METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING A FIRST TUBULAR TO A SECOND TUBULAR

摘要

Disclosed is a joint compensator for compensating for the weight of a first tubular for connection with a second tubular. A piston is displaceable within a cylinder for permitting displacement of said first tubular downwardly towards said second tubular. A first biasing means is disposed so that as said first tubular moves downwardly during connection of said first tubular to said second tubular. A second biasing means is disposed so that said piston moves within said cylinder in the opposite direction under the action of said second biasing means to lift said first tubular upwardly during a subsequent disconnection of said first tubular from said second tubular. A control means is provided for controlling the force applied by at least said first biasing means as said first tubular moves downwardly. The first and second biasing means may comprise constant force springs or a fluid system.