Pipe handling apparatus and method

摘要

A pipe handling apparatus has a boom pivotally movable between a first position and a second position, a riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom, an arm pivotally connected at one end to the first portion of the riser assembly and extending outwardly therefrom, a gripper affixed to an opposite end of the arm suitable for gripping a diameter of the pipe, a link pivotally connected to the riser assembly and pivotable so as to move relative to the movement of the boom between the first and second positions, and a brace having a one end pivotally connected to the boom and an opposite end pivotally connected to the arm between the ends of the arm. The riser assembly has a first portion extending outwardly at an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion.

主权项

1. A method of moving a pipe comprising:
positioning a boom over a horizontally orientated pipe such that grippers are positioned adjacent to the horizontally orientated pipe, the grippers being affixed to an arm pivotally connected to a first end of a riser assembly, a non-extensible link connected to a second end of the riser assembly, the riser assembly pivotally connected to the boom between the first end and the second end; gripping the horizontally orientated pipe with the grippers; and pivoting the boom upwardly such that the pipe is moved angularly through an interior of the boom until the pipe is in a vertical orientation.