TOP DRIVE SWIVEL APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

For use with a top drive power unit (10) supported for connection with a wel l string (20) in a well bore (14) to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string (20), a feeder (31) for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply sourc e to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first dischargin g it through the top drive power unit (10) including a mandrel (40) extending through a sleeve (150) which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve (150) and mandrel (40). The mandrel (40 ) and sleeve (150) have flow passages (140, 190) for communicating the pumpabl e substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve (150) and mandrel (40) and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit (10). The unit can include a packing injection system (225, 226) , clamp (600), and novel packing configuration (305).