Automated clamping apparatus, a method for assembly and disassembly of tubulars using the automated clamping apparatus

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE INFORMATION

This application claims benefits of the U.S. provisional patent application 63/673,675 filed on Jul. 20, 2024 and entitled, “An automated clamping apparatus configured for assembly and disassembly of tubulars, a method for assembly and disassembly of tubulars using the automated clamping apparatus, and a use of the automated clamping apparatus in automated wrenches”, which is hereby completely incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention refers to a mechanical device, a method of use of the said mechanical device. More specifically, the invention refers to an automated clamping apparatus configured for assembly and disassembly of tubulars, a method for assembly and disassembly of tubulars using the automated clamping apparatus used in oil and gas drilling rigs.

Technical Problem

The invention solves the problem of inadequate tightening of tubulars for oil rigs and damage of outer layers of tubulars during their assembly and disassembly of the tubulars caused by known automated wrenches.

With the method disclosed, the invention contributes to easier insertion and removal of the tubulars into and out of the center of the wrench, using the apparatus of the invention, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing mechanical complexity of assembly and disassembly of oil tubulars in oil rigs.

BACKGROUND ART

In oil drilling rigs, drilling involves a drilling bit connected to a string of tubulars (such as oil drilling pipes and drill collars). As the bit penetrates deeper, additional tubulars are added to the drill string by threading one tubular to the other. Properly securing these connections is crucial to prevent leaks or loss of expensive equipment. Nearly every oil drilling rig in the world employs wrenches in its drilling process to connect tubulars. Wrenches equipped with 2 or 3 clamping actuators having tong dies at their end to grab the tubulars currently dominate the oil drilling market. However, they suffer from two main shortcomings: they often fail to adequately tighten tubulars and cause damage to them.

These issues stem from the use of just 2 to 3 clamping actuators, which press the tubulars and transfer torque through friction. When tubulars are pressed radially at just 2 or 3 points, deformation is high and can result in inadequate torque transmission. Implementing multiple clamping actuators, such as six, can significantly mitigate deformations and enhance connections. The torque applied to tubulars directly correlates with the number of dies of tongs in contact with the tubulars. With two tong dies, low torques can be transmitted, prompting drillers to exert excessive pressure that damages the tubulars. Additionally, slippery tong dies can exacerbate this damage by shaving the surface of tubulars.

Wrenches with 6 and 8 clamping actuators are known to the prior art (patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,538,976 and 11,608,694). However, due to their complexity, they are more expensive, more difficult to maintain, and slower in operation.

Their complexity comes from the construction of the main housing. In order to place the clamping actuators all around the tubulars and to be able to surround the tubulars, the housing consists of two or more assemblies that open and close to let the tubular in. This mechanism involves multiple actuators and a significant number of parts, all of which must withstand high torquing stresses, necessitating rigidity and complex shapes. The opening and closing process adds time, thereby increasing the cycle time of the wrench.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention discloses an automated clamping apparatus configured for assembly and disassembly of tubulars in two preferred embodiments and a method for assembly and disassembly of tubulars using both embodiments of the automated clamping apparatus.

Compared to the prior art, the invention introduces an automated clamping apparatus with four (in the first embodiment) and five (in the second embodiment) clamping actuators with tong dies and the method of using the said automated clamping actuators for assembly and disassembly of tubulars, that induces the effect of an increase friction between the tong dies and tubulars, so that the higher torque is achieved and used to assemble and disassemble the pipes adequately (not too tight or too loose), also preventing the damage to the pipes when they are assembled and disassembled by automated wrenches.

The invention discloses simplified mechanism that contributes to easier insertion and removal of the tubulars into and out of the center of the wrench, improving operational efficiency and reducing mechanical complexity.

Namely, by constructional advancement where the tongs comprise swinging actuators that engage in swinging movement, forming a passage and enabling insertion of the tubulars inside of the said passage embodied though central openings of the tongs. This way the invention reduces the complexity of construction demand of know devices of the closest prior art.

In combination with the said method, the apparatus is configured to increase the friction between the tong dies and the tubulars, thereby enabling the higher torque for effective assembly and disassembly of the tubulars.

As disclosed, nearly every oil drilling rig in the world employs wrenches in its drilling process to connect drill tubulars. Prior art comprises plurality of such wrenches with different design and construction elements.

In one exemplary preferred use as disclosed in FIG. 31, the automated clamping apparatus is connectable to one variant of automated wrench 10. That does not limit the use of the automated clamping apparatus in other types of wrenches, on the contrary. The wrench 10 as disclosed in FIG. 31 comprises a wrench manipulator 20, a spinner 40 and other elements.

The method for assembly and disassembly of tubulars using the automated clamping apparatus is disclosed as preferred method and comprises the use of the sad apparatus (of both preferred embodiments) that is connectable to the wrench 10, and is performed in order of steps, providing the technical advancements as disclosed.

Broadly stated, in disclosed and some other preferred embodiments, the invention can be used for assembly and disassembly of tubulars in bucking systems, that are also used in operations of oil and gas drilling rigs.

The invention can be being fully implemented in oil and gas drilling rigs, as an apparatus configured for assembly and disassembly of tubulars, the method for assembly and disassembly of tubulars using the automated clamping apparatus.

In the second preferred embodiment, the apparatus (tong assembly) with five clamping actuators, comprises a lower tong and the upper tong, a torquing actuator support, two torquing actuators and a central bearing (FIGS. 1-4).

The lower tong comprises an upper plate and a lower plate, both being connected through fixed cylinder housing by connecting bolts or a welded connection. The lower tong is connected to the torquing actuator support. The lower tong further comprises three fixed cylinder housings, two swinging actuator housings, two swinging mechanisms, and a central opening of the lower tong. Each of the fixed cylinder housing is connected to the upper plate of the lower tong and the lower plate preferably by connecting bolts, and further comprises a fixed clamping actuator. Each fixed clamping actuator comprises two groups of elements: stationery and movable.

The stationary group of elements comprises an actuator piston and an actuator rod. The actuator rod is fixed to the fixed cylinder support block. The movable group of elements comprises a die, a die retainer, an actuator head cap, an actuator body, an actuator end cap, and a retainer ring

Each swinging mechanism of the lower tong comprises, swinging actuator housing, an actuator of swinging mechanism, an outer link of swinging mechanism, an inner link of swinging mechanism, a support block of swinging cylinder, an outer pin of swinging mechanism, two pins of the swinging mechanism, and two pivot pins. The outer link of swinging mechanism is fixed to the lower plate of the lower tong and the upper plate of the lower tong by the outer pin of swinging mechanism.

The outer pin of swinging mechanism is fixed to the lower plate of the lower tong and the upper plate of the lower tong through an upper tong pin opening and a lower tong pin opening. The outer pin of swinging mechanism is inserted through the second opening on the outer link. The outer link of swinging mechanism is capable of swinging around the outer pin's vertical axis.

The outer link of swinging mechanism is connected to the inner link of swinging mechanism and the actuator of swinging mechanism by the first pin of swinging mechanism.

The first pin of swinging mechanism is being placed through: the first opening on the outer link, second opening of inner link and a driver opening. The inner link of swinging mechanism is connected to the swinging actuator housing by the second pin of swinging mechanism. The second pin of swinging mechanism is inserted into the second opening on swinging actuator housing and the first opening of the inner link.

The swinging actuator housing is connected to support block through a bolted connection which is attached to the tongs by two pivot pins (FIG. 11b). The upper pivot pin is inserted into openings: an upper opening and a first opening on swinging actuator housing. The lower pivot pin is inserted into openings: a lower opening and the first opening on swinging actuator housing. The pivot pins enable the swinging actuator housing and support block to swing around pivot pins' vertical axis.

The actuator of the swinging mechanism is with one of its ends connected with the pin of the swinging mechanism with the outer link and the inner link. When the actuator of the swinging mechanism is extended, the outer link and the inner link are positioned so that all vertical axis of three pins (the outer pin of the swinging mechanism and two pins of the swinging mechanism) that connect them, are in a one vertical plane (FIG. 15b). In this position the swinging clamping actuator is in position to grip tubulars.

When the actuator of the swinging mechanism is retracted (FIG. 15a), it pulls the pin of swinging mechanism, that connects the outer link and the inner link towards actuator support, placing the swinging mechanism into a position as shown on FIG. 15a. In this position, the path for tubulars to be placed or removed from the central opening of the lower tong and the central opening of the upper tong (FIG. 8) is free.

The upper tong being identical to the lower tong in terms of its elements and construction, excluding certain specifics, as disclosed hereinafter.

The upper tong further comprises four openings, the first two openings “A” and the other two openings “B” for connecting the upper tong with the torquing actuators. The upper tong is constructed so that it can swing clockwise or counterclockwise relative to its vertical axis, due to its connection with the torquing actuators. Both torquing pins are inserted in the first opening “A” of the upper plate of the upper tong, then thru opening “B” of the lower plate of the upper tong, connecting the upper tong with each of the two torquing actuators.

Each torquing actuator is completely identical to each other and comprises a stationary part of the torquing actuator, an extending part of the torquing actuator, and a torquing pin of the torquing actuator (FIG. 7), wherein the extending part of the torquing actuator being inserted into the stationary part of the torquing actuator, and extending inside and outside of it, when the torquing actuator actuates. The extending part of torquing actuator is connected to torquing pin of torquing actuator which is fixed to the upper tong through a hole A on the upper plate of the upper tong and a hole B on the lower plate of the upper tong.

The torquing actuator is preferably a hydraulic cylinder or a device with an electromechanical drive, through its extension or retraction of the extending part of torquing actuator forces movement of the upper tong relative to the lower tong. Each torquing actuator enables actuation of the upper tong in opposite directions, when the torquing actuator on the right side is extended and the torquing actuation the left side is retracted, the upper tong is dislocated in a clockwise direction (FIG. 14a). The opposite action dislocates the upper tong in a counterclockwise direction (FIG. 13a).

The upper tong and the lower tong are connected by a central bearing which enables rotational movement between the lower tong and the upper tong, the upper tong rotates relative to the lower tong.

The central bearing comprises a rotating ring, an inner stationary housing, an outer stationary housing, a flexible inner strip, a flexible outer strip, a low friction inner strip and a low friction outer strip, wherein the inner stationary housing and the outer stationary housing are connected to the upper plate of lower tong. The rotating ring is connected to the lower plate of upper tong.

The rotating ring's lower part is confined by the inner stationary housing and the outer stationary housing. The rotating ring is confined within inner stationary housing, an outer stationary housing allowing it to move just in one way: rotation around vertical axis. As the rotating ring is attached to upper tong and inner stationary housing and the outer stationary housing are attached to lower tong it means that upper tong can only rotate relative to the lower tong. The rotating ring can express a radial movement due to deflections of the flexible inner strip and the flexible outer strip. The flexible inner strip and the flexible outer strip enable slight radial movement of rotating ring under the radial force, but they force back the rotating ring and upper tong to the central position coaxial with the lower tong. The low friction inner strip and the low friction outer strip are configured to reduce friction between the rotating ring, the flexible inner strip and the flexible outer strip.

In the second preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises completely identical elements to the apparatus from the first preferred embodiment, including the order of their assembly and functionalities. The main difference relates to the number of clamping actuators.

In terms of its construction, the apparatus of both the first and the second embodiment, in particular, the swinging mechanism whose functionalities contribute to prior art and solution of the problems are as disclosed. The abovementioned swinging mechanism enables the increase in the number of the clamping cylinders, due to its ability to swing back its clamping actuators. Consequently, it provides quick and reliable opening and closing of the tongs of the apparatus. Additionally, the said number of cylinders will reduce the wear of the tubulars.

A preferred mode of assembly and disassembly of tubulars using the first embodiment of the automated clamping apparatus is disclosed in method herein. The method can also be conducted utilizing the apparatus with four clamping actuators (the second embodiment), in the same way as disclosed for the method with the use of the apparatus with five clamping actuators.

Steps of Assembly of Tubulars:

• • I phase—positioning of tubulars; wherein the lower tong and the upper tong are brought to a position by the torquing actuators, wherein the lower tong opening and the upper tongue opening are in an aligned position (FIG. 5 and FIG. 8), forming a passage for a lower tube and the upper tube to be inserted, further the lower tube and the upper tube are inserted in the lower tong opening and the upper tongue opening which are secured in the aligned position.
  • II phase—connecting tubulars; when the lower tube and the upper tube are in position as disclosed in phase I, each swinging actuator housing of the lower tong actuates in the direction towards each other closing the lower tong opening, and closing the passage, further each clamping actuator of the fixed cylinder housings and each clamping actuator of the swinging actuator housings of the lower tong extend in the direction towards the lower tube, jointly clamping and providing the fixed position of the lower tube. After the upper tube is placed in coaxial height position enabling it to be threaded to the lower tube, the upper tube is rotated by a rotational engagement device 40 such as spinner or top drive, to which the automated clamping apparatus is connectable (FIG. 31).
  • III Phase—tightening tubulars; in this phase, one torquing actuator extends its extending part of torquing actuator from its torquing actuator stationary part while the other torquing actuator retracts its extending part inside its torquing actuator stationary part, providing the upper tong to rotate in its counterclockwise direction (FIG. 13a). This way, the upper tong is set in a position to apply specified torque on lower tube and the upper tube. The specified torque is a torque defined for a specific type of tubular by technical standards in this field. Each swinging actuator housing of the upper tong actuates in the direction towards each other closing the upper tong opening, and closing the passage, further, each clamping actuator of the fixed cylinder housings and each clamping actuator of the swinging actuator housings of the upper tong extend in the direct on towards the upper tube, jointly clamping and fixing with the upper tube.

Further, one torquing actuator extends its extending part from its torquing actuator stationary part while the other torquing actuator retracts its extending part inside its torquing actuator stationary part, providing the upper tong to rotate in clockwise direction (FIG. 14b), therefore applying torque on the upper tube, achieving a specified torque.

• • IV phase—disconnecting and releasing of tubulars; after the lower tube and the upper tube are threaded with a specified torque, each clamping actuator of the swinging actuator housings of the lower tong and the upper tong retract into swinging actuator housing, and each clamping actuator of the fixed cylinder housings of lower tong and the upper tong retracts into fixed cylinder housings, providing the unclamping of lower tube and upper tube.

Further, each swinging actuator housing of the lower tong and each swinging actuator housing of the upper tong is being retracted by its swinging mechanism, from each other to their stationary position (FIG. 11a), wherein the lower tong opening and the upper tong opening are released, so that the upper tube and the lower tube can be released and disconnected from the tongs.

A disassembly of tubulars is preferably conducted in the following way:

• • I phase—positioning the tubulars; wherein the lower tong and the upper tong are brought to a position by the torquing actuators, wherein the lower tong opening, and the upper tongue opening are in an aligned position (FIG. 5 and FIG. 8), forming a passage for the lower tube and the upper tube to be inserted.
  • II phase—tubulars breaking threaded connection; wherein the lower tube and the upper tube are in position as described in phase I, each swinging actuator housing of the lower tong actuates in the direction towards each other closing the lower tong opening, and closing the passage, further each clamping actuator of the fixed cylinder housings and each clamping actuator of the swinging actuator housings of the lower tong extend in the direction towards the lower tube and clamping it. Further, one torquing actuator extends its extending part from its torquing actuator stationary part while the other torquing actuator retracts its extending part inside its torquing actuator stationary part, providing the upper tong to rotate clockwise direction (FIG. 13a). This way, the upper tong is set in a position to perform breaking of threaded connection of the lower tube and the upper tube. Further, one torquing actuator pushes out its extending part from its torquing actuator stationary part while the other torquing actuator retracts its extending part inside its torquing actuator stationary part, providing the upper tong to rotate in clockwise direction (FIG. 14b), therefore exerting high force on the walls of the upper tube, providing a breakup of the threaded joint of the lower tube and upper tube.
  • III phase—disconnecting and releasing the tubulars; after the breakup of the high tightening grip of the lower tube and the upper tube is achieved, each clamping actuator of the swinging actuator housings of the upper tong retracts in direction from the upper tube towards inside of its swinging actuator housing, and each clamping actuator of the fixed cylinder housings of the upper tong retracts in direction from the upper tube. Further, the upper tube is rotated by a rotational engagement device 40 such as spinner or top drive which is connectable to the automated clamping apparatus. The rotation of the upper tube causes unthreading and disconnection from lower tube. Torquing actuator that extends its extending part from its torquing actuator stationary part, as described in phase II, retracts its extending part in its torquing actuator stationary part, while the other torquing actuator that had retracted its extending part inside its torquing actuator stationary part, as described in phase II, pushes out its extending part from its torquing actuator stationary part. Both the retraction and extension described herein, are conducted simultaneously, to the extent that the parallel position of the upper tong and the lower tong, as described in phase I of disassembly steps of this method (FIG. 5 and FIG. 8), is achieved. Further, each swinging actuator housing of the lower tong and each swinging actuator housing of the upper tong is being retracted by its swinging mechanism, from each other to their stationary position (FIG. 15a), wherein the lower tong opening and the upper tong opening are released, so that the upper tube and the lower tube can be removed from the tongs.

The method is preferably conducted utilizing tongs with five clamping actuators as disclosed. The method can also be conducted utilizing tongs with four clamping actuators, in the same way as disclosed for the method with the use of tongs with five clamping actuators.

The method contributes to the closest prior art, in a new and innovative way, providing the above-mentioned technical effects when the apparatus in both of its embodiments is used in order of steps as disclosed in the method.

USE OF THE INVENTION (AS THE PREFERRED APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION)

The invention discloses the use of the automated clamping apparatus in automated wrenches wherein, in one exemplary preferred use as disclosed in FIG. 31, the automated clamping apparatus configured for assembly and disassembly of tubulars is connectable to one variant of an automated wrench.

The wrench disclosed comprises a wrench manipulator, a spinner and other elements. The method for assembly and disassembly of tubulars using the automated clamping apparatus (of both preferred embodiments) connectable to the wrench and can be performed in order of steps, providing the technical advancements as disclosed.

Broadly stated, in disclosed and some other preferred embodiments, the invention can preferably be used for assembly and disassembly of tubulars in bucking systems, that are also used in operations of oil and gas drilling rigs.

The invention is capable of being fully implemented in oil and gas drilling rigs, as an apparatus configured for assembly and disassembly of tubulars, the method for assembly and disassembly of tubulars using the automated clamping apparatus, and to be used as part of wrenches and bucking systems, performing its disclosed function.

DRAWINGS

The invention is briefly illustrated in the figures disclosed:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the tongs with five clamping actuators.

FIG. 2 depicts a side plan view of the tongs with five clamping actuators.

FIG. 3 depicts a top-plan view of the tongs with five clamping actuators.

FIG. 4 depicts a front plan view of one segment of the tongs with five clamping actuators.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the tongs with five clamping with tubular assembly

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the tongs with five clamping without the top plate of the upper tong.

FIG. 7 depicts an exploded perspective view of the tongs with five clamping actuators.

FIG. 8 depicts a top plan view of the upper tong with five actuators without the upper plate showing the position for tubulars entry.

FIG. 9 depicts a section A-A view of FIG. 8 showing the central bearing.

FIG. 10 depicts detail B of the section A-A of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11a depicts a section C-C of FIG. 8 showing the upper tong's pivot pins.

FIG. 11b depicts the section C-C of FIG. 8 showing the lower tong's pivot pins.

FIG. 12a depicts a perspective view of a clamping actuator.

FIG. 12b depicts a front plan view of a clamping actuator.

FIG. 12c depicts section A-A of FIG. 12b showing a clamping actuator in a retracted position.

FIG. 12d depicts sections A-A of FIG. 12b showing the clamping actuator in an extended position.

FIG. 13a depicts a top plan view of the tongs with five clamping actuators without the upper plate of the upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position for tubular connection (rotated counterclockwise) with the clamping actuators retracted.

FIG. 13b depicts a top plan view showing the tongs with five clamping actuators without the upper plate of the upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position for tubular connection (rotated counterclockwise) with the clamping actuators extended.

FIG. 14a depicts top plan view of the tongs with five clamping actuators without the upper plate of upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position for tubular disconnection (rotated clockwise) with the clamping actuators retracted.

FIG. 14b depicts a top plan view of the tongs with five clamping actuators without the upper plate of the upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position for tubular disconnection (rotated clockwise) with the clamping actuators extended.

FIG. 15a depicts a top plan view showing the tongs with five clamping actuators without the upper plate of the upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position where its opening is aligned with the lower tong (torquing actuators equally extended) and with clamping actuators retracted.

FIG. 15b depicts a top plan view showing the tongs with five clamping actuators without the upper plate of the upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position where its opening is aligned with the lower tong (torquing actuators equally extended) and with clamping actuators extended.

FIG. 16a depicts a section D-D of FIG. 15b showing the upper tong's swinging mechanism linkages.

FIG. 16b depicts the section D-D of FIG. 15b showing the lower tong's swinging mechanism linkages.

FIG. 16c depicts a top plan view showing the lower tong with five clamping actuators without the upper plate.

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of showing tongs with four clamping actuators.

FIG. 18 depicts a side plan view showing the tongs with four clamping actuators.

FIG. 19 depicts a top plan view showing the tongs with four clamping actuators.

FIG. 20 depicts a front plan view of the tongs with four clamping actuators.

FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view showing the tongs with four clamping actuators.

FIG. 22 depicts an exploded perspective view showing the tongs with four clamping actuators of FIG. 17.

FIG. 23 depicts a top plan view showing the tong with four actuators without the upper plate of the upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position that enables tubulars' entry.

FIG. 24 depicts section A-A of FIG. 23 showing a central bearing of the tong with four actuators.

FIG. 25 depicts detail B of the section A-A of FIG. 24 showing the central bearing.

FIG. 26a depicts a top plan view showing the tongs with four clamping actuators without the upper plate of the upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position where its opening is aligned with the lower tong (torquing actuators equally extended) and with clamping actuators retracted.

FIG. 26b depicts a top plan view showing the tongs with four clamping actuators without the upper plate of the upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position where its opening is aligned with the lower tong (torquing actuators equally extended) and with clamping actuators extended.

FIG. 27a depicts section C-C of FIG. 26b showing the upper tong's swinging mechanism linkages.

FIG. 27b depicts section C-C of FIG. 26b showing the lower tong's swinging mechanism linkages.

FIG. 28a depicts a section D-D of FIG. 26b showing the upper tong's pivot pins.

FIG. 28b depicts the section D-D of FIG. 26b showing the lower tong's pivot pins.

FIG. 29a depicts a top plan view showing the tongs with four clamping actuators without the upper plate of the upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position for tubular connection (rotated counterclockwise) with clamping actuators retracted.

FIG. 29b depicts a top plan view showing the tongs with four clamping actuators without the upper plate of the upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position for tubular connection (rotated counterclockwise) with clamping actuators extended.

FIG. 30a depicts top plan view showing the tongs with four clamping actuators without the upper plate of the upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position for tubular disconnection (rotated clockwise) with clamping actuators retracted.

FIG. 30b depicts a top plan view showing the tongs with four clamping actuators without the upper plate of the upper tong and with the upper tong shown in the position for tubular disconnection (rotated clockwise) with clamping actuators extended.

FIG. 30c depicts a top plan view showing the lower tong with four clamping actuators without the upper plate.

FIG. 31 depicts a perspective view of the tongs with five clamping actuators used in automated wrench system together with spinner used for tightening of the tubulars in one exemplary use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Remarks: the first and the second embodiments of the apparatus are identical in construction and functional sense, therefore some reference marks are shared by the same elements or parts of elements in both the first and the second embodiment of the apparatus to reduce complexity of the text of the application.

The invention discloses an automated clamping apparatus configured for assembly and disassembly of tubulars in two preferred embodiments, and a method for assembly and disassembly of tubulars using either of embodiments of the automated clamping apparatus.

The automated clamping apparatus configured for assembly and disassembly of tubulars is also referred in the description as “tong assembly”.

In the first preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 (tong assembly) comprises the lower tong 200 and the upper tong 300, a torquing actuator support 207, two torquing actuators 500 and a central bearing 400 (FIGS. 1-4).

The lower tong 200 being identical to the upper tong 300 in terms of its elements and construction, excluding certain specifics, as disclosed hereinafter.

The lower tong 200 comprises an upper plate 202 of the lower tong and the lower plate 203 of the lower tong, both being connected through fixed cylinder housing 204 by plurality of connecting bolts 238 or a welded connection.

The lower tong 200 is connected to the torquing actuator support 207 by its upper 202 and the lower 203 plate of the lower tong

The lower tong 200 further comprises: three fixed cylinder housings 204, two swinging actuator housings 219, two swinging mechanisms 221, and a central opening of the lower tong 201.

Each of the fixed cylinder housing 204 is connected to the upper plate 202 of the lower tong 200 and the lower plate 203 of the lower tong 200 by connecting bolts 238 or welded connections and comprises a: fixed cylinder support block 205 and a fixed clamping actuator 208.

Each fixed clamping actuator 208 of the fixed cylinder housing comprises: two groups of elements: stationery and movable.

The stationary group of elements of the fixed clamping actuator 208 comprises an actuator piston 213 and an actuator rod 217. The actuator rod 217 is fixed to the fixed cylinder support block 205.

The movable group of elements of the fixed clamping actuator 208 comprises: a die 210, a die retainer 211, an actuator head cap 212, an actuator body 214, an actuator end cap 215 and a retaining ring 216.

The die 210 is inserted into a dovetail-shaped groove of the actuator head cap 212. Die retainers 211 prevent the die 210 from disengaging from the dovetail groove and are attached to the actuator head cap 212 via bolts. The actuator head cap 212 and the actuator body 214 are connected either by bolts or by welding. The actuator end cap 215 is inserted into the actuator body 214 and secured by a retaining ring 216.

Hydraulic oil pressure is used to create movement of the movable group of elements relative to the stationary elements and forms part of the fixed cylinder housings 204 When hydraulic pressure is applied to the port R actuator is in the retracted position (FIG. 12c). When hydraulic oil pressure is applied to port E actuator extends (FIG. 12d).

Each swinging mechanism 221 of the lower tong comprises: an swinging actuator housing 219, an actuator 222 of swinging mechanism, an outer link 223 of swinging mechanism, an inner link 224 of swinging mechanism, a support block 220 of swinging cylinder, an outer pin 226 of swinging mechanism, two pins 225 of the swinging mechanism, and two pivot pins 218.

The outer link 223 of swinging mechanism is fixed to the lower plate 203 of the lower tong and the upper plate 202 of the lower tong by the outer pin 226 of swinging mechanism. The outer pin 226 of swinging mechanism is fixed to the lower plate 203 of the lower tong and the upper plate 202 of the lower tong through an upper tong pin opening 233 and a lower tong pin opening 234. The outer pin 226 of the swinging mechanism is inserted through the second opening on outer link 230. The outer link 223 of the swinging mechanism is capable of swinging around the outer pin's 226 vertical axis.

The outer link 223 of swinging mechanism is further connected to inner link 224 and actuator 222 of swinging mechanism by the first pin 225 of swinging mechanism. The first pin 225 of swinging mechanism is placed through: first opening on outer link 229, inner link second opening 232 and a driver opening 235.

The inner link 224 of the swinging mechanism is connected to the swinging actuator housing 219 by the second pin 225 of the swinging mechanism. The second pin 225 of swinging mechanism is inserted into the second opening 228 on swinging actuator housing and the first opening 231 of the inner link.

The swinging actuator housing 219 is connected to support block 220 through a bolted connection. The support block 220 of swinging cylinder is attached to the tongs by two pivot pins 218 (FIG. 11b). The upper pivot pin 218 is inserted into openings: an upper opening 236 and a first opening on swinging actuator housing 227. The lower pivot pin 218 is inserted into openings: a lower opening 237 and the first opening on swinging actuator housing 227.

The pivot pins 218 allows the swinging actuator housing 219 and the support block 220 to swing around pivot pins 218 vertical axis.

The actuator 222 of swinging mechanism is with one of its ends connected with the second pin 225 of the swinging mechanism with the outer link 223 and the inner link 224 as described above. With its other end it is connected to the upper plate 202 and the lower plate 203 of the lower tong.

When the actuator 222 of swinging mechanism is extended, the outer link 223 and the inner link 224 are positioned so that all vertical axis of three pins (the outer pin 226 of the swinging mechanism and two pins 225 of the swinging mechanism) that connect them, are in a one vertical plane (FIG. 16c). In this position the swinging 210 clamping actuator is in position to grip tubulars.

When the actuator 222 of swinging mechanism is retracted (FIG. 15a), it pulls the pin 225 of swinging mechanism, that connects the outer link 223 and the inner link 224 towards actuator support 206, placing the swinging mechanism 221 into a position as shown on FIG. 15a. In this position, the path for tubulars to be placed or removed from the central opening 201 of the lower tong and the 301 of the upper tong (FIG. 8) is free.

The upper tong 300 comprises an upper plate 302 of the upper tong and the lower plate 303 of the upper tong 300, both being connected through fixed cylinder housing 204 by connecting bolts 238 or a welded connection, the upper tong 300 being connected to both torquing actuators 500 as disclosed hereunder.

The upper tong 300 further comprises three fixed cylinder housings 204, two swinging actuator housings 219, two swinging mechanisms 221, a central opening of the upper tong 301 and four openings, the first two openings “A” and the other two openings “B” for connecting the upper tong 300 with the torquing actuators 500.

The torquing actuator support 207 comprises: a housing 207a of the torquing actuator support, a cover lid 207b of the torquing actuator support, the cover lid 207b being placed on the top of the housing 207a of the torquing actuator and connected to it.

Wherein the cover lid 2076 of the torquing actuator support further comprises two openings, the first opening 207c and the second 207d opening of the cover lid of the torquing actuator.

The torquing actuator support 207 is connected to the torquing actuators 500. Wherein one torquing actuator 500 is connected to the torquing actuator support 207 by its second torquing pin 501b of the torquing actuator, the said pin 501b being inserted though the first opening 207c the cover lid of the torquing actuator.

The torquing actuator support 207 is connected to the upper plate 202 and the lower plate 203 of the lower tong. The other torquing actuator 500 is connected to the torquing actuator support 207 by its second torquing pin 501b of the torquing actuator, the said pin 501b being inserted though the second opening 207d the cover lid of the torquing actuator.

Each torquing actuator 500 being completely identical to each other and comprises a stationary part 502 of the torquing actuator, an extending part 503 of the torquing actuator, and a first torquing pin 501a of the torquing actuator and the second torquing pin 501b (FIG. 7), wherein the extending part 503 of the torquing actuator being inserted into the stationary part 502 of the torquing actuator, and extending inside and outside of it, when the torquing actuator 500 actuates.

The stationary part 502 of the torquing actuator is connected to the torquing actuator support 207 with its second torquing pin 501b. The extending part 503 of torquing actuator is connected to torquing pin 501 of torquing actuator.

Further the torquing pin 501 of torquing actuator is fixed to the upper tong 300 through hole A on the upper plate 302 of the upper tong and hole B on the lower plate 303 of the upper tong.

The torquing actuator 500, being a hydraulic cylinder or a device with an electromechanical drive, through its extension or retraction of the extending part 503 of torquing actuator forces movement of the upper tong 300 relative to the lower tong 200. The upper tong 300 and the lower the tong 200 are connected by a central bearing 400 which enables rotational movement between the lower tong 200 and the upper tong 300, the upper tong 300 rotates relative to the lower tong 200.

Each torquing actuator 500 actuates in opposite directions, when the torquing actuator 500 on the right side is extended and the torquing actuator 500 on the left side is retracted, the upper tong 300 is dislocated in a clockwise direction (FIG. 14a). The opposite action dislocates the upper tong 300 in a counterclockwise direction (FIG. 13a).

Connection with the torquing actuators 500: the upper tong 300 is constructed so that it can swing clockwise or counterclockwise relative to its vertical axis, due to its connection with the torquing actuators 500. Both torquing pins 500a are inserted in the first opening “A” of the upper plate 302, then thru opening “B” of the lower plate 303, connecting the upper tong 300 with each of the two torquing actuators 500.

Each of the fixed cylinder housing 204 is connected to the upper plate 302 of the upper tong and the lower plate 303 of the upper tong preferably by connecting bolts 238 and further comprises a fixed clamping actuator 208. Each fixed clamping actuator 208 comprises of two groups of elements: stationery and movable.

The stationary group of elements comprises an actuator piston 213 and an actuator rod 217. The actuator rod 217 is fixed to the fixed cylinder support block 205.

The movable group of elements comprises a die 210, a die retainer 211, an actuator head cap 212, an actuator body 214 and an actuator end cap 215.

Hydraulic oil pressure is used to create movement of movable groups of parts relative to the stationary parts. When hydraulic pressure is applied to the port R actuator is in the retracted position (FIG. 12c). When hydraulic oil pressure is applied to port E actuator extends (FIG. 12d).

Each swinging mechanism 221 of the upper tong comprises, swinging actuator housing 219, an actuator 222 of swinging mechanism, an outer link 223 of swinging mechanism, an inner link 224 of swinging mechanism, a support block 220 of swinging cylinder, an outer pin 226 of swinging mechanism, two pins 225 of the swinging mechanism, and two pivot pins 218.

The outer link 223 of swinging mechanism is fixed to the lower plate 303 of the upper tong and the upper plate 302 of the upper tong by the outer pin 226 of swinging mechanism. The outer pin 226 of swinging mechanism is fixed to the lower plate 303 of the upper tong and the upper plate 302 of the upper tong through an upper tong pin opening 233 and a lower tong pin opening 234. The outer pin 226 is inserted through the second opening on outer link 230.

The outer link 223 of swinging mechanism is capable of swinging around the outer pin's 226 vertical axis. The outer link 223 of swinging mechanism is further connected to inner link 224 and actuator 222 of swinging mechanism by the pin 225 of swinging mechanism. The pin 225 of swinging mechanism is being placed through: the first opening on outer link 229, an inner link second opening 232 and a driver opening 235.

The inner link 224 of swinging mechanism is connected to the swinging actuator housing 219 by the second pin 225 of swinging mechanism. The second pin 225 of swinging mechanism is inserted into the second opening 228 on swinging actuator housing and the first opening 231 of the inner link.

The swinging actuator housing 219 is connected to support block 220 of swinging cylinder through a bolted connection. The support block 220 of swinging cylinder is attached to the tongs by two pivot pins 218 (FIG. 11a). The upper pivot pin 218 is inserted into openings: an upper opening 236 and a first opening on swinging actuator housing 227. The lower pivot pin 218 is inserted into openings: lower opening 237 and first opening on swinging actuator housing 227. The pivot pins 218 allows swinging actuator housing 219 and support block 220 to swing around pivot pins 218 vertical axis.

The actuator 222 of swinging mechanism is with one of its ends connected with the pin 225 with the outer link 223 of swinging mechanism and the inner link 224 of swinging mechanism as described in section a above. At its other end it is connected to the upper plate 302 and the lower plate 303 of the upper tong 300.

When the actuator 222 of swinging mechanism is extended, the outer link 223 and the inner link 224 are positioned so that all vertical axis of three pins (the outer pin 226 of the swinging mechanism and two pins 225 of the swinging mechanism) that connect them, are in a one vertical plane (FIG. 15b). In this position the swinging 222 clamping actuator is in position to grip tubulars. When the actuator 222 of swinging mechanism is retracted (FIG. 14a), it pulls the pin 225 of swinging mechanism, that connects the outer link 223 and the inner link 224 towards actuator support 206, and the swinging mechanism 221 into a position as shown on FIG. 14a. In this position, the path for tubulars to be placed or removed from the central opening 201 of the lower tong and the central opening 301 of the upper tong (FIG. 8) is free.

The central bearing 400 comprises a rotating ring 401, an inner stationary housing 402, an outer stationary housing 403, a flexible inner strip 404, a flexible outer strip 405, a low friction inner strip 406 and a low friction outer strip 407, wherein the inner stationary housing 402 and the outer stationary housing 403 are connected to the upper plate 202 of lower tong.

The rotating ring 401 is connected to the lower plate 303 of upper tong. The rotating ring's 401 lower part is confined by the inner stationary housing 402 and the outer stationary housing 403. The rotating ring 401 is confined within inner stationary housing 402, an outer stationary housing 403 allowing it to move just in one way: rotation around vertical axis.

As the rotating ring 401 is attached to upper tong 300 and inner stationary housing 402 and the outer stationary housing 403 are attached to lower tong it means that upper tong can only rotate relative to the lower tong 200.

The rotating ring 401 can express a radial movement due to deflections of the flexible inner strip 404 and the flexible outer strip 405.

The flexible inner strip 404 and the flexible outer strip 405 enable slight radial movement of rotating ring 401 under the radial force, but they force back the rotating ring 401 and upper tong 300 to the central position coaxial with the lower tong 200.

The low friction inner strip 406406 and the low friction outer strip 407 are configured to reduce friction between the rotating ring 401, the flexible inner strip 404, and the flexible outer strip 405.

In the second preferred embodiment, the apparatus 600 (tong assembly) comprises a lower tong 700, an upper tong 800, a torquing actuator support 900, two torquing actuators 950, and a central bearing 850 (FIG. 17-20).

The lower tong 700 being identical to the upper tong 800 in terms of its elements and construction, excluding certain specifics, as disclosed hereinafter.

The lower tong 700 comprises an upper plate 701 of the lower tong 700 and the lower plate 702 of the lower tong 700, both being connected through fixed cylinder housing 703 by connecting bolts or a welded connection, the lower tong 700 being connected to the torquing actuator support 900 by a bolted connection. The lower tong 700 further comprises two fixed cylinder housings 703, two swinging actuator housings 719, two swinging mechanisms 710, central opening of the lower tong 704,

Each of the fixed cylinder housing 703 is connected to the upper plate 701 of the lower tong 700 and the lower plate 702 of the lower tong 700 preferably by connecting bolts and further comprises a fixed clamping actuator 208. Each fixed clamping actuator 208 comprises of two groups of elements: stationery and movable.

The stationary group of elements comprises an actuator piston 213 and an actuator rod 217. The actuator rod 217 is fixed to the fixed cylinder support block 705.

The movable group of elements of the fixed clamping actuator 208 comprises: a die 210, a die retainer 211, an actuator head cap 212, an actuator body 214, an actuator end cap 215 and a retaining ring 216.

The die 210 is inserted into a dovetail-shaped groove of the actuator head cap 212. Die retainers 211 prevent the die 210 from disengaging from the dovetail groove and are attached to the actuator head cap 212 via bolts. The actuator head cap 212 and the actuator body 214 are connected either by bolts or by welding. The actuator end cap 215 is inserted into the actuator body 214 and secured by a retaining ring 216.

Hydraulic oil pressure is used to create movement of movable group of parts relative to the stationary parts. When hydraulic pressure is applied to port R actuator is in the retracted position as shown on FIG. 12c. When hydraulic oil pressure is applied to port E actuator extends as provided in the example of the first embodiment on FIG. 12d.

Each swinging mechanism 710 of the lower tong 700 comprises: swinging actuator housing 719, an actuator 721 of swinging mechanism, an outer link 715 of swinging mechanism, an inner link 714 of swinging mechanism, a support block 713 of swinging cylinder, an outer pin 711 of swinging mechanism, pin of actuator link 712, inner pin of swinging mechanism 722, and two pivot pins 718.

Swinging mechanisms 710 on both lower and upper tongs are identical. FIG. 26a shows swinging mechanism 710 on the upper tong 800.

The outer link 715 of swinging mechanism is connected to the lower plate 702 of the lower tong and the upper plate 701 of the lower tong by the outer pin 711 of swinging mechanism (FIG. 27b). The outer pin 711 of swinging mechanism is fixed to the lower plate 702 of the lower tong and the upper plate 701 of the lower tong through an upper tong pin opening 731 and a lower tong pin opening 732. The outer pin 711 of swinging mechanism is inserted through the first opening on outer link 726. The outer link 715 of swinging mechanism is capable of swinging around the outer pin's 711 of swinging mechanism vertical axis.

The outer link 715 of swinging mechanism is further connected to inner link 714 of swinging mechanism and the actuator 721 of swinging mechanism by the pin of actuator link 712.

The pin of actuator link 712 being inserted through the second opening on outer link 727, an inner link second opening 730 and a driver opening 733.

The inner link 714 of swinging mechanism is connected to the swinging actuator housing 719 by the inner pin 722 of swinging mechanism.

The inner pin 722 of swinging mechanism is inserted through the first opening 725 of the swinging actuator housing, then thorough opening 729 of the inner link and the second opening 725 on swinging actuator housing.

The swinging actuator housing 719 is connected to support block 713 of swinging cylinder through a bolted connection. The support block 713 of swinging cylinder is connected to the plates of the upper (801-802) and the lower tong (701-702) by two pivot pins 718, the upper pivot pin 718 and the lower pivot pin 718 (FIG. 28a).

The upper pivot pin 718 is inserted into openings: an upper opening 734 and the second opening on the swinging actuator housing 724. The lower pivot pin 718 is inserted into openings: a lower opening 735 and the first opening 723 of the swinging actuator housing. The pivot pins 718 allow the swinging actuator housing 719 and the support block 713 to swing around the pivot pins' 718 vertical axis.

The actuator 721 of swinging mechanism is with one of its ends connected with the pin of actuator link 712 with the outer link 715 and the inner link 714 as described above. With its other end it is connected to the lower plate 702 by fixed pin 720 of swinging actuator.

When the actuator 721 of swinging mechanism is retracted, the outer link 715 of swinging mechanism and the inner link 714 of swinging mechanism are positioned so that all vertical axis of three pins (the outer pin 711 of the swinging mechanism, pin of actuator link 712 and inner pin of swinging mechanism 722) that connect them, are in a one vertical plane (FIG. 26b). In this position the swinging clamping actuator 209 is in position to grip tubulars.

When the actuator 721 of swinging mechanism is extended (FIG. 26a), it pushes the pin of actuator link 712, that connects the outer link 715 of swinging mechanism and the inner link 714 of swinging mechanism, further from fixed pin 720 of swinging actuator, and places the swinging mechanism 710 into a position (FIG. 26a). In this position, the path for tubulars to be placed or removed from the central opening 704 of the lower tong and the 804 of the upper tong (FIG. 23) is free.

The upper tong 800 comprises: an upper plate 801 of the upper tong and the lower plate 802 of the upper tong, both being connected through fixed cylinder housing 703 by connecting bolts or a welded connection, three fixed cylinder housings 703, two swinging actuator housings 719, two swinging mechanisms 710, a central opening of the upper tong 804 and four openings, the first two openings “hole A” and the other two openings “hole B” for connecting the upper tong 800 with the torquing actuators 950.

The upper tong 800 is connected to both torquing actuators 950 as disclosed.

Each of the fixed cylinder housing 703 is connected to the upper plate 801 of the upper tong 800 and the lower plate 802 of the upper tong 800 preferably by connecting bolts, and further comprises a fixed clamping actuator 208. Each fixed clamping actuator 208 comprises of two groups of elements: stationery and movable.

The stationary group of elements comprises an actuator piston 213 and an actuator rod 217. The actuator rod 217 is fixed to the fixed cylinder support block 705.

The movable group of elements comprises a die 210, a die retainer 211, an actuator head cap 212, an actuator body 214 and an actuator end cap 215.

Hydraulic oil pressure is used to create movement of movable groups of parts relative to the stationary parts. When hydraulic pressure is applied to port R actuator is in the retracted position as shown on FIG. 12c. When hydraulic oil pressure is applied to port E actuator extends as shown on FIG. 12d.

Each swinging mechanism 710 of the upper tong 800 comprises an actuator 721 of swinging mechanism, an outer link 715 of swinging mechanism, an inner link 714 of swinging mechanism, a support block 713 of swinging cylinder, an outer pin 711 of swinging mechanism, pin of actuator link 712, inner pin of swinging mechanism 722, and two pivot pins 718 (FIG. 26a).

The outer link 715 of swinging mechanism is fixed to the lower plate 802 of the upper tong and the upper plate 801 of the upper tong by the outer pin 711 of swinging mechanism (FIG. 27a). The outer pin 711 of swinging mechanism is fixed to the lower plate 702 of the lower tong and the upper plate 701 of the lower tong through an upper tong pin opening 731 and a lower tong pin opening 732. The outer pin 711 of swinging mechanism is inserted through the first opening on outer link 186a. The outer link 715 of swinging mechanism is capable of swinging around the outer pin's 711 vertical axis.

The outer link 715 is further connected to inner link 714 and actuator 721 of swinging mechanism by pin of actuator link 712. Pin 712 being placed through: the second opening 727 on outer link, an inner link second opening 730 and a driver opening 733.

The inner link 714 is connected to the swinging actuator housing 719 by the inner pin 722 of swinging mechanism. The inner pin 722 of swinging mechanism is inserted into the first opening 725 on swinging actuator housing and the second opening 725 of the inner link.

The swinging actuator housing 719 is connected to support block 713 of swinging cylinder through a bolted connection. The support block 713 of swinging cylinder is attached to the tongs by two pivot pins 718 (FIG. 28b). The upper pivot pin 718 is inserted into openings: an upper opening 734 and the second opening on swinging actuator housing 724. The lower pivot pin 718 is inserted into openings: a lower opening 735 and the first opening on swinging actuator housing 723. The pivot pins 718 allow swinging actuator housing 719 and support block 713 to swing around pivot pins 718 vertical axis.

The actuator 721 of swinging mechanism is with one of its ends connected with the pin of actuator link 712 with the outer link 715 and the inner link 714 as described above.

At its other end, the actuator 721 of swinging mechanism is connected to the upper plate 801 by a fixed pin 720 of swinging actuator.

When the actuator 721 of swinging mechanism is retracted, the outer link 715 and the inner link 714 are positioned so that all vertical axis of three pins (the outer pin 711 of the swinging mechanism, the pin of actuator link 712 and the inner pin of swinging mechanism 722) that connect them, are in a one vertical plane (FIG. 26b). In this position the swinging clamping actuator 209 is in position to grip tubulars.

When the actuator 721 of swinging mechanism is extended (FIG. 26a), it pushes the pin of actuator link 712, that connects the outer link 715 and the inner link 714, further from the fixed pin 720 of swinging actuator, and places the swinging mechanism 710 into a position as shown on FIG. 26a. In this position, the path for tubulars to be placed or removed from the central opening 704 of the lower tong and the 804 of the upper tong (FIG. 23) is free.

The torquing actuator support 900 comprises: a housing 900a of the torquing actuator support, a cover lid 900b of the torquing actuator support, the cover lid 900b being placed on the top of the housing 900a of the torquing actuator and connected to it. Wherein the cover lid 900b of the torquing actuator support further comprises opening 901,

In this embodiment, the apparatus comprises two torquing actuator supports 900, both being identical to each other and performing the same function. One torquing actuator support 900 is connected to one torquing actuator 950 and the other torquing actuator support 900 is connected to the other torquing actuator 950 as disclosed.

The torquing actuator support 900a is connected to the torquing actuators 950. Wherein one torquing actuator 950 is connected to the torquing actuator support 900a by its second torquing pin 953b of the torquing actuator, the said pin 501b being inserted though the opening 901 of the cover lid of the torquing actuator support.

Each torquing actuator support 900 is with one its end connected to the upper plate 701 of the lower tong.

Each torquing actuator 950 being completely identical to each other, and comprises a stationary part 951 of torquing actuator, an extending part 952 of torquing actuator, a first torquing pin 953a of the torquing actuator and a second torquing pin 953b of the torquing actuator. The extending part 952 of torquing actuator being inserted into the stationary part 951 of torquing actuator and connected to it, and extending inside and outside of it, when the torquing actuator 950 actuates.

The stationary part 951 of torquing actuator is connected to the torquing actuator support 900 though the second torquing pin 953b of torquing actuator inserted thorough the opening on the housing 901 of the torquing actuator support.

The extending part 952 of the torquing actuator is connected to the first torquing pin 953a of torquing actuator with the side that is not inserted into the stationary part 951 of torquing actuator. Further the first torquing pin 953a of torquing actuator is fixed to the upper tong through a hole A on the upper plate 801 of the upper tong and a hole B on the lower plate 802 of the upper tong.

Each torquing actuator 950 actuates in opposite directions, when the torquing actuator 950 on the right side is extended and the torquing actuator 950 on the left side is retracted, the upper tong 800 is dislocated in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 30a. The opposite action dislocates the upper tong 800 in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 29a. The torquing actuator 950, being a hydraulic cylinder or a device with an electromechanical drive, through its extension or retraction of the extending part 952 of torquing actuator forces movement of the upper tong 800 relative to the lower tong 700.

The central bearing 850 (FIG. 25) comprises a rotating ring 851, an inner stationary housing 852, an outer stationary housing 853, a flexible inner strip 854, a flexible outer strip 855, a low friction inner strip 856 and a low friction outer strip 857, wherein the inner stationary housing 852 and the outer stationary housing 853 are connected to the upper plate 701 of lower tong via bolts or by welding. The rotating ring 851 is connected to the lower plate 802 of upper tong via bolts or by welding. The rotating ring's 851 lower part is confined by the inner stationary housing 852 and the outer stationary housing 853. The rotating ring 851 is confined within inner stationary housing 852, an outer stationary housing 853 allowing it to move just in one way: rotation around vertical axis.

As the rotating ring 851 is attached to upper tong 800 and inner stationary housing 852 and the outer stationary housing 853 are attached to lower tong it means that upper tong 800 can only rotate relative to the lower tong 700. The rotating ring 851 can express radial movement due to deflections of the flexible inner strip 854 and the flexible outer strip 855.

The flexible inner strip 854 and the flexible outer strip 855 enable slight radial movement of rotating ring 851 under the radial force, but they force back the rotating ring 851 and upper tong 800 to the central position coaxial with the lower tong 700.

The low friction inner strip 856 and the low friction outer strip 857 are configured to reduce friction between the rotating ring 851, the flexible inner strip 854, and the flexible outer strip 855.

Connection between the upper tong 800 and the lower tong 700 with the central bearing 850. The upper tong 800 and the lower tong 700 are connected by the central bearing 850 which enables rotational movement between the lower tong 700 and the upper tong 800, the upper tong 800 rotates relative to the lower tong 700.

Connection of the upper tong 800 with the torquing actuators 950: the upper tong 800 is constructed so that it can swing clockwise or counterclockwise relative to its vertical axis, due to its connection with the torquing actuators 950. Both torquing pins 953 are inserted in the first opening “A” of the upper plate 801, then through opening “B” of the lower plate 802, connecting the upper tong 800 with each of the two torquing actuators 950.

The method for assembly and disassembly of tubulars using the first embodiment of the automated clamping apparatus is disclosed.

The order of steps disclosed are the ones that present the most preferred, however the order of steps can be conducted differently or even simultaneously, depending on other devices the automated clamping apparatus is interfacing or optimizing total cycle time.

An Assembly of Tubulars:

The steps of the said method are grouped in the following phases: The tubulars refer to the lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102 which are connectable to the apparatus and serve to demonstrate the method performed using the said apparatus disclosed herein.

• • I phase—positioning of tubulars; wherein the lower tong 200 and the upper tong 300 are brought to a position by the torquing actuators 500, wherein the lower tong opening 201 and the upper tongue opening 301 are in an aligned position (FIG. 5 and FIG. 8), forming a passage for a lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102 to be inserted, further the lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102 are inserted in the lower tong opening 201 and the upper tongue opening 301 which are secured in the aligned position.

The upper tube 102 and the lower tube 101 are brought in a vertical, coaxial to each other position, wherein the bottom end of the upper tube 102 and the upper end of the lower tube 101 are mounted to each other. The upper tube 102 and the lower tube 101 are brought to the desired, vertical position which enables joining by the means of threading one into the other and mounted by means of transportation and fixing such as a top drive, or any other device capable of transporting and manipulating tubulars, as objects, in a horizontal-vertical trajectory. The desired position refers to a position, wherein the upper tube 102 is gripped by the upper tong 300, and the lower tube 101 is gripped by the lower tong 200.

• • II phase—connecting tubulars; when the lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102 are in position as disclosed in phase I, each swinging actuator housing 219 of the lower tong 200 actuates in the direction towards each other closing the lower tong opening 201, and closing the passage, further each clamping actuator 208 of the fixed cylinder housings 204 and each clamping actuator 209 of the swinging actuator housings 219 of the lower tong 200 extend in the direction towards the lower tube 101, jointly clamping and providing the fixed position of the lower tube 101.

After the upper tube 102 is placed in coaxial height position, enabling it to be threaded into the lower tube 101, the upper tube 102 is rotated by a device such as a spinner or a top drive, to which the automated clamping apparatus is connectable (FIG. 31).

The rotation of the upper tube 102 engages its threads in with the lower tube 101. The torque applied to achieve the threading at this phase is lower than the required torque required for the proper connection.

• • III Phase—tightening tubulars; in this phase, one torquing actuator 500 extends its extending part 503 of torquing actuator from its torquing actuator stationary part 502 while the other torquing actuator 500 retracts its extending part 503 inside its torquing actuator stationary part 502, providing the upper tong 300 to rotate in its counterclockwise direction (FIG. 13a). This way, the upper tong 300 is set in a position to apply specified torque on the lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102. The specified torque refers to a magnitude of torque defined for a specific type of tubular by technical standards in this field. In that sense, the invention does not limit to a specified torque for executing this method herein.

Each swinging actuator housing 219 of the upper tong 300 actuates in the direction towards each other closing the upper tong opening 301, and closing the passage, further, each clamping actuator 208 of the fixed cylinder housings 204 and each clamping actuator 209 of the swinging actuator housings 219 of the upper tong 300 extend in the direction towards the upper tube 102, jointly clamping and fixing with the upper tube 102.

Further, one torquing actuator 500 extends its extending part 503 from its torquing actuator stationary part 502 while the other torquing actuator 500 retracts its extending part 503 inside its torquing actuator stationary part 502, providing the upper tong 300 to rotate in clockwise direction (FIG. 14b), therefore applying torque on the upper tube 102, achieving a specified torque.

• • IV phase—disconnecting and releasing of tubulars; after the lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102 are threaded with a specified torque, each clamping actuator 209 of the swinging actuator housings 219 of the lower tong 200 and the upper tong 300 retract into swinging actuator housing 219, and each clamping actuator 208 of the fixed cylinder housings 204 of lower tong 200 and the upper tong 300 retracts into fixed cylinder housings 204, providing the unclamping of the lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102, jointly clamping and providing the fixed position of the lower tube 101.

Further, the torquing actuator 500 that pushed out its extending part 503 from its torquing actuator stationary part 502, as described in phase III, retracts its extending part 503 in its torquing actuator stationary part 502, while the other torquing actuator 500 that had retracted its extending part 503 inside its torquing actuator stationary part 502, as described in phase III, pushes out its extending part 503 from its torquing actuator stationary part 502. Both retraction and extension described herein, are conducted simultaneously, to the extent that the aligned position of the upper tong 300 and the lower tong 200, as described in phase I of this method (FIG. 8) is achieved.

Further, each swinging actuator housing 219 of the lower tong 200 and each swinging actuator housing 219 of the upper tong 300 is being retracted by its swinging mechanism 221, from each other to their stationary position (FIG. 11a), wherein the lower tong opening 201 and the upper tong opening 301 are released, re-forming the passage 206, so that the upper tube 102 and the lower tube 101 can be released and disconnected from the tongs 100.

A Disassembly of Tubulars:

The steps of the said method are grouped in the following phases:

The tubulars refer to the lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102 which are connectable to the apparatus and serve to demonstrate the method performed using the said apparatus disclosed herein.

I phase—positioning the tubulars; wherein the lower tong 200 and the upper tong 300 are brought to a position by the torquing actuators 500, wherein the lower tong opening 201 and the upper tongue opening 301 are in an aligned position (FIG. 5 and FIG. 8), forming a passage for the lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102 to be inserted, further the lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102 are inserted in the lower tong opening 201 and the upper tongue opening 301 which are secured in aligned position. The connected upper tube 102 and the lower tube 101 are brought to the desired, vertical position, by means of transportation and fixing such as a top drive or any other device capable of transporting and manipulating tubulars, as objects, in a horizontal-vertical trajectory. The desired position refers to a position, wherein the upper tube 102 is gripped by the upper tong 300, and the lower tube 101 is gripped by the lower tong 200.

• • II phase—disconnection of tubulars when the lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102 are in position as described in phase I, each swinging actuator housing 219 of the lower tong 200 actuates in the direction towards each other closing the lower tong opening 201, and closing the passage, further each clamping actuator 208 of the fixed cylinder housings 204 and each clamping actuator 209 of the swinging actuator housings 219 of the lower tong 200 extend in the direction towards the lower tube 101 and clamping it.

Further, one torquing actuator 500 extends its extending part 503 from its torquing actuator stationary part 502 while the other torquing actuator 500 retracts its extending part 503 inside its torquing actuator stationary part 502, providing the upper tong 300 to rotate in counterclockwise direction (FIG. 13a). This way, the upper tong 300 is set in a position to perform breaking of threaded connection of the lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102.

Each swinging actuator housing 219 of the upper tong 300 actuates in the direction towards each other closing the upper tong opening 301, and closing the passage, further, each clamping actuator 208 of the fixed cylinder housings 204 and each clamping actuator 209 of the swinging actuator housings 219 of the upper tong 300 extend in the direction towards the upper tube 102, jointly clamping and fixing with the upper tube 102.

Further, one torquing actuator 500 pushes out its extending part 503 from its torquing actuator stationary part 502 while the other torquing actuator 500 retracts its extending part 503 inside its torquing actuator stationary part 502, providing the upper tong 300 to rotate in clockwise direction (FIG. 14b), therefore exerting high force on the walls of the upper tube 102, providing a disconnection of the threaded joint of lower tube 101 and upper tube 102.

• • III phase—releasing the tubulars; after the breakup of the high tightening grip of the lower tube 101 and the upper tube 102 is achieved, each clamping actuator 209 of the swinging actuator housings 219 of the upper tong 300 retracts in direction from the upper tube 102 towards inside of its swinging actuator housing 219, and each clamping actuator 208 of the fixed cylinder housings 219 of the upper tong 300 retracts in direction from the upper tube 102.

Further, the upper tube 102 is rotated by a device such as spinner or top drive. Rotation of the upper tube 102 causes unthreading and disconnection from lower tube 101. Torquing actuator 500 that extends its extending part 503 from its torquing actuator stationary part 502, as described in phase II, retracts its extending part 503 in its torquing actuator stationary part 502, while the other torquing actuator 500 that had retracted its extending part 503 inside its torquing actuator stationary part 502, as described in phase II, pushes out its extending part 503 from its torquing actuator stationary part 502. Both retraction and extension described herein, are conducted simultaneously, to the extent that the parallel position of the upper tong 300 and the lower tong 200, as described in phase I of disassembly steps of this method (FIG. 5 and FIG. 8), is achieved.

Further, each swinging actuator housing 219 of the lower tong 200 and each swinging actuator housing 219 of the upper tong 300 is being retracted by its swinging mechanism 221, from each other to their stationary position (FIG. 15a), wherein the lower tong opening 201 and the upper tong opening 301 are released, re-forming the passage 206, so that the upper tube 102 and the lower tube 101 can be removed from the tongs 100.

The method is preferably conducted utilizing the apparatus with five clamping actuators as disclosed (the first embodiment). The method can also be conducted utilizing the apparatus with four clamping actuators (the second embodiment), in the same way as disclosed for the method with the use of the apparatus with five clamping actuators.