Patent ID: 7100698
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A make-up control system for creating a threaded connection between a first tubular and a second tubular comprising: a top drive connected to the first tubular such that the torque and rotational speed of said top drive is transmitted to said first tubular; a controller operably connected to the top drive to automatically control the direction of rotation, torque and rotational speed being applied to the first tubular via the top drive during a make-up process between the first and second tubulars in accordance with a pre-programmed set of make-up process control instructions, wherein the top drive generates at least torque, turn, and speed feedback signals that are transmitted to the controller, and wherein the controller monitors the feedback signals to determine the torque, number of turns, and speed of rotation that are applied to the first tubular during the make-up process, and wherein the controller continuously controls the direction, torque and speed of rotation of the top drive in response to the feedback signals and in accordance with the pre-programmed set of make-up process control instructions during the make-up process, and halts the make-up process when one of predetermined torque, rotational speed or turn limit is reached.