Abstract: A moveable platform apparatus comprising a platform adapted to receive and support a moveable drilling rig or drilling equipment. The platform comprises a first set of legs connected to the platform, wherein the first set of legs support the platform in a first vertical position above ground, wherein each leg of the first set of legs is extendable with respect to the platform to vertically move the platform. The platform further comprises a second set of legs connected to the platform, wherein the second set of legs support the platform in a second vertical position above ground, wherein each leg of the second set of legs is extendable with respect to the platform to vertically move the platform. A method for a moving a platform apparatus along the ground.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The mast assembly can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g., perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or the earth's surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, and the top drive or a similar drive system can be engaged with and move along the mast while remaining above the wellbore. The top drive can be engaged with a support fixture that resists torque and rotation during operation. The support fixture can in turn be engaged with the mast to transfer torque forces to the mast while being vertically movable along the mast to enable positioning of the top drive.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly having an upper mast fixture comprising a tong assembly and an alignment guide, a top drive, a gripping mechanism, and a crown. The crown lowers the gripping mechanism, which secures one end of a tubular, and then elevates the gripping mechanism to drag the tubular towards the mast assembly. The alignment guide receives the other end of the tubular and positions it in vertical alignment with the top drive and a wellbore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting and tallying pipe in a well completion system. In one embodiment, at least one sensor determines the length of a pipe and/or at least one thread protector sensor determines whether the thread protectors are removed from both ends of the pipe. The sensors may be located in a mast assembly, a pipe arm, a walkway adjacent said pipe arm used to urge pipe towards the pipe arm, or various other places as desired. A moveable control van with a control system receives signals from the sensors. The control van comprises a system which also keeps a tally of the total amount of pipe currently in the wellbore. In one embodiment, memory chips may be used on the pipe to store a history of the pipe. The sensors then communicate this information back to the control system.

Abstract: A rig system and method is provided for use with multiple wellheads in close proximity on a wellsite. A mast assembly is mounted to a rig carrier for alignment with a first wellhead. A pipe handling system is mounted to a skid having a pipe moving member mounted to the skid. A rig platform for use with the mast assembly is vertically moveable for accommodating a second wellhead in close proximity to the first wellhead while allowing operators to work within the mast assembly.

Abstract: A moveable platform apparatus comprising a platform adapted to receive and support a moveable drilling rig or drilling equipment. The platform comprises a first set of legs connected to the platform, wherein the first set of legs support the platform in a first vertical position above ground, wherein each leg of the first set of legs is extendable with respect to the platform to vertically move the platform. The platform further comprises a second set of legs connected to the platform, wherein the second set of legs support the platform in a second vertical position above ground, wherein each leg of the second set of legs is extendable with respect to the platform to vertically move the platform. A method for a moving a platform apparatus along the ground.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The control system can be used to automate operations of the completion system to facilitate rapid and safe make-up and breaking of tubular connections.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating a well completion system utilizing at least one computer programmed in one embodiment to automatically operate the movement of pipe from a pipe tub to the mast and into the well and/or for movement of the pipe out of the well and/or back into the pipe tub. In one embodiment, the computer is programmed and/or configured to coordinate operation of a top drive, and/or a pipe tong, and/or a pipe moving member for moving pipe into and out of a mast, and/or a pipe transfer system for moving pipe to the pipe moving member. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one computer is mounted within a control van which may be positioned so that an operator within the control van can oversee operation of the well completion system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for controlling the coordination of pressure control equipment such as a BOP stack and/or a snubbing unit and/or other pressure control equipment in a well completion system while moving pipes into or out of a wellbore under pressure. In one embodiment, a moveable clamp and a fixed clamp are provided. The moveable clamp is clamped to a pipe while the fixed clamp is open so that the moveable clamp either moves the pipe into the well or pulls it out of the well. The fixed clamp is then clamped to the pipe. The moveable clamp is unclamped and moves to another position whereupon the process is repeated. A computer controls operation of the moveable clamp, fixed clamp, seals, and pipe moving equipment which moves pipe into and out of the mast.

Abstract: A transportable rig apparatus provides single operator control for moving pipe into and out of a wellbore. A transportable control van houses the operator. A rig carrier is utilized to transport the mast. A pipe tong is mounted in the mast and is remotely operable from the control van. Rig blocks which move up and down in the mast are remotely operable from control van. A skid mounted pipe moving member moves pipe to the mast assembly and away from the mast assembly. The pipe moving member remotely is operable from the control van. A pipe tub stores pipe and a pipe tub transfer system is operable for moving pipe from the pipe tub to the pipe moving member and for moving pipe from the pipe moving member to the pipe tub.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The mast assembly further includes a top drive system comprising a guide attachment for placing tubulars in axial alignment with said top drive system.

Abstract: A pipe clamp mechanism and method for use with a pipe arm retracts beneath two laterally positioned pipe guide surfaces in a retracted position to allow a pipe to roll laterally into a pipe receptacle on the pipe arm along either of the two pipe guide surfaces. After at least one pipe is positioned within the pipe receptacle, then the pipe clamp utilizes one or more pipe clamps which extend outwardly of the pipe guide surfaces to clamp the pipe into the pipe receptacle.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The control system can be used to automate operations of the completion system to facilitate rapid and safe make-up and breaking of tubular connections.

Abstract: An ejection mechanism, which in one embodiment selectively ejects pipe joints to either side of a pipe arm and method for manufacturing the same. A pipe arm contains a plurality of pipe receptacles for receiving pipe joints. Pipe ejection arms are operatively connected to an ejection control mechanism. In one embodiment, at least one torsional member and/or at least one hydraulic actuator allow an operator to selectively eject pipe joints to either lateral side of the pipe arm as needed during drilling and production operations.

Abstract: A transportable rig apparatus provides for well completion operations while also providing a rig apparatus that readily resists or negates the effects of dynamic wind forces or other weather phenomenon. More particularly, the transportable rig apparatus provides a mast assembly that can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g. perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or ground surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, the mast assembly providing a mast apparatus that readily resists or negates the effects of strong winds or other weather phenomenon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for controlling the coordination of pressure control equipment such as a BOP stack and/or a snubbing unit and/or other pressure control equipment in a well completion system while moving pipes into or out of a wellbore under pressure. In one embodiment, a moveable clamp and a fixed clamp are provided. The moveable clamp is clamped to a pipe while the fixed clamp is open so that the moveable clamp either moves the pipe into the well or pulls it out of the well. The fixed clamp is then clamped to the pipe. The moveable clamp is unclamped and moves to another position whereupon the process is repeated. A computer controls operation of the moveable clamp, fixed clamp, seals, and pipe moving equipment which moves pipe into and out of the mast.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes. The present disclosure relates to a system and method for observing a facility for lowering a string comprising joints of a conduit into a well. The system and method provide a vehicle comprising a cabin, a base and an extending portion between the cabin and the base, the cabin is for observing the facility and for positioning with respect to the facility, the base is for providing motion to the vehicle, and the extending portion is adapted for movement of the cabin in at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A rig interconnection support and method for providing relatively precise and constant positioning between a rig carrier drilling mast assembly and a skid such as a skid mounted pipe arm for manufacturing the same. Rig interconnection supports, in one embodiment, utilize a pair of interconnectors positioned on opposite sides of well that align a rig carrier with the skid mounted pipe arm or other skid at a lower end.

Abstract: A method for deploying a mobile rig system to a well site. A control van is transported to the well site for controlling drilling operations. A rig carrier is utilized to transport the mast assembly and position the mast adjacent a wellhead. The mast assembly is raised to an upright position and is remotely operable from the control van. A skid mounted pipe moving member is transported to the well site and positioned on an opposite end of the wellhead from the mast assembly. The pipe moving member is remotely operable from the control van. The skid is interconnected to the rig carrier for maintaining a fixed distance between the mast assembly and the pipe moving member. A carrier support member is fastened at the interconnection point and extended outwards to stabilize the mast assembly. Hydraulic actuators are utilized to level the mast assembly with a ground surface.

Abstract: A traveling top drive sheave system includes in one embodiment a rig carrier, a mast assembly pivotally attached to the rig carrier comprising guide rails and a crown block, a top drive fixture, and a traveling sheave block. The mast assembly is moveable to a generally perpendicular position with respect to the rig carrier, providing the top drive access to a wellhead. The top drive is mounted within the mast assembly and is supported along guide rails to be vertically moveable along a same axis as the wellhead. In one embodiment, the traveling sheave block has an axis offset from the crown block to enhance the reeving of a drilling line between both blocks. In another embodiment, the system contains guide rails and rollers whereby at least one of the rollers or guide rails has a groove and the other is sized to mate with said groove for facilitating vertical movement along said mast assembly.