Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for controlling flow within, e.g., a production well or an injection well. The device consists of a movable flow passage and a stationary variable choke or valve that is sensitive to flow parameters and automatically adjusts itself to provide a predetermined flow rate through the device.

Abstract: A casing assembly for a compressor includes an internal compression assembly with a shaft and at least one impeller disposed on the shaft. The casing assembly includes an inlet body segment having a fluid inlet, an outlet body segment having a fluid outlet, and a number of intermediate body segments selected from a plurality of intermediate body segments, which are preferably preformed. The intermediate segments are disposed between the inlet and outlet segments to form the casing and each has an inner circumferential surface defining an interior chamber section, the chamber sections collectively defining at least a portion of a compressor chamber sized to receive the compression assembly. Preferably, the intermediate segment inner surfaces have equal inside diameters and are generally coaxially aligned. As such, the inner surfaces collectively define a portion of continuous compressor support surface of a desired axial length for supporting the compression assembly.

Abstract: A high pressure turbomachine includes a casing having an interior chamber, an opening into the interior chamber, and a generally annular wall section extending about the opening and having an outer circumferential surface. A closure device is engageable with the casing and includes a body having an inner circumferential overlap surface defining an opening. The closure body is configured to receive at least a portion of the casing annular wall section within the body opening such that the closure body overlap surface extends about the annular wall section outer surface so that the body substantially closes the casing opening. When the casing chamber contains high pressure fluid, the casing wall section expands radially outwardly such that the casing section outer surface pushes generally radially outwardly against the closure body overlap surface, the closure body being configured to either minimize or substantially prevent casing wall radial expansion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for gravel packing an open-hole wellbore are disclosed. The apparatus includes a sandscreen disposed in the wellbore thereby creating an annulus between the wellbore and the sandscreen for receiving a gravel slurry. The apparatus further comprises a tubular member or wash pipe which is concentrically disposed in the sandscreen for receiving carrier fluid which passes through the sandscreen and for returning the carrier fluid to the earth's surface. At least one diverter valve is installed in the tubular member for permitting flow of the carrier fluid into the tubular member.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for sealing a communication line within a device positioned in a wellbore. The communication line may be continuous and extends through a pass-through arranged generally longitudinally through the device. Swellable sealing material is positioned about and/or over the communication line which is placed in the pass-through of the device to form and maintain a secure seal once the device is submerged in a fluid that causes the swellable sealing material to expand.

Abstract: Methods of hydraulically fracturing subterranean coal seams and formations resulting in improved permeability to stimulate Coalbed Methane. In one method, the coal seam is fractured using a proppant-containing fracturing fluid in alternating stages with an aqueous base solution that etches the fracture faces of the coal thereby creating channels for fluid flow. In another method, the coal seam is fractured using a fracturing fluid without propping agents in alternating stages with an aqueous base solution that is pumped at a pressure sufficient to maintain the fractures in an open position thereby etching the fracture faces to create channels for fluid flow. In yet another embodiment, a base solution is injected into the formation at a pressure sufficient to create fractures therein and simultaneously etch the faces of the open fractures to thereby form channels in the faces for increased fluid flow.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for securing a facing to a soil reinforcing element wherein the soil reinforcing element has a pair of adjacent longitudinal wires with horizontally extended converging portions, a stud having a first end attached to the horizontally extended converging portions, and a second end bent upwards and terminating at a head, a facing anchor having a pair of vertically disposed loops adjacently extending from the facing and having an opening for receiving a vertical portion of the stud, and a device configured to secure the vertical portion of the stud against separation from the opening between the vertically disposed loops, wherein the stud and the attached soil reinforcing element are capable of swiveling in the horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: An object-oriented system provides a comprehensive and integrated tool to manage, operate, analyze and inspect structures by providing 3-D visualization of the structures, a database interface, connectivity with one or more databases, a data display and analysis capabilities. The structural model is stored as an object-oriented, serialized file as a series of objects, including primitives, coordinates, object names, group names and other object identifiers. The system integrates various types of data, including tabulated textual data, annotated engineering drawings, photographic records, graphical plots, audio and videotaped records, from different tables and databases. Data are displayed to the user based on queries that the user submits to the system, which queries are evaluated at run-time. As a result, the user achieves unparalleled flexibility in data analysis and evaluation.

Abstract: A method of completing a lateral channel in a coal seam using a flexible hose with a waterjet that may be directed down a well casing and into a guide shoe. The guide shoe defines a window configured to open into the coal seam and allow the waterjet to engage the coal seam in a substantially horizontal direction. High pressure fluid is then pumped into the waterjet to make a lateral channel therein, and the flexible hose is rigid enough to allow an operator to manually-move the flexible hose.

Abstract: One or more flapper valve assemblies are placed in a casing string extending through one or more hydrocarbon bearing intervals. The flapper valve assemblies are placed between some of the hydrocarbon bearing intervals. In an open or inoperative position, the flapper valve assemblies are full opening compared to the casing string. The hydrocarbon bearing intervals are stimulated, typically by fracing, starting with the bottom zone. The flapper valve assembly immediately above the stimulated interval is manipulated to allow it to close, preventing downward flow in the well and thereby isolating the lower stimulated interval so an upper interval can be stimulated. The well is easy to put on production because the flapper valves will normally open simply by opening the well at the surface.

Abstract: A hangtag is provided that is capable of hanging and securing a tool, such as a socket. The hangtag has a body portion having a front surface and a back surface, a hanging mechanism connected to the body portion, and a tool supporting mechanism also connected to the body portion for supporting a tool. The tool supporting mechanism includes first and second legs and a locking finger disposed between the first and second legs. The locking mechanism allows the particular tool to be reattached to the hangtag assembly after it is initially unlocked. This allows the hangtag to function as a storage and organization device for the tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the diameter, rounding or straightening of pipe or tubing by rolling comprising a plurality of cylindrical rollers arranged in a parallel-cylindrical array through which the pipe or tubing is passed, the rollers being skewed to displace their central contact zones radially inwards bringing them into forceful contact with the external surface of the pipe or tubing, and being rotated to cause the central contact zones to describe helical paths along the external surface of the pipe or tubing. Thereby to progressively apply locally to the whole of the external surface of the pipe or tubing a compressive force in excess of the yield strength of its material, causing the pipe or tubing to adopt a set at a smaller diameter.