Adjustable Tubular Slip

The present disclosure relates to drill rigs. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to tubular slips.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

Operating a drill rig can involve a range of activities, such as drilling wells, installing well casings, tripping of the drill string (e.g., during which drill pipes are lowered into (tripping in (e.g., running into hole (RIH))) or pulled out of (tripping out (e.g., pulling out of hole (POOH))) a well), etc. A tubular slip can be used to grip a drill pipe, such as to suspend a drill string when the drill string is not suspended by an elevator. A tubular slip can be positioned in or on the floor of a drill rig, and can be configured to impinge on the drill string to support the drill string from the drill rig floor. The tubular slip can be manually engaged or disengaged. During drilling operations (e.g., tripping operations, such as to change a drill bit or install a casing), a variety of pipe sizes can be used. Moreover, drill collar can have a larger diameter than drill pipe even though they each form a part of the same drill string. Separate, differently sized, tubular slips or parts (e.g., size components) may need to be used (e.g., during various operations) to accommodate the different sizes.

In an example, a tubular slip for a drill rig can include a plurality of size adjusting systems which can be radially arranged about a well access hole of the drill rig and can be configured to cooperate to adjust a diameter of a through opening of the tubular slip to accommodate various tubular sizes. The tubular slip can also include a slip component which can include a wedge arranged on a radially inner portion of each of the size adjusting systems and can be configured to cooperate to further constrict the diameter of the through opening when a drill string is suspended by the tubular slip.

In an example, a tubular slip for a drill rig can include two or more slip assemblies, which can be arranged around a perimeter of a well access hole of the drill rig. One or more of the slip assemblies can include an outer wedge, which can be generally fixed relative to the well access hole, where a radially inward portion of the outer wedge can include a first inclined plane facing radially inward, where a bottom portion of the first inclined plane can be radially inward compared to a top portion of the first inclined plane. One or more of the slip assemblies can also include an intermediate wedge, where a radially outward portion of the intermediate wedge can be slidably engaged with the first inclined plane, where the intermediate wedge can move towards a center axis of the well access hole when the intermediate wedge slides downward, where a radially inward portion of the intermediate wedge can include a second inclined plane facing radially inward, where a bottom portion of the second inclined plane can be radially inward compared to a top portion of the second inclined plane. One or more of the slip assemblies can also include an inner wedge, where a radially outward portion of the inner wedge can be slidably engaged with the second inclined plane, where the inner wedge can move towards the center axis of the well access hole when the inner wedge slides downward.

In an example, a method of using a tubular slip can include positioning, using an elevator, a drill string at a specified position within the tubular slip while the tubular slip can be in a released configuration, engaging three slip assemblies of the tubular slip with the drill string, centering the drill string within a well access hole, and disengaging the elevator to transfer a weight of the drill string to the tubular slip.

A tubular slip that can handle a range of tubular sizes (e.g., drill collar, drill pipe, well casing) can provide one or more benefits such as a reduction in human contact with the drilling process (e.g., any operation undertaken using a drilling rig, such as tripping, increasing a size or depth of a well bore, etc.), a reduction in human physical exertion during drilling, an increase in the speed of operation of a drill rig These benefits can arise because the tubular slip does not need to be swapped out or adjusted to handle a range of tubular sizes. Additionally, a tubular slip that is at least partially automated can provide one or more benefits, such as a reduction in human contact with the drilling process, a reduction in human physical exertion during drilling, an increase in the speed of operation of a drill rig, or an increase or other adjustment of the precision of the tubular slip. The tubular slip can be operated manually, by another power source, or both. The tubular slip can provide position feedback, which can include an indication of whether or not a tubular is engaged with the tubular slip. The tubular slip can grip a range of tubulars, such as without having to change size components (e.g., slips, inserts). The tubular slip can be at least partially automated (e.g., capable of being controlled remotely), which can help to remove the need for personnel to be near the center of the drill floor (e.g., in the red zone).

Turning now to, a drill rigof the present disclosure is shown. The drill rigmay be configured for onshore oil drilling in some embodiments. However, in other embodiments, other drilling rigs of the present disclosure may be configured for other drilling operations, including offshore drilling. The drill rigmay be configured to be a mobile or stationary rig. The drill rigmay generally have a drill floor, a mast, and a pipe handling system.

The drill floormay include a platform positioned above or over a well and supported by a support structure. As shown, the drill floormay be configured to provide a working space for drilling operations and/or a storage space for equipment and drill pipe. The drill floormay have an opening arranged at or near well center (e.g., the well access hole) for accessing the well during drilling or tripping operations.

The mastmay extend from the drill floor with a height suitable for accommodating and/or building single, double, triple, quadruple, or other sized drill pipe stands. For example, the mastmay have a height of up to 50 feet, 100 feet 150 feet, 200 feet, or more. In other embodiments, the mastmay have any other suitable height or height range.

The lifting system may be configured for supporting the load of a pipe stand and/or drill string during drilling, tripping in, tripping out, and/or other pipe handling operations. A pipe elevatorconfigured for coupling to a drill pipe may extend from the traveling block. In some embodiments, the pipe elevatormay be incorporated into a top drive, which may be coupled to the traveling blockvia a hook dolly or the pipe elevatormay be more directly coupled to the traveling blockvia a hook dolly. In either case, the traveling blockmay be configured to raise and lower the pipe elevator, so as to raise and lower a length or stand of pipe, between the drill floorand the crown block. The traveling blockmay include one or more sheaves through which the main drill line may be reeved.

The drill rigcan also include a tubular slip. The tubular slipmay be arranged in or on the drill floor. For example, the tubular slipcan be positioned in the well access hole. The well access holecan be an opening (e.g., a hole) of any shape in the drill floor. During operation of the drill rig, operators may insert, feed, or otherwise pass a drill stringthrough the tubular slip, the well access hole, or both. The use of a tubular slip of the present disclosure is believed to apply, at least in part, to any drill rig configuration, and is not limited to the drill rig shown in.

shows a perspective view of an example of portions of a tubular slipengaging a drill string. The tubular slipcan be configured to grasp one or more cylindrical objects, such as a tubular (e.g., a drilling pipe, a drill casing, a pipe string, or any number of tubulars employed in operations on a drill rig). The tubular slipcan be configured to carry a portion or all of the weight of the drill string, such as when the drill string is released from an elevator, which can transfer the weight (e.g., the load) of the drill string to the tubular slip. The tubular slipcan include two or more slip assemblies. The slip assembliescan be arranged around a perimeter of a well access holeof the drill rig. The tubular slipcan also include a housing, such as can be configured to interface with the well access holeand the slip assemblies.

The tubular slipcan include two slip assemblies, three slip assemblies, four slip assemblies, five slip assemblies, six slip assemblies, seven slip assemblies, 8 slip assemblies(e.g., as shown in), or 9 or more slip assemblies. The slip assembliescan be equally spaced radially around the perimeter of the tubular slip(e.g., 3 slip assemblies 120 degrees apart, 8 slip assemblies 45 degrees apart), or the slip assembliescan be distributed radially in any other fashion.

A slip assemblycan include a size adjusting system and a slip component. The tubular slipcan include a plurality of slip assemblies(e.g., a plurality of size adjusting systems, each with a corresponding slip component), which can be radially arranged about the well access holeof the drill rig. The size adjusting systems can be configured to cooperate to adjust the diameter of a through opening (e.g., the diameter formed by the radially inward most portion of the plurality of slip components. The plurality of size adjusting systems can help allow the tubular slip to accommodate various tubular sizes. The slip component can include a wedge arranged on a radially inner portion of each of the size adjusting systems. The slip components can be configured to cooperate to further constrict the diameter of the through opening when a drill string is suspended by the tubular slip.

shows a perspective view of an example of portions of a slip assembly.includes an arrow indicating the radially inward direction. The slip assembly can be configured to one or more of (1) clamp or release a drill string, such as at least partially automatically (e.g., at the command of a processor or other controller) or (2) adjust a size of tubular that the tubular slipis configured to engage with. The slip assemblycan be configured such that the slip assemblyclamps the drill stringwith a force that increases as a weight of the drill string carried by the tubular slipincreases (e.g., a force proportional to the weight of the drill string). The slip assemblycan include an outer wedge, an intermediate wedge, and an inner wedge. The outer wedgeand the intermediate wedgecan be included in the size adjusting system. The inner wedgecan be included in the slip component.

The outer wedge, can be generally fixed relative to the well access hole. For example, a radially outer portion of the outer wedgecan be fixed to the housingor more directly to the drill floor. The outer wedgecan be configured to provide a mounting connection for the slip assembly, and can be configured to provide a surface for the intermediate wedgeto interface with. A radially inward portion of the outer wedgecan include a first inclined planefacing radially inward (e.g., the open face of the first inclined planeis oriented at least partially towards the well access hole, such as directly facing the well access hole, or at an angle of less than 90 degrees from the radially inward axis). A bottom portion of the first inclined planecan be radially inward compared to a top portion of the first inclined plane(e.g., the first inclined planeis facing upward and sloping radially inward). The outer wedgecan be one piece of material (e.g., a cast or machined part), or can include two or more parts fastened together.

The intermediate wedgecan be configured to interface with the outer wedge. Together, the portions of the outer wedge(e.g., all of the outer wedge), portions of the intermediate wedge(e.g., all of the intermediate wedge), and optionally one or more other components can form a size adjusting system. The size adjusting system can be configured to adjust a size of tubular that the tubular slipis configured to engage with (e.g., adjusting a size of the opening formed by the plurality of slip assemblies), engage or release a tubular (e.g., by moving the slip assemblyinto or out of contact with the tubular), or both. A radially outward portionof the intermediate wedgecan be slidably engaged with the first inclined plane. The size adjusting system can be configured such that the intermediate wedgemoves towards a center axis of the well access holewhen the intermediate wedge slides downward, such as due to the configuration of the first inclined plane. This motion towards the center of the well access holecan help to provide one or more functions of the size adjusting system, such as adjusting a diameter of the well access hole or engaging and releasing a tubular. The intermediate wedgecan be one piece of material (e.g., a cast or machined part), or can include two or more parts fastened together.

A radially inward portion of the intermediate wedgecan include a second inclined planefacing radially inward. A bottom portion of the second inclined planecan be radially inward compared to a top portion of the second inclined plane.

The slip assemblycan also include one or more actuators, such as can form a portion of the size adjusting system. An actuatorcan be configured to extend and retract longitudinally (e.g., a linear actuator). The actuatorcan include a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a screw drive, a rack/pinion, an electrical cylinder, a linear motor, or another type of linear actuator. A first end of the actuatorcan be coupled to the outer wedgeand a second end of the actuatorcan be coupled to the intermediate wedge. In an example, the first end of the actuatorcan be coupled to the housing. The actuatorcan be configured to adjust a position of the intermediate wedgealong the first inclined planeof the outer wedge, such as to adjust the size adjusting system. In an example, the slip assemblycan include a second actuatorconfigured similarly to the first actuatoron the opposite radially tangential side of the slip assembly(e.g., not visible in). In an example, the actuatorcan be positioned between the first inclined planeand the radially outward portion.

In an example, the first inclined planecan include two parallel but offset faces, as shown in. The radially outward portioncan include two parallel but offset faces configured to interface with the two faces of the first inclined plane. The outer wedge, the intermediate wedge, or both, can include one or more features configured to keep the first inclined planefrom separating from the radially outward portion, such as the retaining groove. A portion of the intermediate wedge(e.g., a retaining pin, shown in, attached to the intermediate wedge) can be configured to interface with the retaining groove.

The inner wedgecan form a portion or all of a slip component. The slip component can be configured to further constrict a diameter of the through opening of the well access holewhen the drill stringis suspended by the tubular slip. The inner wedgecan be configured to interface with the intermediate wedge. A radially outward portionof the inner wedge can be slidably engaged with the second inclined plane. The inner wedgecan be configured to move towards the center axis of the well access holewhen the inner wedgeslides downward. The inner wedgeand the intermediate wedgecan be configured so that the second inclined planedoes not separate from the radially outward portion. The inner wedgecan be one piece of material (e.g., a cast or machined part), or can include two or more parts fastened together.

A radially inner surfaceof the inner wedge(e.g., the slip component) can be configured to engage with the drill string. The radially inner surfacecan include teeth or other texture to increase or otherwise tailor a friction or grip force against the drill string. The radially inner surfacecan include a curvature when viewed from above or below (e.g.,shows two friction portions arranged pointing radially inward) to provide a larger area of contact with the drill string. In an example, the radially inner surfacecan include one or more alloy strips (e.g., CuNiAl, which can be configured to be wear resistant, provide a specified level of friction, or both. For example, the allow strips can provide a replaceable wear surface The tubular slipcan be configured to engage with a range of tubular sizes ranging from at least 1⅛ inches (e.g., the tubulars are at least 1⅛ inches different in diameter), at least two inches, at least four inches, at least six inches, at least eight inches, or at least 12 inches. In an example, the tubular slipcan engage with a range including a nominal size down to a smaller size (e.g., having a range of 4″ and a set nominal of 14″ grips from 14″ down to 10,″ such as without size component swap out). In an example, the tubular slip(e.g., including the slip assemblies) can be configured so that the radially inner surfaceof the inner wedgeis generally parallel to the drill stringacross the range of tubular sizes. In an example, the tubular slipcan be configured to engage with a mix of casing sizes, for example, a 9⅝ inch casing as well as a 10¾ inch thick wall casing.

In an example, one or more portions of the slip assemblycan be replaced to accommodate a different range of tubular sizes. For example, one configuration of the tubular slipcan accommodate tubulars from 3 and ⅛ inch to 7 and ⅝ inch (e.g., measured in diameter of the outer surface of the tubular). The tubular slipcan be reconfigured to accommodate a range from 5 and ½ inch to 10 inch or a range from 9 and ½ inch to 14 inch. For example, one or more of the outer wedge, the intermediate wedge, or the inner wedgecan be exchanged for a corresponding outer wedge, intermediate wedge, or inner wedgeof a different size. In an example, the entire slip assemblycan be replaced. In an example, the size adjusting system can be replaced, and the inner wedgecan be reused. In an example, the housingis used across multiple tubular size ranges. In an example, the housingis replaced to accommodate one or more tubular size ranges. In some examples, the housingmay be omitted where the size adjusting system is secured directly to the drill floor. In an example, the entire tubular slipcan be replaced to accommodate a different tubular size range.

In an example, one or more portions of the tubular slipcan be configured differently. For example, the size adjusting component of the slip assemblycan include a hydraulic cylinder that is faced generally radially inward. The radially outward portion of the hydraulic cylinder can be mounted to the housingor directly to the drill floor. The inner wedgecan be mounted on the radially inward portion of the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder can be configured to adjust a size of the through opening. The hydraulic cylinder can be configured to carry a portion of the weight of the drill string(e.g., the hydraulic cylinder is braced to be substantially rigid when the downward load of the drill stringis applied to the inner wedgeIn other examples, a worm drive may be used in lieu of a hydraulic cylinder or another non-reversing device may be provided.

In an example, the housingcan be a closed (e.g., continuous) ring. In an example, the housingcan be a hinged split ring, such as can allow for removing the tubular slipwhile a drill stringis passing through or arranged within the tubular slip.

andshow a perspective view of an example of portions of a slip assembly. In use and operation of the tubular slip, one or more of the plurality of size adjusting systems can be configured to travel between a retracted position, where the respective slip components may not be contacting the drill string, and an engaged position, where the respective slip components can be contacting the drill string. For example, the actuatorcan be configured to control a position of the intermediate wedgealong the first inclined plane. The actuatorcan control the slip assemblybetween a retracted position, where the slip assembly may not be contacting a drill string, and an engaged position, where the slip assembly can be contacting the drill string. In an example, the movement of the size adjusting systems can serve the function of engaging and disengaging the drill string, accommodating various tubular sizes, or both.

shows the slip assemblyin a retracted position, which can include a fully retracted position.shows the slip assemblyin an engaged position, which can include an engaged position at the end of a configured travel of the size adjusting system. In an example, the slip assemblycan contact the drill stringbefore reaching the end of travel. The actuatorcan apply a force against the drill string(e.g., an inward force). In an example, the force provided by the actuatorcan be small compared to the force caused by the operation of the slip component, such as can include one half as large or less, one tenth as large or less, or one hundredth as large or less.

shows an example where the size adjusting system is engaged and a portion of the weight of the drill stringhas been shifted to the tubular slip.shows that the inner wedgehas moved downward, applying an increased inward force on the drill string, such as can increase a frictional force against the drill string, such as can allow the drill stringto be suspended by the tubular slip.shows that the intermediate wedgehas not moved from the position shown in. In an example, the intermediate wedgecan move slightly or significantly in response to the drill stringloading the tubular slip.

The inner wedgecan be biased in an upward direction along the second inclined plane, such as by a spring(e.g., shown in). The springcan return the inner wedgeto the initial position when the tubular slipis not suspending the drill string. From the initial position, the inner wedgecan be configured to engage the drill string, such as to provide a full clamping travel of the inner wedge. The bias force of the springcan be configured to be overcome by the weight of the drill string(e.g., the springcan support the weight of the inner wedgebut not the weight of the inner wedgein addition to the downward force applied by the drill string) when the weight of the drill stringis transferred to the tubular slip.

shows a cutaway perspective view of an example of portions of a tubular slipengaging a drill string.shows that the tubular slipcan include a guide. The guidecan be configured to receive the drill stringgenerally centered along a center axisof the well access hole. The guidecan be configured to prevent the drill stringfrom contacting the slip components when the slip assembliesare in the retracted position. The guideis discussed in more detail with respect tobelow.

shows that a radially outer portion of the housingcan be configured to engage with a portionof the drill floorof the drill rigdefining the well access hole. A radially inner portion of the housingcan be configured to engage with a radially outer portion of the size adjusting systems (e.g., the outer portion of the outer wedges). In an example, being generally fixed relative to the well access holecan include being generally fixed with respect to a turntable of the drill rig(e.g., a turntable of a Kelly drive system).

shows that the inner wedge axisof the second inclined planerelative to the center axisof the well access hole can form a second angle. The intermediate wedge axisof the first inclined planerelative to the center axiscan form a first angle. In an example, the second angleis less than the first angle(e.g., as shown in). In an example, the second angle is between 9 and 14 degrees, or between 10 and 12 degrees, or 11 degrees. In an example, the first angle is between 14 and 35 degrees, or between 20 and 30 degrees, or between 23 and 28 degrees, or 25 degrees. In an example, the first angleis 10 degrees and the second angleis 20 degrees.

When a portion of the weight of the drill stringis suspended by the slip assembly, there can be a generally upward force (e.g., acting on an axis between the inner wedge axisand the intermediate wedge axis) acting on the intermediate wedgeas a result of the configuration of the slip assembly. The upward force on the intermediate wedgecan be caused by the differing angles of the first inclined planeand the second inclined plane. In an example, the slip assemblycan be configured such that the frictional forces acting on the intermediate wedge(e.g., the frictional force acting to hold the intermediate wedgestationary) exceed the upward force acting on the intermediate wedge. For example, the interfaces between the outer wedgeand the intermediate wedge, the intermediate wedgeand the inner wedge, or both, can be configured to increase a frictional force (e.g., using surface roughness, using materials with a large coefficient of friction). In an example, a force from one or more actuatorscan at least partially offset (e.g., completely offset, less than completely offset) the upward force acting on the intermediate wedge.

shows a cutaway perspective view of an example of portions of a guide.shows that the guidecan include one or more openings, which can be configured to allow one or more of the slip assembliesto pass through the opening. In an example, the guidehas a number of openingsmatching the number of slip assemblies. The guidecan have a rim on the top, bottom, or both (e.g., as shown in), which can provide structure to the guide, prevent the drill stringfrom contacting the slip assemblies, or both. In an example, the guidecan be sized to be used with a range of pipe sizes, such as a size range spanning approximately 4 inches, such as without requiring changing of size components. In an example, the guidecan be configured to be used with a single pipe size. In an example, the guidecan be replaceable, such as to accommodate a different pipe size or range of pipe sizes.

shows a diagram depicting an example of portions of a methodof operating a tubular slip (e.g., the tubular slip). At step, using an elevator, a drill string can be positioned at a specified position within the tubular slip while the tubular slip is in a released configuration. For example, the slip assembliescan be positioned so that the slip assembliesdo not contact the drill string, which can include the size adjusting systems being fully retracted. In an example, the drill stringcan contact the guidewhen the elevator is lifting or lowering the drill string, but the guidecan prevent the drill stringfrom contacting the slip assemblies.

At step, two or more slip assemblies of the tubular slip can be engaged with the drill string. For example, two opposing slip assembliescan move to contact the drill string, or three radially spaced slip assembliescan move to contact the drill string.

At step, the drill string can be centered within the well access hole. The drill string can be centered in the well access hole using the slip assemblies engaged in step. In an example, centering the drill string within the well access hole can include monitoring respective positions of the slip assemblies. For example, a position of one or more actuators can be monitored, such as through position feedback from a sensor on the actuator. In an example, a servo technique can be used, which can enable position control of the actuator. The servo technique can include a feedback system configured to monitor a position of the actuator and drive the actuator towards a specified position (e.g., a new position, maintaining the same position). Monitoring a position of the slip assemblies (e.g., the three slip assemblies) can include monitoring respective actuators of the three slip assemblies, such as the actuators. In other examples, a leveling beam can be used to monitor the position of the slip assemblies.

Centering the drill string can also include adjusting the two or more slip assemblies so that the drill string is centered within the well access hole. For example, if one slip assembly is determined to be in a different position from one or more other slip assemblies, the slip assemblies can be adjusted to approximately match positions. In an example, position monitoring may not be used when three slip assemblies are used to center the drill string.

In an example, centering the drill string within the well access hole can include one or more of engaging the three slip assemblies so that each of the slip assemblies starts a specified distance from a center axis of the well access hole or travels at a same rate toward the center axis of the well access hole. For example, the actuatorscan be configured to all travel at a constant rate such as using one or more of proportional valves, flow divertors, or a servo technique. The slip assembliescan start from the fully retracted position (e.g., the same position). In an example, the slip assembliescan start from a preset position, such as relative to the pipe size to be engaged, such as can reduce the closing or opening cycle time. In this example, because the slip assembliesstart in the same position and travel at the same rate (e.g., due to proportional valves and/or position feedback), their positions continue to match, which can center the drill string. In an example, the methodcan include engaging one or more additional slip assemblies following centering the drill string within the well access hole. For example, three slip assemblies can be used to center the drill string, and then three or more additional slip assemblies can be engaged with the centered drill string. In an example, the guidecan help to center the drill string. In an example where two or more actuators share a hydraulic power supply, the pressure in all of the actuators can match, which can result in a force in all actuators matching. When using proportional valves, the pressure in one or more actuators can differ from a pressure in one or more other actuators. When using a servo technique, respective actuators can travel to their specified position, such as can include traveling to their respective positions using different force levels (e.g., the forces may not match between two or more actuators).

At step, the elevator can be disengaged to transfer the weight of the drill string to the tubular slip. The method can also include performing one or more tasks while the tubular slip is supporting the drill string, such as adding or removing a pipe section. The method can also include transferring the weight from the tubular slip back to the elevator, and moving the tubular slip to a released position.

The shown order of steps is not intended to be a limitation on the order the steps are performed in. In an example, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or at least partially concurrently.

The following, non-limiting examples, detail certain aspects of the present subject matter to solve the challenges and provide the benefits discussed herein, among others.

Example 1 is a tubular slip for a drill rig, comprising: a plurality of size adjusting systems radially arranged about a well access hole of the drill rig and configured to cooperate to adjust a diameter of a through opening of the tubular slip to accommodate various tubular sizes; a slip component comprising a wedge arranged on a radially inner portion of each of the size adjusting systems and configured to cooperate to further constrict the diameter of the through opening when a drill string is suspended by the tubular slip.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes wherein each of the plurality of size adjusting systems are configured to travel between a retracted position, wherein the respective slip components are not contacting the drill string, and an engaged position, wherein the respective slip components are contacting the drill string.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 optionally includes wherein the movement of the size adjusting systems serves the function of both: engaging and disengaging the drill string; and accommodating various tubular sizes.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 2-3 optionally include a guide, configured to receive the drill string generally centered along a center axis of the well access hole, wherein the guide is configured to prevent the drill string from contacting the slip components when the size adjusting systems are in the retracted position.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1˜4 optionally include wherein a radially inner surface of the slip component is configured to engage with the drill string, wherein the tubular slip is configured to engage with a range of tubular sizes spanning at least 4 inches.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 optionally includes wherein the radially inner surface of the slip component is configured to be generally parallel to the drill string across the range of tubular sizes.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally include a housing, wherein a radially outer portion of the housing is configured to engage with a portion of a drill floor of the drill rig defining the well access hole, wherein a radially inner portion of the housing is configured to engage with a radially outer portion of the size adjusting systems.