Abstract: A pipeline connection assembly includes a landing platform and rotary or swivel connection hub which may be attached to a pipeline branch, termination, or manifold. The landing platform is mounted so that it may be rotated about the connection hub. This permits the installation of a subsea connection on a near level platform and allows the pipeline to be laid subsea with greater roll angles than would be acceptable otherwise. Orientation of the landing porch horizontally removes the requirement to manufacture the connection jumper to compensate for the roll differences in the hubs. In the preferred construction, the elevation of the platform can be adjusted by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and locked into place once the adjustment is completed.

Abstract: An improved lubricant cooling system for a sealed bearing section used in drilling with downhole motors comprises a radial bearing or bearings which preferably contain internal and external spiral grooves such that rotation of the central hollow shaft which supports the drillbit forces lubricant up the external grooves toward the upper seal and then back down in the internal grooves along the cooled hollow shaft which has drilling mud flowing through it. Similarly, the rotation of the hollow shaft forces lubricant through an internal spiral in a lower radial bearing or bearings until it reaches the lower seal at which time it is forced into the external spirals past the thrust bearings in the bearing section. This axial circulation effect allows the removal of heat efficiently from the lubricant by virtue of circulating drilling mud in the hollow shaft and in the outer annulus returning to the surface.

Abstract: A bypass valve, particularly useful for allowing a tubing string to fill or drain during tripping in and tripping out, is disclosed. The bypass valve can be used in conjunction with a downhole motor operated through a tubing string. The bypass valve features a movable tapered valve member which has a smaller taper than the valve seat to prevent dragging the sealing element across sharp edges as the valve closes. Ports are provided through the valve to conduct upstream pressure in the valve behind the sealing element so that upon contact of the sealing element on the valve member with the seat, a boost force is applied to help retain the seal.

Abstract: A non-rotating drill pipe/casing protector is disclosed. The protector has a bi-directional thrust bearing which can be mounted uphole or downhole from the protector. The bi-directional thrust bearing comprises a female and male part where the female is fixed to the tube and the male can relatively rotate with respect to the pipe. The protector has an insert which extends longitudinally out of the sleeve and is used as the male component in the thrust bearing. Thrust loads are absorbed by metallic component contact, thereby eliminating edge wear of the non-rotating sleeve. The thrust bearing components may have wear pads that are replaceable. Roller bearings can also be used to facilitate the relative rotation between the drillpipe and the sleeve. Wear pads can also be employed on the outside of the sleeve to increase its life.

Abstract: A casing/drillpipe protector is disclosed that has a composite structure made up of two separate parts. Both parts have cages to secure skeleton functions. The inner part is nested within the outer part such that the open ends of both cages form loops which can be aligned for insertion of a pin to secure the protector to the pipe. The cage of the inner part is smaller but stronger than the cage of the outer part and provides the significant portion of the hoop stress, and therefore radial force of the protector which is used to retain it to the drillpipe.

Abstract: In the context of an oil and gas drilling rig flare system, a purge system is introduced so that in the event of a flammable gas release at the rig, the purge system can be activated. Activation of the system shuts off gas supply from a separator in the mud return system to the flare line and initiates a purge of an inert gas. Any ignition sources in the flare line are immediately turned off. The purging cools the flare line to a point where it cannot act as an ignition source itself. The inert gas prevents the presence of oxygen in the flare line to additionally prevent combustion within the flare line. The flowing inert gas cools the flare line to the point where it cannot ignite any escaping gas from the rig floor. The system can be manually or automatically actuated.

Abstract: An external elevator system piggy backs a first rail car on a second rail car to permit simple and rapid transfer of the first rail car to an upper setback section of a high-rise building. Each rail car is equipped with pinion drives that engage racks fixed to vertical rails that are attached to the faces of the base section and setback section of the buildings. The cars also have motor driven wheels that allow the car to drive on horizontal surfaces.

Abstract: Individual rail segments of a deployable exterior elevator rail structure are stored horizontally on each floor of a high-rise building. When actuated from a ground level control panel, closure panels swing aside to provide access openings through which linear actuators translate and rotate the rail segments to a vertical deployed position. Motor driven threaded bolts automatically secure the ends of adjacent rail segments together, and the linear actuators rigidly brace the deployed rail structure in front of the face of the building.