Patent ID: 9115547
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: B66C,E21B

Abstract:
1. A method to add a joint of pipe to a conductor string, the method comprising: grasping the joint of pipe with a segmented-ring elevator, wherein the segmented-ring elevator comprises a plurality of moveable segments with the total of the plurality of moveable segments having a swept angle of about 360°; abutting the joint of pipe against a non-moveable backstop disposed between the plurality of moveable segments before grasping the joint of pipe, wherein the non-moveable backstop is configured to abut the joint of pipe when surrounded by the plurality of moveable segments; moving and retaining the plurality of moveable segments between a fully-open position and a fully-closed position with a powered actuator assembly; engaging an outer profile of the joint of pipe with a plurality of slips of the segmented-ring elevator; raising the grasped joint of pipe from a horizontal position to a vertical position using a plurality of lifting lugs, each lifting lug positioned proximate to a middle of each moveable segment, wherein one of the plurality of lifting lugs is directly connected to one of the plurality of moveable segments of the segmented-ring elevator, and another of the plurality of lifting lugs is directly connected to another of the plurality of moveable segments of the segmented-ring elevator, the plurality of lifting lugs configured to carry a load of the joint of pipe; positioning the joint of pipe atop the conductor string; attaching the joint of pipe to the conductor string; and retaining the joint of pipe and the conductor string with the segmented-ring elevator.