greater load on the CRT adapter 210, a greater number of gripping mechanisms 218 may be energized. The length of the telescopic member 230 may be adjusted to expose additional sets of gripping mechanisms 218 that may engage the casing 212 to accommodate a desired torque or load carrying requirement. FIG. 4 illustrates another example of the CRT adapter 210 that may be used to transmit torque from a CRT (e.g., 110 of FIG. 1) to a casing joint 212 with attached well equipment 214 and to support the weight of the casing string once the connection is made. The cylindrical upper section 216, as discussed above, has a profile substantially matching the shape of an upper end of a casing joint. The upper section 216 is configured to directly interface with a lower end of the CRT (110 of FIG. 1). In this instance, however, the CRT adapter 210 may not feature gripping mechanisms at the lower end designed to directly engage the casing 212. Instead, the lower section 220 of the CRT adapter 210 may have one or more gripping mechanisms 310 that interface directly with the well equipment 214.

As shown, the CRT adapter 210 may connect to a running profile 312 of the well equipment 214 at the lower section 220 while simulating a casing joint at the upper end 216 for connection to the CRT. The CRT adapter 210 may include a combination of internal and/or external features (i.e., gripping mechanisms 310) at the lower section 220 that are sized to help run different types of well equipment 214. In some embodiments, the lower section 220 of the CRT adapter 210 may be selectively removable so that it can be replaced with a different lower section 220 designed to interface with a different size or type of well equipment 214.

Depending on the type and arrangement of well equipment 214 being run with the casing 212, and where sealing areas are located on this equipment 214, the CRT adapter 210 may include gripping or other engagement features 310 that interface with the well equipment 214 on the outer diameter, the inner diameter, or both. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the CRT adapter 210 may include a gripping mechanism 310 disposed about an external diameter of the lower section 220 and configured to interface with an internal profile (inner diameter) 312 of the well equipment 214 when the well equipment 214 is a casing hanger 228. This is because the outer diameter 314 of the hanger 228 has a critical seal area that should be protected from any damaging impact. Even with the critical sealing area, though, the gripping mechanism 310 may in other embodiments interface with flow by slots or holes located along the external diameter 314 of the casing hanger 228.

Different types of gripping mechanisms 310 may be utilized for connecting the lower section 220 of the CRT adapter 210 to the well equipment 214, such as the hangers 228 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. For example, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the CRT adapter 210 with a threaded profile 316 on the lower section 220 to interface with a complementary threaded profile on the hanger 228. To transmit torque from the CRT to the well equipment 214 and attached casing 212, a key 318 may be inserted at the interface between the CRT adapter 210 and the internal surface 312 of the hanger 228. The gripping mechanism 310 may include the threaded profile 316 and the key 318. FIG. 5 illustrates the CRT adapter 210 being equipped with a gripping mechanism 310 in the form of dogs 410 that can be actuated outward into engagement with a complementary internal profile 312 of the hanger 228. The dogs 410 may interface directly with the internal profile 312 of the hanger 228 to couple the hanger 228 and associated casing joint 212 to the CRT adapter 210, to transmit torque from the adapter 210 to the hanger 228 and casing joint 212, and to support the weight of the casing string hanging from the adapter 210.

Although not shown, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the CRT adapter 210 may be equipped with both one or more gripping mechanisms 310 that interface with the well equipment 214 coupled to the casing joint 212 and one or more gripping mechanisms 218 that interface with the casing joint 212. For example, in addition to one of the gripping mechanisms 310 described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 connecting the CRT adapter 210 to the casing hanger 228, the CRT adapter 210 may also include one or more gripping mechanisms 218 disposed on the lower section thereof to interface with the casing joint 212 at a location below the casing hanger 228. In such instances, the gripping mechanisms 310 interfacing with the well equipment 214 and the gripping mechanisms 218 interfacing with the casing joint 212 may transmit torque from the top drive to the casing joint and carry the load of the fully assembled casing string.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the CRT adapter 210 may interface with a low pressure housing (e.g., wellhead housing) 510 or a high pressure housing directly at its lower section 220 and may allow the CRT to interface with the simulated casing at its upper end 216. The CRT adapter 210 may interface with an internal profile, an external profile, or both of the well equipment 214 when the well equipment 214 includes a low pressure housing 510, since neither of these surfaces contains sensitive sealing components. When the well equipment 214 is a high pressure housing the CRT adapter 210 may interface with the external profile (outer diameter), the inner diameter running profile, or the casing below the housing. The rest of the inner diameter of the high pressure housing has a critical seal area that should be protected from any impact. In some embodiments, the CRT adapter 210 may interface with the running profile on the housings for load carrying, and a gripping mechanism 218 on the lower section of the CRT adapter 210 may interface with the casing joint 212 below the housings to apply torque for making the final casing connection. The CRT or CRT adapter 210 may be landed directly into a casing hanger landing area in the wellhead housing, while the gripping mechanism 218 provides torque transfer to the casing joint 212. In some embodiments, the wellhead housing may be equipped with a sleeve that slides into running profile of the housing. The sleeve may form a protective barrier that keeps the CRT adapter 210 from damaging an internal seal surface of the housing. The sleeve may also provide a surface for landing the CRT adapter 210 therein.

Another option for saving time and reducing equipment changeovers during casing running operations is to adapt standard well equipment running tools with appropriate torque transmitting and load carrying gripping mechanism to interface with the casing and/or attached well equipment. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of one such system.

A running tool adapter 600, as shown in FIG. 7, may be used in conjunction with a drill pipe connection 610 extending downward from the top drive to perform a similar function as the above described CRT adapter. Prior to connection of the last casing joint 212, the top drive may be switched over from casing running equipment to drill pipe running equipment. Specifically, the CRT may be removed from connection with the top drive and replaced at the top drive by the drill pipe connection 610, which may be used in combination with the running tool adapter 600 to attach the final casing joint 212 to the rest of the casing string and run the casing string and connected well equipment 214 to a desired position downhole. As shown, the running tool adapter 600 may be similar in shape, size, and function to the CRT adapter 210 described above. However, the running tool adapter 600 may include an upper section 616 designed to directly interface with a lower end of the drill pipe connection 610, instead of the CRT.

As illustrated, the running tool adapter 600 may include a gripping mechanism 618 on a lower section 620 thereof to grip the casing joint 212 internally at a position below the attached well equipment 214. The running tool adapter 600 may also include a central running tool portion 612 located between the upper section 616 and the lower section 620. The lower section 620 is generally coupled to and extending downward from the central running tool portion 612. The upper section 616 is generally coupled to and extending upward from the central running tool portion 612. The lower section 620 includes the gripping mechanism 618, which may be disposed about an external diameter of the lower section 620. The gripping mechanism 618 may be configured to engage an internal diameter of the casing joint 212 attached to the well equipment 214. The running tool adapter 600 may interface directly with the casing joint 212 below, while also interfacing with the well equipment 214 coupled to the casing joint 212 in a way that allows the running tool adapter 600 to lower the fully assembled casing string and well equipment 214 to a desired position in the wellbore after connecting the last casing joint 212 to the string.

The upper section 616 of the running tool adapter 600 may generally simulate an upper section of a running tool having a drill pipe connection at the top. The upper section 616 is generally cylindrical with a profile substantially matching the shape of an upper end of a well equipment running tool used to lower the well equipment 214. This simulated running tool upper section allows the drill pipe connection 610 to interface with the running tool adapter 600 and the attached casing joint 212. The top drive may be switched over from the CRT used to make previous casing connections to the drill pipe connection 610, which is used to attach the final casing joint 212 and run the well equipment 214 and completed casing string.

In some embodiments, the running tool adapter 600 may include a lower section 620 that can be selectively removed from the central running tool portion 612 of the running tool adapter 600 and interchanged with one or more other lower sections 620 that are removably attachable to the running tool adapter 600. This may allow for different sizes and weights of casing to be run using the same adapter 600. The different lower sections 620 of the adapter may include a gripping mechanism having different numbers, arrangements, sizes, or types of grippers used to interface directly with the casing or with the well equipment coupled to the casing (e.g., one gripper 618 in FIG. 7A versus three grippers 618 in FIG. 7C). The different lower section attachments 620 may have different downwardly extending lengths to enable a longer or shorter section of the adapter to reach below the well equipment. For example, a length 622 of the lower section 620 in FIG. 7 A is less than a length 626 of the lower section 620 in FIG. 7B. In still other instances, the different lower section attachments 620 may feature both different arrangements of gripping mechanisms and different lengths compared to other available lower section attachments 620. The interchangeable lower sections 620 may be removably connected to the adapter 600 via a quick connect.

The lower sections 620 of the adapter 600 may be interchanged when running different sizes of casing 212 equipped with the well equipment 214 (e.g., a casing hanger 228). Each of the different lower sections 620 of the adapter 600 may be equipped with a different size of gripping mechanism 618 designed to grip a particular diameter of casing joint. In other embodiments, the lower section 620 may be equipped with multiple levels or stages of gripping mechanisms 618, each stage of gripping mechanisms 618 designed to accommodate a different casing size or range of casing sizes.

The lower sections 620 of the adapter 600 may be interchanged to adjust both the length of the lower section 620 as well as the size, number, or arrangement of stages of gripping mechanisms 618 disposed thereon.

In some embodiments, the lower section 620 may be equipped with multiple sets of gripping mechanisms 618 (e.g., 2 or more) that can be independently actuated. Each set of gripping mechanisms 618 may be designed to provide additional torque capability, in addition to load carrying capability, to the adapter 600. That way, the adapter 600 can run different sizes of casing 212 and thread types while still applying the required torque to make up the connections and ultimately being able to support the load of the casing string, without needing to change out the lower section 620 for each size of casing or length of casing string.

In some embodiments, the lower section 620 of the adapter 600 may include a telescopic member 630, as shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E. This may allow the length of the lower section 620 of the adapter 600 and/or the number or size of gripping mechanisms 618 engaged with the casing joint 212 to be adjusted without removing the lower section 620 from the adapter 600. When it is time to connect the last casing joint 212, the telescopic member 630 of the adapter 600 may be extended to engage with the casing 212 at a position below the attached well equipment 214. This telescopic member 630 may be mechanically (FIG. 7E), hydraulically (FIG. 7D), or pneumatically actuated. The telescopic member 630 may be equipped with one or more sets of gripping mechanisms 618 designed to interface with the different sizes of casing 212 based on the required torque needed to make up the casing connection. The telescopic member 630 may be used to extend the gripping mechanism(s) 618 to a location below the well equipment 214 and into the casing 212 so as to prevent any damage to the well equipment 214. The telescopic member 630 may be used to extend the gripping mechanism(s) 618 to different locations within the casing 212 so as to accommodate a multitude of different lengths of well equipment 214.

The gripping mechanism 618 on the lower section 620 of the adapter 600 may include a split ring, a group of individual gripping mechanisms, or multiple sets of gripper stages that can be selectively energized into the casing joint 212. This may allow the adapter 600 to energize a select number of sets of gripping mechanisms 618 needed to accommodate the torque and load carrying requirements for different sizes and threads of casing or casing string lengths. For example, for low torque requirements, one set of gripping mechanisms 618 may be energized, while two or more sets of gripping mechanisms 618 may be energized for higher torque requirements. In addition, for longer casing strings that place a greater load on the running tool adapter 600, a greater number of gripping mechanisms 618 may be energized. The length of the telescopic member 630 may be adjusted to expose additional sets of gripping mechanisms 618 that may engage the casing 212 to accommodate a desired torque or load carrying requirement.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example of the running tool adapter 600 that may be used to transmit torque from a drill pipe connection 610 on the top drive to a casing joint 212 with attached well equipment 214 and to support the weight of the casing string once the connection is made. The cylindrical upper section 616, as discussed above, has a profile substantially matching the shape of a well equipment running tool. The upper section 616 is configured to directly interface with a lower end of the drill pipe connection 610 on the top drive. In this instance, however, the well equipment running tool adapter 600 may not feature gripping mechanisms at the lower end designed to directly engage the casing 212. Instead, the lower section 620 of the running tool adapter 600 may have one or more gripping mechanisms 710 that interface directly with the well equipment 214.

As shown, the running tool adapter 600 may connect to a running profile 712 of the well equipment 214 at the lower section 620 while maintaining a connection to the drill pipe 610 at the upper section 616. The running tool adapter 600 may include a combination of internal and/or external features (i.e., gripping mechanisms 710) at the lower section 620 that are sized to help run different types of well equipment 214. In some embodiments, the lower section 620 of the running tool adapter 600 may be selectively removable so that it can be replaced with a different lower section 620 designed to interface with a different size or type of well equipment 214.

Depending on the type and arrangement of well equipment 214 being run with the casing 212, and where sealing areas are located on this equipment 214, the running tool adapter 600 may include gripping or other engagement features 710 that interface with the well equipment 214 on the outer diameter, the inner diameter, or both. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the running tool adapter 600 may include a gripping mechanism 710 disposed about an external diameter of the lower section 620 and configured to interface with an internal profile (inner diameter) 712 of the well equipment 214 when the well equipment 214 is a casing hanger 228. This is because the outer diameter 714 of the hanger 228 has a critical seal area that should be protected from any damaging impact. Even with the critical sealing area, though, the gripping mechanism 710 may in other embodiments interface with flow by slots or holes located along the external diameter 714 of the casing hanger 228.

Different types of gripping mechanisms 710 may be utilized for connecting the lower section 220 of the running tool adapter 600 to the well equipment 214, such as the hanger 228 shown in FIG. 8. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates the adapter 600 with a threaded profile 716 on the lower section 620 to interface with a complementary threaded profile on the hanger 228. To transmit torque from the drill pipe connection 610 to the well equipment 214 and attached casing 212, a key 718 may be inserted at the interface between the adapter 600 and the internal surface 712 of the hanger 228. The gripping mechanism 710 may include the threaded profile 716 and the key 718. This is similar to the gripping mechanism 310 described above with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. In other embodiments, the running tool adapter 600 may be equipped with a gripping mechanism 710 in the form of dogs (similar to the dogs 410 illustrated in FIG. 5 and described at length above). Such dogs may can be actuated outward into engagement with a complementary internal profile of the hanger 228. The dogs may interface directly with the internal profile of the hanger to couple the hanger 228 and associated casing joint 212 to the running tool adapter 600, to transmit torque from the adapter 600 to the hanger 228 and casing joint 212, and to support the weight of the casing string hanging from the adapter 600.

Although not shown, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the adapter 600 may be equipped with both one or more gripping mechanisms 710 that interface with the well equipment 214 coupled to the casing joint 212 and one or more gripping mechanisms 618 that interface with the casing joint 212. For example, in addition to one of the gripping mechanisms 710 described above with reference to FIG. 8 connecting the adapter 600 to the casing hanger 228, the adapter 600 may also include one or more gripping mechanisms 618 disposed on the lower section thereof to interface with the casing joint 212 at a location below the casing hanger 228. In such instances, the gripping mechanisms 710 interfacing with the well equipment 214 and the gripping mechanisms 618 interfacing with the casing joint 212 may transmit torque from the top drive to the casing joint and carry the load of the fully assembled casing string.

In other embodiments, as described at length above with reference to FIG. 6, the gripping mechanism 710 on the running tool adapter 600 may be designed to interface with a low pressure housing (e.g., wellhead housing) or a high pressure housing directly at its lower section 620 and may allow the drill pipe connection 610 to interface with its upper end 616. The running tool adapter 600 may interface with an internal profile, an external profile, or both of the well equipment 214 when the well equipment 214 includes a low pressure housing, since neither of these surfaces contains sensitive sealing components. When the well equipment 214 is a high pressure housing the running tool adapter 600 may interface with the external profile (outer diameter), the inner diameter running profile, or the casing below the housing. The rest of the inner diameter of the high pressure housing has a critical seal area that should be protected from any impact. In some embodiments, the running tool adapter 600 may interface with the running profile on the housings for load carrying, and a gripping mechanism 618 on the lower section of the adapter 600 may interface with the casing joint 212 below the housings to apply torque for making the final casing connection. The adapter 600 may be landed directly into a casing hanger landing area in the wellhead housing, while the gripping mechanism 618 provides torque transfer to the casing joint 212. In some embodiments, the wellhead housing may be equipped with a sleeve that slides into running profile of the housing. The sleeve may form a protective barrier that keeps the adapter 600 from damaging an internal seal surface of the housing. The sleeve may also provide a surface for landing the well equipment running tool adapter 600 therein.

Regardless of how the adapter 600 connects to the well equipment 214 or casing joint 212, the well equipment running tool adapter 600 may be designed such that the system transmits torque from the top drive (coupled to an upper section of the drill pipe connection 610) to the casing 212 to make up the final casing connection. By running and connecting the final casing joint 212 using the well equipment running tool adapter 600, the casing running operation may be performed more efficiently than would be possible using existing techniques since no power tongs are needed.

It should be noted that all the variations of types of gripping mechanisms 218 or 310, interchangeable upper and lower sections 216 and 220, and telescopic members 230 described above with references to FIGS. 2-6 may be similarly applied to an adapter coupled to the drill pipe connection, as provided in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Although not shown, the upper section 616 of the well equipment running tool adapter 600 may be removable and/or replaceable with an upper section 616 that can be coupled directly to the CRT or to a CRT adapter (e.g., 210 described above). That way, the top drive may not need to be changed over from the CRT to a drill pipe fitting in order to lower the casing string downhole upon completion of the casing string.

Another option for eliminating one of the top drive equipment changeovers during casing running operations is to utilize specially designed clamps 910 connected between an upper end of a well equipment running tool 912 and the casing joint 212 at a position below the attached well equipment 214. As illustrated in FIG. 9, this clam shell clamp 910 may be an external device that allows torque to be transmitted to the casing 212 and not through the well equipment 214. The clam shell clamp 910, along with the connected equipment running tool 912, are able to carry the full weight of the casing string once the final casing joint 212 is added. As illustrated, the clam shell clamp 910 includes a first gripping mechanism at an upper section thereof, a second gripping mechanism at a lower section thereof, and a body extending between and coupling the first gripping mechanism to the second gripping mechanism. The first gripping mechanism may be coupled directly to the external diameter of the well equipment running tool 912, while the second gripping mechanism may be coupled directly to an external diameter of the casing joint 212 at a position below the well equipment 214. The body of the clam shell clamp 910 may generally extend around the well equipment 214. The clam shell clamp 910 may also be utilized with a CRT (e.g., 110 of FIG. 1), such that the top of the clam shell clamp 910 is connected to the CRT and the bottom of the clam shell clamp 910 is connected to the casing 212 at a position below the well equipment 214.

Although not shown, in other embodiments the second gripping mechanism of the clam shell clamp 910 may be coupled directly to an external surface of the well equipment 214, instead of the casing joint 212, for load carrying and torque transferring. The casing hanger 228, for example, may include a flow by slot or hole on the external diameter thereof, and the second gripping mechanism may interface with the slot/hole to provide the needed torque transmitting and load carrying connection.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include the following:

A CRT adapter, including a cylindrical upper section with a profile substantially matching the shape of an upper end of a casing joint and a lower section coupled to and extending downward from the upper section. The upper section is configured to directly interface with a lower end of a casing running tool (CRT). The lower section includes a gripping mechanism disposed about an external diameter of the lower section. The gripping mechanism is configured to engage an internal diameter of a casing joint attached to well equipment.

A CRT adapter, including a cylindrical upper section with a profile substantially matching the shape of an upper end of a casing joint and a lower section coupled to and extending downward from the upper section. The upper section is configured to directly interface with a lower end of a casing running tool. The lower section includes a gripping mechanism disposed thereon. The gripping mechanism is configured to interface with an internal diameter or an external diameter of a well equipment component attached to a casing joint.

A method that includes running a portion of a casing string into a wellbore via a CRT coupled to a top drive. The method includes coupling a well equipment component to a casing joint, coupling a lower section of a casing running tool (CRT) adapter directly to the casing joint or directly to the well equipment component, and coupling an upper section of the CRT adapter to a lower end of the CRT, wherein the upper section of the CRT has a profile that substantially matches a casing joint profile. The method further includes transmitting torque from the CRT to the casing joint via the CRT adapter to connect the casing joint and the well equipment component to an upper end of the portion of the casing string to complete the casing string.

A running tool adapter, including a cylindrical upper section with a profile substantially matching the shape of a well equipment running tool and a lower section coupled to and extending downward from the upper section. The upper section is configured to directly interface with a lower end of a drill pipe connection coupled to a top drive. The lower section includes a gripping mechanism disposed about an external diameter of the lower section. The gripping mechanism is configured to engage an internal diameter of a casing joint attached to well equipment.

A running tool adapter, including a cylindrical upper section with a profile substantially matching the shape of a well equipment running tool and a lower section coupled to and extending downward from the upper section. The upper section is configured to directly interface with a lower end of a drill pipe connection coupled to a top drive. The lower section includes a gripping mechanism disposed thereon. The gripping mechanism is configured to interface with an internal diameter or an external diameter of a well equipment component attached to a casing joint.

A method that includes running a portion of a casing string into a wellbore via a CRT coupled to a top drive. The method includes coupling a well equipment component to a casing joint, and coupling a lower section of a running tool adapter directly to the casing joint or directly to the well equipment component. The method also includes removing the CRT from the top drive, adding a drill pipe connection to the top drive, and coupling an upper section of the running tool adapter to a lower end of the drill pipe connection, wherein the upper section of the running tool has a profile that substantially matches a well equipment running tool profile. The method further includes transmitting torque from the top drive to the casing joint via the running tool adapter to connect the casing joint and the well equipment component to an upper end of the portion of the casing string to complete the casing string.

A system, including a well equipment running tool including a cylindrical upper section and a lower section coupled to and extending downward from the upper section. The upper section is configured to directly interface with a lower end of a drill pipe connection coupled to a top drive. The lower section is configured to be landed at least partially inside a bore of a casing joint attached to well equipment. The system further includes a clam shell clamp. The clam shell clamp includes: a first gripping mechanism configured to engage an external diameter of the upper section; a second gripping mechanism configured to engage an external diameter of the casing joint; and a body extending from the first gripping mechanism to the second gripping mechanism, wherein the body is disposed external to the well equipment attached to the casing joint.

A method that includes coupling a well equipment component to a casing joint, disposing a lower section of a running tool through a bore of the casing joint, and coupling a clam shell clamp to an upper section of the running tool via a first gripping mechanism on the clam shell clamp and to an external diameter of the casing joint via a second gripping mechanism on the clam shell clamp. The clam shell clamp has a body extending between the first and second gripping mechanisms, and the body fits around the well equipment component. The method also includes coupling the upper section of the running tool adapter to a lower end of a drill pipe connection on a top drive. The method further includes transmitting torque from the top drive to the casing joint via the running tool adapter to connect the casing joint and the well equipment component to an upper end of a casing string to complete the casing string.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A casing running tool (CRT) adapter, comprising:

a cylindrical upper section with a profile substantially matching the shape of an upper end of a casing joint, wherein the upper section is configured to directly interface with a lower end of a casing running tool (CRT); and

a lower section coupled to and extending downward from the upper section, wherein the lower section comprises a gripping mechanism disposed about an external diameter of the lower section, wherein the gripping mechanism is configured to engage an internal diameter of a casing joint attached to well equipment.

2. The CRT adapter of claim 1, wherein the lower section is selectively removable from the CRT adapter and interchangeable with at least one different lower section that is removably attachable to the CRT adapter.

3. The CRT adapter of claim 2, wherein the at least one different lower section comprises a different downwardly extending length than the lower section, a different diameter than the lower section, or both.

4. The CRT adapter of claim 2, wherein the at least one different lower section comprises a different total number of grippers than the gripping mechanism of the lower section.

5. The CRT adapter of claim 1, wherein the upper section is selectively removable from the CRT adapter and interchangeable with at least one different upper section that is removably attachable to the CRT adapter, wherein the at least one different upper section comprises a different outer diameter and inner diameter than the upper section.

6. The CRT adapter of claim 1, wherein the lower section comprises a telescopic member.

7. The CRT adapter of claim 1, wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a split ring.

8. The CRT adapter of claim 1, wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a group of multiple grippers.

9. The CRT adapter of claim 1, wherein the gripping mechanism comprises multiple sets of gripper stages, wherein each gripper stage can be selectively actuated into engagement with a casing joint having a different diameter than each of the other gripper stages.

10. The CRT adapter of claim 1, further comprising:

the casing joint, wherein the gripping mechanism is engaging an internal diameter of the casing joint; and

wherein the well equipment is attached to the casing joint, wherein the well equipment comprises a casing hanger, a liner hanger, a low pressure wellhead housing, or a high pressure housing.

11. A casing running tool (CRT) adapter, comprising:

a cylindrical upper section with a profile substantially matching the shape of an upper end of a casing joint, wherein the upper section is configured to directly interface with a lower end of a casing running tool; and

a lower section coupled to and extending downward from the upper section, wherein the lower section comprises a gripping mechanism disposed thereon, wherein the gripping mechanism is configured to interface with an internal diameter or an external diameter of a well equipment component attached to a casing joint.

12. The CRT adapter of claim 11, wherein the gripping mechanism, upon engagement with the well equipment component, forms a torque transferring and load carrying connection between the CRT adapter and the well equipment component..

13. The CRT adapter of claim 11, further comprising the well equipment component attached to the casing joint.

14. The CRT adapter of claim 13, wherein the well equipment component comprises a casing hanger, and wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a threaded external diameter of the lower section and an anti-rotation key, wherein the gripping mechanism is configured to interface with an internal diameter of the casing hanger.

15. The CRT adapter of claim 13, wherein the well equipment component comprises a casing hanger, and wherein the gripping mechanism comprises one or more sets of dogs on an external diameter of the lower section, wherein the gripping mechanism is configured to interface with an internal diameter of the casing hanger or the casing below the hanger.

16. The CRT adapter of claim 13, wherein the well equipment component comprises a low pressure wellhead housing or a high pressure housing.

17. A method, comprising:

running a portion of a casing string into a wellbore via a casing running tool (CRT) coupled to a top drive;

coupling a well equipment component to a casing joint;

coupling a lower section of a casing running tool (CRT) adapter directly to the casing joint or directly to the well equipment component;

coupling an upper section of the CRT adapter to a lower end of the CRT, wherein the upper section of the CRT adapter has a profile that substantially matches a casing joint profile; and

transmitting torque from the CRT to the casing joint via the CRT adapter to connect the casing joint and the well equipment component to an upper end of the portion of the casing string to complete the casing string.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising carrying a weight of the completed casing string via the CRT with the CRT adapter.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

removing the CRT from the top drive and the CRT adapter from the casing joint or well equipment component;

attaching a drill pipe fitting to the top drive;

attaching a well equipment running tool to the well equipment component;

coupling the drill pipe fitting to an upper section of the well equipment running tool; and lowering the well equipment component and attached casing string via the well equipment running tool.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein coupling the lower section of the CRT adapter directly to the casing joint comprises actuating a gripping mechanism disposed about an external diameter of the lower section into gripping engagement with an internal diameter of the casing joint.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising interchanging the lower section of the CRT adapter with another lower section having a different length or a different type of gripping mechanism than the initial lower section.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein coupling the CRT adapter directly to the well equipment component comprises engaging a gripping mechanism on the lower section of the CRT adapter with an internal or external diameter of the well equipment component.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising interchanging the lower section of the CRT adapter with another lower section having a different gripping mechanism configured to grip a different type of well equipment component than the initial lower section.

24. The method of claim 17, further comprising interchanging the upper section of the CRT adapter with another upper section having a different outer diameter than the initial upper section.

25. The method of claim 17, further comprising actuating a telescoping feature of the lower section of the CRT adapter to selectively increase a length of the lower section, increase a number of grippers exposed for gripping the casing joint, or both.

26. A running tool adapter, comprising:

a cylindrical upper section with a profile substantially matching the shape of an upper end of a well equipment running tool, wherein the upper section is configured to directly interface with a lower end of a drill pipe connection; and

27. The running tool adapter of claim 26, wherein the lower section is selectively removable from the running tool adapter and interchangeable with at least one different lower section that is removably attachable to the running tool adapter.

28. The running tool adapter of claim 27, wherein the at least one different lower section comprises a different downwardly extending length than the lower section.

29. The running tool adapter of claim 27, wherein the at least one different lower section comprises a gripping mechanism having a different total number of grippers than the gripping mechanism of the lower section.

30. The running tool adapter of claim 26, wherein the lower section comprises a telescopic member.

31. The running tool adapter of claim 26, wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a split ring.

32. The running tool adapter of claim 26, wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a group of multiple grippers.

33. The running tool adapter of claim 26, wherein the gripping mechanism comprises multiple sets of gripper stages that can each be selectively actuated into engagement with different sizes of casing joints.

34. The running tool adapter of claim 26, further comprising:

the casing joint; and

the well equipment attached to the casing joint, wherein the well equipment comprises a casing hanger, a liner hanger, a low pressure wellhead housing, or a high pressure housing.

35. A running tool adapter, comprising:

36. The CRT adapter of claim 35, wherein the gripping mechanism, upon engagement with the well equipment component, forms a torque transferring and load carrying connection between the running tool adapter and the well equipment component.

37. The CRT adapter of claim 35, further comprising the well equipment component attached to the casing joint.

38. The CRT adapter of claim 37, wherein the well equipment component comprises a casing hanger, and wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a threaded external diameter of the lower section and an anti-rotation key, wherein the gripping mechanism is configured to interface with an internal diameter of the casing hanger or the casing joint below the hanger.

39. The CRT adapter of claim 37, wherein the well equipment component comprises a casing hanger, and wherein the gripping mechanism comprises one or more sets of dogs on an external diameter of the lower section, wherein the gripping mechanism is configured to interface with an internal diameter of the casing hanger, an internal diameter of the casing joint below the casing hanger, or both.

40. The CRT adapter of claim 37, wherein the well equipment component comprises a low pressure wellhead housing.

41. A method, comprising:

coupling a well equipment component to a casing joint;

coupling a lower section of a running tool adapter directly to the casing joint or directly to the well equipment component;

removing the CRT from the top drive;

attaching a drill pipe fitting to the top drive

coupling an upper section of the running tool adapter to a lower end of the drill pipe fitting, wherein the upper section of the running tool adapter has a profile that substantially matches a well equipment running tool having a drill pipe connection; and

transmitting torque from the top drive to the casing joint via the running tool adapter to connect the casing joint and the well equipment component to an upper end of the portion of the casing string to complete the casing string.

42. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

lowering the well equipment component and attached casing string via a central running tool portion of the running tool adapter.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the lower section of the running tool adapter directly to the casing joint comprises actuating a gripping mechanism disposed about an external diameter of the lower section into gripping engagement with an internal diameter of the casing joint.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising interchanging the lower section of the running tool adapter with another lower section having a different length or a different type of gripping mechanism than the initial lower section.

45. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the running tool adapter directly to the well equipment component comprises engaging a gripping mechanism on the lower section of the running tool adapter with an internal or external diameter of the well equipment component.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising interchanging the lower section of the running tool adapter with another lower section having a different gripping mechanism configured to grip a different type of well equipment component than the initial lower section.

47. The method of claim 41, further comprising actuating a telescoping feature of the lower section of the running tool adapter to selectively increase a length of the lower section, increase a number of grippers exposed for gripping the casing joint, or both.

48. A system, comprising:

a well equipment running tool comprising a cylindrical upper section and a lower section coupled to and extending downward from the upper section, wherein the upper section is configured to directly interface with a lower end of a drill pipe fitting or casing running tool (CRT) coupled to a top drive, and wherein the lower section is configured to be landed at least partially inside a bore of a casing joint attached to well equipment; and

a clam shell clamp comprising:

a first gripping mechanism configured to engage an external diameter of the upper section of the well equipment running tool;

a second gripping mechanism configured to engage an external diameter of the casing joint; and

a body extending from the first gripping mechanism to the second gripping mechanism, wherein the body is disposed external to the well equipment attached to the casing joint.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein the second gripping mechanism is positioned at a location that is lower than the well equipment coupled to the casing joint such that the gripping mechanism engages the casing joint below the well equipment.

50. The system of claim 48, wherein the first and second gripping mechanisms, upon engagement with the well equipment running tool and the casing joint, forms a torque transferring connection between the well equipment running tool and the casing joint.

51. A method, comprising:

coupling a well equipment component to a casing joint;

disposing a lower section of a well equipment running tool through a bore of the casing joint;

coupling a clam shell clamp to an upper section of the running tool via a first gripping mechanism of the clam shell clamp and to an external diameter of the casing joint via a second gripping mechanism of the clam shell clamp, wherein the clam shell clamp has a body extending between the first and second gripping mechanisms, and the body fits around the well equipment component;

coupling the upper section of the running tool to a lower end of a drill pipe fitting of casing running tool (CRT) coupled to a top drive; and

transmitting torque from the top drive to the casing joint via the running tool and the clam shell clamp to connect the casing joint and the well equipment component to an upper end of a casing string to complete the casing string.

52. The method of claim 51, further comprising:

removing the clam shell clamp from the running tool and the casing joint after transmitting the torque to form the casing joint connection; and

lowering the well equipment component and attached casing string via the well equipment running tool.

53. The method of claim 51, further comprising transmitting the torque from the top drive to the casing joint via the running tool and the clam shell clamp without transmitting a torque to the well equipment component.