INTERLOCK FOR A DRILL RIG AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A DRILL RIG

摘要

An interlock between a drawworks and a tong includes a sensor for sensing a position of the tong. An interlock signal is generated by the sensor for sensing the position of the tong that is reflective of the position of the tong. A lock operably connected to the drawworks receives the interlock signal and disables operation of the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion. A method for operating a drill rig includes operating a drawworks to raise and lower a drill string and operating a tong to add or remove segments to the drill string. The method further includes sensing a position of the tong, generating an interlock signal that reflects the position of the tong, and disabling the drawworks if the interlock signal meets a predetermined criterion.