Method and apparatus for gaging and joining pipe

摘要

The present method and apparatus are believed to be the first to achieve, at least in a practical manner susceptible of widespread use on large numbers of joints, both proper engagement and proper makeup torque between tapered threaded members such as sections of pipe in an oil well or pipeline. In accordance with one embodiment, presently preferred, gage means are employed to determine the actual hand tight plane of each tapered threaded member, and a mark is made on each such member in predetermined relationship to the hand tight plane. Such marks are then employed for field inspection of joints which have been made up to a predetermined, measured, desired makeup torque. In accordance with another embodiment, the members (for example, casing and tubing sections and collars) are made up until the marks on the collar and the pipe are at a predetermined axial distance from each other at a predetermined makeup torque or predetermined desired range of makeup torques. In accordance with another embodiment, not preferred, only one of the two members is gaged and marked. Gaging and marking may be effected rapidly, even under adverse field conditions. The apparatus and method employ automatic centering means and associated elements which make it possible to power-screw a gage onto a pipe section rapidly, with no substantial start-up problems. Furthermore, the apparatus and method employ a precision pipe-marking means, and preferably employ a gage card having a predetermined relatonship to the marking means.