Method and a machine for handling drill pipes

摘要

A machine applies screwing and unscrewing torque between successive drill pipes with an essentially vertical axis extending through a tapered opening in a turntable for a well bore. The machine includes a mechanism for applying a high initial unthreading torque and a high final threading torque between successive drill pipes and a mechanism for rapid screwing and unscrewing of successive drill pipes. The machine also includes a clamping mechanism having a bolster and a plurality of shims. The shims have outer portions tapered to fit into the opening of the turntable and have inner portions with a shape corresponding to the shape of the drill pipes. Each shim is supported individually on the bolster by a device that moves the shim into engagement with a drill pipe to grip the same and with sufficient freedom to permit the shims to center the pipe between them automatically. The bolster is lowered to cause the shims to enter the opening in the turntable.