Abstract: A method of conditioning a compacted polymeric powder to a flowable and meterable state. The polymeric powder is compacted during transport such that the flowability is hindered. To increase flowability, gas is introduced into the polymeric powder to condition the same to an improved flowable and meterable state.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions used in treating subterranean formations, which include a hydrated polymer, and a dry blended multi-functional component. The hydrated polymer and dry blended multi-functional component are mixed at the ground surface of a wellsite, and subsequently injected into the formation providing controlled delay in crosslinking to achieve targeted fluid viscosity properties. The hydrated polymer may be a guar, hydroxypropyl guar, carboxymethyl guar, carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar, synthetic polymers, and guar-containing compounds. The dry blended multi-functional component may include a crosslinker and a chelating agent, and the well treatment fluid may further include an activator mixed with the hydratable polymer. The chelating agent may be a polyols, gluconate, sorbitol, mannitol, carbonate, or any mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a compacted polymeric powder to a flowable and meterable state. The polymeric powder is compacted during transport such that the flowability is hindered. To increase flowability, gas is introduced into the polymeric powder to condition the same to an improved flowable and meterable state.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing composite parts for an apparatus handling abrasive fluids and an apparatus for handling abrasive slurries, for example, a centrifugal pump. Portions of the composite parts are cast in a two-stage process. Portions to be machined are cast in a material suitable for machining and portions exposed to abrasive slurries are cast in a material that is wear-resistant.

Abstract: Oilfield equipment is provided that includes a base material less subject to abrasion, corrosion, erosion and/or wet fatigue than conventional oilfield equipment materials such as carbon steel, and a reinforcing composite material for adding stress resistance and reduced weight to the oilfield equipment.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the pumping of fluids in a well related application while minimizing the number of system components. The system and methodology comprise a plurality of pumps for use at a well site to deliver a well treatment fluid to a desired location. A single driveline is coupled between the plurality of pumps and a motive unit without incorporating a splitter box. The driveline is driven by the motive unit to rotate the plurality of pumps.

Abstract: A method for continuously batch mixing a homogenized cement slurry is provided that includes providing first and second mix tubs which each perform a process which include: receiving a measured quantity of solid and liquid constituents of a cement mixture; mixing the solid and liquid constituents of the cement mixture into a homogenized cement slurry; and delivering the homogenized cement slurry into a well. In this method, the first and second mix tubs alternate these delivering processes in a synchronized manner such that one of the first and the second mix tubs continually delivering its corresponding homogenized cement slurry to a well pumping system.

Abstract: A method of deploying a tool into a pressurized well is provided that includes providing the well with a wellhead having a blow out preventer coupled thereto; setting a pressure barrier within the well at a distance below the blow out preventer that is at least as long as the length of the tool to create a pressure chamber between the blow out preventer and the pressure barrier; and opening the blow out preventer to allow for conveyance of the tool into the pressure chamber.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises an apparatus for engaging with an outside diameter of a tubular comprises a device body having an internal surface that defines an internal diameter in a first position and allowing the tubular to pass therethrough and an actuator operable to move the internal surface of the device body from the first position to a second position, the second position defining an internal diameter less than the first position internal diameter. The internal surface of the device body is sized with a predetermined grip length for engaging with the outside diameter of the tubular. The grip length is determined by a function of the outside diameter of the tubular and the coefficient of friction between of the outside diameter of the tubular and the interior surface of the device body and the device body is operable to engage with a tubular having a predetermined range of outside diameters.

Abstract: An embodiment of a mixer for mixing a powder with a liquid comprises a mix housing to accommodate a mixture of the powder and the liquid, a liquid delivery housing coupled to the mix housing to provide the liquid thereto, and a powder delivery housing coupled to the mix housing to provide the powder thereto, wherein the mixer is configured to induce a vibration therein for substantially avoid an occluding cake build-up of the mixture thereat.

Abstract: A pump assembly with valve-seat interface architecture configured to extend the life of pump components and the assembly. A valve of the pump assembly is equipped with a conformable valve insert that is configured with a circumferential component having the capacity to reduce the radial strain of its own deformation upon its striking of a valve seat at the interface within the pump assembly. The circumferential component may include a concave surface about the insert, a rounded abutment at the strike surface of the insert, or a core mechanism within the insert that is of greater energy absorbing character than surrounding material of the insert. Additionally, the valve seat itself may be configured for more even wear over time and equipped with a conformable seat insert to reduce wear on the valve insert.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump having a valve with an actuation guide for assisting its actuation. The valve may be configured for controlling fluid communication relative to a chamber of the pump with the valve actuation guide positioned external to the chamber and configured to assist in the controlling. The valve actuation guide itself may include an arm extending into a valve actuation assembly below the valve. In such embodiments, the arm may be reciprocated by crankshaft, hydraulic, or other means. Alternatively, the valve actuation assembly may include electromagnetic means for assisting in actuation of the valve.

Abstract: A wireline cable winch drum is provided that includes a core having a longitudinal axis; a pair of flanges spaced apart and extending radially outwardly from the core; and a wireline cable wrapped around the core in the space between the flanges. In one embodiment, at least one of the flanges includes an inner surface that contacts the wireline cable and forms an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core.

Abstract: A chopper mechanism for providing a fiber to a fluid at an oilfield. The chopper mechanism may be employed to process the fiber from an uncut form to a cut form in order to provide a mixture of the fluid and the fiber with flowback inhibiting character. Techniques of employing the chopper mechanism may be utilized at the site of an oilfield for applications such as fracturing, cementing, and drilling. Additionally, the chopper mechanism itself may be made available as a large high capacity chopper assembly, or a smaller handheld chopper gun for slower rate fiber supply operations.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump monitor. The monitor includes a sensor coupled to a housing of a pump for obtaining acoustic data therefrom. A proximity switch may be simultaneously used to keep real time timing information relative to the cycling of the pump. A data processor of the monitor may then be employed to analyze acoustic data and timing information to distinguish acceptable noise from leak information. An operator thereby may be warned of the presence of a leak in the pump.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump for abrasive fluid. The pump may include a bearing housing mounted to a tank containing an abrasive fluid. The bearing housing may house wear-susceptible components in a manner distancing and isolating the components from the fluid. A shaft may be coupled to the bearing housing and disposed through the tank to an impeller for dispensing the abrasive fluid beyond the centrifugal pump. Additionally the impeller itself may be housed within an impeller housing that is mechanically coupled to the bearing housing in order to enhance dimensional stability therebetween. Such a centrifugal pump may be coupled to other pumps such as higher pressure positive displacement pumps. In these circumstances the centrifugal pump may be used to facilitate the mixing of the abrasive fluid and provide a degree of pressurization thereto in advance of the fluid's use at an operation site.

Abstract: A wireline cable winch drum is provided that includes a core having a longitudinal axis; a pair of flanges spaced apart and extending radially outwardly from the core; and a wireline cable wrapped around the core in the space between the flanges. In one embodiment, at least one of the flanges includes an inner surface that contacts the wireline cable and forms an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core.

Abstract: A fluid end for a reciprocating pump is provided that includes a base material less subject to abrasion, corrosion, erosion and/or wet fatigue than conventional fluid end materials such as carbon steel, and a reinforcing composite material for adding stress resistance and reduced weight to the fluid end.

Abstract: A mechanism for pressurized delivery of material into a well without exposure to a high pressure pump. The mechanism may include material delivery equipment that is coupled to the high pressure pump or other pressure inducing equipment through a material carrier that intersects a fluid line from the pump. The material carrier may include chambers that are reciprocated or rotated between positions that are isolated from the fluid line and in communication with the fluid line. While isolated from the fluid line, the chambers may be filled with oilfield material which may then be delivered to the fluid line when positioned in communication therewith. In this manner, a supply of the oilfield material may be retained in a substantially isolated state relative to the pump and components thereof which may be susceptible to damage from exposure to the oilfield material.

Abstract: A monitor for a pump. The monitor includes a regulation mechanism to monitor input power delivered to the pump. An estimated output power is compared to the input power over a period of time by a data processor of the monitor. In this manner, the monitor may be employed to establish a condition of a true output power of the pump. This may be of particular benefit in a multi-pump or other operation where direct measurement of pump output power is unavailable.