Patent Publication Number: US-2019178072-A1

Title: Brake assembly for a tubular connection system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of drilling and processing of wells. More particularly, present embodiments relate to a system and method for a brake system that facilitates establishing tubular connections on a drilling rig. 
     In existing oil and gas operations, a well is typically drilled to a desired depth with a drill string, which includes drill pipe and a drilling bottom hole assembly. Once the desired depth is reached, the drill string is removed from the hole and casing is run into the vacant hole. Casing may be defined as pipe or tubular that is placed in a well to prevent the well from caving in, to contain fluids, and/or to assist with efficient extraction of product (e.g., oil). Tubular may be defined as including drill pipe, casing, or any other type of substantially cylindrical component or assembly utilized in drilling or well processing operations. 
     A tubular is generally lowered into the wellbore by a top drive, which typically includes a quill. The quill is a short length of pipe that couples with the upper end of the tubular and one or more motors configured to turn the quill. The top drive is typically suspended from a traveling block above the rig floor so that it may be raised and lowered throughout drilling operations. To establish connections between a new length of tubular and an existing string of tubular, the new length of tubular is lowered onto the existing string via the top drive, and the top drive applies a torque to thread the new length of tubular onto the existing string. Unfortunately, traditional operations used to monitor and control the amount of torque applied while making these connections have certain drawbacks. For example, existing systems allow for the top drive to apply too much torque or not enough torque while forming tubular connections. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure a drilling system includes a top drive of a drilling rig configured to transfer a torque to a tubular element, a torque sensing component configured to measure the torque applied to the tubular, a brake assembly coupled to the tubular element, where the brake assembly is configured to block torque transfer from the top drive to the tubular element at a predetermined torque value, and a controller communicatively coupled to the torque sensing component and the brake assembly, where the controller is configured to receive feedback from the torque sensing component and send a signal to actuate the brake assembly based on the torque measured by the torque sensing component. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a drilling system includes a torque sensing component configured to measure a torque applied from a top drive to a tubular, a brake assembly configured to couple to the tubular element, where the brake assembly is configured to block torque transfer from the top drive to the tubular element at a predetermined torque value, and a controller communicatively coupled to the torque sensing component and the brake assembly, where the controller is configured to receive feedback from the torque sensing component and send a signal to actuate the brake assembly based on the torque measured by the torque sensing component. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method includes receiving feedback indicative of a measured torque value applied to a tubular element by a top drive from a torque sensing device, sending a first signal to an actuator of a brake assembly based on the measured torque value applied to the tubular element by the top drive, and actuating the brake assembly to block torque transfer from the top drive to the tubular element, such that a torque applied at a connection between the tubular element and a tubular string is substantially equal to the predetermined torque value. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure 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 an embodiment of a well being drilled, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic of an embodiment of a brake assembly for a tubular connection system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the brake assembly of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the brake assembly of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a process for connecting tubulars with the brake assembly of  FIGS. 2-4 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Present embodiments are directed toward a brake assembly for a tubular connection system, which facilitates formation of connections between tubulars to form a tubular string in drilling operations. More specifically, present embodiments are directed to a brake assembly having discs or drums that are configured to stop rotation of a top drive and one or more tubulars at a predetermined torque (e.g., a target torque). Existing systems may utilize a clutch, which enables selective frictional engagement of two portions of a sub. For example, the clutch enables torque transfer from a rotating top drive to a tubular element when activated and isolates the tubular element from the rotating top drive when released. Unfortunately, clutches of existing systems disengage the top drive from the tubular element when released, thereby limiting a torque applied to the tubular element to a torque that was transferred right before release of the clutch. In other words, the torque applied to the tubular element may not be adjusted upon release of the clutch. Additionally, the clutch is relatively complex and includes various rotating components, which may undergo routine maintenance to ensure adequate operation. It is now recognized that an improved brake assembly included in a drilling rig will maintain a connection between the top drive and the tubular element, while also sustaining a torque applied to the tubular element at a predetermined torque value (e.g., a target torque). Additionally, the brake assembly includes a reduced number of rotating components when compared to the clutch, thereby reducing maintenance costs of the drilling rig. 
     As such, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a brake assembly configured to block torque transfer from the top drive to a tubular element at the target torque. For example, the brake assembly may include a plurality of discs and/or drums that may block rotation of the tubular element to maintain a connection between the tubular element and another component (e.g., a drill string) at the target torque. Once the brake system is activated (e.g., the plurality of discs and/or drums is engaged), a motor of the top drive may be turned off and the brake system may be released to dissipate any excess torque, while maintaining a torque at the connection between the tubular element and the other component at the target torque. The top drive and/or a quill of the top drive may also be blocked from rotation when the brake assembly is activated, such that rotating components associated with the clutch in existing systems may be eliminated. Moreover, the tubular element remains coupled to and/or engaged with the top drive, such that the top drive may apply additional torque and/or reduce a torque applied to the tubular element after the brake system has been released. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a drilling rig  10  in the process of drilling a well in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The drilling rig  10  features an elevated rig floor  12  and a derrick  14  extending above the rig floor  12 . The elevated rig floor  12  is positioned above ground  16 . As illustrated, a pipe ramp  18  extends from the ground  16  to the elevated rig floor  12  and may be used to aid in moving pipe from the ground  16  to the rig floor  12 . A torque track system  20  extends from a bottom portion of the derrick  14  to a top portion of the derrick  14 . The torque track system  20  is used to transfer torsional loads from a drilling operation to the derrick  14 . The torque track system  20  includes multiple elongate torque track segments  22 . As will be appreciated, the torque track system  20  may include any number of elongate torque track segments  22 , and such torque track segments  22  may vary in length in relation to each other. Further, it should be noted that the derrick  14  may vary in height resulting in torque track systems  20  that vary in length. 
     To attach the torque track system  20  to the derrick  14 , an adjustable hanging cluster  36  is coupled to a first end elongate torque track segment  37 . The hanging cluster  36  is attached to a crown beam  38  (e.g., using a pad eye welded to the crown beam  38 ). A second end elongate torque track segment  39  positioned at the bottom of the derrick  14  (e.g., a T-bar connector) is secured to the derrick  14  by fastening the torque track segment  39  to a T-bar  40 . The T-bar  40  is fastened directly to the derrick  14  (e.g., such as by fastening the T-bar  40  to a torque anchor beam located at the bottom portion of the derrick  14 ). As will be appreciated, in other embodiments, the torque track system  20  may be coupled to the derrick  14  in other ways. 
     In some embodiments, a top drive  42  is coupled to the torque track system  20  by a carriage assembly  44 , which may be considered a component of the top drive  42 . The carriage assembly  44  guides the top drive  42  along the torque track system  20  as the top drive  42  moves in a first direction  45  and/or a second direction  46  along a vertical axis  47  between the bottom and the top of the derrick  14 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the torque track system  20  generally extends along the vertical axis  47 , such that the torque track system  20  may block (e.g., resist) lateral movement of the top drive  42  along a horizontal axis  48 . Additionally, the torque track system  20  may transfer torsional loads incurred during drilling operations to the derrick  14 , thereby reducing wear on the top drive  42 . The top drive  42  may be suspended by a cable arrangement  49  which may be looped around the crown beam  38 , or otherwise attached to the crown beam  38 . Further, a tubular element  50  is coupled to the top drive  42 . In some embodiments, the tubular element  50  is coupled to the top drive  42  via a grabber box  51 . For example, the grabber box  51  may receive the tubular element  50  from a catwalk (not shown) and couple the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50 , such that the top drive  42  may transfer torque to the tubular element  50 . The top drive  42  is used to rotate, raise, and lower the tubular element  50 , among other things. 
     In some embodiments, the top drive  42  hoists the tubular element  50  to a vertically aligned position over a center of the wellbore  52 . That is, the tubular element  50  is aligned with a vertical axis  54  that passes through the center of the wellbore  52 . Accordingly, the tubular element  50  is aligned with a tubular string  56  extending into the wellbore  52 . From this position, the tubular element  50  can be lowered (e.g., stabbed) onto a stump  58  of the tubular string  56 , rotated to form a connection between the tubular element  50  and the tubular string  56 , and eventually lowered into the wellbore  52 . 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the drilling rig  10  may be equipped with a brake assembly  60  coupled to the top drive  42 . For example, the brake assembly  60  may be configured to be coupled to the grabber box  51  and used to maintain a desired torque at a connection between the tubular element  50  and the stump  58  of the tubular string  56 . Accordingly, the brake assembly  60  may be disposed around the tubular element  50  and/or a quill  62  of the top drive  42 . Therefore, the brake assembly  60  may block torque transfer from the top drive  42  to the quill  62  and/or the tubular element  50  to maintain a target torque between the tubular element  50  and the tubular string  56 . Although the brake assembly  60  is described throughout as being coupled to the grabber box  51 , it should be noted that the brake assembly  60  may be coupled to other tools or equipment being hoisted over the rig floor  12 . 
     It should be noted that the illustration of  FIG. 1  is intentionally simplified to focus on the brake assembly  60  described in detail below. Many other components and tools may be employed during the various periods of formation and preparation of the well. Similarly, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the orientation and environment of the well may vary widely depending upon the location and situation of the formations of interest. For example, rather than a generally vertical bore, the well, in practice, may include one or more deviations, including angled and horizontal runs. Similarly, while shown as a surface (land-based) operation, the well may be formed in water of various depths, in which case the topside equipment may include an anchored or floating platform. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the brake assembly  60  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The brake assembly  60  is configured to surround a circumference of the tubular element  50  and/or the quill  62  of the top drive  42 . As the top drive  42  rotates the quill  62 , the tubular element  50  also rotates with the top drive  42  and the quill  62 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the drilling rig  10  includes a torque sensing device  70  (e.g., a wireless torque turn system (WTTS)) that may detect a measurement of the torque being transferred from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50  (or tubular string). While the present discussion describes the torque sensing device  70  as a WTTS, any desirable torque sensing device  70  may be used to perform this measurement. 
     In some embodiments, the brake assembly  60  is used to block torque transfer from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50  when feedback from the torque sensing device  70  indicates that a torque applied to the tubular element  50  reaches a predetermined torque value (e.g., a target torque). In other embodiments, the brake assembly  60  may gradually block torque transfer from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50  when the feedback from the torque sensing device  70  indicates that the torque applied to the tubular element reaches a torque threshold, where the torque threshold is less than the predetermined torque value. As such, the brake assembly  60  is actuated at the torque threshold, but the torque transferred from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50  continues to increase. Thus, the brake assembly  60  blocks the torque transfer between the top drive  42  and the tubular element  50  as the torque increases from the torque threshold to the predetermined torque value. Once the feedback from the torque sensing device  70  indicates that the torque is at the predetermined torque value, the brake assembly  60  may be fully actuated, such that the torque transfer between the top drive  42  and the tubular element  50  is substantially blocked at the predetermined torque value. 
     In some embodiments, the brake assembly  60  is communicatively coupled with the torque sensing device  70  (e.g., via a controller  72 ), so that the brake assembly  60  is activated when the torque applied to the quill  62  from the top drive  42  reaches the predetermined torque value or the torque threshold. That is, when the torque sensing device  70  determines that a measured torque on the quill  62  reaches the predetermined torque value or the torque threshold, the brake assembly  60  is activated to block torque transfer, or partially block torque transfer, from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50 . In some embodiments, the brake assembly  60  may include a plurality of calipers configured to stop or block rotation of a disc (e.g., brake disc) that rotates with the quill  62  of the top drive  42 . Additionally or alternatively, the brake assembly  60  includes a brake drum system that includes a drum (e.g., a brake drum) that is configured to rotate with the quill  62  of the top drive  42 . The brake drum system may include a plurality of brake shoes configured to stop or block rotation of the drum, and thus, the quill  62  of the top drive  42 . 
     In any case, the brake assembly  60  enables the top drive  42  to transmit torque to the tubular element  50  while making connections between the tubular element  50  and the tubular string  56 , as well as to suspend this torque transfer when the connection reaches a desired torque set point (e.g., the predetermined torque value or the torque threshold). The desired torque set point may be programmed into the controller  72  so that when the torque sensing device  70  detects the torque set point, a signal is sent to an actuator of the brake assembly  60  that instantaneously, nearly instantaneously, or gradually activates the brake assembly  60  to ultimately block a transfer of torque from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50  at the predetermined torque value. As such, the brake assembly  60  controls the top drive  42  to avoid overtorquing (applying too much torque) or undertorquing (applying too little torque) the tubular element  50  while making the connection to the tubular string  56 . Thus, the brake assembly  60  enables more accurate application of torque to the tubular element  50  than would be available through a driller watching and reacting to a torque readout at the driller&#39;s panel. 
     It should be noted that some embodiments of the present disclosure may not include the torque sensing device  70  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , but may instead include a mechanical actuator for selectively activating the brake assembly  60 . For example, the mechanical actuator may include a pre-loaded spring that will begin to move, releasing a hair trigger for actuating the brake assembly  60  when the desired torque value (e.g., the predetermined torque value or the torque threshold) is reached. The mechanical actuator may be calibrated to activate the brake assembly  60  at the desired torque level. In other embodiments, the mechanical actuator may be used in conjunction with the described torque sensing device  70 . This may be used to aid in the calibration of the mechanical actuator, or to provide live torque feedback to operators via the torque sensing device  70  while activating the brake assembly  60  via the mechanical assembly. It should be noted that other types of actuators may be employed in other embodiments, such as hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, and so forth. 
     It should be noted that any number of possible brake designs may be used to form the brake assembly  60  in the disclosed embodiments. For example, as described in detail below, the brake assembly  60  may include disc brakes and calipers, drum brakes, or a combination of both. In other embodiments, the brake assembly  60  may include another suitable brake design that blocks torque transfer from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50  at the target torque. The brake assembly  60  may be pneumatically actuated, hydraulically actuated, mechanically actuated (e.g., spring applied brakes), or electronically actuated. 
     The brake assembly  60  may enable the top drive  42  to make tubular connections more efficiently than would be possible using existing systems. For example, some systems may involve the use of a driller manually watching the torque value being applied by the top drive  42 , or the top drive  42  may be equipped with a component that releases a pressure on the top drive  42  when a desired torque is reached. Additionally, existing systems include power tongs that are positioned over the tubular element  50  and the stump to complete the fully torqued connection when a certain torque is reached. Thus, the top drive  42  and a separate pair of power tongs are generally used to make connections. Switching between these components takes a considerable amount of time and effort. Additionally, other existing systems may include a clutch that isolates the top drive  42  from the tubular element  50  when a certain torque is reached. In other words, the clutch essentially disconnects the tubular element  50  from the top drive  42 , such that the tubular element  50  is blocked from rotation, while the top drive  42  continues to rotate. The clutch may involve rotating components, which may undergo routine maintenance, thereby making operation of the drilling rig more complex and/or expensive. However, the presently disclosed brake assembly  60  is a system that enables the tubular element  50  to be connected to the tubular string  56  at a predetermined amount of torque. Moreover, the disclosed brake assembly  60  is able to complete connections without the use of power tongs and/or additional rotating components, thereby increasing the efficiency of the connection process as compared to existing systems. 
     As discussed above, the controller  72  may control the brake assembly  60  based upon the sensed torque detected by the torque sensing device  70 . To that end, the controller  72  may receive signals from the torque sensing device  70  and output control signals to the brake assembly  60  in response to the measured torque values. Thus, the brake assembly  60  operates based on live feedback controls. As such, the torque sensing device  70  may be used by the controller  72  to actively control the brake assembly  60  to enable more accurate and repeatable operation, when compared to a drilling operator controlling the torque based on a readout or completing a connection using power tongs. Control between the controller  72  and the brake assembly  60  may be hydraulic fluid signals that actuate pistons that control movement of calipers, brake shoes, or other suitable brake components. In some embodiments, the controller  72  may include or may be located at a driller&#39;s panel or similar operator interface at the rig floor  12 . This may enable the controller  72  to output a user viewable display of the measured torque from the torque sensing device  70  on a user interface and to provide control signals to the brake assembly  60 . Additionally or alternatively, the controller  72  may provide alerts, visual displays, and override control functionality to operators at the rig floor  12 . In another embodiment, the controller  72  may analyze the signals from the torque sensing device  70  and output hydraulic signals for actuating and/or releasing the brake assembly  60 . 
     It should be noted that the controller  72  may be used in some embodiments for directly controlling the brake assembly  60 . In other embodiments, the brake assembly  60  may be actuated via a mechanical assembly that is calibrated to automatically activate the brake assembly  60  when the torque on the tubular element  50  reaches a desired value (e.g., the predetermined torque value or the torque threshold). As such, the brake assembly  60  may not be controlled by any control components (e.g., the controller  72  and/or the torque sensing device  70 ), but rely instead on previously calibrated mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic actuating components to activate the brake assembly  60  at the target torque. 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the brake assembly  60  is disposed between the grabber box  51  and the torque sensing device  70  (e.g., wireless torque turn system (WTTS)). Additionally or alternatively, the brake assembly  60  may be coupled to the grabber box  51  and/or the torque track  20  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). For example, the brake assembly  60  may include brake discs and/or brake drums disposed in a housing  74 . The housing  74  may be coupled to the grabber box  51  via a clamp, a flange with a plurality of fasteners, a weld, and/or another suitable technique. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the drilling rig  10  also includes a casing drive system  76  positioned below the torque sensing device  70 . The casing drive system  76  is configured to reciprocate and/or rotate the tubular string  56  (e.g., casing) during casing operations. In some embodiments, the casing drive system  76  is placed above the rig floor  12 . However, in other embodiments the casing drive system  76  may be placed beneath the rig floor  12 , at the rig floor  12 , within the wellbore  52 , or any other suitable location on the drilling rig  10  to enable rotation of the tubular string  56  during casing operations. In some embodiments, the controller  72  may control the operation of the casing drive system  76 . For example, the controller  72  may increase or decrease the speed of rotation of the tubular string  56  based on wellbore conditions (e.g., received from feedback from sensors disposed in the wellbore  52 ). 
     Having now discussed the general components of the drilling rig  10  having the brake assembly  60  and the functions performed by these components, more detailed examples of the brake assembly  60  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . For example,  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the brake assembly  60  introduced in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the brake assembly  60  includes the housing  74  coupled the grabber box  51  of the torque track  20 . As shown the grabber box  51  includes an anti-rotation plate  100  that may include a bore  102  through which the tubular element  50  extends. In some embodiments, the anti-rotation plate  100  blocks movement of the tubular element  50  along the axis  48 , such that a position of the tubular element  50  is substantially maintained with respect to the axis  54 . In some embodiments, the top drive  42  is coupled to the tubular element  50  via the quill  62 , for example. The brake assembly  60  is configured to extend around the tubular element  50 . As discussed above, the brake assembly  60  may be coupled to (or integral with) other components of the drilling rig  10  and positioned in any suitable location to block torque transfer from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50  at the predetermined torque value (e.g., the target torque). 
     For example, the brake assembly  60  includes a clamp  104  which may surround an outer circumference  106  of the tubular element  50 . The clamp  104  may be tightened around the outer circumference  106  of the tubular element  50  via a die bolt  107 . As such, the die bolt  107  secures the clamp  104  around the outer circumference  106  of the tubular element  50 , such that the clamp  104  rotates when the top drive  42  drives rotation of the tubular element  50 . Additionally, the clamp  104  is coupled to a disc  108  of the brake assembly  60 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the disc  108  may surround the clamp  104 , and thus, rotate with the clamp  104  and the tubular element  50 . In some embodiments, the disc  108  may be formed integrally with the clamp  104 . In other embodiments, the disc  108  is coupled to the clamp  104  via a weld, a fastener, and/or another suitable technique. In any case, the brake assembly  60  includes a plurality of calipers  110  disposed partially above and partially below opposing surfaces  112  of the disc  108 . The plurality of calipers  110  is actuated to cinch or clamp around the disc  108  when the torque applied to the tubular element  50  by the top drive  42  reaches the predetermined torque value or the torque threshold. While the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3  shows the brake assembly  60  having four calipers  110 , it should be recognized that in other embodiments, the brake assembly  60  includes less than four of the calipers  110  (e.g., three, two, or one calipers  110 ) or more than four of the calipers  110  (e.g., five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more of the calipers  110 ). 
     In some embodiments, each of the plurality of calipers  110  is spaced a distance  114  from the opposing surfaces  112  of the disc  108  when the top drive  42  operates below the predetermined torque value. When the top drive  42  applies an amount of torque to the tubular element  50  that reaches the predetermined torque value or the torque threshold, one or more actuators  116  (e.g., a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and/or an electronic actuator) may actuate one or more of the plurality of calipers  110 , such that the plurality of calipers  110  move toward the disc  108  and ultimately reduce the distance  114  until the plurality of calipers  110  contact the opposing surfaces  112  of the disc  108 . As the one or more calipers  110  contact the opposing surfaces  112  of the disc  108 , friction is applied to the disc  108  via the calipers  110 , which ultimately blocks rotation of the disc  108 . Blocking rotation of the disc  108 , in turn, blocks rotation of the clamp  104 , and thus, blocks torque transfer from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50 . The torque applied to the tubular element  50  by the top drive  42  is thus maintained at the predetermined torque value. For example, the speed at which the plurality of calipers  110  is actuated may be relatively fast, and thus, the torque applied to the tubular element  50  by the top drive  42  upon blocking torque transfer from the top drive  42  by the plurality of calipers  110  is approximately equal to (e.g., within 10% of, within 5% of, or within 1% of) the predetermined torque value. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the plurality of calipers  110  may be actuated gradually when the torque applied to the tubular element  50  by the top drive  42  reaches the torque threshold. As such, the torque applied to the tubular element  50  by the top drive  42  may continue to increase up to the predetermined torque value while the plurality of calipers  110  are gradually actuated. When the torque reaches the predetermined torque value, the plurality of calipers  110  may be fully actuated, such that torque transfer from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50  is substantially blocked at the predetermined torque value. 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the torque sensing device  70  is positioned below the brake assembly  60  with respect to the rig floor  12 . In some embodiments, the torque sensing device  70  is a wireless torque turn system (WTTS) that provides wireless signals to the controller  72 . The wireless signals include feedback indicative of a torque applied to the tubular element  50  by the top drive  42 . Further, the controller  72  may be communicatively coupled to the brake assembly  60 , such that the controller  72  activates the brake assembly  60  when the feedback from the torque sensing device  70  (e.g., the WTTS) reaches the predetermined torque value (e.g., a target torque) or the torque threshold. For example, the controller  72  may be coupled to the one or more actuators  116  (e.g., a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and/or an electronic actuator) that are configured to actuate the plurality of calipers  110  to block rotation of the disc  108 , and thus, block torque transfer from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50 . While the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3  shows the torque sensing device  70  positioned below the brake assembly  60  with respect to the rig floor  12 , the torque sensing device  70  may be positioned in any suitable location of the drilling rig  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the brake assembly  60  includes the disc  108  and the plurality of calipers  110  that ultimately block torque transfer from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50  at the predetermined torque value. Additionally or alternatively, the brake assembly  60  may include a drum brake system. For example, the brake assembly  60  includes a drum that is coupled to the clamp  104  and/or to the tubular element  50 . The drum thus rotates with the tubular element  50  as the top drive  42  applies torque to the tubular element  50 . When the torque applied to the tubular element  50  by the top drive  42  reaches the predetermined torque value or the torque threshold, one or more shoes of the brake assembly  60  may be actuated to expand radially outward (or radially inward) to contact the drum and block rotation of the drum. As such, torque transfer from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50  is also blocked. 
     Further, once rotation of the disc  108  is blocked by the plurality of calipers  110 , the torque at a connection point between the tubular element  50  and the tubular string  56  is approximately equal to (e.g., within 10% of, within 5% of, or within 1% of) the predetermined torque value (e.g., the target torque). When the brake assembly  60  is actuated, the controller  72  may send a signal to the top drive  42  to disrupt a supply of power to a motor of the top drive  42 . Therefore, the top drive  42  no longer applies a torque to the tubular element  50 . The controller  72  may then send another signal to the one or more actuators  116  of the plurality of calipers  110  to release the plurality of calipers  110 . In other words, the plurality of calipers  110  no longer contact the opposing surfaces  112  of the disc  108 . Therefore, any residual torque may be dissipated along the tubular element  50 , while maintaining the torque at the connection point between the tubular element  50  and the tubular string  56  at the predetermined torque value. It should be recognized that the top drive  42  remains coupled to the tubular element  50  and may apply torque or remove torque from the tubular element  50  after the brake assembly  60  has been actuated. Further, the brake assembly  60  does not include rotating components similar to the clutch of existing systems, such that maintenance of the brake assembly  60  is reduced. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the brake assembly  60 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the plurality of calipers  110  is disposed on a mounting disc  140  that is coupled to the grabber box  51 . Further, the brake assembly  60  includes the disc  108 , which is integral to a brake assembly quill  142 . In some embodiments, the quill  62  of the top drive  42  couples to the quill  142  of the brake assembly  60 . As such, the clamp  104  is not disposed around the tubular element  50 . Instead, the tubular element is coupled to the brake assembly  60  via a sub  144 . Therefore, the brake assembly  60  is positioned between the top drive  42  and the tubular element  50 . In any case, the plurality of calipers  110  is actuated by the controller  72  when the torque sensing device  70  determines that the torque applied to the tubular element  50  reaches the predetermined torque value or the torque threshold. The plurality of calipers  110  thus blocks rotation of the disc  108 , which blocks rotation of the quill  142  of the brake assembly  60  and/or the quill  62  of the top drive  42 . 
       FIG. 5  is a process flow diagram illustrating a method  160  for operating the brake assembly  60  during drilling operations. For example, at block  162 , the controller  72  receives feedback indicative of a torque applied to the tubular element  50  by the top drive  42  from the torque sensing device  70 . As discussed above, the torque sensing device  70  may include the WTTS, which is configured to wirelessly transmit the signal to the controller  72 . For example, the WTTS may send the signal using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and/or another suitable wireless transmission technique. In other embodiments, the torque sensing device  70  may be coupled to the controller  72  using a wired connection. 
     In any case, at block  164 , the controller  72  sends a signal to the one or more actuators  116  of the brake assembly  60  (e.g., controlling operation of the plurality of calipers  110 ) when the torque applied to the tubular element  50  by the top drive  42  reaches the predetermined torque value or the target torque. In some embodiments, the actuation of the plurality of calipers  110  of the brake assembly  60  is relatively fast, such that the plurality of calipers  110  of the brake assembly  60  are actuated when the feedback from the torque sensing device  70  reaches the predetermined torque value. As such, torque transfer from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50  is blocked when the torque at the connection point between the tubular element  50  and the tubular string  56  is substantially equal to (e.g., within 10% of, within 5%, or within 1% of) the predetermined torque value. In other embodiments, the plurality of calipers  110  may be gradually actuated when the feedback from the torque sensing device  70  reaches the torque threshold. For example, the torque applied to the tubular element  50  by the top drive  42  may continue to increase from the torque threshold to the predetermined torque value while the plurality of calipers  110  are gradually actuated. When the feedback from the torque sensing device  70  indicates that the torque applied to the tubular element  50  from the top drive  42  reaches the predetermined torque value, the plurality of calipers  110  may be fully actuated, such that torque transfer from the top drive  42  to the tubular element  50  is substantially blocked at the predetermined torque value. In any case, the brake assembly  60  may enable the connection between the tubular element  50  and the tubular string  56  to be formed at approximately (e.g., within 10% of, within 5% of, or within 1% of) the predetermined torque value. 
     Further, at block  166 , the plurality of calipers  110  is actuated upon receipt of the signal from the controller  72 . The plurality of calipers  110  contact the opposing surfaces  112  of the disc  108  to ultimately block rotation of the disc  108 , the clamp  104 , the tubular element  50 , and/or the quill  62  of the top drive  42 . Additionally or alternatively, a power supply to the motor of the top drive  42  may be disrupted, such that torque is no longer transferred to the tubular element  50  via the top drive  42 . As such, the plurality of calipers  110  may be released to enable residual torque to dissipate along the tubular element  50 , while maintaining a torque at the connection point between the tubular element  50  and the tubular string  56  at the predetermined torque value. 
     While the present disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and tables and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the embodiments are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following appended claims. Further, although individual embodiments are discussed herein, the disclosure is intended to cover all combinations of these embodiments.