US Patent 8726743 Shoulder yielding detection during tubular makeup

A method of connecting a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular includes: engaging threads of the tubulars; and rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular, thereby making up the threaded connection. The method further includes, during makeup of the threaded connection: detecting a shoulder position; and after detection of the shoulder position, monitoring for potential yielding of the threaded connection. The method further includes terminating the makeup according to: a first criterion in response to detection of the potential yielding; or a second criterion in response to absence of the potential yielding.