Oilfield tubular running with automated inspection and remediation

Abstract

A method can include, after a failed make-up of a threaded connection between tubulars, performing an inspection of a threaded end of one of the tubulars using at least one sensor, thereby generating inspection data, evaluating the inspection data, thereby determining whether the threaded end passes the inspection, and preparing the threaded end for make-up after the evaluating. A system can include at least one sensor to inspect a threaded end of a tubular, a remediation tool to prepare the threaded end for make-up, an actuator to displace the remediation tool relative to the threaded end, and a control system to receive inspection data from the sensor, evaluate the inspection data, and control actuation of the actuator.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of US provisional application no. 63 / 693,994 filed on 12 Sep. 2024. The entire disclosure of the prior application is incorporated herein by this reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with a subterranean well and, in an example described below, more particularly provides for oilfield tubular running with automated inspection and remediation.

[0003] Various types of tubular components can be threaded together to form tubular strings for use in a well. Tubulars used in wells can include protective wellbore linings (such as, casing, liner, etc.), production or injection conduits (such as, production tubing, injection tubing, screens, etc.), drill pipe and drill collars, and associated components (such as tubular couplings).

[0004] It is typically important for threaded connections between tubulars to be properly made-up. For example, when a threaded connection is properly made-up, the threaded connection may prevent leakage of fluid into or out of the tubular string, or may resist unthreading of the connection.

[0005] It will, therefore, be readily appreciated that improvements are continually needed in the art of making-up threaded connections in tubular strings. The present disclosure provides such improvements to the art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a representative partially cross-sectional view of an example of a well system and associated method which can embody principles of this disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a representative perspective view of an example system and method of running a tubular string into a wellbore.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a representative perspective view of another example system and method of running a tubular string into a wellbore.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a representative flowchart for an example inspection and evaluation technique.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a representative flowchart for an example inspection and remediation technique.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a representative flowchart for another example inspection and remediation technique.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system 10 for use with a subterranean well, and an associated method, which can embody principles of this disclosure. However, it should be clearly understood that the well system 10 and method are merely one example of an application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited at all to the details of the well system 10 and method described herein and / or depicted in the drawings.

[0013] In the FIG. 1 example, a tubular string 12 is being assembled and deployed into a well. The tubular string 12 in this example is a production or injection tubing string, but in other examples the tubular string could be a casing, liner, drill pipe, completion, stimulation, testing or other type of tubular string. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular type of tubular string, or to any particular tubular components connected in a tubular string.

[0014] As depicted in FIG. 1, a tubular 14 is suspended near its upper end by means of a rotary table 16, which may comprise a pipe handling spider and / or safety slips to grip the tubular 14 and support a weight of the tubular string 12. In this manner, the upper end of the tubular 14 extends upwardly through a rig floor 18 in preparation for connecting another tubular 20 to the tubular string 12.

[0015] In this example, a tubular coupling 22 is made-up to the upper end of the tubular 14 prior to the tubular 14 being connected in the tubular string 12. The coupling 22 is internally threaded in each of its opposite ends.

[0016] In conventional well operations, it is common for a threaded together tubular and coupling to be referred to as a “joint” and for threaded together joints to be referred to as a “stand” of tubing, casing, liner, pipe, etc. However, in some examples, a separate coupling may not be used; instead one end (typically an upper “box” end of a joint) is internally threaded and the other end (typically a lower “pin” end of the joint) is externally threaded, so that successive joints can be threaded directly to each other.

[0017] Thus, the scope of this disclosure can encompass the use of a separate coupling with a tubular, or the use of a tubular without a separate coupling (in which case the coupling can be considered to be integrally formed with, and a part of, the tubular). In the FIG. 1 example, the coupling 22 can also be considered to be a tubular, since it is a tubular component connected in the tubular string 12.

[0018] To make-up a threaded connection 28 between the tubular 20 and the coupling 22, a set of tongs or rotary and backup clamps 24, 26 are used. The rotary clamp 24 in the FIG. 1 example is used to grip, rotate and apply torque to the upper tubular 20 as it is threaded into the coupling 22.

[0019] The backup clamp 26 in the FIG. 1 example is used to grip and secure the lower tubular 14 against rotation, and to react the torque applied by the rotary clamp 24. The rotary clamp 24 and the backup clamp 26 may be separate devices, or they may be components of a rig apparatus known to those skilled in the art as an “iron roughneck.”

[0020] In one example, the rotary clamp 24 and backup clamp 26 may be components of a tong system, such as the VERO(TM) tong system marketed by Weatherford International, Inc. of Houston, Texas USA. In this example, the rotary clamp 24 may be a mechanism of the tong system that rotates and applies torque to the upper tubular 20, and the backup clamp 26 may be a backup mechanism of the tong system that reacts the applied torque and prevents rotation of the lower tubular 14.

[0021] Note that it is not necessary for the tubulars 14, 20 (and coupling 22, if used) to be vertical in the tubular make-up operation. The tubulars 14, 20 could instead be horizontal or otherwise oriented. Additional systems in which the principles of this disclosure may be incorporated include the CAM™, COMCAM™ and TORKWRENCH™ bucking systems marketed by Weatherford International, Inc.

[0022] In other examples, a top drive (not shown) may be used to rotate and apply torque to the upper tubular 20. Thus, it will be appreciated that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular equipment to grip, rotate, apply torque to, or react torque applied to, any tubular in a threaded connection make-up operation.

[0023] After the upper tubular 20 is properly made-up to the lower tubular 14 or coupling 22, the tubular string 12 can be lowered further into the well, and the make-up operation can be repeated to connect another stand to the upper end of the tubular string. In this manner, the tubular string 12 is progressively deployed into the well by connecting successive stands to the upper end of the tubular string. In some examples, an individual tubular component may be added to the tubular string 12, instead of a stand.

[0024] In the FIG. 1 method, the threaded connection make-up process can be controlled, so that a properly made-up connection is obtained, and this control can be automatic, so that human error is avoided. As described in US publication no. 2022 / 0326678, a torque sensor, a turn sensor and / or other sensors can be used to facilitate this automated control of the threaded connection make-up process. The entire disclosure of the US publication no. 2022 / 0326678 is incorporated herein by this reference for all purposes.

[0025] The US publication no. 2022 / 0326678 also describes that if an anomalous occurrence is detected (for example, using the torque and turn sensors), the threaded connection make-up process may be aborted. In situations such as this, and others in which a threaded connection make-up process has been terminated or the threaded connection make-up has failed, it would be advantageous to be able to inspect components of the threaded connection to determine whether it can be remediated (for example, to eliminate or mitigate the anomaly or anomalies that caused the failure of the threaded connection make-up process). For safety reasons and others (efficiency, economy, etc.), it would also be advantageous if the inspection and remediation can be performed as automated processes, in order to reduce or eliminate any need for personnel to be present on the rig floor 18.

[0026] An inspection and remediation apparatus 30 is included in the FIG. 1 system 10 for performing the inspection and remediation. The apparatus 30 may be positioned adjacent, or attached to, the rotary and backup clamps 24, 26, or the apparatus 30 may be supported on the rig floor 18, or otherwise positioned proximate the threaded connection 28.

[0027] In this example, sensors of the apparatus 30 are positioned to contact, view, scan or otherwise generate inspection data for the threaded connection 28, and tools of the apparatus are positioned to clean and lubricate the threaded connection. In other examples, other inspection or remediation operations may be performed for the threaded connection 28.

[0028] Referring additionally now to FIG. 2, an example of a system 32 and method for running a tubular string into a well is representatively illustrated. The FIG. 2 system 32 may be used with the FIG. 1 well system 10 and method, or it may be used with other systems and methods. For convenience, the system 32 is described below as it may be used with the FIG. 1 well system 10 and method.

[0029] As depicted in FIG. 2, the apparatus 30 includes devices 34, 36 for inspection and remediation of threaded ends 38, 40 of the respective tubulars 20, 22 of the threaded connection 28. After a make-up of the threaded connection 28 has failed, the tubulars 20, 22 are separated (e.g., unthreaded) from each other, so that external threads 42 and an external seal surface 44 on the threaded end 38 of the tubular 20 and internal threads 46 and an internal seal surface 48 in the threaded end 40 of the tubular 22 are accessible to the devices 34, 36.

[0030] As indicated by a circular arrowed line 50 in FIG. 2, the devices 34, 36 may be rotatably mounted for circumferential viewing, scanning, contacting, cleaning, lubricating, etc. of the threaded ends 38, 40 with the devices. In other examples, the devices 34, 36 may remain stationary as the tubulars 20, 22 are rotated (for example, using the rotary clamp 24 or the rotary table 16).

[0031] In the FIG. 2 example, the device 34 is positioned external to the tubular 20 for access to the externally threaded end 38. The device 36 is positioned internal to the tubular 22 for access to the internally threaded end 40. In other examples, either of the devices 34, 36 may be used both external to the tubular 20 and internal to the tubular 22, the positions of the devices 34, 36 as depicted in FIG. 2 may be reversed, or the devices 34, 36 may be integrated into a single assembly.

[0032] The devices 34, 36 are used for inspection and remediation after a make-up of the tubular connection 28 has failed. The inspection detects any anomalies or issues with the threads 42, 46 or the seal surfaces 44, 48. A determination is then made as to whether the anomalies or issues can be remediated. If so, then the devices 34, 36 are used to perform the remediation (such as, by cleaning and lubricating the threads 42, 46 or seal surfaces 44, 48, etc.).

[0033] The devices 34, 36 may include sensors (such as, a camera or other optical sensor, a terahertz scanner, a mechanical probe, a laser measurement device, an ultrasonic inspection device, etc.) for use in performing the inspection. The devices 34, 36 may include tools (such as, a cleaning tool, a lubrication tool, etc.) for use in performing the remediation. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular combination of sensors or tools with the devices 34, 36.

[0034] Referring additionally now to FIG. 3, another example of the system 32 and method are representatively illustrated. In the FIG. 3 example, individual sensors 52, 54, 56 and remediation tools 58 of the device 34 are illustrated. The device 36 is not depicted in FIG. 3 for clarity of illustration, but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the sensors 52, 54, 56 and tools 58 (or any of them) may be incorporated into the device 36 in the FIG. 3 example if desired.

[0035] The sensor 52 in the FIG. 3 example is a terahertz scanner for scanning exterior surfaces of the threaded end 38. The terahertz scanner is capable of penetrating surface dirt and grease to thereby detect surface anomalies (such as, metal abrasion, defects not visible to a human eye, etc.).

[0036] In other examples, the sensor 52 may comprise a laser measurement device and / or an ultrasonic inspection device. These devices can be useful for inspection of the seal surface 44, although they may also, or alternatively, be useful for inspection of the threads 42.

[0037] The sensor 54 in the FIG. 3 example comprises a camera or other type of optical sensor. Preferably, the sensor 54 is capable of capturing relatively high resolution image data for the threaded end 38 for detection of any visible anomalies.

[0038] The sensor 56 in the FIG. 3 example comprises a mechanical probe for contacting the exterior surfaces of the threaded end 38. Variations in the data output by the sensor 56 will indicate corresponding surface variations or anomalies.

[0039] Inspection data generated by the sensors 52, 54, 56 can be received, recorded and evaluated by a control system 60. In one example, the control system 60 can include machine learning, artificial intelligence, genetic algorithms or other processes for evaluating the inspection data to determine in real time what anomalies or other issues (if any) are present on or in the threaded end 38, and whether these can be remediated.

[0040] If the anomalies or other issues cannot be remediated, another tubular can be substituted in place of the tubular 20. The inspection process may be repeated for the substitute tubular prior to making-up the threaded connection 28.

[0041] If the anomalies or other issues can be remediated, the control system 30 actuates an actuator 62 of the remediation tools 58 to displace the tools proximate to, or in contact with, the threaded end 38. For example, a cleaning or lubrication tool 64 can be displaced toward the threads 42 or the seal surface 44 (see FIG. 1) for cleaning (such as, by directing a high pressure air or fluid jet toward the threads or seal surface, contacting the threads or seal surface with a brush, etc.) or lubrication (such as, by applying or spraying a layer or film of lubricant to the threads or seal surface, etc.).

[0042] Although the seal surface 44 is not depicted in FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that, in examples in which the threaded end 38 does comprise the seal surface, the sensors 52, 54, 56 (or any of them) may be used for inspection of the seal surface, and the remediation tools 58 may be used for remediating any anomalies or other issues detected in the inspection data. Furthermore, the sensors 52, 54, 56 may comprise an ultrasonic inspection device (e.g., for detection of cracks in the seal surface 44) or a laser measurement device (e.g., for detection of surface irregularities on the seal surface).

[0043] In the FIG. 3 example, the control system 60 includes a machine learning or artificial intelligence module 90. The module may be trained to perform the evaluation of the inspection data to determine in real time what anomalies or other issues (if any) are present on or in the threaded end 38, and whether these can be remediated. The evaluation may be performed using the module 90 automatically.

[0044] In other examples, the evaluation could be performed by an operator, or the control system 60, without use of the artificial intelligence or machine learning module 90. For example, a defect visible in a digital image taken by the camera 54 could be identified by an operator, or the control system 60, without use of the artificial intelligence or machine learning module 90.

[0045] Referring additionally now to FIG. 4, a flowchart for an example inspection and evaluation technique in a method 66 for running a tubular string in a well is representatively illustrated. The method 66 may be used with the FIG. 1 well system 10 and the FIG. 2 or 3 system 32, or it may be used with other systems. For convenience, the method 66 is described below as it may be used with the FIGS. 1, 2 or 3 systems 10, 32. In addition, the description below describes the method 66 being performed for the externally threaded end 38, but it will be understood that the method can also, or alternatively, be performed for the internally threaded end 40.

[0046] As depicted in FIG. 4, the inspection and evaluation technique is modular, with an inspection and evaluation module 68 being performed each time a check is required (step 70). A check is typically required when a make-up of a tubular connection has failed. In examples described in the incorporated US publication no. 2022 / 0326678, a make-up operation may be aborted if there is an anomalous relationship between measured torque and measured turns of the tubular 20, or elapsed time. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular reason for a make-up process to fail or be aborted, or for a check to be performed.

[0047] In step 72, tests are performed to obtain inspection data for evaluation. In this example, the tests can include scanning with the terahertz scanner 52, obtaining digital images with the camera 54, scanning with an ultrasonic inspection device, scanning with a laser measurement device, and / or contacting the external surfaces of the threaded end 38 with the mechanical probe 56. In other examples, other tests may be performed or other types of sensors may be used.

[0048] In step 74, the inspection data generated by the sensors 52, 54, 56 is evaluated to determine whether the threaded end 38 can be remediated. In this example, the evaluation is performed by the control system 60, which also receives and stores the inspection data. The evaluation may utilize any suitable algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc. The algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc., can be trained using prior inspection data, and can be further trained using inspection data generated in real time.

[0049] Preferably, the inspection and evaluation steps 72, 74 are performed in real time (while the tubular running operation is being performed). In this manner, the tubular running operation is made more safe, efficient and economical.

[0050] In step 76, if the evaluation 74 indicates that the threaded end 38 cannot be successfully remediated (indicated as “bad” in FIG. 4), then the threaded end 38 is rejected and the tubular 20 is replaced with another tubular. In this example, the threaded end 38 may be rejected based on one or more defects in the threads 42 or the seal surface 44.

[0051] In step 78, if the evaluation 74 indicates that the threaded end 38 can be remediated, (indicated as “good” in FIG. 4), then the threaded end will be used to make-up the threaded connection 28 after the remediation, as described more fully below.

[0052] In step 80, if the evaluation 74 is inconclusive (indicated as “uncertain” in FIG. 4), then an additional check is performed (e.g., by repeating the inspection and evaluation steps 72, 74). In this example, the evaluation 74 may be inconclusive because a determination cannot be made based on the currently available inspection data. In other examples, the evaluation 74 may be uncertain for other reasons.

[0053] Referring additionally now to FIG. 5, a flowchart for an example inspection and remediation technique of the method 66 is representatively illustrated. The FIG. 5 example is similar to the FIG. 4 example. However, in the FIG. 5 example a variable number N of the modules 68a, b . . . n are used.

[0054] Each of the modules 68a, b . . . n can be the same as or similar to the module 68 of the FIG. 4 example. However, each of the modules 68a, b . . . n in the FIG. 5 example preferably includes use of different tests with different types of sensors to generate the inspection data.

[0055] If the results of the modules 68a, b . . . n indicate that the threaded end 38 can be remediated, then the threaded end will be remediated (step 82). If the results of the modules 68a, b . . . n indicate that the threaded end 38 cannot be remediated, then the tubular 20 is replaced with another tubular.

[0056] In some examples, the threaded end 38 may be rejected if the result of the evaluation 74 of any of the modules 68a, b . . . n is that the threaded end cannot be successfully remediated. An “uncertain” result of any of the evaluations 74 may not cause the threaded end 38 to be rejected, if other evaluations indicate that the threaded end can be remediated.

[0057] Referring additionally now to FIG. 6, a flowchart for another example inspection and remediation technique of the method 66 is representatively illustrated. The FIG. 6 example is similar to the FIG. 5 example. However, in the FIG. 6 example, specific modules 68a-d are depicted which utilize specific inspection techniques.

[0058] As depicted in FIG. 6, the method 66 is initiated with a need to check the threaded end 38. For example, a threaded connection make-up may be rejected or aborted (step 70). A first module 68a is initiated, which in this example comprises a terahertz scan of the threaded end 38, for example, using the terahertz scanner 52. If the evaluation 74 is “uncertain” or the threaded end 38 is indicated as being “good,” further inspections and evaluations may be performed (e.g., with modules 68b-d). If the evaluation 74 of the module 68a is that the threaded end 38 is “bad,” then the threaded end 38 may be rejected and the tubular 20 may be replaced with another tubular.

[0059] The additional modules 68b-d each include inspections 72 (using the mechanical probe 56, the camera 54 and a special surface check 68d, respectively) and evaluations 74. If the evaluation 74 of any of the modules 68b-d is “uncertain” or the threaded end 38 is indicated as being “good,” the threaded end 38 is not rejected, based on that evaluation. If the evaluation 74 of any of the modules 68b-d is that the threaded end 38 is “bad,” then the threaded end 38 may be rejected and the tubular 20 may be replaced with another tubular.

[0060] In the FIG. 6 example, a cleaning step 84 is performed after the mechanical probe module 68b. The cleaning step 84 can be performed using the remediation tools 58 (see FIG. 3), for example, with the tool 64 being displaced into contact with, or in close proximity to, the threaded end 38 by the actuator 62, which is controlled by the control system 60. In this example, the cleaning step 84 is used to remove dirt, grease, debris, etc., from the threaded end 38 prior to the optical scan module 68c.

[0061] If the evaluations 74 of the modules 68a-d do not indicate that the threaded end 38 cannot be remediated, then the threaded end may be re-used (step 78). In step 82, the threaded end 38 is prepared for make-up with the other threaded end 40.

[0062] The preparation step 82 may be performed using the remediation tools 58. The threaded end 38 can be cleaned and lubricated using one or more tools 64 displaced by the actuator 62, which is controlled by the control system 60. For example, a relatively high pressure air or fluid jet may be discharged from the tool 64 toward the threaded end 38, a brush may be used, and / or lubricant may be applied from the same or another tool 64 to the threaded end.

[0063] In step 86, the threaded end 38 is ready for make-up to the other threaded end 40. The threaded end 40 may be inspected, evaluated and prepared for re-use as described above for the threaded end 38, using the same or different inspection and remediation devices 34, 36 (see FIGS. 2 & 3).

[0064] It may now be fully appreciated that the above disclosure provides significant advancements to the art of running tubular strings into wellbores, and specifically making-up threaded connections. In some examples described above, a tubular make-up process includes inspection, evaluation and remediation steps 72, 74, 82 that can be performed in real time after a threaded connection make-up has failed.

[0065] The above disclosure provides to the art a method 66 of running a tubular string 12 into a well. In one example, the method 66 can comprise: after a failed make-up of a threaded connection 28 between tubulars 20, 22, performing an inspection of a threaded end 38 of one of the tubulars 20 using at least one sensor 52, 54, 56, thereby generating inspection data; evaluating the inspection data, thereby determining whether the threaded end 38 passes the inspection; and preparing the threaded end 38 for make-up after the evaluating.

[0066] The sensor may comprise a camera 54, a terahertz scanner 52 and / or a mechanical probe 56.

[0067] The preparing step may comprise cleaning the threaded end 38. The cleaning step may include actuating an actuator 62 to displace a cleaning tool 64 toward the threaded end 38.

[0068] The preparing step may comprise lubricating the threaded end 38. The lubricating step may include actuating an actuator 62 to displace a lubrication tool 64 toward the threaded end 38.

[0069] The step of performing the inspection may include inspecting a seal surface 44 of the threaded end 38. The sensor 52 may comprise at least one of the group consisting of a laser measurement device and an ultrasonic inspection device.

[0070] The evaluating step may be performed by a module 90 selected from the group consisting of an artificial intelligence module and a machine learning module.

[0071] Also provided to the art by the above disclosure is a system 32 for running a tubular string 12 into a well. In one example, the system 32 comprises: at least one sensor 52, 54, 56 configured to inspect a threaded end 38 of a tubular 20; a remediation tool 58 configured to prepare the threaded end 38 for make-up; an actuator 62 configured to displace the remediation tool 58 relative to the threaded end 38; and a control system 60 configured to receive inspection data from the sensor 52, 54, 56, evaluate the inspection data, and control actuation of the actuator 62.

[0072] The sensor may comprise a camera 54, a terahertz scanner 52 and / or a mechanical probe 56. The remediation tool 58 may comprises a cleaning tool and / or a lubrication tool 64.

[0073] The sensor 52, 54, 56 may be configured to inspect a thread 42 and / or a seal surface 44 of the threaded end 38.

[0074] The sensor 52 may comprise at least one of the group consisting of a laser measurement device and an ultrasonic inspection device.

[0075] The “at least one” sensor may comprise multiple sensors 52, 54, 56. The inspection data may comprise data generated by each of the multiple sensors 52, 54, 56.

[0076] Although various examples have been described above, with each example having certain features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for a particular feature of one example to be used exclusively with that example. Instead, any of the features described above and / or depicted in the drawings can be combined with any of the examples, in addition to or in substitution for any of the other features of those examples. One example's features are not mutually exclusive to another example's features. Instead, the scope of this disclosure encompasses any combination of any of the features.

[0077] Although each example described above includes a certain combination of features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for all features of an example to be used. Instead, any of the features described above can be used, without any other particular feature or features also being used.

[0078] It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various configurations, without departing from the principles of this disclosure. The embodiments are described merely as examples of useful applications of the principles of the disclosure, which is not limited to any specific details of these embodiments.

[0079] In the above description of the representative examples, directional terms (such as “above,”“below,”“upper,”“lower,”“upward,”“downward,” etc.) are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular directions described herein.

[0080] The terms “including,”“includes,”“comprising,”“comprises,” and similar terms are used in a non-limiting sense in this specification. For example, if a system, method, apparatus, device, etc., is described as “including” a certain feature or element, the system, method, apparatus, device, etc., can include that feature or element, and can also include other features or elements. Similarly, the term “comprises” is considered to mean “comprises, but is not limited to.”

[0081] Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful consideration of the above description of representative embodiments of the disclosure, readily appreciate that many modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other changes may be made to the specific embodiments, and such changes are contemplated by the principles of this disclosure. For example, structures disclosed as being separately formed can, in other examples, be integrally formed and vice versa. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method of running a tubular string into a well, the method comprising:after a failed make-up of a threaded connection between tubulars, performing an inspection of a threaded end of one of the tubulars using at least one sensor, thereby generating inspection data, in which the at least one sensor is configured to detect anomalies in at least one of a thread and a seal surface on the threaded end;evaluating the inspection data, thereby determining whether the threaded end passes the inspection; andpreparing the threaded end for make-up based on the evaluating.

2. The method of claim 1, in which the sensor comprises a camera.

3. The method of claim 1, in which the sensor comprises a terahertz scanner.

4. The method of claim 1, in which the sensor comprises a mechanical probe.

5. The method of claim 1, in which the preparing comprises cleaning the threaded end.

6. The method of claim 5, in which the cleaning comprises actuating an actuator to displace a cleaning tool toward the threaded end.

7. The method of claim 1, in which the preparing comprises lubricating the threaded end.

8. The method of claim 7, in which the lubricating comprises actuating an actuator to displace a lubrication tool toward the threaded end.

9. The method of claim 1, in which the sensor comprises at least one of the group consisting of a laser measurement device and an ultrasonic inspection device.

10. The method of claim 1, in which the evaluating is performed by a module selected from the group consisting of an artificial intelligence module and a machine learning module.11-20. (canceled)

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