Methods and apparatus for automated oilfield torque wrench set-up to make-up and break-out tubular strings

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Automated make-up and break-up methods and apparatus for rotary oil well drilling are presented. The apparatus includes a drilling database storing tubular type records a torque wrench having a spinner, and a controller. During make-up the controller looks- up tubular type records stored in the drilling database in order to configure the torque wrench and/or the spinner to connect an additional tubular section to a tubular string or to disconnect a connection between tubulars in accordance with tubular type parameters. Sensors are employed on various drill rig components and reported sensor values are monitored. Timers are started concurrent with the initiation of various make-up and …