Apparatus and methods for wedge lock prevention

Abstract

In one embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus is provided with a wedge lock release mechanism that creates a clearance to allow movement by the mandrel having mating wedge surfaces relative to the tubular to release the wedge slips. In another embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus for handling a tubular includes a mandrel; a carrier coupled to the mandrel; a gripping element for engaging the tubular; an engagement member coupled to the carrier for engaging an upper portion of the tubular; and an abutment device adapted to engage the engagement member, wherein a length of the abutment device is adjustable to allow movement of the engagement member.

1 . A release apparatus for releasing a gripping element of a tubular handling apparatus, comprising:
 an anchor attached to the tubular handling apparatus;   an engagement member for engaging the tubular; and   an abutment device disposed between the anchor and the engagement member, wherein a distance between the anchor and the abutment device is adjustable to allow axial movement of the engagement member.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the abutment device is adjustable relative to the tubular gripping apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the abutment device comprises a tapered ring. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the tapered ring is disposed between the anchor and the engagement member and the tapered ring is rotatable to adjust the distance between the tapered ring and the anchor. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the abutment device comprises an eccentric bolt. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the eccentric bolt has a first width longer than a second width and the bolt is rotatable from the first width to the second width to adjust the distance between the anchor and the engagement member. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the abutment device comprises a ball ring. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the ball ring is disposed between the anchor and the engagement member, wherein rotation of the ball ring adjusts the distance between the anchor and the ball ring. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the abutment device comprises a piston and cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the abutment device comprises a screw. 
     
     
         11 . A tubular handling apparatus for handling a tubular, comprising:
 a mandrel;   a carrier coupled to the mandrel;   a gripping element for engaging the tubular;   an engagement member for engaging an upper portion of the tubular; and   an abutment device adapted to limit travel of the engagement member, wherein a length of the abutment device is adjustable to allow movement of the engagement member.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising an anchor attached to the carrier. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the abutment device is adjustable relative to the anchor. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising an thread compensator. 
     
     
         15 . A method of releasing from a wedge lock condition during a tubular handling operation, comprising:
 providing a tubular handling apparatus having a mandrel, a gripping element movable along the mandrel, and an engagement member for contacting a tubular;   attaching a release mechanism to the mandrel, wherein the release mechanism includes an anchor and an abutment device axially movable relative to the anchor;   engaging the tubular to the engagement member and the engagement member to the abutment device;   moving the abutment device away from the tubular;   moving the mandrel relative to the engagement member; and   releasing the gripping element.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein moving the abutment device away from the tubular comprises rotating the abutment device. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising coupling an indicator to the engagement member. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , linking operation of the release mechanism to the operation of a clamping cylinder. 
     
     
         19 . A release apparatus for releasing a gripping element of a tubular handling apparatus, comprising:
 an anchor attached to the tubular handling apparatus; and   an engagement member for engaging the tubular, wherein the position of the engagement member relative to the anchor is selectively adjustable to allow for relative axial movement between the anchor and the tubular.   
     
     
         20 . The release apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the release apparatus is configured to be manually actuated or remotely actuated. 
     
     
         21 . The release apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the release apparatus is configured to be hydraulically actuated, pneumatically actuated, electrically actuated, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         22 . The release apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the release apparatus is configured to be resettable.