AN APPARATUS FOR MAKING UP A THREADED CONNECTION OF TWO MEMBERS HAVING MATING THREADS

A method of and apparatus for making up two members (14, 16) having mated threaded connections such as tubing and casing used in drilling and production of oil wells, for ensuring that sufficient threads have been engaged, and proper torque has been applied thereby producing a leak proof joint. The mating threaded connections are threadably engaged while measurements are made of the torque (64) required to turn one of the members relative to the other, and measurements are made of the number of turns (152) of the members relative to each other. Simultaneously, the measured torque and measured turns are plotted on an x-y graphic display (151) showing the torque/turns relationship. The graphic display also includes prerecorded values of minimum and maximum turns, and reference, minimum and maximum torque for the particular threaded connection. The method and apparatus shows, during makeup, any abnormal, torque/turns relationship that may indicate a defective makeup. The method and apparatus also reduces the speed of makeup when the measured torque reaches a predetermined value for controlling the end point of the makeup. A portion (40) of the apparatus may be used independently as a torque measurement assembly.