Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing cementing operations are provided. An example method includes connecting a cementing adapter atop a casing head itself positioned atop a surface casing landed within a conductor pipe, connecting a drilling adapter atop the cementing adapter, connecting a blowout preventer to the drilling adapter, and drilling for and running production casing. The method also includes positioning a casing hanger at least partially within a bore of the cementing adapter to be immobilized therein to retain back pressure of cement within an annulus located between the production casing and the surface casing, cementing the production casing within the surface casing, and removing the drilling adapter and blowout preventer after running the cement, but typically prior to cement bonding.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing cementing operations are provided. An example method includes connecting a cementing adapter atop a casing head itself positioned atop a surface casing landed within a conductor pipe, connecting a drilling adapter atop the cementing adapter, connecting a blowout preventer to the drilling adapter, and drilling for and running production casing. The method also includes positioning a casing hanger at least partially within a bore of the cementing adapter to be immobilized therein to retain back pressure of cement within an annulus located between the production casing and the surface casing, cementing the production casing within the surface casing, and removing the drilling adapter and blowout preventer after running the cement, but typically prior to cement bonding.

Abstract: A back pressure valve for sealing a wellbore. The back pressure valve has a cylindrical body with threads designed to engage threads in the opening of a tubing hanger within the wellbore. The back pressure valve also has a metal sealing surface. When the threads of the back pressure valve engage the threads in the opening of the tubing hanger, the metal sealing surface of the valve seals against the metal of the tubing hanger, forming a metal to metal seal.

Abstract: A valve assembly connects into a drill string for opening and closing at least one inner passage within the drill string of the drill string. The valve assembly includes an annular valve assembly carried in an annular passage that moves between the open and closed positions in response to downward fluid pressure from the surface through the annular passage. The valve assembly also includes an inner valve assembly carried in an inner passage of the drill string. The inner valve assembly is a two-way valve that is actuated between open and closed positions by pressure pulses from the surface through the inner passage. The valve assembly can be used within coiled tubing.

Abstract: A valve assembly connects into a drill string for opening and closing a passage within the drill string. The valve assembly has an inner valve member for opening and closing an inner passage of the drill string. The valve member moves between the open and closed positions in response to axial movement of the drill string. Lifting the drill string causes the upper portion to move upward relative to the lower portion, bringing along with it the valve member, while the valve sleeve remains stationary with the lower portion, opening the valve. The valve assembly can include an annular valve assembly for opening and closing an annular passage located around the inner passage. The annular valve assembly is opened and closed by increasing the pressure in the annular passage above the annular valve assembly.

Abstract: A valve assembly connects into a drill string for opening and closing the inner passage within the drill string. The valve member moves between the open and closed positions in response to axial movement of the drill string. The valve member has an upper portion and a lower portion. A valve member and valve sleeve are located within an inner passage. Lifting the drill string causes the upper portion to move upward relative to the lower portion, bringing along with it the valve member, while the valve sleeve remains stationary with the lower portion, opening the valve.

Abstract: A valve assembly connects into a drill string for opening and closing at least one inner passage within the drill string of the drill string. The valve assembly includes an annular valve assembly carried in an annular passage that moves between the open and closed positions in response to downward fluid pressure from the surface through the annular passage. The valve assembly also includes an inner valve assembly carried in an inner passage of the drill string. The inner valve assembly is a two-way valve that is actuated between open and closed positions by pressure pulses from the surface through the inner passage. The valve assembly can be used within coiled tubing.

Abstract: A valve assembly connects into a drill string for opening and closing a passage within the drill string. The valve assembly has an inner valve member for opening and closing an inner passage of the drill string. The valve member moves between the open and closed positions in response to axial movement of the drill string. Lifting the drill string causes the upper portion to move upward relative to the lower portion, bringing along with it the valve member, while the valve sleeve remains stationary with the lower portion, opening the valve. The valve assembly can include an annular valve assembly for opening and closing an annular passage located around the inner passage. The annular valve assembly is opened and closed by increasing the pressure in the annular passage above the annular valve assembly.

Abstract: A valve assembly connects into a drill string for opening and closing the inner passage within the drill string. The valve member moves between the open and closed positions in response to axial movement of the drill string. The valve member has an upper portion and a lower portion. A valve member and valve sleeve are located within an inner passage. Lifting the drill string causes the upper portion to move upward relative to the lower portion, bringing along with it the valve member, while the valve sleeve remains stationary with the lower portion, opening the valve.