The present application relates to a locking apparatus for locking axial ends of first and second drilling rig components in a connected state, the connected state established by sufficiently rotating the first drilling rig component relative to the second drilling rig component in a first direction. The apparatus includes a first locking means that enables the first and second drilling rig components to be locked in their connected state by causing, during rotation of the first drilling rig component in the first direction, the locking apparatus to engage with the first drilling rig component in a configuration that prevents the first drilling rig component from rotating in a direction opposite to the first direction. The apparatus further includes a second locking means that enables the locking apparatus to be prevented from rotation relative to the second drilling rig component, including during rotation of the first drilling rig component in the first direction, the locking apparatus thereby preventing relative rotation between the first and second drilling rig components.

A self-locking threaded connection partially in a non-locking engagement includes a first and a second tubular component provided respectively with male and female threaded zone at their respective ends. First portions of the female threaded zones with varying thread width and root cooperate together along a self-locking tightening arrangement. A locking region within the threaded connection is located in the middle of non-locking, and radially centered to the pipe body API tolerances in order to withstand high torque and seal performances.

A self-locking threaded connection partially in a non-locking engagement includes a first and a second tubular component provided respectively with male and female threaded zone at their respective ends. First portions of the female threaded zones with varying thread width and root cooperate together along a self-locking tightening arrangement. A locking region within the threaded connection is located in the middle of non-locking, and radially centered to the pipe body API tolerances in order to withstand high torque and seal performances.

A pipe joint formed between pin and box sections is disclosed. The pin and box sections each have a tubular pipe section, engaging at respective first ends in end-to-end arrangement and having a seal element partially therebetween. The box section includes a generally cylindrical box stress collar extending from the first end, and axially aligned with the tubular box pipe section. The inner diameter of the box pipe section is of the same size as the outer diameter of the pin section.

The pin and the box sections are secured together by securing means housed in the box collar and actuable by exertion of radial pressure to urge the pin and box into sealing arrangement.

The pin section includes a circumferential collar located to engage a profiled end surface of the box stress collar on make-up of the joint, the circumferential collar including a circumferential pin channel, the profiled end surface of the box section including a box channel, the circumferential pin channel housing the inner rim of the box and the box channel housing the pin edge rim.

A connector assembly for connection of two tubular members without rotation. The assembly includes the pin end of a first tubular member stabbed within the connector end of a second tubular member. A connector nut is threadedly connected or snap locked to the connector end of the second tubular member. The connector nut includes a retaining shoulder cooperating with a beveled shoulder on the pin end of the first tubular member to retain the first tubular member. The assembly includes seals to provide pressure integrity and prevent leaking. Cooperating rotational torque transfer profiles in the first and second tubular members enable operational rotation of the tubular string.

A connector assembly for connection of two tubular members without rotation. The assembly includes the pin end of a first tubular member stabbed within the connector end of a second tubular member. A connector nut is threadedly connected or snap locked to the connector end of the second tubular member. The connector nut includes a retaining shoulder cooperating with a beveled shoulder on the pin end of the first tubular member to retain the first tubular member. The assembly includes seals to provide pressure integrity and prevent leaking. Cooperating rotational torque transfer profiles in the first and second tubular members enable operational rotation of the tubular string.

A protector for the male or female end of a threaded tubular connection for drilling or operating hydrocarbon wells, comprising a principal body, a first sealing gasket formed from a material which is less rigid than the material of the protector body and intended to make a seal with a surface of an end of the component, the principal body comprising a plurality of orifices through which the sealing gasket passes.

A protector for the male or female end of a threaded tubular connection for drilling or operating hydrocarbon wells, comprising a principal body, a first sealing gasket formed from a material which is less rigid than the material of the protector body and intended to make a seal with a surface of an end of the component, the principal body comprising a plurality of orifices through which the sealing gasket passes.

A connection assembly and a method comprises first and second connector portions having a preload mechanism comprising a plurality of bores and threaded fixings circumferentially spaced around the axis, wherein the preload mechanism is arranged to apply an axial load between shoulders on the first and second connector portions when torque is applied to the threaded fixings. An annular sealing member is compressed between the first and second portions, and the axial load applied between the first and second shoulders by the preload mechanism exceeds a peak hydrodynamic load urging the first and second connector portions in a direction along the axis. The axial force applied by the preload mechanism advantageously reduces the fatigue damage experienced by the connection, for example, by cyclic pressure changes within the connector portions typically caused by pumps operating at high pressures.

A system for connecting a drill bit and pipe puller to a drill string. The system includes a downhole tool having an internal cavity and a through-hole in its wall. A coupler may be slidingly received in the cavity and connected using one or more fasteners which interconnect a groove in the coupler to the wall of the downhole tool. Fasteners used may be screws or bolts interconnecting the wall of the tool with radial holes in the coupler. Alternatively, bolts may interconnect the wall with a circumferential groove on the coupler. A drill bit may be threaded into the coupler. The coupler allows drill bits and other tools to be connected and disconnected from a downhole tool without unthreading the drill bit.