Patent Publication Number: US-9896893-B2

Title: Pipe drive sealing system and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/655,798, entitled “PIPE DRIVE SEALING SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed Oct. 19, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,359,835, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes, and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/339,161 entitled “PIPE DRIVE SEALING SYSTEM AND METHOD,” filed Dec. 28, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Present embodiments relate generally to the field of drilling and processing of wells, and, more particularly, to a pipe drive system for coupling with and releasing drillpipe elements to facilitate insertion and removal of the drillpipe elements into and out of a wellbore during drilling operations and the like. 
     In conventional oil and gas operations, a drilling rig is used to drill a wellbore to a desired depth using a drill string, which includes drillpipe, drill collars and a bottom hole drilling assembly. During drilling, the drill string may be turned by a rotary table and kelly assembly or by a top drive to facilitate the act of drilling. As the drill string progresses down hole, additional drillpipe is added to the drill string. 
     During drilling of the well, the drilling rig may be used to insert joints or stands (e.g., multiple coupled joints) of drillpipe into the wellbore. Similarly, the drilling rig may be used to remove drillpipe from the wellbore. As an example, during insertion of drillpipe into the wellbore by a traditional operation, each drillpipe element (e.g., each joint or stand) is coupled to an attachment feature that is in turn lifted by a traveling block of the drilling rig such that the drillpipe element is positioned over the wellbore. An initial drillpipe element may be positioned in the wellbore and held in place by gripping devices near the rig floor, such as slips. Subsequent drillpipe elements may then be coupled to the existing drillpipe elements in the wellbore to continue formation of the drill string. Once attached, the drillpipe element and remaining drill string may be held in place by an elevator and released from the gripping devices (e.g., slips) such that the drill string can be lowered into the wellbore. Once the drill string is in place, the gripping devices can be reengaged to hold the drill string such that the elevator can be released and the process of attaching drillpipe elements can be started again. Similar procedures may be utilized for removing drillpipe from the wellbore. 
     Drillpipe is traditionally controlled during drilling using a screwed-in sub below the quill of a top drive. It is now recognized that certain aspects of these existing techniques are inefficient because of limitations on other procedural components during certain phases of operation. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic of a well being drilled in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a coupling between a gripping device and a drillpipe element in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gripping device with an integral seal and a drillpipe element in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gripping device, a separate seal, and a drillpipe element in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 5  is a process flow diagram of a method in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a gripping device and a drillpipe element, wherein the gripping device is in a retracted orientation in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the gripping device and drillpipe element of  FIG. 6  taken along line  6 A- 6 A in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a gripping device and a drillpipe element, wherein the gripping device is in an engaged orientation in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the gripping device and drillpipe element of  FIG. 8  taken along line  8 A- 8 A in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the gripping device of  FIG. 6  taken along line  6 B- 6 B in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the gripping device and drillpipe element of  FIG. 8  taken along line  8 B- 8 B in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of an elevator and a portion of an elevator support in accordance with present techniques; 
         FIGS. 13-18  are cross-sectional views of seal features in accordance with present techniques; and 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of a gripping device and a separate elevator mechanism in accordance with present techniques. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Present embodiments are directed to systems and methods for facilitating sealed engagement between drillpipe handling equipment (e.g., pipe drive systems or top drive systems) and drillpipe elements (e.g., joints or strings of drillpipe). For example, present embodiments include a gripping device that is integral with or configured to be coupled with a pipe drive system. A pipe drive system in accordance with present techniques may be used to facilitate assembly and disassembly of drill strings. Indeed, a pipe drive system may be employed to engage and lift a drillpipe element (e.g., a drillpipe joint), align the drillpipe element with a drill string, stab a pin end of the drillpipe element into a box end of the drill string, engage the drill string, and apply torque to make-up a coupling between the drillpipe element and the drill string. Thus, a pipe drive system may be employed to extend the drill string. Similarly, the pipe drive system may be used to disassemble drillpipe elements from a drill string by applying reverse torque and lifting the drillpipe elements out of the engagement with the remaining drill string. It should be noted that torque may be applied using a top drive system coupled to the pipe drive system or integral with the pipe drive system. 
     Each drillpipe element typically includes a pin end and a box end to facilitate coupling of multiple joints of drillpipe. When positioning and assembling drillpipe elements in the wellbore, a drillpipe element is typically inserted into the wellbore until only an upper end is exposed above the wellbore. This exposed portion may be referred to as a stump. At this point, slips are typically positioned about the stump near the rig floor to hold the drillpipe element in place. The box end is typically positioned facing upward (“box up”) such that the pin end of subsequently inserted drillpipe with the pin facing downward (“pin down”) can be coupled with the box end of the previously inserted drillpipe or stump to continue formation of the downhole string. Drillpipe being added may be gripped at a distal end by a pipe drive system and the opposite distal end may be stabbed into the box end of the stump. Next, the pipe drive system may be employed to make-up a coupling between the drillpipe being added and the stump. Once the newly added drillpipe is appropriately attached, the gripping member may be removed and the drill string lowered further into the wellbore using an elevator. This process continues until a desired length of the drill string is achieved. Similarly, a reverse process may be used during removal of a drill string from a wellbore. 
     During a process of installing or removing drillpipe elements, it may be desirable to circulate fluids (e.g., drilling mud) through the associated drill string. However, present embodiments may include gripping an outer portion of the drillpipe with the drillpipe handling equipment rather than attaching a sub via threaded engagement. For example, in accordance with present embodiments, an upper distal end of a drillpipe element being added may be gripped around its outer perimeter with drillpipe handling equipment without making-up an extension of the drillpipe handling equipment to threads of the distal end such that more rapid positioning of the drillpipe element is facilitated. This may result in an inability to flow fluids from the drillpipe handling system through the drillpipe element being added or the drill string during connection, disconnection, removal, or insertion phases of the process. Indeed, without an appropriately sealed connection between the drillpipe element and drillpipe handling equipment, at least a portion of the fluid proceeding through the drillpipe handling equipment will seek a path of least resistance and flow around the drillpipe element rather than through it. Thus, present embodiments include features to enable proper circulation of fluids during certain portions of the process. Indeed, present embodiments are directed to providing a seal between the drillpipe handling equipment and the drillpipe element such that fluid can efficiently pass from the pipe drive system into the drillpipe element. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a schematic of a drilling rig  10  in the process of drilling a well in accordance with present techniques. While  FIG. 1  represents a drilling process, present embodiments may be utilized for disassembly processes and so forth. In particular, present embodiments may be employed in procedures including assembly or disassembly of drillpipe elements, wherein it is desirable to provide an amount of fluid circulation through the drillpipe elements from a drillpipe handling system during assembly or disassembly procedures. Furthermore, present embodiments may be used to provide fluid circulation for removing cuttings during drilling of the earth formation and for controlling the well. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the drilling rig  10  features an elevated rig floor  12  and a derrick  14  extending above the rig floor  12 . A supply reel  16  supplies drilling line  18  to a crown block  20  and traveling block  22  configured to hoist various types of equipment and drillpipe above the rig floor  12 . The drilling line  18  is secured to a deadline tiedown anchor  24 . Further, a drawworks  26  regulates the amount of drilling line  18  in use and, consequently, the height of the traveling block  22  at a given moment. Below the rig floor  12 , a drill string  28  extends downward into a wellbore  30  and is held stationary with respect to the rig floor  12  by a rotary table  32  and slips  34 . A portion of the drill string  28  extends above the rig floor  12 , forming a stump  36  to which another drillpipe element or length of drillpipe  38  is in the process of being added. 
     The length of drillpipe  38  is held in place by a pipe drive system  40  that is hanging from the drawworks  26 . Specifically, a gripping device  42  of the pipe drive system  40  is engaged about an outer perimeter of a distal end  44  of the drillpipe  38 . This attachment via the gripping device  42  enables the pipe drive system  40  to maneuver the drillpipe  38 . In the illustrated embodiment, the pipe drive system  40  is holding the drillpipe  38  in alignment with the stump  36 . As will be discussed below, the gripping device  42  includes an integral seal or is configured to couple with the drillpipe  38  about a seal such that a sealed passage is established between the pipe drive system  40  and the drillpipe  38 . Establishing this sealed passage facilitates circulation of fluid (e.g., drilling mud) through the pipe drive system  40  into the drillpipe  38  and the drill string  28 . Further, the gripping device  42  couples with the drillpipe  38  in a manner that enables translation of motion to the drillpipe  38 . Indeed, in the illustrated embodiment the pipe drive system  40  includes a top drive  46  configured to supply torque for making-up and unmaking a coupling between the drillpipe  38  and the stump  36 . It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the top drive  46  is separate from the pipe drive system  40 . 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a coupling between the gripping device  42  and the drillpipe  38  in accordance with present embodiments. Further,  FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional representation of certain internal components of the gripping device  42 . Specifically, in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the gripping device  42  includes a base end  62  and a drillpipe engagement end  64 . The base end  62  may be integral with the pipe drive system  40  or it may include coupling features for attachment to the pipe drive system  40 . The drillpipe engagement end  64  is configured to engage the distal end  44  of the drillpipe  38  such that a seal  66  is pressed between the gripping device  42  and a face  68  of the drillpipe  38  to create a sealed passage. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the seal  66  is separate from the gripping device  42  and is held in position by the engagement of the gripping device  42  with the drillpipe  38 . For example, the seal  66  may be designed to be disposable such that a new seal  66  may be utilized each time a different drillpipe  38  is coupled with the gripping device  42  or after a certain number of uses. Indeed, after one or more uses, the structure of the seal  66  and the material forming the seal  66  may become degraded such that the seal  66  ceases to function properly. In this case, an operator can simply obtain another disposable seal  66  and position it on the face  68  of the drillpipe  38  before lowering the gripping device  42  over the drillpipe  38 . Facilitating frequent replacement of the seal  66  by employing disposable seals  66  substantially limits the functional requirements of the seal  66  in accordance with present techniques. In other embodiments, the seal  66  may be coupled directly to the gripping device  42  via adhesive, installment in a receptacle (e.g., a groove), or the like. Indeed, in some embodiments, the seal  66  may be imbedded or integral with the gripping device  42 . For example, the seal  66  may be integrated with the gripping device  42  such that the gripping device  42  must be replaced when the seal is no longer functional. In embodiments wherein the seal is integrated with or embedded within the gripping device  42 , the seal  66  may be designed to withstand long-term use. As an example, whether separate from or integral with the gripping device  42 , the seal  66  may be formed from nitrile rubber and may be designed to withstand pressures ranging from 1,000 psi to 6,000 psi on the surface area of the seal  66 . 
     Internal features of the gripping device  42  include a device face  80 , a filler neck  82  extending from the device face  80 , and engagement features  84 . The device face  80  of the gripping device  42  is configured to abut the seal  66  such that the seal  66  is pressed between the device face  80  and the drillpipe face  68  of the distal end  44  of the drillpipe  38  when the gripping device  42  is properly coupled with the drillpipe  38 . Such a coupling may be achieved by aligning the device face  80 , the seal  66 , and the drillpipe face  68  and then setting the gripping device  42  down on top of the drillpipe seal  66  and drillpipe  38 . The weight of the pipe drive system  40 , which may include the weight of the top drive  46  may assist in creating a 1,000 to 6,000 pound seal. In some situations, even higher seal pressure may be achieved. Indeed, the top drive  46  alone may weigh as much as 15 tons or more. As will be discussed below, once established, this seal may be maintained by coupling the gripping device  42  to the drillpipe  38  via the engagement features  84 . Further, the activated seal may prevent flow of fluids outside of the drillpipe  38  and across other features of the gripping device  42 , such as the engagement features  84 , which can be degraded quickly by fluids used for circulation. 
     After or during establishment of such a compressive seal, the engagement features  84  (e.g., frictional engagement slips) may be actuated to maintain the coupling between the gripping device  42  and the drillpipe  38 . For example, the engagement features  84  may be hydraulically, mechanically, electronically or otherwise actuated to radially engage a circumferential area of the drillpipe  38  by a control feature or the engagement features  84  may be automatically actuated in a radial direction based on the downward force applied by setting the gripping device  42  down on the seal  66  and the drillpipe face  68 . Indeed, various mechanisms may be utilized to facilitate a frictional coupling between the outer circumferential area of the drillpipe  38  and the engagement features  84 . The engagement features  84  generally include a textured surface that facilitates frictional engagement with the drillpipe  38  such that the gripping device  42  can be utilized to lift the drillpipe  38  and such that rotational movement is readily translated from the gripping device  42  to the drillpipe  38 . Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the sealing features in accordance with present embodiments are independent of the manner in which the gripping of the drill pipe  38  is actuated and achieved. 
     Further, the process of coupling the gripping device  42  with the drillpipe  38  includes slidably positioning the filler neck  82  within the drillpipe  38 . The filler neck  82  is sufficiently sized to fit within the inside diameter of one or more different types of drillpipe. Due to the shape and positioning of the filler neck  82  with respect to the gripping device  42 , this engagement occurs as a result of positioning the gripping device  42  over the drillpipe  38 . Indeed, the filler neck  82  may essentially guide such an engagement by extending into the drillpipe  38 . Although shown as cylindrical, the filler neck  82  may be conical or otherwise shaped to avoid hanging up on the threads  118 . Thus, a flow path extending through the pipe drive system  40  is extended into the drillpipe  38  via the filler neck  82 , which facilitates fluid circulation from the pipe drive system  40  into the drillpipe  38  and any coupled drill string. In some embodiments, the filler neck  82  may be excluded. However, it may be beneficial to include the filler neck  82  for reducing back flow and resisting the washing of fluid across the connection. That is, the filler neck  82  may function to reduce wear or washout of the seal  66  and other features of the system. For example, it may be desirable for the filler neck  82  to be of sufficient length to extend past the threads of the distal end  44  of the drillpipe  38  to reduce wear on the threads, reduce wear on the seal  66 , and generally encourage flow into the drillpipe  38  and any associated drill string. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gripping device  100  in the process of being coupled with a drillpipe element  102  in accordance with embodiments of the present technique. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping device  100  includes a housing  104 , a coupling device or housing face  106 , an integral seal  108 , a filler neck  110 , and engagement pads  112  (also known in the art as “slips”). The drillpipe element  102  includes a drillpipe body  114 , a tool joint  116 , threads  118 , and a drillpipe face  119 . 
     Specifically, the arrangement of the gripping device  100  and the drillpipe element  102  illustrated by  FIG. 3  represents the gripping device  100  being set down on the drillpipe element  102  such that, as generally discussed above, pressure or force (e.g., the weight of a top drive or pipe drive system) is applied to the integral seal  108  via the gripping device  100  and the drillpipe element  102 . This force or pressure causes deformation of the integral seal  108  and establishment of a pressurized seal in a seal area between a flow path  122  through the gripping device  100  and drillpipe element  102 , and areas outside of the flow path  122 . 
     The flow path  122  includes the filler neck  110 , which extends into the drillpipe element  102 . While embodiments in accordance with the present techniques may not include such a feature, the illustrated embodiment includes the filler neck  110  to direct fluid flow past the threads  118  of the drillpipe element  102  and past the integral seal  108 . Indeed, when fully inserted, the filler neck  110  is of sufficient length to extend past the integral seal  108  and past the threads  118  to limit interaction of circulation fluid with these components. Further, the filler neck  110  is sized such that it has limited clearance between the walls of the  124  drillpipe element  102 , which creates resistance to back flow of the fluid towards the threads  118  and integral seal  108 . The inclusion and sizing of the filler neck  110  will thus resist degradation of features of the gripping device  100  and drillpipe element  102  due to washout and so forth. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement pads  112  have not yet engaged with the outer circumferential area of the drillpipe element  102 . However, once the pressurized seal is established to a desired degree, the engagement pads  112  may be actuated to radially engage an exterior of the drillpipe element  102 . In some embodiments, the engagement pads  112  may be radially actuated by pushing them up or down with respect to an axis of the gripping device  100  such that they slide along a ramp that presses the engagement pads  112  radially inward to engage the drillpipe element  102 . This actuation may be achieved in various manners, such as hydraulically or based on frictional engagement with the drillpipe element  102 . For example, sliding the drillpipe element  102  between the engagement pads  112  may cause the engagement pads  112  to slide upwards against a ramp that pushes the engagement pads  112  radially inward. In another embodiment, the engagement pads  112  may be pressed radially inward without any vertical sliding motion. Indeed, various different actuation techniques and engagement features may be utilized in accordance with present embodiments. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, patterns  128  on the surface of the engagement pads  112  are configured to function as wickers and may be pressed into contact with the outer circumferential area of the tool joint  116  to establish a frictional coupling between the gripping device  100  and the drillpipe element  102 . The patterns  128  may be arranged to provide resistance to movement in multiple directions once engaged. For example, the patterns  128  may include upwardly angled teeth and teeth aligned with an axis of the drillpipe element  102  such that rotational and lifting motions are efficiently imparted to the drillpipe from the gripping device  100 . In this way, force from a top drive coupled to the gripping device  100  can be utilized to lift or rotate the drillpipe  102  during an assembly or disassembly process. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a gripping device  200  in the process of being coupled with the drillpipe element  102  about a separate seal  202  in accordance with embodiments of the present technique. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping device  200  includes a housing  204 , a coupling device or housing face  206 , a seal groove  208 , a filler neck  210 , and engagement pads  212 . As discussed above, the drillpipe element  102  includes the drillpipe body  114 , the tool joint  116 , the threads  118 , and the drillpipe face  119 . 
     Specifically, the arrangement of the gripping device  200  and the drillpipe element  102  illustrated by  FIG. 4  represents the gripping device  200  being set down on the drillpipe element  102  after the separate seal  202  has been positioned on the drillpipe face  119 . As generally discussed above, once the separate seal  202  is abutting the housing face  206  and the drillpipe face  119  within a seal area, pressure or force (e.g., the weight of a top drive or pipe drive system) may be applied to cause deformation of the separate seal  202 . Thus, the separate seal  202  is utilized to establish a pressurized seal between a flow path  222  through the gripping device  200  and drillpipe element  102 , and areas outside of the flow path  222 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the housing face  206  includes the seal groove  208 , which is formed to provide a receptacle for the separate seal  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, the separate seal  202  has been positioned on the drillpipe face  119  such that when it engages with the housing face  206 , the separate seal  202  will be pressed into the seal groove  208 . In other situations, the separate seal  202  may be initially installed within the seal groove  208  before coupling the gripping device  202  with the drillpipe element  102 . Including a receptacle such as the seal groove  208  may stabilize the separate seal  202  and provide additional seal integrity. However, in some embodiments, the housing face  206  may not include the seal groove  208  or any type of receptacle for the separate seal  208 . Rather, in some embodiments, the housing face  206  may be substantially flat and/or textured for engagement with the separate seal  202  such that it can be pressed between the housing face  206  and the drillpipe face  119 . 
     Other aspects of the gripping device  200  illustrated in  FIG. 4  are similar to those of the gripping device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . For example, when the flow path  222  is established by coupling the gripping device  200  with the drillpipe element  102 , the flow path  222  includes the filler neck  210 , which extends into the drillpipe element  102 . Further, as with the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the engagement pads  212  illustrated in  FIG. 4  have not yet engaged with the outer circumferential area of the drillpipe element  102 . However, once the pressurized seal is established to a desired degree, the engagement pads  112  may be actuated to radially engage an exterior of the drillpipe element  102  such that patterns or wickers  228  of the engagement pads  112  frictionally grip the drillpipe element  102 , or more specifically the tool joint  116  portion of the drill pipe element  102 . 
       FIG. 5  is a process flow diagram of a method of assembling or disassembling a drill string in accordance with present techniques. The method is generally indicated by reference numeral  300  and includes blocks that are representative of various steps or acts in the method  300 . It should be noted that the various steps of the method  300  can be performed in the illustrated order or in a different order in accordance with present techniques. Further, in some instances, certain steps illustrated in  FIG. 5  may be eliminated or additional steps may be performed. 
     As represented by block  302 , the method  300  begins with extending a housing of a gripping device over a distal end of a drillpipe element such that a boundary of the housing extending from a perimeter of a face of the gripping device surrounds a circumferential area of the drillpipe element. As represented by block  304 , this may result in stabbing a filler neck into the drillpipe element, wherein the filler neck extends from an inner perimeter of the face of the gripping device. Next, as represented by block  306 , the method  300  includes pressing a seal between the face of the gripping device and a face of the drillpipe element. The seal may be integral with the gripping device or this may include the act of placing the seal between the gripping device and the drillpipe element. Further, block  308  represents engaging the circumferential area of the drillpipe element with an engagement feature of the gripping device. The step represented by block  308  may include hydraulically actuating gripping pads. Block  310  represents rotating the gripping device to impart rotation to the drillpipe element to facilitate attachment or detachment of the drillpipe element with a drill string. Further, block  312  represents passing fluid through the filler neck into the drill string. 
     Present embodiments may provide the advantages of a relatively simple, reliable, and inexpensive seal between the surface equipment on the drilling rig and a string of drill pipe without the need to make-up a threaded connection. In one embodiment, the seal could be an elastomeric ring, such as urethane, nitrile or butyl rubber, that is pressed between the sealing surface within the gripping device and the upward facing surface of the drill pipe. The seal&#39;s pressure capability is substantially dependent, if not proportional, to squeeze applied to the seal. The weight of the gripping device and other surface equipment, such as the top drive, is typically over 20,000 lbs., if not several times that weight. Most of the surface equipment weight can be applied towards squeezing the seal, which should easily withstand fluid pressures typical of drilling operations. This simplified, somewhat “brute force,” method of sealing allows for wide dimensional and surface finish tolerances because the squeezed seal will simply form itself to the surfaces between which the seal is squeezed. The ability to seal against surface imperfections is useful because the drill pipe is handled roughly during drilling operations, which leads to gouges and scratches on the face of the tool joint. Because the simple shapes (e.g., cylindrical or O-ring) and relatively cheap elastomers that may be used for the seal, the seals may even be treated as disposable without adding significantly to the costs of the drilling operation. 
     In some embodiments, rather than moving a drillpipe and/or a gripping device with respect to one another to achieve a sealing engagement between the drillpipe and gripping component, the gripping device may include features for holding the drillpipe in place and mechanically engaging a sealing feature of the gripping device with the drillpipe. For example,  FIGS. 6 and 7  include a side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a gripping device  400  in the process of being coupled with the drillpipe element  102  in accordance with embodiments of the present technique. It should be noted that the cross-sectional view presented in  FIG. 7  is taken along line  6 A- 6 A of  FIG. 6 , which is essentially along a rotational axis of the gripping device  400 . In particular,  FIGS. 6 and 7  may represent the drillpipe element  102  being lifted into engagement with the gripping device  400  or the gripping device  400  being lowered over the drillpipe element  102 . The gripping device  400  includes various pipe gripping features and a hydraulically energized piston that moves within the gripping device  400  and seals against the drillpipe element  102 , as will be discussed in detail below. As in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the drillpipe element  102  includes the drillpipe body  114 , the tool joint  116 , the threads  118 , and the drillpipe face  119 . The drillpipe element  102  may simply be representative of a tubular element and present embodiments may be configured to couple with other tubular elements. 
     In the embodiment illustrated by  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the gripping device  400  includes various features that are at least partially visible from the outside of the gripping device  400 . Specifically, for example, the gripping device  400  includes a main body or housing  404 , a hydraulic rotary seal  406  coupled about an end of the housing  404 , elevators  410 , elevator actuators  412 , an elevator support or lock  414 , and torsional clamping actuators  416 . As will be discussed below, these features cooperate together to facilitate surrounding a distal end of the drillpipe element  102 , vertically securing the drillpipe element  102  within the griping device  400 , creating a sealed engagement between the gripping device  400  and the drillpipe element  102 , centralizing the drillpipe element  102  within the gripping device  400 , and applying torque to the drillpipe element  102  via the gripping device  400 . The manner in which these features may function will be discussed in detail below. 
     Present embodiments are directed to establishing an engagement between the gripping device  400  and the drillpipe element  102  that can support a pulling load, a torsional load, and a fluid seal (e.g., mud seal). An initial aspect of establishing such an engagement between the drillpipe element  102  and the gripping device  400  includes engaging the tool joint  116  with the elevators  410  to support a pulling load. In some embodiments, this includes positioning the tool joint  116  within the gripping device  400 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the elevators  410  are integral with the gripping device  400 . However, in other embodiments, separate elevator features may be used along with a linkage or the like to secure the drillpipe element  102  with respect to a gripping device in accordance with present embodiments. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the elevators  410  include links  422  and elevator blocks  424 . The links  422  translate vertical motion into horizontal or radial motion and the elevator blocks  424  function to engage and secure the drill pipe element  102  within the gripping device  400 . Specifically, as the elevator support  414  moves up or down relative to the housing  404 , the corresponding movement of the elevators  410  causes the links  422  to push or pull the elevator blocks  424  through openings in the housing  404  such that the elevator blocks  424  can engage or disengage the tool joint  116 . As can be more readily observed in  FIG. 7 , the actuation state of the gripping device  400  illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  includes the elevator blocks  424  in a retracted position. Indeed, the elevator blocks  424  are generally retracted outside of the internal diameter of the housing  404 . When the elevator blocks  424  are in this retracted position, the drillpipe  102  can readily slide past the elevator blocks  424  into the housing  404 . When the elevator blocks  424  are in the engaged position, the elevator blocks  424  engage the tool joint  116 . More specifically, the elevator blocks  424  engage the upset or conical portion of the tool joint  116 , which enables support of the pulling load by the gripping device  400  without creating a threaded engagement between the threads  118  and any feature of the gripping device  400 . 
     When initially coupling the drillpipe  102  and the gripping device  400 , the drillpipe  102  and gripping device  400  may first be engaged such that the tool joint  116  is positioned within the gripping device  400  and positioned beyond the elevator blocks  424  to some degree. Once the tool joint  116  has generally progressed beyond edges of the elevator blocks  424 , the elevator actuators  412  may actuate the elevators  410  to engage the elevator blocks  424  with the drillpipe  424 . For example, to establish proper alignment of the elevator blocks  424  and the tool joint  116 , the drillpipe face  119  and a seal face  426  within the housing  404  may be slid into engagement. The seal face  426  may be arranged within the housing  404  based on standard tool joint sizes such that engagement of the drillpipe face  119  with the seal face  426  ensures that the tool joint  116  is properly positioned with respect to the elevator blocks  424  before activation of the elevators  410 . Once a desired positioning is achieved, the elevators  410  may be actuated to engage the tool joint  116  and thus establish vertical or pulling support of the drillpipe  102  by the gripping device  400 . 
     The elevator actuators  412  may include hydraulically actuated cylinders that may be activated to move the elevator support  414  toward the hydraulic rotary seal  404  and, in turn, actuate the elevators  410 . In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator support  414  includes a base ring  428  and a sleeve  430  that is disposed around the outer perimeter of housing  404 . The sleeve  430  provides support and includes slots  432  to facilitate movement of the sleeve  430  about the portions of the elevators  410  and torsional clamping actuators  416  that extend from the perimeter of the housing  404 . The base ring  428  provides a base for attachment of the links  422  and operates as a locking feature when the elevators  410  are fully engaged. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator actuators  412  are configured to cause the elevator support  414  to move upward toward the hydraulic rotary seal  40 . When the elevator support  414  moves up, a portion of the links  422  attached to the base ring  428  are moved upward as well, which causes the links  422  to push the elevator blocks  424  through openings in the housing  404  into an extended or engaged orientation. When the drillpipe  102  is properly positioned within the gripping device  400 , putting the elevators  410  in the extended orientation results in engagement of the elevator blocks  424  with the tool joint  116 . 
     The extended or engaged orientation of the elevators  410  is illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , which include a side view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the gripping device  400  while engaged with the drillpipe element  102 .  FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the gripping device  400  taken along line  8 A- 8 A in  FIG. 8 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the elevator support  414  has been moved upward along the housing  404  toward the hydraulic rotary seal  406 . The movement of the elevator support  414  with respect to the housing is evidenced by the change in position of the slots  432  with respect to the torsional clamping actuators  416  and the exposure of a lower lip  438  of the housing  404  (which includes an internal taper  440  to facilitate insertion of the drillpipe element  102 ). Further, this repositioning of the elevator support  414  results in the base ring  428  of the elevator support  414  being positioned around the elevator blocks  424  such that the base ring  428  retains the elevator blocks  424  in the extended position within the internal diameter of the housing  404 . Thus, when the gripping device  400  is coupled with the drillpipe element  102 , the base ring  428  keeps the elevators  410  engaged and prevents dropping the drillpipe element  102 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  are cross-sectional views of the gripping device  400  taken along lines  6 B- 6 B and  8 B- 8 B, respectively. Each of these cross-sectional views are taken along lines passing through the elevators  410  and show the transition of the elevators  410  with respect to the gripping device  400  being in an open configuration ( FIG. 10 ) and in an engaged configuration ( FIG. 11 ). The inside diameter of the housing  404  is essentially unencumbered in  FIG. 10  because the elevator blocks  424  are in a retracted position, while the elevator blocks  424  are partially positioned within the inside diameter of the housing  404  and are engaged with the drillpipe element  102  in the engaged configuration of  FIG. 11 . Further, in  FIG. 10 , the base ring  428  is shown below the elevator blocks  424  because the elevator support  414  has not yet been raised into a position surrounding the elevator blocks  524 , while  FIG. 11  shows the base ring aligned with the elevator blocks  424 . It should also be noted that biasing mechanisms  500  of the elevators  410  are visible in each of the cross-sectional views provided by  FIGS. 10 and 11 . As will be discussed in detail below, these biasing mechanisms  500  may facilitate proper positioning of the elevator blocks  424  for engagement of the drillpipe element  102  and maintaining engagement between the gripping device  400  and the drill pipe element  102  under certain conditions. 
     As noted above, present embodiments may include features configured to maintain engagement of the elevator blocks  424  with the drillpipe element  102  (e.g., via the tool joint  116 ). Even in embodiments wherein the elevator actuators  412  require activation (e.g., via application of hydraulic pressure) to actuate the elevators  410 , present embodiments may prevent the loss of activation energy (e.g., loss of hydraulic pressure) from causing the elevators  410  to disengage the drillpipe element  102 . For example, the elevators  410  and the base ring  428  of the elevator support  414  may cooperate in an engaged orientation of the gripping device  400  to maintain coupling with the drillpipe element  102 . Such cooperation is illustrated in  FIG. 12 , which includes a cross-sectional view of the elevator  410  including the biasing mechanism  500 , wherein the elevator block  424  is aligned with and positioned inside of the base ring  428 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the biasing mechanism  500  includes a plunger  502 , a spring  504 , and a spring seat  506  disposed within a receptacle  508  of the elevator block  424 . The plunger  502  is coupled to the link  422  in a hinged fashion and the spring  504  is positioned between the plunger  502  and the spring seat  506 , which is positioned in the end of the receptacle  508 . Specifically, the spring  504  is positioned about a boss  510  on the plunger  502  and about a boss  512  on the spring seat  506 . In the illustrated position, the spring  504  is generally biasing the plunger  502  away from the spring seat  506 . The spring  504  may be calibrated such that pressure applied via the elevator actuators  412  can overcome a bias of the spring  504  and allow disengagement of the elevator  410 . Specifically, the elevator actuators  412  may be activated to cause the elevator support  414  to move downward from the position illustrated in  FIG. 12 , which results in an initial pushing of the plunger  502  toward the spring seat  506  by the link  422 . Indeed, the pressure on the plunger  502  may be sufficient to overcome the bias of the spring  504  and compress the spring  504  the distance between the boss  510  and the boss  512 . Once the spring  504  has been sufficiently compressed to allow the link  422  a sufficient range of motion, the base ring  428  can move down and out of alignment with the elevator block  424 . This allows activation of the elevator actuators  412  to disengage the gripping device  400  from the drillpipe element  102 . However, the spring  504  may also be calibrated such that losing power to the elevator actuators  412 , in embodiments that require activation of the elevator actuators  412  to engage the elevator  410 , will not result in disengagement of the elevator  410 . For example, if the elevator actuators  412  include hydraulic actuators, the spring  504  may be calibrated such that a force applied by the weight of certain components when hydraulic pressure is lost would not be sufficient to overcome the spring  504  and compress it the distance that allows the link  422  to rotate such that the base ring  428  is not blocking the elevator block  424  from retracting from engagement with the drillpipe element  102 . 
     As noted above, present embodiments are directed to establishing an engagement between the gripping device  400  and the drillpipe element  102  that can support a pulling load, a torsional load, and a fluid seal (e.g., mud seal). As indicated above, an initial aspect of establishing such an engagement between the drillpipe element  102  and the gripping device  400  includes engaging the tool joint  116  with the elevators  410  to support the pulling load. After establishing the pulling support with the elevators  410  (or separate elevators), present embodiments include establishing a fluid seal between the gripping device  400  and the drillpipe element  102 . Such a seal may be established by a sealing mechanism  600  that shifts sealing components of the sealing mechanism  600  into engagement with the drillpipe face  119  and/or the threads  118 . By establishing the seal in accordance with present embodiments, the drillpipe  102  may also be aligned with the gripping device  400  for facilitating later establishment of engagement for torsional load. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 7 and 9 , the sealing mechanism  600  includes a seal piston  602 , an upper seal  604  coupled to an upper portion of the seal piston  602 , a lower seal  606  coupled with a lower portion of the seal piston  602 , and a piston housing  608  that is coupled with the housing  404 . In the illustrated embodiment, the seal piston  602  includes a hollow, double rod, double acting piston. The seal piston  602  generally includes an elongate hollow body  610  that extends through the piston housing  608 , which essentially functions a component of an actuator for the seal piston  602 . Indeed, an upper end of the seal piston  602  extends through an upper opening  612  in the piston housing  608  and a lower end of the piston  602  extends through a lower opening  614  in the piston housing  608 . Accordingly, the seal piston  602  can slide the lower seal  606  downward into engagement with the drillpipe element  102 . 
     The seal piston  602  may be actuated by pressure. For example, an actuator may provide hydraulic pressure via an upper port  616  into the piston housing  608  such that pressure is increased on an upper side of a lip  618  of the seal piston  602  within the piston housing  608 . This may force the seal piston  602  downward and correspondingly flush fluid out of a second port  620  accessing the piston housing  608  that is below the lip  618 . In turn, this actuation of the seal piston  602  may cause the lower seal  606  to move relative to the housing  404  and to engage a drillpipe element  102  positioned in the gripping device  400 . This type of actuation is illustrated by the transition shown between  FIGS. 7 and 9 . In  FIG. 7 , the seal piston  602  has not been positioned for engagement (e.g., no hydraulic pressure has been applied above the lip  618 ). In  FIG. 9 , the seal piston  602  has been positioned downward relative to the position shown in  FIG. 7  and the lower seal  606  is engaging the drillpipe element  102 . 
     Pressure may also be applied to the seal piston  602  by fluid (e.g., mud) passing through the gripping device  400  to the drillpipe element  102 . Specifically, for example, mud coming from above the gripping device  400  may press on the upper seal  604 . Pressure on the upper seal  604  may not be sufficient pressure to actuate the seal piston  602  in some embodiments. However, it may serve to preload the seal piston  602  for actuation by a separate actuator (e.g., a hydraulic actuator). Further, because the surface of the upper seal  604  exposed to pressure from fluid is larger than the surface of the lower seal  606  exposed to pressure from fluid, the seal piston  602  will generally be energized downward under fluid pressure (e.g., mud pressure). This may force the lower seal  606  against the drillpipe element  102  to prevent leakage in the event that an actuator for the seal piston  602 , such as a hydraulic actuator, loses energy (e.g., pressure). 
     The upper seal  604  and the lower seal  606  may be integral with or attachable with the seal piston  602 . Further, the upper seal  604  and the lower seal  606  may include numerous different seal features and combinations of seal features in accordance with present embodiments. The upper seal  604  illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 9  includes a main body  624  that is coupled about an outer perimeter of the seal piston  602  and a hydraulic rod lip seal  626  integrated with or installed in the main body  624 . The lower seal  606  illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 9  includes a main body  630  coupled about an outer perimeter of the seal piston  602  and a pair of O-rings ( FIG. 13 ) integrated with or installed in the main body  630  that are arranged to engage the drillpipe face  119 . In some embodiments, one or more O-rings may be employed to create a labyrinth. Further, the O-rings may include commercially available O-rings and may be made of any of various different materials (e.g., rubber, metal, plastic, or nitrile). 
     Certain features of the lower seal  606  are more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 13 , which is a cross-sectional view of the lower seal  606 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the main body  630  includes the O-rings  632  disposed within grooves  634  in the main body  630  and a larger groove  636  for receiving the drillpipe element  102 . The main body  630  also includes a neck portion  638  that is configured to extend within the drillpipe element  102  when the lower seal  606  engages the drillpipe element  102 . Disposed about the neck portion  638  is a thread engaging feature  640  for engaging and protecting the threads  118 . The thread engaging feature  640  may be made of any suitable material (e.g., urethane, steel, or brass). In the illustrated embodiment, the thread engaging feature  640  is generally frustum-shaped to facilitate engagement and alignment with the drillpipe element  102 . In some embodiments, the neck portion  638  itself may be frustum-shaped or the thread engaging feature  640  may be an integral portion of the main body  630 . Further, the thread engaging feature  640  may be any of various different shapes or completely absent in certain embodiments. It should be noted that the illustrated thread engaging feature  640  does not create a threaded coupling or engagement with the threads  118 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the lower seal  606  also includes alignment guides  642 , which may be formed of a material such as Teflon. Further, the lower seal  606  in the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 13  includes a threaded receptacle  643  for coupling with the seal piston  602 . 
     It should be noted that numerous different seal features could be employed in accordance with present embodiments. For example,  FIGS. 14-18  include various examples of seals that may be employed as the lower seal  606 . Any combination of the seal features illustrated in  FIGS. 14-18  may be utilized in the lower seal  606  and/or portions may be utilized in the upper seal  604 . Specifically, turning to the examples provided in  FIGS. 14-18 , the lower seal  606  illustrated in  FIG. 14  includes a single crush O-ring  700  engaged within a single groove  604  in the main body  630  and generally being crushed between the drillpipe face  119  and the main body  630  to establish a seal. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15  is similar to that of  FIG. 14  with the crush O-ring  700  replaced by a hydraulic face lip seal  702 , which includes a lip portion  704  that allows pressure to get inside to generate a seal. 
     In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 16 , a crush gasket  706  (e.g., an aluminum, copper, or rubber gasket) is positioned between the drillpipe face  119  and the main body  630  within the groove  636  to create a seal. In some embodiments, the crush gasket  706  may represent pipe dope. Further, in some embodiments, the pipe dope may be injected with an automated injection system (e.g., a pump and tubing integral with the gripping device  400  and configured to inject pipe dope in the groove  636 ). 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate seal features that specifically engage the drillpipe  102  at locations other than at the drillpipe face  119 . The embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 17  includes a neck portion  638  that extends beyond the thread engaging feature  640  and includes hydraulic piston lip seals  710  arranged to engage the inside diameter of the drillpipe  102 . The embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 18  includes a hydraulic rod lip seal  712  positioned in a groove within a lip  714  of the main body  630  such that the hydraulic rod lip seal  712  is configured to engage an outer diameter of the drillpipe  102 . As noted above, the features illustrated in  FIGS. 13-18  may be included in any combination to facilitate establishing a seal between the gripping device  400  and the drillpipe element  102 . 
     Again, present embodiments are directed to establishing an engagement between the gripping device  400  and the drillpipe element  102  that can support a pulling load, a torsional load, and a fluid seal. Establishing support for a pulling load has been discussed above with respect to the elevators  410 . Further, establishing a fluid seal has been discussed above with respect to the sealing mechanism  600 . By establishing the seal in accordance with present embodiments, the drillpipe  102  may also be aligned with the gripping device  400  to facilitate establishing engagement for supporting torsional load. Support for the torsional load may be provided by activating the torsional clamping actuators  416  (e.g., hydraulic cylinders), which are configured to actuate frictional engagement features  800 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , into engagement with the drillpipe element  102 .  FIG. 7  illustrates the frictional engagement features  800  in a disengaged position and  FIG. 9  illustrates the frictional engagement features  800  in an engaged position. This aspect of the gripping device  400  operates in a fashion similar to a grabber box. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the frictional engagement features  800  include die clamps  802  (torsional pipe clamps) that are configured to be activated by the torsional clamping actuators  416  to radially engage the drillpipe element  102  when it is disposed within the housing  404  and aligned with the engagement features  800 . The frictional engagement features  800  and torsional clamping actuators  416  may generally be referred to together as torsional clamp devices. Once the frictional engagement features  800  are sufficiently engaging the drillpipe element  102 , torque can be transferred from the gripping device  400  to the drillpipe element  102  via the frictional engagement features  800 . It should also be noted that the torsional clamping actuators  416  may include hydraulic actuators with counter balance valves and/or valving configurations to resist pressure loss and ensure that a sufficient engagement is maintained between the frictional engagement features  800  and the drillpipe element  102  even when there is a loss of actuation energy (e.g., pressure leakage or loss of power). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the gripping device  400  may include a control feature  880  in accordance with present embodiments. The illustrated control feature  880  may be representative of one or more devices configured to facilitate monitoring and/or control of certain operational features of the gripping device  400 . The control feature  880  may include a processor and integral sensors. In some embodiments, the control feature may be configured to cooperate with external sensors to detect certain operational characteristics. In the illustrated embodiment, the control feature  880  is centrally located and detects sensor readings from sensors (not shown) throughout the gripping device  400 . However, in some embodiments, the control feature  880  may include multiple devices that are located proximate sensors throughout the gripping device  400 . 
     The control feature  880  may be representative of any number of devices capable of monitoring relevant drilling parameters. The monitored drilling parameters may include drill string speed and rotational orientation, vibration and whirl, absolute and relative height of features within a derrick, pressures, temperatures, flow velocities, mud viscosity, mass flow, density, water content, plug detection, pig or ball status, hydraulic circuit pressure at any point in circuits, and so forth. As an example, the control feature  880  may cooperate or include strain sensitive devices (e.g., metal foil or semiconductor strain gauges) applied to the body of the gripping device  400  to measure lifting load, torque load, bending force, mud pressure, or the like. The control feature  880  may be configured to indicate the passage of the drillpipe element  102  into the gripping device  400  such that an actuation sequence in activated upon full insertion. The control feature  880  may include a detection mechanism (e.g., a mechanical switch, optical device, ultrasonic sensor, or hall effect sensor) that is contact-based or non-contact-based. Specifically, for example, the control feature  880  may determine that the pipe upset has been sufficiently inserted into the gripping device  400  and then trigger closing of the elevators  410 , actuation of the sealing mechanism  600 , and initiation of the torsional clamping actuators  410 . 
     While the embodiments illustrated and discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 6-11  represent embodiments of the gripping device  400  including integral elevators  410 , some embodiments may not include an integral elevator. For example,  FIG. 19  illustrates an embodiment wherein a separate elevator  900  on a linkage  902  may be used to couple with the drillpipe element  102  and bring the drillpipe element  102  into engagement with a gripping device  904  that excludes the integral elevators  410 , but includes other features of the gripping device  400  illustrated in  FIGS. 6-11 . Utilizing the separate elevator  900  (e.g., a conventional elevator separate from the gripping device) may facilitate coupling with the drillpipe element  102  while the drillpipe element  102  is laying horizontally. 
     It should also be noted that  FIG. 19  illustrates an integrated valve  904  that is representative of a valve that can be utilized to prevent dumping of stored fluid (e.g., mud) or as a blow out preventer. A valve, such as the integrated valve  904 , may be employed in various locations in a gripping device (e.g.,  400 ,  904 ) in accordance with present embodiments to avoid undesired flow of fluid into the drillpipe element  102  or out of the gripping device. Actuation of the valve may be controlled via integral features of the gripping device, such as the control feature  880 . 
     While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.