FORCE APPLICATION REDUCTION EMPLOYING ACTUATOR AND THRUST BEARING

摘要

An apparatus includes a thrust bearing adapted to engage a tubular component. A bearing carrier is connected to the thrust bearing, an arm is connected to the bearing carrier, and an actuator is connected to the arm. In one embodiment, the bearing carrier includes an arcuate notch through which the tubular component is adapted to extend. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a first configuration in which a vertical offset is defined between the tubular component and the thrust bearing, and a second configuration in which the thrust bearing is engaged with the tubular component for the support thereof. In another embodiment, the apparatus is placed in the first configuration in response to a cessation of a supply of electrical power to a control valve in fluid communication with the actuator. In another embodiment, the tubular component is connected to, or is part of, a quill of a top drive.

主权项

1. An apparatus, comprising:
a thrust bearing adapted to engage a tubular component having a weight; a bearing carrier connected to the thrust bearing, the bearing carrier comprising an arcuate notch through which the tubular component is adapted to extend, the arcuate notch comprising opposing end portions and defining an angle extending circumferentially between the opposing end portions, the angle ranging from less than 180 degrees to about 180 degrees; an arm connected to the bearing carrier and to which a first force in a first direction is adapted to be applied by a least a portion of the weight of the tubular component; and an actuator connected to the arm to apply thereto a second force in a second direction to at least partially counteract the first force, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.