Well pipe spinning and torqueing apparatus

摘要

A device for turning a section of well pipe to connect it to or disconnect it from a pipe string includes a power unit to be mounted at a side of a well and having a part, preferably a piston, which is power actuable in opposite directions, with that part acting upon movement in one direction to exert a pulling force on a flexible line connected to a tong for turning the pipe section, and with the specified part acting upon movement in the opposite direction to exert pulling force on a second elongated flexible element, preferably a chain, which extends about the pipe section and acts to spin it rotatably when the chain is pulled. The spinning element is desirably directed along a multiple reversing path giving that element increased longitudinal movement as compared with the tong actuating line for a predetermined length of movement of the piston, so that the spinning element can turn the pipe through a relatively large number of revolutions whereas the tong actuating line moves a shorter distance but can apply a greater torque to the pipe.