Apparatus and Method for Forming Stands

Abstract

A catwalk apparatus for forming stands from individual tubulars comprises a frame having a top surface adapted to receive tubulars. The apparatus also includes a skate mechanism capable of pushing and pulling the tubulars once loaded on the apparatus. The apparatus is adapted to receive at least two tubulars in a coaxial arrangement. The apparatus includes a rotating means for oppositely rotating the tubulars along their longitudinal axes. The skate mechanism is used to advance the tubulars together during rotation so as to allow cooperatively threaded ends of the tubulars to engage thereby forming a stand. The skate mechanism is also used to urge the stand towards the drill rig for subsequent hoisting and orienting vertically. A method and system for forming tubulars is also provided.

1 . A method of forming a stand from tubulars comprising: 
 providing a supply of tubulars;    providing an elongate stand forming apparatus comprising a front end, rear end and mid section;    loading a first tubular on the stand forming apparatus, wherein said first tubular is positioned generally parallel therewith;    pulling the first tubular towards the rear end of the apparatus;    loading a second tubular on the stand forming apparatus, wherein said second tubular is positioned generally parallel therewith and wherein the second tubular is positioned in general coaxial alignment with said first tubular;    rotating said first and second tubulars about their longitudinal axes and in opposite directions;    advancing the first tubular against the second tubular during said rotation whereby cooperating threads on each opposing end of the first and second tubulars are engaged to form a stand.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising advancing the stand towards the front end of the apparatus.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising engaging the stand by a hoist and lifting said stand into vertical alignment.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus for forming a stand from tubulars comprising: 
 a generally horizontal, elongate catwalk having a frame with a top surface adapted to receive at least two of said tubulars aligned in a coaxial manner, said frame having a front end, a rear end, and a mid section;    a pulling means adapted to grip and pull a first of said tubulars towards the rear end of the catwalk;    a pushing means adapted to advance said first tubular to the front end of the frame;    a rotating means for rotating said tubulars about their longitudinal axes.    
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said pulling means is adapted to grip and pull a first tubular loaded on the catwalk.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said pushing means is adapted to bear against the first tubular and to advance said first tubular towards the front end of the catwalk.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said rotating means comprises motor driven rollers.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said rollers are connected to arms.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of claim  8  wherein said arms are actuatable and are capable of being raised and lowered with respect to the catwalk frame.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said rollers are adapted to rotate said at least two tubulars in opposite directions.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said catwalk front end is inclined upwards.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said catwalk top surface includes a groove to receive said tubulars.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said catwalk front and rear ends are foldable over said mid section.