PIPE HANDLING SYSTEM

The present invention generally relates to a pipe handling system for use with a tubular joining system (such as a welding or forging assembly) located on a drilling rig at a wellbore. In one aspect, a method of forming a string of pipe using a joining assembly at a wellbore is provided. The joining assembly includes an internal joining tool and an external joining tool. The method includes the step of picking up the pipe joint using an elevator. The method further includes the step of positioning a lower end of the pipe joint adjacent an end of a string of pipe disposed in the external joining tool. The method also includes the step of moving the internal joining tool from a first position to a second position relative to the elevator, wherein the second position is between the pipe joint and the string of pipe. The method further includes the step of forming a connection between the pipe joint and the string of pipe. The method further includes the step of gripping the pipe joint with a gripping tool and releasing the elevator from the pipe joint. Additionally, the method includes the step of lowering the pipe joint and the string of pipe into the wellbore. In another aspect, a method of forming a string of pipe using a joining assembly on a rig is provided. In a further aspect, a pipe handling system for locating a pipe joint in a joining assembly that includes an internal joining tool and an external joining tool is provided.