Patent Abstract:
A modular system and process for connecting a first and second tubular. The system may comprise a skid, a tong assembly operatively associated with the skid, a hydraulic power unit, operatively positioned on said skid, a spring assembly that includes spring stands, a frame containing the tong assembly, springs, rods disposed within the spring, and lanyards attached to the rods on a first end and attached to the base on a second end so that vibratory and displacement forces created during torqueing of the first tubular onto the second tubular are absorbed. The system may also include a sensor, operatively positioned on the skid, for sensing an applied torque to the first and second tubular, and generating a sensor signal.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a tubular handling system and method. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to a modular system for threadedly engaging tubular members. 
     In the drilling and production of hydrocarbons, operators utilized tubular members such as work string, drill strings, production tubing, and snubbing pipe in wells and wellbores. Many times these wells and wellbores are located in remote areas with harsh environments. Operators will find it necessary to threadedly engage a first tubular member with a second tubular member. As well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the application of torque is critical for several reasons. For instance, the threadedly connected tubulars must need to contain thousands of pounds of pressure in a caustic, hot downhole environment. Failures of tubulars may mean catastrophic failure of the tubular, platform and rig, which in turn may mean loss of human life as well as property and environmental damage. 
     Operators will measure the applied torque in an effort to assure that the proper torque is applied for making-up tubular connections. Prior art systems attempt to measure applied torque and record the applied torque for analysis and record keeping. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a modular system for connecting a first tubular with a second tubular is disclosed. The system comprising a skid and a tong assembly operatively associated with the skid, wherein the tong assembly includes a rotary tong for applying a torque force to the tubular member, with the rotary tong having a receiving end for receiving the first tubular and a back-up tong, operatively associated with the rotary tong, for providing a fixed point for torqueing the first tubular, with the back-up tong configured to receive and grasp the second tubular. The system also includes a hydraulic power unit, operatively positioned on the skid, for providing hydraulic power to the rotary tong and back-up tong. The system further comprises a spring assembly including a plurality of spring stands attached to the skid, wherein the spring stands have a top end, a frame containing the tong assembly, a plurality of springs having a proximal end abutting the top end of the spring stands, a plurality of rods disposed within the springs, with the rods containing a stop structure on the rod, and wherein the springs have a distal end abutting the stop structure, and a plurality of lanyards attached to the rods on a first end and attached to the base on a second end so that vibratory and displacement forces created during torqueing of the first tubular onto the second tubular are absorbed. 
     The system may further comprise sensor means, operatively positioned on the skid, for sensing an applied torque to the first tubular and the second tubular, and generating a sensor signal, and processor means for receiving the sensor signal and generating a torque reading. The system may include a control unit for receiving the torque reading from the processor means and producing a command signal to the hydraulic power unit to provide hydraulic power to the rotary tong and back-up tong. The system may also include a tubular platform, operatively associated with the hydraulic power unit, for raising the first tubular for entry into the tong assembly and advancing means, positioned on the tubular platform, for advancing the first tubular to the tong assembly. A ball transfer device may be included that comprises a ball positioned within a socket, with the ball configured to engage the first tubular, the ball capable of rotating in a 360 degree phase, and a hydraulic activator shaft operatively attached to the hydraulic power unit, the hydraulic power unit capable of delivering hydraulic fluid to the activator shaft so that the ball lifts and lowers during torqueing of the tubular member. 
     A process for making-up a first tubular with a second tubular is also disclosed. The process may comprise providing a skid with a tong assembly contained thereon, providing a tubular platform that includes: a base; a lifting scissor unit operatively attached to the base, the lifting scissor unit configured to be raised and lowered; and, a landing operatively attached to the lifting scissor unit, and wherein the first tubular rest on the landing. The process further comprises positioning the first tubular on the landing, raising the landing for entry of the first tubular into the tong assembly and advancing the first tubular with rollers contained on the tubular platform to the tong assembly. The process may further include engaging and lifting the first tubular with a ball transfer device, wherein the ball transfer device comprises a ball positioned within a socket, with the ball configured to engage the first tubular and capable of rotating in a 360 degree phase. The process may also comprise inserting the first tubular into the tong assembly and making-up the first tubular and the second tubular. The process may also comprise absorbing vibratory and displacement forces with a spring assembly, wherein the spring assembly comprising: a plurality of spring stands attached to the skid, wherein the spring stands have a top end; a base having attached thereto the tong assembly; a plurality of springs operatively associated with the spring stands, the springs having a proximal end abutting the top end of the spring stands; a plurality of rods disposed within the springs, with the rods containing a stop structure threadedly engaged with thread means on the rods, and wherein the springs have a distal end abutting the nut; a plurality of lanyards having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the rods and the second end attached to the base; and wherein the vibratory and displacement forces created during torqueing of the first tubular with the second tubular are absorbed by the springs. In one embodiment, the tong assembly includes: a rotary tong for applying a torque force to the first tubular, with the rotary tong having a receiving end for receiving the first tubular; a back-up tong, operatively associated with the rotary tong, for providing a fixed point for torqueing the second tubular, with the back-up tong configured to receive and grasp the second tubular; and wherein the step of making-up the first tubular with the second tubular includes grasping the second tubular with the back-up tong and rotating the first tubular with the rotary tong. In one embodiment, the process may further comprise sensing the torque applied during the making-up step, recording the torque applied as a torque reading, storing the torque reading, and displaying the torque reading. The process may also include releasing the second tubular from the back-up tong, releasing the first tubular from the rotary tong, and rolling the first tubular and the second tubular from the tong assembly with the rollers. 
     A spring assembly is also disclosed. The spring assembly may comprise: a plurality of spring stands attached to the skid, wherein the spring stands have a top end; a frame having attached thereto the tong assembly; a plurality of springs operatively associated with the spring stands, the springs having a proximal end abutting the top end of the spring stands; a plurality of rods disposed within the springs, with the rods containing a stop structure, and wherein the springs have a distal end abutting the stop structure; and, a plurality of lanyards attached to the rods on a first end and attached to the base on a second end so that vibratory and displacement forces created during torqueing of the tubular member with the collar are absorbed. 
     In yet another embodiment, a modular system for threadedly connecting a tubular member with a collar is disclosed. In this embodiment, the system may comprise: a skid; a tong assembly operatively associated with the skid, the tong assembly having a rotary tong for applying a torque force to the tubular member, with the rotary tong having a receiving end for receiving the tubular member or collar, a back-up tong, operatively associated with the rotary tong, for providing a fixed point for torqueing the tubular member, with the back-up tong configured to receive and grasp the collar or the tubular member; and, a spring assembly, operatively attached to the skid, for absorbing vibratory and displacement forces created during torqueing of the tubular member onto the collar. The system may also include: a hydraulic power unit, operatively positioned on the skid, for providing hydraulic power to the rotary tong and back-up tong; sensor means, operatively positioned on the skid, for sensing an applied torque to the tubular member and the collar by the rotary tong as a sensor reading; a processor unit for receiving the sensor reading, storing the sensor reading, processing the sensor reading, and displaying the sensor reading; and, a tubular platform, operatively associated with the hydraulic power unit, for raising the tubular member for entry into the tong assembly. In one embodiment, the spring assembly comprises: a plurality of spring stands attached to the skid, wherein the spring stands have a top end; a frame having attached thereto the tong assembly; a plurality of springs operatively associated with the spring stands, the springs having a proximal end abutting the top end of the spring stands; a plurality of rods disposed within the springs, with the rods containing a stop structure threadedly engaged with thread means on the rod, and wherein the springs have a distal end abutting the stop structure; and a plurality of lanyards attached to the rods on a first end and attached to the frame on a second end so that vibratory and displacement forces created during torqueing of the tubular member with the collar are absorbed. Also, the system may include advancing means, positioned on the tubular platform, for advancing the tubular member relative to the tong assembly. In one embodiment, a truck is utilized to transport the system to a rig site, wherein the system further comprises a flatbed configured to contain the skid, wherein the flatbed contains a first segment containing the skid and a second segment attached to the truck, wherein the first and second segment are operatively attached. A crane may be mounted to the skid, with the crane having a swing arm extending from a vertically mounted arm. In one disclosed embodiment, the processor unit may include a graphing module for printing a graph of the torqued applied to the tubular member and the collar thread connection. Additionally, the tubular platform may comprise: a base having a set of wheels for movability; a lifting scissor unit operatively attached to the base, with the lifting scissor unit configured to be raised and lowered by the hydraulic power unit; and a landing operatively attached to the lifting scissor unit, and wherein the tubular member rest on the landing. 
     In another disclosed embodiment, a modular system for threadedly connecting a tubular member with a collar is disclosed. The system comprises: a skid; a tong assembly operatively associated with the skid, the tong assembly including a rotary tong and a back-up tong; a spring assembly, operatively attached to the skid, for absorbing vibratory and displacement forces created during torqueing of the tubular member onto the collar; a hydraulic power unit, operatively positioned on the skid, for providing hydraulic power to the rotary tong and the back-up tong; and sensor means, operatively positioned on the skid, for sensing an applied torque to the tubular member and the collar by the rotary tong as a sensor reading. The system may also include: a processor unit for receiving the sensor reading, storing the sensor reading, processing the sensor reading, and displaying the sensor reading; and a tubular platform, operatively associated with the hydraulic power unit, for raising the tubular member for entry into the tong assembly. Advancing means, positioned on the tubular platform, for advancing the tubular member relative to the tong assembly and a graphing module for printing a graph of the torqued applied to the tubular member and the collar thread connection may be included. In one embodiment, tubular platform comprises: a base having a set of wheels for movability; a lifting scissor unit operatively attached to the base, the lifting scissor unit configured to be raised and lowered by the hydraulic power unit; and a landing operatively attached to the lifting scissor unit, and wherein the tubular member rest on the landing. In one embodiment, a ball transfer means, operatively attached to the landing, for dampening the transfer of weight of the tubular member during torqueing is included. The ball transfer means may comprise: a ball positioned within a housing, the ball configured to engage the tubular member, with the ball capable of rotating in a 360 degree phase; a hydraulic activator shaft operatively attached to the hydraulic power unit, the hydraulic power unit capable of delivering hydraulic fluid to the activator shaft so that the ball lifts and lowers during torqueing of the tubular member. The scissor unit may include: a first scissor frame containing a first member pivotally attached to a second member; a second scissor frame containing a third member pivotally attached to a fourth member; a hydraulic driver cylinder, operatively connected to the hydraulic power unit, for pivoting the first and second scissor frame so that the landing can be raised and lowered. Also, the hydraulic driver cylinder may comprise a piston disposed within a housing, and wherein the housing is connected to the first scissor frame and the piston is connected to the second scissor frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective side view of one embodiment of the present system. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial side view of one embodiment of the present system seen in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the system seen in  FIG. 1  while in the process of connecting a first and second tubular. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the system while in the process of connecting a first and second tubular. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a prior art tong assembly. 
         FIG. 4B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the tong assembly seen in  FIG. 4A  with a tubular member and collar disposed therein. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the system of  FIG. 1  mounted on a flatbed, wherein the flatbed is attached to a transportation vehicle. 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the system seen in  FIG. 5A  wherein the flatbed has been pivoted in order to offload or on-load the skid unit. 
         FIG. 6A  is a partial top view of the system seen in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the spring assembly taken along line “ 6 B” of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a partial view of one embodiment of the tubular platform in the raised position. 
         FIG. 7B  is a partial view of the tubular platform seen in  FIG. 7A  in the lowered position. 
         FIG. 7C  is a schematic of one embodiment of the ball transfer device. 
         FIG. 8  is a process flow chart of the sensor and processor unit associated with one embodiment of the present system. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic on one of the embodiments of the present hydraulic system. 
         FIG. 10  is an exemplary graph of the torque applied by one embodiment of the present system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of one embodiment of the present system  2  will now be described. The system  2  includes the skid unit  4 , wherein the skid unit  4  will be operatively associated with the tong assembly, and more specifically, the rotary tong  6  and the back-up tong  8 . The skid unit  4  will contain the control unit  10 , wherein the control unit  10  directs hydraulic oil from the hydraulic power unit  12  to the various hydraulic components as will be more fully explained later in this disclosure. Hydraulic lines operatively connect the hydraulic components of the system  2  to the hydraulic power unit  12 . A diesel engine means  14 , which includes the engine and fuel tank, for powering the supply of hydraulic fluid used with the hydraulic power unit  12  is also included. 
     The skid unit  4  will also contain the spring assembly, seen generally at  16 , wherein the spring assembly  16  absorbs vibratory and displacement forces created during the torqueing of the tubulars and collars. The vibratory forces may be as a result of the mechanical and hydraulic equipment during operation and the displacement forces may be the result of bending and twisting of the tubulars during operation. The spring assembly  16 , in one embodiment, includes a first spring member  18 , a second spring member  20 , a third spring member (not seen in this view), and a fourth spring member (not seen in this view). The spring assembly  16  is operatively attached to a tong assembly frame which will be described later in this disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  depicts the crane member  26  which is mounted to the skid unit  4 . The crane  26  includes a vertical arm  27   a  and a horizontal arm  27   b . The crane member  26  can be used to aid in rigging up and rigging down operations once the system  2  is delivered to the remote location. For instance, the crane  26  can be used to store the tubular platforms, as will be more fully described later in the disclosure. An electric air compressor means  28  for providing pressure to the hydraulic system is also included. An electric generator  30  is also included on the skid as well as an air compressor means that contains an air tank. 
       FIG. 1  also illustrates the tubular platforms  32 ,  34  for raising the tubular member for entry into the tong assembly and in particular the rotary tong  6  or back-up tong  8 . The tubular platforms  32 ,  34  can also lower the tubular. During transportation of the skid  4 , the tubular platforms  32 ,  34  are positioned on the skid  4 , with the aid of the crane  26  so that the skid  4  may contain the entire components of the system  2  for purposes of transporting the system  2  to different locations. The tubular platforms  32 ,  34  are operatively associated with the hydraulic power unit  12 , which will be described in further detail later in this description. 
     The back-up tong  8  includes movable jaws  36  which can grasp tubulars and hold stationary. The rotary tong  6  has means for spinning the tubulars, seen generally at  38 , and thus, the rotary tong  6  and the back-up tong  8  work in conjunction. In one embodiment, the tubulars may include a tubular (such as a casing string) and a collar. The back-up tong  8  and the rotary tong  6  are components of the tong assembly, which will be further descripted with reference to  FIG. 4A . The rotary tong  6  and back-up tong  8  are commercially available from McCoy Global under the name Type III Bucking Unit (Power &amp; Control Console) CLEBU1175-3. It should be noted that the tubular can either be inserted into the rotary tong  6  first and then into the back-up tong  8 ; or, the tubular can be first inserted into the back-up tong  8  and then into the rotary tong  6 . In the instance where the tubular is first inserted through the rotary tong  6 , the tubular can contain a collar threadedly attached on one end, and wherein the collar will be grasped by the back-up tong. In the instance where the tubular is inserted first through the back-up tong  8 , the back-up tong  8  can grasp the tubular and the rotary tong  6  will engage the collar. Additionally,  FIG. 1  depicts the telescoping tubular stand  40  that can be used for lifting, lowering and/or resting the tubular if the operator deems it necessary during operation . . . . The tubular stand  40  can be raised and lowered by the operator via the control unit  10 . 
     In one disclosed embodiment, sensors will measure the applied torque in foot-pounds. A processor unit of the system  2  will receive the sensor signal, process and record the applied torque and provide means for displaying the applied torque in a chart format to the operator, as will be more fully explained later in the disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a partial second side view the system  2  seen in  FIG. 1  will now be described. It should be noted that like numbers appearing in the various figures refer to like components.  FIG. 2  depicts the hydraulic power unit  12  operatively associated with the control unit  10  as well as the diesel engine means  14 . The spring members  18 ,  22  are shown in this view along with the tubular centering guide stand  40 . The back-up tong  8  and the rotary tong  6  are also depicted in this view. The tubular platforms  32 ,  34  are depicted in the folded (i.e. collapsed) position. As noted earlier, the folded tubular platform  32 ,  34  can be placed onto the skid for transportation. 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the system  2  seen in  FIG. 1  while making up a tubular. More specifically, a tubular member  50  is shown, wherein the tubular member  50  may be a casing string used in a wellbore as well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples of other types of tubular members may be production tubing, drill string, collars, and snubbing pipe. The tubular member  50  may have outer threads on both ends and wherein on one end a second tubular (such as a collar) is threadedly attached (not seen in this view). As seen in  FIG. 3 , the collar end has been inserted into the rotary tong  6  and the collar will be operatively associated with the back-up tong  8 . As  FIG. 3A  depicts, the tubular platforms  32 ,  34  have the tubular member  50  positioned on the landing  52  of the tubular platform  32  and the landing  54  of the tubular platform  34 . As will be more fully explained later in this disclosure, the tubular platforms  32 ,  34  will raise the tubular member  50  as well as lower the tubular member  50  via the control unit  10 . Additionally, advancing means (not seen in this figure) for advancing the tubular member  50  into and out of the tong assembly may be provided on the tubular platforms  32 ,  34 . 
       FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a second embodiment. In this alternate embodiment of  FIG. 3B , the first tubular is inserted through the back-up tong  8  and the back-up tong  8  grasps the tubular  50  and the rotary tong  6  grasps the collar for torqueing. In this alternate embodiment, the operator can also break (i.e. unscrew) the thread connections or make-up (i.e. screw) the thread connections. Hence, with this alternate embodiment, the tubular platforms  32 ,  34  would be positioned on the opposite side of the skid  4  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . An aspect of this disclosure is that it is possible to have the tubular member  50  to be grasped and held by the back-up tong  8  and the collar  66  be grasped and rotated by the rotary tong  6 . 
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a prior art tong assembly  60 . As noted earlier, the tong assembly includes the back-up tong  8  and the rotary tong  6 . As previously mentioned, the tong assembly  60  is commercially available from McCoy Global under the name Type III Bucking Unit (Power &amp; Control Console) CLEBU1175-3.  FIG. 4B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the tong assembly, seen generally at  60 , with the tubular member  50  operatively associated therein. More specifically, the tubular member  50  will have thread means  62  disposed on one end and thread means  64  disposed on the other end. As seen in  FIG. 4B , a collar  66  is provided, and wherein the collar  66  has internal thread means  68 ,  70 .  FIG. 4B  depicts the outer threads  62  of tubular member  50  are engaged with the inner threads  68  of the collar  66 . In operation of the tong assembly  60 , the tubular member  50  is inserted into the tong assembly  60  according to one disclosed embodiment. The back-up tong  8  will close and grasp the collar  66  via the movable jaw  36  with the stationary teeth  72 . The rotary tong  6  will close and grasp the tubular member  50  via the spinning means  38  with the rotary teeth  74 . In one disclosed embodiment, the operator, utilizing the control unit  10 , will cause the rotary teeth  74  to rotate while the stationary teeth  72  grasp and hold the collar  66  so that torque is applied to make-up the connection.  FIG. 4A  also depicts the sensors  162 ,  164  for measuring the applied torque in foot-pounds. In one embodiment, the sensors  162 ,  164  are hard wired to the processor unit. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , a perspective view of the system  2  of  FIG. 1  mounted on a flatbed trailer  90 , wherein the flatbed trailer  90  has wheels and is attached to a transportation vehicle  92 , such as a truck. An aspect of one embodiment herein disclosed is the modular nature of the system  2  and the ability to transport the system  2  to remote areas where a drilling rig may be located. Hence, the entire system  2  can be loaded onto the flatbed trailer  90  and delivered to a user specified location.  FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the system  2  seen in  FIG. 5A  wherein the flatbed trailer  90  has been titled. Once the vehicle  92  arrives on site, the flatbed trailer  90  will tilt about a lifting point  94 , as seen in  FIG. 5B . Lifting/tilting flatbeds trailers are commercially available from Contral Container Trailer Source Company under the name Model CDU 32. As seen in  FIG. 5B , the distal end  96  will be tilted until the distal end  96  contacts the ground. The proximal end  97  is lifted by a driver mechanism. Hence, the flatbed trailer  90  has a first segment  98  (which remains horizontal to the ground) and a second segment  99  which is tilted. The flatbed  90  contains a wench and conveyor rail system so that the skid unit  4  is offloaded from the flatbed trailer  90  via the wench and conveyor system. After the tubular handling functions have been performed by the operator, and according to the teachings of the present disclosure, the system can be loaded onto the flatbed trailer  90  with the wench and conveyor rail system in a like fashion. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6A , a partial top view of the system  2  on the skid  4  will now be described.  FIG. 6A  depicts the spring members  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  104  that are positioned at four corners of the tong assembly frame  106 , and wherein the frame  106  is operatively positioned on the top of the skid  4 , as will be more fully described later. Also seen in  FIG. 6A  is the hydraulic power unit  12 , diesel engine means  14 , electric generator  15   a , electric air compressor  15   b , jib crane  26 , and folded scissor lift  32 ,  34 . 
       FIG. 6B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the system taken along line “ 6 B” of  FIG. 6A . More specifically,  FIG. 6B  illustrates the spring assemblies (such as spring assembly  16 ), which includes individual spring members  18 ,  20 ,  104  (not seen in this view), and  22  (not seen in this view). The spring assembly includes, in one embodiment, individual coiled springs, such as spring  107   a  and  107   b . The view of  FIG. 6B  depicts the spring members  18 ,  20  operatively positioned on the top of the frame  106  and the skid  4 . The spring members  18 ,  20 ,  22 , and  104  are all similar in construction, and therefore, only spring member  18  will be described. The spring member  18  includes coiled spring  107   a  disposed about a threaded rod  108 , wherein a stop structure  109  is provided, and wherein in one embodiment, the stop structure  109  is a nut that is threadedly engaged with the threaded rod  108 . The spring  107   a  will therefore have one end engaged with the stop structure  109  and a second end with a lip  110  of the stand  111 . The stand  111  has a plurality of legs, and in one embodiment, the stand is a tripod, with legs L1 and L2 shown. The legs L1 and L2 are attached to the skid  4  which may be by welding. A lanyard LY has a first end attached to the rod  108  and a second end attached to the frame  106  at attachment point AP. The clearance between the tong frame  106  and the skid frame  4 , in one embodiment, is two inches. Hence, this clearance allows an area that is used to dissipate the displacement and rotational forces generated during torqueing by allowing the spring assemblies to bias the frame  106  up and down, and back and forth in a 360 degree phase. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7A , a partial view of one embodiment of the tubular platform  32  in the raised position will now be described. The tubular platform  32  includes a structural base  120  which is rectangular in shape. The base  120  will include wheels such as wheels  122 ,  124 ,  126  for movability, and wherein the wheels are attached to a pivoting flap, such as flaps  128 ,  130 , that can be folded for storage or unfolded for use. In other words, the flaps  128 ,  130  can be folded by removing the pins  129   a ,  129   b , and in this way the tubular platform  32  can rest on the ground which can aid in stability during operations. 
     The tubular platform  32  will contain a lifting scissor unit. More specifically, a first lifting scissor frame  132  is operatively attached to the base  120  and a second lifting scissor frame  134  is also operatively attached to the base  120 . Each scissor lifting frame  132 ,  134  contains a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm, such as first arm  136  pivotally connected to the second arm  138  at the pivot point pin  140 . The first lifting scissor frame  132  and the second lifting scissor frame  134  will connected to a landing  142 , wherein the landing  142  is a rectangular structure that provides a platform for resting the tubular, as well as advancing and/or retracting the tubular during operation.  FIG. 7A  shows the roller  144  for advancing the tubulars as well as the hydraulic motor  146  for powering the rotation of the roller  144 . Hydraulic motors are commercially available from White Drive Products under the name RS Motors/200.  FIG. 7A  also depicts the ball transfer device for dampening the transfer weight of the tubular during advancing and torqueing, seen generally at  147 . 
       FIG. 7A  also depicts the hydraulic driver cylinder  148 , operatively connected to the hydraulic power unit, for pivoting the lifting scissor frames  132 ,  134  so that the landing  142  can be raised and lowered. More specifically, the cylinder  148  has a piston  150  disposed within a hydraulic cylinder housing  151  therein, and wherein the hydraulic power unit will act to expand and retract the piston  150  from the cylinder housing  151 , as well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. As seen in  FIG. 7A , the housing  151  is attached to the base  120  and the piston  150  is connected to the scissor frames  132 ,  134  via the connector brace  152 , such as connector brace  152  being attached to arm  138 . Hence, as the piston  150  expands and retracts from housing  151 , the scissor frames  132 ,  134  will expand and retract, and the landing  142  will be raised and lowered. 
       FIG. 7B  is a partial view of the tubular platform  32  seen in  FIG. 7A  in the lowered (i.e. collapsed) position having been collapsed along the pivot point pin  140 . In the position shown in  FIG. 7B , the operator may stow the tubular platform  32  onto the skid for transportation.  FIG. 7B  depicts the base  120  with the wheels  122 ,  124 ,  126  operatively attached for movement. The landing  142  is shown along with the roller  144  and ball transfer device  147 . 
       FIG. 7C  is a schematic of the ball transfer device  146 , which includes a flange socket ball transfer unit  153   a . The flange socket ball transfer unit  153   a  is commercially available from Omni Track under the name Flange Socket 93 Series. The ball transfer unit  153   a  includes a ball  153   b  which is secured within a housing (i.e. socket)  153   c . The ball transfer device  146  also includes a hydraulic piston device which includes a piston activator shaft  154   a  that extends from hydraulic housing  154   b . The housing  154   b  is connected via a hydraulic line  154   c , wherein the line  154   c  may, but not necessarily, contain a hydraulic fluid accumulator  155 . The line  154   c  is connected to the hydraulic pump and thus is controlled by the operator via the control unit  10 . Thus, the operator can raise the ball transfer unit  153   a  to engage, lift and allow rotation of the tubular. The ball allows rotation in all phases (i.e. 360 degree phase). Also, due to the connection with the hydraulic fluid system, the ball transfer device  153   a  allows for dampening the transfer weight of the tubular member during torqueing. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a process flow chart of one embodiment of the sensor and processor unit associated with the present system will now be described. The control unit  10  receives inputs from an operator  159 , the hydraulic power unit  12  as well as the processor unit  160 . The control unit  10  will output hydraulic fluid to the rotary tong  6  and the back-up tong  8 . In one embodiment, during the process of operating the tong assembly, a sensor  162  is operatively associated with the rotary tong  6  and a sensor  164  is operatively associated with the back-up tong  8 . The sensors  162 ,  164  will detect the torque applied to the connections of the tubulars. The sensors  162 ,  164  will transmit a signal to the processor unit  160 , wherein the processor unit  160  will receive the sensor reading, store the sensor reading, process the sensor reading, and display the sensor reading to the operator. The processor unit  160  may be a desktop computer commercially available from McCoy Global under the name FarrWincatt. 
     The control unit  10  is also operatively connected to the tubular platforms  32 ,  34 , and in particular, the control unit  10  can act to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic drive cylinder  148  so that the tubular platforms  32 ,  34  may be raised or lowered. Also, the control unit  10  can act to supply hydraulic fluid to the rollers on the platforms  32 ,  34  so as to advance and retract the tubulars into and out of the tong assembly. Additionally, the control unit  10  will supply hydraulic pressure to the ball transfer device  153   a  so that the ball transfer device  153   a  is lifted and lowered during the make-up or breaking of the tubular connections as previously set-forth. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic of one of the embodiments of the hydraulic system. More specifically,  FIG. 9  depicts the hydraulic power unit  170  which includes the oil pump  172 , regulator  174  and the valve bank  176 . The pump  172 , regulator  174  and valve bank  176  are all commercially available from McCoy Global under the name Type 3 Bucking Unit (Power Unit &amp; Control Console) CLEBU 1175-3. While a total of six (6) banks are shown, it is possible to use more banks or less banks as needed.  FIG. 9  also shows the tong hydraulic motor  178 , the clamp cylinder  180  and the lift pipe centering guide cylinder  182 . The scissor lift cylinder units  184   a ,  184   b  are depicted along with the pipe roller motors  186   a ,  186   b . The lift cylinders  188   a ,  188   b  for the ball transfer devices are also displayed on the schematic. A hydraulic splitter  190  is a gear type splitter commercially available from Haldex Barnes under the name Hydraulic Flow Divider, wherein the splitter  190  allows both of the scissor lifts to rise and lower evenly together. An hydraulic accumulator  192  absorbs hydraulic fluid and pressure fluctuations during operation of the scissor lifts. 
       FIG. 10  is an example graph of the torque applied by one embodiment of the present system. The graph includes the torque in foot-pounds on the vertical axis and the time on the horizontal axis. The horizontal axis depicts four time intervals that torque was applied, namely T1, T2, T3, T4. For the time intervals T1, T2, T4, the torque applied may represent approximately 5,000 foot-pounds, which is in the acceptable torque range. However, during the time interval T3, the applied torque is 10,000 foot-pounds which is above an acceptable range (note these numbers are for exemplary purposes only). Therefore, the operator may need to take corrective action as necessary. The corrective action may include inspection and/or disguarding of the tubular. Additionally, since the processor unit  160  records the torque data, a record may exist for future uses at the direction of the operator. 
     Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5