摘要 |
<p>Present embodiments are directed to a gripping device (42, 100, 200) configured to cooperate with a pipe drive system (40) or top drive to provide a sealed engagement with drillpipe elements (38, 102). The gripping device (42, 100, 200) includes a housing (104, 204) configured to extend over and at least partially around a distal end (44) of the drillpipe element (38, 102). Further, the gripping device (42, 100, 200) includes a seal area positioned along an inner perimeter of the housing (104, 204) such that, when a seal (66, 108, 202) is inserted in the seal area, the seal (66, 108, 202) is arranged to engage with a face (68, 119) of the distal end of the drillpipe element (38, 102) and a face (80, 106, 206) of the gripping device (42, 100, 200). Further, the gripping device (42, 100, 200) includes engagement features (112) configured to extend inwardly from the inner perimeter to facilitate coupling of the gripping device (42, 100, 200) with an outer circumferential area of the drillpipe element (38, 102).</p> |