Patent Publication Number: US-7707914-B2

Title: Apparatus and methods for connecting tubulars

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/681,570, filed Oct. 8, 2003, now abandoned which application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for making or breaking tubular connections. Particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for rotating one tubular relative to another tubular. More particularly, the present invention relates a spinner for rotating a tubular at a high rate of speed during make up/break out of a tubular connection. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   In the construction of oil or gas wells it is usually necessary to construct long drill pipes. Due to the length of these pipes, sections of pipe are progressively added to the pipe string as it is lowered into the well from a drilling platform. In particular, when it is desired to add a section of pipe, the pipe string is initially restrained from falling into the well by applying the slips of a spider located in the floor of the drilling platform. The new section of pipe is then moved from a rack to the well center above the spider. The threaded pin of the section of pipe to be connected is then located over the threaded box of the pipe string in the well and the connection is made up by rotation therebetween. Thereafter, the newly extended pipe string is released from the spider. The whole pipe string is then lowered until the top of the pipe section is adjacent the spider whereupon the slips of the spider are re-applied to maintain the pipe string in the wellbore. 
   It is common practice to use a tong assembly to apply a predetermined torque to make up the connection. The tong assembly is typically located on the platform, either on rails, or hung from a derrick on a chain. In order to make up or break out a threaded connection, the tong assembly has a two tong arrangement. An active (or wrenching) tong supplies torque to the section of pipe above the threaded connection, while a passive (or back up) tong supplies a reaction torque below the threaded connection. Particularly, the back up tong clamps the pipe string below the threaded connection, and prevents it from rotating. The clamping of the pipe string may be performed mechanically, hydraulically, or pneumatically. The wrenching tong clamps the upper part of the connection and is driven so that it supplies torque for a limited angle to rotate the section of pipe relative to the pipe string. 
   This power tong arrangement may also be used to make up connections between other types of wellbore tubulars, for example, casing and tubing. 
   In order to make up or break out a drill pipe connection, high torque must be supplied over a large angle. This angle is sometimes six times higher than a conventional wrenching tong can supply. In order to overcome this, the wrenching tong must grip and wrench the pipe section repeatedly to fully tighten or break the threaded connection. Due to the high costs associated with the construction of oil and gas wells, time is critical, and the repeated clamping and unclamping of the wrenching tong increases the time needed to attach each new section of tubular. 
   Spinners have been used in combination with the power tong assembly to facilitate the tubular connection process. Spinners are typically designed to rapidly rotate the pipe section. Spinners generally include rollers for engaging the pipe section about its periphery. The rollers are rotated to spin the pipe section relative to the pipe string to make up the connection. 
   The ongoing challenge to reduce operational time necessitates a spinner that is capable of handling a wide range of tubular sizes. Because oil rigs have limited space, it would be desirable to have one spinner for handling the different sized tubulars encountered on a rig. Another benefit of using only one spinner is that time required to adjust the spinner, such as changing the size of the rollers, is eliminated. 
   There is a need, therefore, for an improved apparatus for making or breaking a tubular connection. There is also a need for an apparatus that will reduce the time it takes to make up or break out a tubular connection. There is a further need to quickly adjust to the size of the tubular to be handled. There is also a need for an apparatus capable of working in combination with a tong assembly to make up or break out a tubular connection. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides apparatus and methods for connecting tubulars. In one aspect, the present invention provides a spinner having a first arm having a first roller and a second arm having a second roller, the first arm and the second arm simultaneously adjustable to retain the tubular. The apparatus also includes a third roller capable of urging the tubular against the first and second rollers, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third rollers is actuatable to rotate the tubular. 
   In one embodiment, the spinner further comprises a fluid operated cylinder for adjusting the first arm and the second arm. The arms are adjusted by actuating the cylinder extend or retract the first arm and the second arm. In another embodiment, the first arm and the second arm are coupled together and may retract or extend simultaneously. In another embodiment still, the arms may include a cam surface to move the rollers closer together to adjust to the size of the tubular being retained. In another embodiment still, at least one of the rollers is equipped with a motor to supply torque to the tubular. 
   In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of rotating a tubular. The method includes providing a tubular rotating apparatus having a first arm equipped with a first roller and a second arm equipped with a second roller. The method also includes engaging the tubular with the first roller and the second roller, actuating the first arm and the second arm to move a third roller into engagement with the tubular, and rotating at least one of the first roller, second roller, and the third roller, thereby rotating the tubular. 
   In one embodiment, the method also includes actuating the third roller to apply a gripping force against the tubular. A cylinder may be actuated to apply the gripping force. The third roller may also be actuated to transfer torque to the tubular. 
   In another aspect, the spinner is used in combination with the tong assembly to make up or break up a tubular connection. Initially, the spinner is used to rotate a first tubular relative to a second tubular. Preferably, the first tubular is rotated using low torque. Thereafter, the tong assembly is used to complete the tubular connection by supplying high torque. 
   In another aspect, the spinner may be equipped with a stabbing guide. 
   In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for connecting a first tubular with a second tubular. The apparatus comprises a tubular handling member having a plurality of rollers, wherein the plurality of rollers are adjustable to retain the first tubular. The apparatus also includes a guide member disposed below each of the plurality of rollers, wherein adjusting the plurality of rollers also adjusts the guide member such that the guide member is capable of surrounding the second tubular, whereby the guide member can guide the first tubular into engagement with the second tubular. In one embodiment, a contact surface of the guide member is flush with a contact surface of the plurality of rollers. In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a biasing member adapted to reduce a contact force between the guide member and the second tubular. 
   In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting a first tubular with a second tubular. The method comprises providing a tubular rotating apparatus having a plurality of rollers and attaching a guide member below each of the plurality of rollers. The method also includes engaging the rollers with the first tubular, positioning the guide member around the second tubular, and guiding the first tubular into engagement with second tubular. Thereafter, the first tubular is rotated, thereby connecting the first tubular with the second tubular. In one embodiment, engaging the rollers with the first tubular also positions the guide member around the second tubular. 
   In another aspect, the apparatus includes a first tong for engaging a first tubular and a second tong for engaging a second tubular. Preferably, the tongs are mounted on a movable frame for moving the tongs to and from the tubulars. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a torque member for rotating the first tong. In this manner, the first tubular may be rotated relative to the second tubular to makeup or breakout the tubulars. 
   In another aspect, the present invention provides a gripping apparatus for handling a tubular. The gripping apparatus is adapted to quickly adjust to the size of the tubular to be handled. The gripping apparatus comprises a first gripping member operatively coupled to a second gripping member to retain the tubular. Each of the gripping members has a jaw for contacting the tubular. In one embodiment, at least one of the jaws is actuatable to apply a gripping force to the tubular. 
   In another aspect, the gripping apparatus includes an actuator to cause the first and second gripping members to engage the tubular. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises a spindle. The first gripping member is operatively coupled to the spindle using a nut. Rotation of the spindle causes the nut to move along the threads of the spindle, thereby moving the first gripping member relative to the second gripping member. In another embodiment, the actuator comprises a piston and cylinder assembly. 
   In another aspect, the gripping apparatus includes features adapted to resist elastic deformation. In one embodiment, the loading bearing components are provided with spherical bearings or cylindrical bearings. In another embodiment, one or more force distributors are used to distribute torque acting on the gripping members to the housing of the gripping apparatus. 
   The presenting invention also provides a method for handling a tubular. The method includes providing a first gripping member having a first jaw and a second gripping member having a second jaw. The gripping members are actuated to engage the tubular. Thereafter, the second jaw is actuated to apply a gripping pressure. 
   In another aspect still, the present invention provides a method for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. The method includes providing a first tong and a second tong, the first tong rotatable relative to the second tong. Initially, the second tong is caused to engage the second tubular. The first tong is rotated relative to the second tong into position to engage the first tubular. After the first tong engages the first tubular, the first tong is rotated to connect the tubulars. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the tong assembly according to aspects of the present invention. The tong assembly is shown the unactuated position. 
       FIG. 2  shows the backup tong with a portion of its housing removed for clarity. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the wrenching tong. 
       FIG. 4  depicts the wrenching tong with a portion of its housing removed for clarity. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the backup tong in engagement with a tubular. 
       FIG. 6  shows the wrenching tong rotated relative to the backup tong. Additionally, the wrenching tong is engaged with a tubular. 
       FIG. 7  shows the wrenching cylinder partially retracted, and the wrenching tong partially rotated back into alignment with the backup tong. 
       FIG. 8  shows a spinner according to aspects of the present invention. A portion of the spinner is shown in cross-section. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the spinner. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the spinner. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a roller and motor assembly. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional top view of the spinner engaged with a large diameter tubular. 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional top view of the spinner engaged with a small diameter tubular. 
       FIG. 14  is a tubular connection unit having a spinner and a tong assembly. 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the spinner engaging the tubulars before connection. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the spinner engaging the tubulars after connection. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The present invention relates to a tong assembly for making up and breaking out a tubular connection. The tong assembly includes a power tong and a backup tong to apply torque the tubular connection. Each tong includes a powered gripping arrangement to apply a gripping force to the tubular. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of the tong assembly  100  according to aspects of the present invention. The tong assembly  100  is held above the wellbore by a movable frame  20 . The frame  20  includes a pair of columns  7 ,  8  for attachment to the tong assembly  100 . The movable frame  20  may include moving mechanisms such as wheels, rails, cables, or combinations thereof. The movable frame  20  may be used to move the tong assembly  100  to and from the tubulars. 
   In one aspect, the tong assembly  100  includes a wrenching tong  30  and a backup tong  40 . As shown, the frame  20  is connected to the housing  42  of the backup tong  40 . The wrenching tong  30  is disposed above the backup tong  40 . The housing  32  of the wrenching tong  30  is designed to allow the frame  20  to be attached to the backup tong  40 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the housing  32  of wrenching tong  30  is partially truncated in comparison to the housing  42  of the backup tong  40 .  FIG. 2  shows the backup tong  40  with a portion of its housing  42  removed. It can be seen that the backup tong  40  includes a pair of column supports  47 ,  48  for connection with the columns  7 ,  8  of the frame  20 . 
   Referring back to  FIG. 1 , a wrenching cylinder  50  is used to apply torque to the wrenching tong  30 . The wrenching cylinder  50  is mounted to the frame  20  using a cylinder support member  52 . Particularly, the wrenching cylinder  50  is pivotably connected to the frame  20  and the wrenching tong  30 . In one embodiment, a pivotable mechanism connecting the wrenching cylinder  50  to the frame  20  includes a collar  53  disposed around the wrenching cylinder  50 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The collar  53  having an indexing member  54  extending through an indexing opening  55  in the cylinder support member  52 . The pivotable mechanism allows the wrenching cylinder  50  to pivot relative to the frame  20  as it rotates the wrenching tong  30 . Additionally, a second pivotable mechanism is used to connect the wrenching cylinder  50  to the wrenching tong  30 . In one embodiment, the second pivotable mechanism includes a pin  56  in the housing  32  of the wrenching tong  30  inserted through the piston  57  of the wrenching cylinder  50 . The pivotable mechanisms work together to provide rotational movement to the wrenching tong  30 . Preferably, the center of rotation of the wrenching tong  30  shares the same or substantially the same center of the tubular connection. In one aspect, the wrenching cylinder  50  may rotate the wrenching tong  30  for an angle up to about 40 degrees relative to the backup tong  40 , more preferably, up to about 35 degrees, and most preferably, up to about 30 degrees. Torque is applied to the tubular connection when the wrenching tong  30  is rotated by the wrenching cylinder  50 . The wrenching cylinder  50  may be actuated hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically, or combinations thereof. The applied torque is proportional to the pressure of the wrenching cylinder  50 . It must be noted that other suitable pivotable mechanisms may be used as is known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
   In another aspect, the tongs  30 ,  40  of the tong assembly  100  include a novel gripping arrangement or clamping system for retaining a tubular. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , both the wrenching tong  30  and the backup tong  40  are equipped with the same clamping system. Therefore, the discussions herein with respect to the clamping system apply to both tongs  30 ,  40 , unless otherwise indicated. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the clamping system or gripping arrangement includes an active clamping member  110  operatively coupled to a passive clamping member  120 . The active clamping member  110  is movably disposed in the housing  42 , and the passive clamping member  120  is fixed to the housing  42 . Each clamping member  110 ,  120  is provided with a gripping member, such as a jaw  115 ,  125 , adapted to engage a tubular. The clamping members  110 ,  120  are arranged such that actuation of the active clamping member  110  will move the jaw  115  of the active clamping member  110  closer to the jaw  125  of the passive clamping member  120 , thereby engaging the tubular. The clamping arrangement can also be seen in  FIG. 3 , which is a cross-sectional view of the wrenching tong  30 . 
   In one embodiment, a spindle  130  is used to actuate the active clamping member  110 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the spindle  130  is threadedly coupled to a nut  135  attached to the active clamping member  110 . The spindle  130  is actuated by a hydraulic motor  140 . During operation, the positions of the spindle  130  and the motor  140  remain stationary relative to the housing  42 . As the spindle  130  is rotated by the motor  140 , the nut  135  moves along the threads  137  of the spindle  130 , thereby moving the active clamping member  110  relative to the passive clamping member  120 . In another embodiment, the active clamping member  110  may be actuated by a piston and cylinder assembly. Extension or retraction of the cylinder assembly will result in a corresponding movement of the active clamping member  110 . 
   In one aspect, the tong body is adapted to handle various tubular sizes. Unlike conventional tongs, the tong according to aspects of the present invention may change its body size to handle different size tubulars. Particularly, the tong body includes an active clamping member  110  operatively coupled to a passive clamping member  120 . During operation, the active clamping member  110  may be adjusted relative to the passive clamping member  120  to accommodate the new tubular, or to approximate the diameter of the new tubular. In this respect, the overall body size of the tong is changed. 
   After the clamping members  110 ,  120  bring the jaws  115 ,  125  into engagement with the tubular, the jaws  115 ,  125  may be actuated to apply the clamping pressure on the tubular.  FIG. 4  depicts the wrenching tong  30  with a portion of its housing  32  removed. A clamping cylinder  145  may be seen coupled to the jaw  125  on the passive clamping member  120 . In this respect, this jaw  125  is also known as the active jaw  125  and may be actuated by a clamping cylinder  145  to apply the clamping force. The jaw  115  on the active clamping member  110 , also known as the passive jaw  115 , cooperates with the active jaw  125  to engage the tubular. It is also contemplated that either or both jaws may be an active jaw or a passive jaw. It is further contemplated that the clamping cylinder may be actuated hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically, or combinations thereof without deviating from the aspects of the present invention. 
   To further facilitate engagement with the tubular, one or more dies  127  may be mounted on the jaws  115 ,  125 . The dies  127  may be replaced as necessary without replacing the jaws  115 ,  125 . Typically, the dies  127  are replaced when worn, or when the characteristics of the tubular changes. In another embodiment, teeth may be formed directly on the jaws  115 ,  125  to facilitate engagement. 
   In another aspect, the load bearing components in the tongs  30 ,  40  of the present invention may be adapted to withstand the forces necessary to makeup or breakout the tubular connection. It is believed that due to these forces, the clamping system may, in some instances, elastically deform. To reduce the potential for elastic deformation, the clamping system of the present invention includes features which assist in resisting deformation. In one embodiment, the spindle  130  is fitted with a cylindrical bearing  160 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Also, a spherical contact surface  165  is provided between the nut  135  and the active clamping member  110 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The cylindrical bearing  160  or the spherical contact surface  165  may act to reduce the potential for the spindle  130  to bend. 
   In another embodiment, the active clamping member  110  is in contact with the housing  32 ,  42  through one or more force distributors. Particularly, the force distributor comprises a pendulum bolt  170  having a flat surface on one end and an arcuate surface on another end. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , each tong  30 ,  40  is equipped with two pendulum bolts  170 . The pendulum bolts  170  are disposed between the active clamping member  110  and the housing  32 ,  42 . When the active clamping member  110  encounters a torque, the torque is transferred to the pendulum bolts  170 , which in turn, distributes the torque to the housing  32 ,  42 . Further, the pendulum bolts  170  are also self aligning. In this respect, the forces may be transferred through a maximum contact area. 
   Similarly, the jaws  115 ,  125  also have features to resist deformation. In one embodiment, the clamping cylinder  145  is in contact with the active jaw  125  through a spherical bearing  175 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In this respect, the piston of the clamping cylinder  145  is protected. In another embodiment, a spherical bearing  180  is disposed between the passive jaw  115  and the active clamping member  110 . The spherical bearing  180  protects the passive jaw  115  and aligns the passive jaw  115  to the tubular surface. 
   In operation, the tong assembly  100  may be used to connect a first tubular  401  to a second tubular  302 . Initially, the tongs  30 ,  40  are aligned and open to receive the tubulars  401 ,  302 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The frame  20  is then moved to position the jaws  315 ,  325 ,  415 ,  425  around the tubulars  401 ,  302  to be connected, as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . Preferably, the jaws  415 ,  425  of the backup tong  40  are positioned to engage the first tubular  401 , and the jaws  315 ,  325  of the wrenching tong  30  are positioned around the second tubular  302 . 
   After the tongs  30 ,  40  are placed into position, the active clamping member  410  of the backup tong  40  is actuated to move the jaws  415 ,  425  into engagement with the first tubular  401 . Particularly, the motor  440  is actuated to rotate the spindle  430 , thereby causing the nut  435  to move along the threads  437  of the spindle  430 . As a result, the jaws  415 ,  425  are moved into engagement with the first tubular  401 .  FIG. 5  illustrates the backup tong  40  in engagement with the first tubular  401 . It can be seen that the nut  435  has moved along the spindle  430 , thereby exposing a threaded portion  437  of the spindle  430 . After the first tubular  401  is engaged, the clamping cylinder of the active jaw  425  is actuated to apply the proper gripping force against the first tubular  401 . 
   Thereafter, the wrenching cylinder  50  is actuated to rotate the wrenching tong  30  about the center of the second tubular  302 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , actuation of the wrenching cylinder  50  extends the piston away from the cylinder support member  52  and rotates the wrenching tong  30  relative to the backup tong  40 . During actuation of the wrenching cylinder  50 , it is preferred that a spinner is used to partially makeup the tubulars  401 ,  302 . Generally, spinners are capable of quickly making up the connection at low torque but high speed. The spinner may optionally be disposed on the frame  20  to partially makeup the connection while the piston  57  of the wrenching cylinder  50  is extended. In this manner, valuable time can be saved. 
   After the piston  57  is extended, the active clamping member  310  of the wrenching tong  30  is actuated. The spindle  330  is rotated to cause the active clamping member  310  to move the jaws  315 ,  325  into engagement with the second tubular  302 . Then, the clamping cylinder  345  is actuated to apply the proper gripping force to the jaws  315 ,  325 . In  FIG. 6 , the wrenching tong  30  is shown engaged with the second tubular  302 . In addition, the wrenching tong  30  has been rotated about 30 degrees relative to the backup tong  40 . 
   Torque may now be applied to makeup the connection. Torque is supplied by the wrenching cylinder  50  by retracting the piston  57 . Retraction of the piston  57  causes the wrenching tong  30  to rotate, thereby rotating the second tubular  302  relative to the first tubular  401 .  FIG. 7  shows the piston  57  partially retracted and the wrenching tong  30  partially rotated back into alignment with the backup tong  40 . Thereafter, the spindle  330  may be actuated to move the active clamping member  310  back to the open position. If necessary, the process may be repeated for the active clamping member  310  to fully makeup the tubular connection. 
   The tong assembly  100  may also be used to disconnect tubulars  401 ,  302 . After the backup tong  40  has engaged the first tubular  401 , the active clamping member  310  of the wrenching tong  30  may be actuated to move the jaws  315 ,  325  into engagement with the second tubular  302 . The active jaw  325  is then actuated to apply the gripping force. Thereafter, the piston  57  is extended to rotate the wrenching tong  30 . In turn, the second tubular  302  is rotated relative to the first tubular  401  to be disconnected therefrom. 
   The tong according to aspects of the present invention may optionally be remotely operated. In one aspect, the movement of the components of the tong may be operated from a remotely placed control panel. In another aspect, the tong may be configured to perform the tubular make up or break up process autonomously, e.g. in accordance with a computer program. Particularly, the tong may include any suitable interface for performing the process. 
   In another aspect still, the tong may include one or more sensors to facilitate its operation. In one embodiment, the tong may include proximity sensors to determine the location of the tubular. In another embodiment, the tong may include sensors for determining the torque or force applied. Additional sensors may be included as is known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
   The present invention also provides a spinner for making and breaking tubular connections. The spinner may be used in combination with the tong assembly to make up or break out tubular connections. In one embodiment, the spinner includes a body and two arms for retaining the tubular. The spinner is equipped with one or more rollers to frictionally engage the tubular and transfer torque thereto. Preferably, three rollers are positioned on the spinner such that a three point contact with the tubular is established. Specifically, a roller is disposed on each arm and a third roller is disposed on the body. The arms are adjustable to accommodate tubulars of different sizes. 
     FIG. 8  shows an exemplary embodiment of a spinner  500  according to aspects of the present invention. The spinner  500  includes two arms  510 ,  520  movably attached to a housing  505 . The housing  505  comprises two plates  501 ,  502  connected together using three posts  511 ,  512 ,  513 . Two guide posts  511 ,  512  are located on each side of the front end, and one back post  513  is centrally located at the back end. 
   The two arms  510 ,  520  are at least partially disposed interior to the housing  505  and are pivotally coupled together using one or more guide keys  515 . The back end of each arm  510 ,  520  has an upper flange and a lower flange extending inwardly. The upper flanges of the arms  510 ,  520  are coupled together using a guide key  515  inserted through a hole formed in the flanges. The guide key  515  extends through the upper flanges of the arms  510 ,  520  and into a guide slot  521  formed in the top plate  531 . This can be more clearly seen in  FIG. 9 , which is a side view of the spinner  500 . Preferably, the guide slot  521  is centrally located and extends from front to back. The lower flanges are similarly coupled to a second guide key  515 B and guide slot (not shown) combination. The guide key  515 ,  515 B and guide slot  520  combination directs the movement of the arms  510  during extension or retraction. As the guide key  515  moves along the guide slot  521 , the two arms  510 ,  520  are allowed to pivot about the guide key  515 . It must be noted that the arms  510 ,  520  may be coupled using only one guide key and guide slot combination. 
   Each arm  510 ,  520  is actuated by a piston and cylinder assembly  525 . One end of the cylinder assembly  525  is hinged to the side of the arm  510 ,  520 , and the opposite end of the cylinder assembly  525  is hinged to the back post  513 . The piston and cylinder assembly  525  may be hydraulically or pneumatically operated. Actuation of the piston and cylinder assembly  525  extends or retracts the arms  510 ,  520  during operation. The arms  510 ,  520  are in contact with the guide posts  511 ,  512  through a cam  530  disposed on the side of the arms  510 ,  520 . The cam  530  defines an arcuate shaped member adapted to force the respective arm  510 ,  520  to move inward as it is retracted and outward as it is extended, as shown in  FIG. 10 , which is a cross-sectional top view of the spinner  500 . Preferably, each guide post  511 ,  512  includes a pivotable guide rod  514  with an arcuate surface to facilitate movement of the cam  530  against the guide post  511 ,  512 . As shown, each arm  510 ,  520  includes an upper cam and a lower cam. 
   The spinner  500  is equipped with three rollers  541 ,  542 ,  543  for contacting and rotating a tubular. Referring back to  FIG. 8 , an arm roller  541 ,  542  is disposed on the front end of each arm  510 ,  520 . The arm rollers  541 ,  542  are situated such that at least a portion of the rollers  541 ,  542  is available for contacting with an outer surface of the tubular to be handled. Preferably, the rollers  541 ,  542  are angled inwardly to facilitate engagement with tubulars of various sizes. A central roller  543  is positioned in a roller support seat  545  and movably disposed in the housing  505 . The roller support seat  545  is coupled to a load cylinder  550  such that the load cylinder  550  can extend or retract the roller support seat  545  towards and away from contact with the tubular. In one embodiment, the cylinder housing  551  of the load cylinder  550  is fixed to the spinner housing  505 , while the piston  552  of the load cylinder  550  is attached to a back portion of the roller support seat  545 . During operation, extension of the piston  552  pushes the central roller  543  into contact with the tubular, and retraction of the piston  552  pulls the central roller  543  away from the tubular. Preferably, a biasing member such as spring  553  is disposed in the load cylinder  550  to bias the piston  552  in the retracted position. To control the movement of the central roller  543 , a top portion of the central roller  543  extends through a roller guide slot  555  in the top plate  501 . The front end of the top portion has a recess  560  to accommodate the top plate  501  as the central roller  543  is moved along the roller guide slot  555 . 
   In another aspect, the rollers  541 ,  542 ,  543  are driven by a motor  571 ,  572 ,  573  coupled thereto.  FIG. 11  shows a roller and motor assembly suitable for use with the present invention. The roller  541  defines a tubular member having an axial bore  574 . The upper portion of the bore  574  includes a splined surface  575 . Preferably, the roller  541  is partially cased in a protective body  577 . The protective body  577  has openings above and below the roller  541 . The motor  571  is disposed above the protective body  577  and partially through the top opening of the protective body  577 . The motor  571  includes a drive shaft  578  having a splined bore  579  aligned with the bore  574  of the roller  541 . A roller shaft  580  is inserted through the bottom opening of the protective body  577 , the bore  574  of the roller  541 , and the bore  579  of the motor drive shaft  578 . A spline  581  formed on an upper portion of the roller shaft  580  mates with the splines  575 ,  579  of the roller  541  and the motor drive shaft  578 . In this respect, torque applied to the drive shaft  578  may be transferred to the roller shaft  580  and then to the roller  541 . A base plate  583  is attached to the protective body  577  to close off the bottom opening and retain the roller shaft  580 . This arrangement allows the roller  541  to be removed from the protective body  577  simply by removing the base plate  583  and the roller shaft  580 . Although the embodiments are shown with three motor driven rollers, it must be noted that only one of the rollers needs to be powered. For example, the central roller  543  in the housing  505  may be powered (active) while the rollers  541 ,  542  on the arms  510 ,  520  are not (passive). In this arrangement, the torque for rotating the tubular comes from the active roller  543 . The passive rollers  541 ,  542  only act to facilitate rotation of the tubular and retain the tubular. It must also be noted that the spinner  500  may be equipped with any number of rollers or rollers of different sizes. For example, instead of one roller, two smaller rollers may be disposed in the housing  505 , so that four rollers may come into contact with the tubular. Additionally, the rollers on the arms  510 ,  520  may be powered while the rollers in the housing  505  are not. 
   In operation, a drill pipe string is held in the wellbore by a spider. To extend the drill pipe string, a section of drill pipe  503  is positioned above the drill pipe string and then connected thereto. The tubular connection process requires the drill pipe section  503  to be stabbed into the drill pipe string. The spinner  500  is then used to quickly make up the threaded connection between the drill pipe section  503  and the drill pipe string. Although a drill pipe connection is described, aspects of the present invention may be used to connect a casing, a tubing, and other downhole tubulars as is known in the art. 
   To engage the drill pipe section  503 , the arms  510 ,  520  of the spinner  500  are initially in the open position as shown in  FIG. 8 . The spinner  500  is positioned such that the drill pipe section  503  is between the arms  510 ,  520 . The arm cylinders  525  are actuated to bring the arms  510 ,  520  into contact with the drill pipe section  503 . Thereafter, the arm cylinders  525  continue to retract in order to pull the spinner  500  toward the drill pipe section  503  until all three rollers  541 ,  542 ,  543  are in contact with the drill pipe section  503 , as shown in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional top view of the spinner  500 . As the arms  510 ,  520  are retracted, the guide key  515  moves along the guide slot  521  in a direction toward the back post  513  and pivot about the guide key  515  as the cams  530  on the arms  510 ,  520  cause the rollers  541 ,  542  on the arms  510 ,  520  to move closer to each other. Because the arms  510 ,  520  are coupled together, the arms  510 ,  520  are retracted simultaneously and at the same speed. Additionally, the cams  530  causes the arms  510 ,  520  to move the arm rollers  541 ,  542  closer together, thereby adjusting to the size of the drill pipe  503  being retained. 
   In some instances, the contact force from larger drill pipe sections will push back the central roller  543 , the roller support seat  545 , and the piston  553  of the load cylinder  550 . After all three rollers  541 ,  542 ,  543  come into contact with the drill pipe section  503 , the arm cylinders  525  are closed by a check valve to maintain the position of the arms  510 ,  520 . Then, hydraulic fluid is supplied to the load cylinder  545  to actuate the piston  552 . In turn, the piston  552  urges the central roller  543  against the drill pipe section  503  and supplies the desired load to the rollers  541 ,  542 ,  543  to clamp the drill pipe section  503 . Referring to FIG.  12 , the drill pipe section  503  is engaged by the three rollers  541 ,  542 ,  543 , and a centerline of the drill pipe section  503  is at least substantially aligned with a diameter of the central roller  543 . Additionally, the centers of the arms rollers  541 ,  542  are equidistance from the centerline of the drill pipe section  503 . When fully engaged, the motors  571 ,  572 ,  573  of the rollers  541 ,  542 ,  543  are hydraulically actuated to transfer torque to the rollers  541 ,  542 ,  543  through frictional contact. In this manner, the drill pipe section  503  is rotated to make up the drill pipe connection. 
     FIG. 13  shows the spinner  500  engaged with a small diameter tubular  503 . As shown, the arms  510 ,  520  have been fully retracted. The guide rod  514  is in contact with an end of the cam  530  on the first arm  510 . 
   In another aspect, the spinner  500  may be used in combination with the tong assembly  100  to make up or break out a tubular connection. For example, the spinner  500  may be used to partially make up the connection, and the tong assembly  100  may be used to complete the connection by applying a predetermined torque to the connection. In one embodiment, the spinner  500  is positioned above the tong assembly  100  and brought to the well center as one tubular connection unit  600 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . The tubular connection unit  600  may be mounted on a movable frame  620  having moving mechanisms such as wheels, rails, cables or combinations thereof. The spinner  500  and the tong assembly  100  may be attached to the frame  620  in any suitable manner known in the art. The tubular connection unit  600  may also includes one or more controls  680 ,  685  for operating the unit  600 . Initially, the spinner  500  is operated as described with respect to  FIGS. 8-12  above to quickly make up a portion of the connection. Thereafter, the tong assembly  100  is operated as described with respect to  FIGS. 1-7  to apply a higher torque to complete the tubular connection. In this embodiment, the wrenching tong  630  includes an indexing member  654  coupled to a track  653  formed in a guide plate  648  attached to the frame  620 . In this respect, the rotation of the wrenching tong  630  is guided by the indexing member  654  and the track  653  as the wrenching tong  630  is rotated by the wrenching cylinder  650  with respect to the backup tong  640 . 
   In another aspect still, the spinner may include one or more sensors to facilitate its operation. In one embodiment, the spinner may include proximity sensors to determine the location of the tubular. In another embodiment, the spinner may include sensors for determining the torque or force applied. Additional sensors may be included as is known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In another aspect, operation of the spinner may be automated. 
   In another aspect, the spinner  700  may be equipped with a stabbing guide  710  to facilitate the connection of the tubulars. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the stabbing guide  710  may comprise one or more guide bars  711 ,  712  attached below each of the three rollers  741 ,  742  (only two are shown) of the drill pipe spinner  700 . The guide bar  711 ,  712  may be attached to the roller  741 ,  742  in any suitable manner known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the back of the guide bar  711  is connected to a U shaped body  721 , which is attached below the roller  741 . Referring back to  FIG. 15 , the length of the guide bars  711 ,  712  extending below the rollers  741 ,  742  is such that the guide bars  711 ,  712  will overlap at least a portion of the lower drill pipe  704  when the rollers  741 ,  742  are in contact with the coupling  705  of the upper drill pipe  703 . The drill pipe contact surface of the guide bars  711 ,  712  is flush with the contact surface of the respect roller  741 ,  742 . In this respect, the guide bars  711 ,  712  will simultaneously align the upper and lower drill pipes  703 ,  704  for connection when the arms are closed to engage the rollers  741 ,  742  with the upper drill pipe  703 . The guide bars  711 ,  712  may be optionally equipped with a biasing member such as a spring to reduce the contact force between the guide bar  711 ,  712  and the tool joints  705 ,  706 . In another embodiment, the guide bars  711 ,  712  may be installed on only two of the rollers  741 ,  742 . 
   In operation, the arms of the spinner  700  are actuated to bring the rollers  741 ,  742  into contact with the upper drill pipe  703 . When the rollers  741 ,  742  contact the upper drill pipe  703 , the lower portion of the guide bars  711 ,  712  also contacts the lower drill pipe  704 . The arm cylinders continue to retract the arms until all three rollers  741 ,  742  contact the upper drill pipe  703 . At which point, all of the guide bars  711 ,  712  are in contact with the lower drill pipe  704 , thereby aligning the upper drill pipe  703  for stabbing with the lower drill pipe  704 . This alignment is maintained throughout the stabbing and spinning process.  FIG. 16  shows the spinner  700  after completing the thread connection. 
   Use of the stabbing guide  710  is also valuable during the break out process. After spinning out the thread and just before pulling of the upper drill pipe  703  by the draw work of the rig, the arms of the spinner  700  are opened slightly to allow the spinner  700  to be lowered until the guiding bars  711 ,  712  overlap the lower drill pipe  704 . Thereafter, the arms are closed using a reduced clamping force. Then, the upper drill pipe  703  is pulled out without contact of the flanks or crest of the threaded members. 
   In another embodiment, the rollers may engage the upper drill pipe without the guide bars overlapping a portion of the lower drill pipe. Thereafter, the upper drill pipe is lowered toward the upper drill pipe. In this respect, the guide bars will be positioned around the lower drill pipe to guide the upper drill pipe into engagement with the lower drill pipe. In another aspect, the inside surface of the lower portion of the guide bars may be beveled or angled to facilitate the lowering of the guide bars over the lower drill pipe. 
   One of the advantages of the stabbing guide  710  is that it may reduce damage to the threads during the make up or break out process. For example, some oil field threaded connections such as wedge threads require the threaded members to be guide during the connection process. With out guiding, the flanks of the threads may contact during pulling, thereby damaging the threads or prevent disconnection. By using the stabbing guide, contact between the flanks and/or the crest of the threaded members is minimized. 
   While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.