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

摘要

A method for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular comprises the steps of supporting said first tubular (101) above said second tubular (104) from a pneumatically operable device (111, 112); and displacing said first tubular (101) downwardly towards said second tubular (104) to facilitate the connection thereof, characterized in that said method further comprises the steps of allowing pneumatic fluid to vent from said pneumatically operable device as said first tubular (101) is lowered towards said second tubular (104) and automatically replenishing said pneumatically operable device (111, 112) after release of said first tubular (101). The present invention also provides an apparatus for carrying out a method in accordance with the invention, which apparatus comprises a pneumatically operable device (111, 112; 211, 212) movable between an upper position (127) and a lower position (128), characterized in that said apparatus further comprises means to vent pneumatic fluid from said pneumatically operable device (111, 112) when, in use, a first tubular (101) is urged towards a second tubular (104), and means (108) to automatically replenish said pneumatically operable device (111, 112) after release of said first tubular (101).