Abstract: Pipe coating apparatus including a concrete applicator station, a pipe conveyor adapted to longitudinally advance and axially rotate a section of pipe alongside the concrete applicator station, and an overhead container adapted to receive and dispense a supply of mixed concrete to the concrete applicator station.

Abstract: A pipeline weighting device to straddle the longitudinal axis of a pipeline adapted to be lifted by transverse lifting straps. The pipeline weighting device includes three or more interconnected, generally tubular-shaped fabric lobes arranged to straddle the pipeline in a balanced manner along its longitudinal axis. Adjacent lobes are interconnected by a longitudinal seam, and are arranged as one or more left outermost lobes, one or more right outermost lobes and one or more innermost lobes. Central transverse lifting straps extend around the innermost lobe(s). Left transverse lifting straps form a loop around the left outermost lobe(s). Right transverse lifting straps form a loop around the right outermost lobe(s). Left transverse lifting straps interconnect to the central transverse lifting strap, and right transverse lifting straps interconnect to the central transverse lifting strap.

Abstract: A pipeline weighting device to straddle the longitudinal axis of a pipeline, a method of filling the device, and a method of weighting a pipeline with the device. The pipeline weighting device is formed of a plurality of interconnected, generally tubular-shaped lobes arranged to straddle the pipeline in a balanced manner along the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. The lobes are formed of a flexible, water permeable fabric to hold weighting fill material. Each lobe has opposed and closed longitudinal side edges and opposed ends, one end being a closed end, and the other end forming an open or partially open filling end.

Abstract: A pipeline weighting device to straddle the longitudinal axis of a pipeline, a method of filling the device, and a method of weighting a pipeline with the device. The pipeline weighting device is formed of a plurality of interconnected, generally tubular-shaped lobes arranged to straddle the pipeline in a balanced manner along the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. The lobes are formed of a flexible, water permeable fabric to hold weighting fill material. Each lobe has opposed and closed longitudinal side edges and opposed ends, one end being a closed end, and the other end forming an open or partially open filling end.

Abstract: A quick-locking connector and method for use in the oil and gas industry. The quick-locking connector comprises male and female portions, which mate together in a non-coaxial hinged relationship. Rigid connection is achieved by guidance and location of spring-loaded buttons of the male portion into apertures of the female portion. The connector allows the female portion to be attached to a horizontal element, such as a horizontal drill pipe, and to mate with the male portion attached to a vertical element. In this configuration, lifting the male portion vertically upwards allows gravity to locate the spring-loaded buttons of the male portion into the female portion to provide rigid attachment at the connector such that the elements can be secured vertically inline with each other. The connector therefore provides a self lifting capability.

Abstract: An improved valve for sealing a wellbore and method of use, in particular for prevention of well blow outs. In one embodiment, the apparatus is designed to seal a well through rotation of rams. The rams may be actuated to seal the well without having to work against full well pressure as fluid volumes in the apparatus housing, which also contains the rams, are preserved. This functionality allows the apparatus to be constructed with smaller dimensions than existing prior art blow out prevention valves aiding handling and manoeuvrability. The improved valve according to one embodiment also has a mechanism that guides a wireline or a pipeline being run in the wellbore to the centre of the bore and allows a seal to be formed around the wireline or pipeline.

Abstract: A roller sub system for reducing friction between a tool string and a wall in a well bore for use in the oil and gas industry. The apparatus has a roller body and wheel sub system, which is configured to have removably mounted wheels of variable diameters. A plurality of different diameter wheel sets are described for mounting on the roller sub axles and orientating the system in the well bore. The wheels are fixed to the roller sub axles through a quick-release mechanism. A single apparatus can thus be employed with different diameter wheels to operate in well bores of variable diameters.

Abstract: A quick-locking connector and method for use in the oil and gas industry. The quick-locking connector comprises male and female portions, which mate together in a non-coaxial hinged relationship. Rigid connection is achieved by guidance and location of spring-loaded buttons of the male portion into apertures of the female portion. The connector allows the female portion to be attached to a horizontal element, such as a horizontal drill pipe, and to mate with the male portion attached to a vertical element. In this configuration, lifting the male portion vertically upwards allows gravity to locate the spring-loaded buttons of the male portion into the female portion to provide rigid attachment at the connector such that the elements can be secured vertically inline with each other. The connector therefore provides a self lifting capability.