METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING THE PROXIMAL END OF A TUBULAR STRING SPIDER ABOVE A SPIDER

摘要

Method and apparatus for handling a supported tubular string with a strin g elevator and a spider on a rig to prevent damaging contact between the str ing elevator and spider while facilitating further connections of add-on tub ular segments. The string elevator and supported tubular string descend towa rd the spider until reaching a predetermined position. The process of settin g the spider into engagement of the tubular string is automatically initiate d in response to detecting the predetermined position of the string elevator . With the spider set, the string elevator can be unloaded. Optionally, the method may also automatically terminate the string elevator descent in respo nse to detecting that the spider has been set. A preferred apparatus for det ecting the position of the elevator includes a tilt switch secured to a fixe d position along the length of the Kelly hose.