Apparatus and methods for tubular makeup interlock

A method of connecting casing sections by using a top drive, comprising closing a first member around a first casing section; gripping and supporting a weight of a second casing section with the top drive; rotating the second casing section with the top drive to join the second casing section to the first casing section to form a joint and a casing string; sending data from the top drive to a controller, wherein the controller is preprogrammed with an acceptable torque value of the joint; stopping rotation of the second casing section based on the acceptable torque value of the joint; supporting a weight of the casing string with the top drive; and opening the first member. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patcnt\51000-51999\P5] 607.AU.l\Specis\P51607.AU. I Specification FINAL (2).doc. 7-Jul-08 - 110 (PRIOR ART) 15