Apparatus and method for stripping solids and fluids from a string used in drilling or servicing wells

Abstract

An apparatus and method is provided for stripping solids and fluids from a string used in the drilling or servicing of a well when the string is removed from the well. The apparatus can comprise two or more pivotally connected arcuate body portions that can be enclosed around the string in a clamshell fashion. The apparatus can further comprise a seal disposed therein to provide a toroidal sealing member around the string when the apparatus encloses the string. A quick release latch mechanism is provided on the apparatus for easy and quick installation on, and removal from, the string. Handles on the apparatus allow personnel to hold the apparatus in a stationary position as the string passes through the apparatus when being raised from the well. In so doing, the sealing member strips solids and fluids from the string.

1 . An apparatus for stripping off solids and fluids from a string used in the drilling or servicing of a well, the apparatus comprising:
 a) two or more arcuate body portions pivotally connected together and configured to form a cylindrical body when closed together;   b) one or more handles disposed on the arcuate body portions; and   c) one or more sealing members disposed in the cylindrical body, the sealing member forming an opening that forms a toroidal seal around the string when the cylindrical body is enclosed around the string whereby the sealing member strips solids and fluids off of the string when the string passes through the apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a latch mechanism disposed on one or more body portions, the latch mechanism releasably connecting the arcuate body portions together to form the cylindrical body. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the latch mechanism comprises an over center latch. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the sealing member comprises a plurality of seal portions, one seal portion for each arcuate body portion. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the arcuate body portions further comprise a groove disposed on an interior surface thereof, the groove removably receiving the sealing member therein. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the sealing member is configured to be removably installed in the groove. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the sealing member further comprises means for allowing the sealing member opening to expand and contract in diameter. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the means further comprises a plurality of cuts in the sealing member extending radially from the sealing member opening. 
     
     
         9 . A sealing member to be removably received by an apparatus having two or more arcuate body portions pivotally connected together and forming a cylindrical body when closed together for stripping off solids and fluids from a string used in the drilling or servicing of a well, the sealing member comprising:
 a) a plurality of seal portions having a top face and a bottom face, one seal portion for each arcuate body portion; and   b) the seal portions form an opening that forms a toroidal seal around the string when the cylindrical body is enclosed around the string whereby the sealing member strips solids and fluids off of the string when the string passes through the apparatus.   
     
     
         10 . The sealing member as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the sealing member further comprises means for allowing the sealing member opening to expand and contract in diameter. 
     
     
         11 . The sealing member as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the means further comprises a plurality of cuts in the sealing member extending radially from the sealing member opening. 
     
     
         12 . The sealing member as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the means further comprises a channel between the top face and bottom face of the seal portions, the channel surrounding the sealing member opening. 
     
     
         13 . A method for stripping off solids and fluids from a string being removed from a well, the method comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a hand held pipe wiper, comprising:
 i) two or more arcuate body portions pivotally connected together and forming a cylindrical body when closed together, 
 ii) one or more handles disposed on the arcuate body portions, and 
 iii) a sealing member disposed in the cylindrical body, the sealing member forming a toroidal seal around the string when the cylindrical body is enclosed around the string whereby the sealing member strips solids and fluids off of the string when the string passes through the pipe wiper; 
   b) enclosing the pipe wiper around the string whereby the sealing member has formed the toroidal seal around the string; and   c) holding the pipe wiper in position while the string is being raised out of the well whereby the sealing element strips off solids and fluids from the string.   
     
     
         14 . The method as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein the hand held pipe wiper further comprises a latch mechanism disposed on one or more body portions, the latch mechanism releasably connecting the arcuate body portions together to form the cylindrical body. 
     
     
         15 . The method as set forth in  claim 14 , wherein the latch mechanism comprises an over center latch. 
     
     
         16 . The method as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein the sealing member comprises a plurality of seal portions, one seal portion for each arcuate body portion. 
     
     
         17 . The method as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein the arcuate body portions further comprise a groove disposed on an interior surface thereof, the groove removably receiving the sealing member therein. 
     
     
         18 . The method as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the sealing member is removably installed in the groove. 
     
     
         19 . The method as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein the sealing member further comprises means for allowing the sealing member opening to expand and contract in diameter. 
     
     
         20 . The method as set forth in  claim 19 , wherein the means further comprises a plurality of cuts in the sealing member extending radially from the sealing member opening.