GRIPPING SYSTEM FOR A TONG

摘要

In one embodiment, a gripping system for a tong for making up and breaki ng out tubulars is provided. The gripping system is coupled to the rotary of th e tong. The gripping system includes an active jaw and two passive jaws disposed interior to the rotary. Preferably, the two passive jaws are separately by less than 120 degrees from each other and are pivotally connected to rotary. The gripping system is adapted and arranged to allow each passive jaw to react the same amount of force as the gripping force applied by the active jaw. In another embodiment, a rotary locking apparatus is provided to lock or unlock the rotary of the tong.