Method of running a pipe string having an outer diameter transition

Abstract

One embodiment provides an adjustable guide 10 a to steer the end 90 of a pipe string 88 into position to be engaged and supported by a pipe gripping apparatus such as, for example, an externally gripping elevator assembly 10 . The adjustable guide 10 a may comprise a plurality of angularly distributed guide inserts 30 , each having a sloped surface 30 A to engage a pipe end 90 . Another embodiment provides an adjustable guide 60 a to steer a pipe connection into position to pass through a spider 60 . The guide inserts 30, 80 of an adjustable guide may be controllably positionable to together form a guide that is concentric with the bore of the tapered bowl of an elevator assembly or a spider. One embodiment comprises a guide insert retainer 11 having a plurality of channels 28 , each slidably receiving a guide insert 30 and positionable by rotation of a threaded shaft 40.

1 .- 62 . (canceled) 
     
     
         63 . An apparatus to run a pipe string into a borehole, comprising:
 a plurality of slips movably received along a tapered bore of a body of the apparatus, the body formed as a plurality of portions;   wherein the plurality of slips are configured to move between a first engaged position and a second engaged position with respect to the body;   wherein, in the first engaged position, the plurality of slips are configured to engage the pipe string at a first diameter thereof; and   wherein, in the second engaged position, the plurality of slips are configured to engage the pipe string at a second diameter thereof, substantially different from the first diameter.   
     
     
         64 . The apparatus of  claim 63 , wherein the body comprises a bowl, wherein the bowl has a tapered interior surface comprising the tapered bore. 
     
     
         65 . The apparatus of  claim 63 , wherein the plurality of portions of the body comprises a first half and a second half. 
     
     
         66 . The apparatus of  claim 63 , wherein the apparatus comprises one of an elevator assembly and a spider assembly. 
     
     
         67 . The apparatus of  claim 63 , further comprising a plurality of protruding ears coupled to the body of the apparatus. 
     
     
         68 . The apparatus of  claim 63 , further comprising a timing ring disposed adjacent one side of the tapered bore of the body, the plurality of slips connected to the timing ring and the timing ring movable with respect to the tapered bore of the body. 
     
     
         69 . The apparatus of  claim 68 , wherein the timing ring comprises a first half and a second half, and wherein the plurality of portions of the body comprises a first half and a second half such that the first half of the timing ring is movably connected to the first half of the body and the second half of the timing ring is movably connected to the second half of the body. 
     
     
         70 . The apparatus of  claim 63 , wherein the pipe string comprises a pipe shoulder, wherein the pipe shoulder comprises the second outer diameter of at least about 0.3 inches (0.76 centimeters) larger than the first outer diameter of the pipe string. 
     
     
         71 . The apparatus of  claim 63 , wherein the plurality of slips are configured to move to a removed position with respect to the body, and wherein, in the removed position, the plurality of slips are configured to disengage the pipe string. 
     
     
         72 . The apparatus of  claim 63 , further comprising an adjustable pipe guide disposed adjacent to the apparatus. 
     
     
         73 . A method of running a pipe string into a borehole, the pipe string having a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter, the method comprising:
 moving a plurality of slips along a tapered bore of an apparatus to a first position, the apparatus having a body formed as a plurality of portions;   gripping the pipe string at the first outer diameter with the plurality of slips disposed at the first position;   moving the plurality of slips along the tapered bore of the apparatus to a second position; and   gripping the pipe string at the second outer diameter, the second outer diameter being substantially different from the first outer diameter, with the plurality of slips disposed at the second position.   
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 73 , wherein the apparatus comprises a bowl, wherein the bowl has a tapered interior surface comprising the tapered bore. 
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 73 , wherein the plurality of portions of the body comprises a first half and a second half. 
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 73 , wherein the apparatus comprises one of an elevator assembly and a spider assembly. 
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 73 , further comprising a plurality of protruding ears coupled to the body of the apparatus. 
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 73 , wherein a timing ring is disposed adjacent one side of the tapered bore of the body with the plurality of slips connected to the timing ring, the method further comprising:
 moving the timing ring with respect to the tapered bore of the apparatus to move the plurality of slips along the tapered bore of the apparatus.   
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 78 , wherein the timing ring comprises a first half and a second half, and wherein the plurality of portions of the body comprises a first half and a second half such that the first half of the timing ring is movably connected to the first half of the body and the second half of the timing ring is movably connected to the second half of the body. 
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 73 , further comprising:
 moving the plurality of slips along the tapered bore of the apparatus to a third position; and   disengaging the pipe string with the plurality of slips disposed at the third position.   
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 73 , wherein the pipe string comprises a pipe shoulder, wherein the pipe shoulder comprises the second outer diameter of at least about 0.3 inches (0.76 centimeters) larger than the first outer diameter of the pipe string. 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 73 , wherein the apparatus comprises an adjustable pipe guide disposed adjacent thereto, the method further comprising:
 guiding the pipe string into the tapered bore of the apparatus using the adjustable pipe guide.