Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for separating ferrous particles from a liquid or slurry, and a method of use. The apparatus comprises an elongate housing, a magnet assembly located within the elongate housing and a drive means. The drive means is operable to translate reciprocating motion to the magnet assembly, to move it back and forth within the elongate housing. The elongate housing comprises one or more formations along its length.

Abstract: The invention in provides an apparatus, system and method of monitoring a sealing device. The apparatus comprises an inlet configured to receive pressurised fluid from a seal activation fluid pressure source and an outlet configured to be connected to a sealing device to deliver pressurised fluid to a seal element of the sealing device to energise the sealing device in use. A fluid barrier is disposed between the inlet and the outlet and is operable to isolate the inlet from the outlet. A fluid chamber is defined between the fluid barrier and the outlet, and the apparatus comprises means for detecting a change in condition in the fluid chamber indicative of a change in volume of the seal element of the sealing device.

Abstract: The application provides an apparatus for removing ferrous particles from an oil or gas process liquid or slurry and a method of use. The apparatus has a first inner cylindrical sheath and a second outer cylindrical sheath arranged concentrically on a longitudinal axis to create an annular volume. A helical screw flight on the first or second cylindrical sheaths extends across the annular volume, and a magnet assembly extends along the longitudinal axis, such that ferrous particles are attracted to a surface of the annular volume. The apparatus has an inlet a discharge outlet, and a ferrous particle collection location. The screw flight and the cylindrical sheath operable to rotate with respect to the magnet assembly to convey particles to the collection location. The apparatus includes a retaining surface to retain collected particles.

Abstract: A device to provide a seal between a housing for a moving element such as a drill chain, piston or the like and the moving element. The device comprising a storage well to retain seal material, the block having an outlet connecting with an aperture in a housing enabling seal material to flow into the space between a housing and the moving element and form a seal, the device further including an inlet port enabling seal material precursor to be added into the block, and pressurising means to pressurise the seal material precursor and force it out of the aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus (10) for removing ferrous particles from an oil or gas process liquid or slurry and a method of use. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a first inner cylindrical sheath (27) and a second outer cylindrical sheath (18) arranged concentrically on a longitudinal axis to create an annular volume (19). At least one helical screw flight (26) on one of the first or second cylindrical sheaths extends substantially or fully across the annular volume, and a magnet assembly (30) extends along at least a part of the longitudinal axis, such that ferrous particles are attracted to an internal cylindrical surface of the annular volume. The apparatus comprises an inlet (12) for a liquid or slurry to enter the annular volume, a liquid or slurry discharge outlet (14) from the annular volume, and a ferrous particle collection location (16) at one end of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for controlling packer activation in a riser slip joint. The system comprises a first electronically actuated valve disposed between a first packer and a fluid pressure source for the actuation of the first packer. A second electronically actuated valve is disposed between a second packer and a fluid pressure source for the actuation of the second packer. A control unit is operable to actuate the first and/or second electronically actuated valve in response to at least one input signal to control the activation of the first and second packers, and is configured to control the actuation of the first and second electronically actuated valves independently.

Abstract: A device to provide a seal between a housing for a moving element such as a drill chain, piston or the like and the moving element. The device comprising a storage well to retain seal material, the block having an outlet connecting with an aperture in a housing enabling seal material to flow into the space between a housing and the moving element and form a seal, the device further including an inlet port enabling seal material precursor to be added into the block, and pressurising means to pressurise the seal material precursor and force it out of the aperture.

Abstract: A device to provide a seal between a housing for a moving element such as a drill chain, piston or the like and the moving element. The device comprising a storage well to retain seal material, the block having an outlet connecting with an aperture in a housing enabling seal material to flow into the space between a housing and the moving element and form a seal, the device further including an inlet port enabling seal material precursor to be added into the block, and pressurising means to pressurise the seal material precursor and force it out of the aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus (10) for removing magnetic particles (53) from a liquid flowing from an oil or gas operation and method of use. The apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of magnet assemblies (20), each having a first condition in which an operable part is active to attract magnetic particles (53) to the magnet assembly (20), and a second condition in which the operable part is inactive and magnetic particles (53) are not attracted to the magnet assembly (20). A drive mechanism (13) moves the magnet assemblies (20) between exposure to a flow path of from a liquid (40) flowing from an oil or gas operation and a collection location (54). An activation means (36) moves the magnet assemblies (20) between the first condition and the second condition.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for controlling packer activation in a riser slip joint. The system comprises a first electronically actuated valve disposed between a first packer and a fluid pressure source for the actuation of the first packer. A second electronically actuated valve is disposed between a second packer and a fluid pressure source for the actuation of the second packer. A control unit is operable to actuate the first and/or second electronically actuated valve in response to at least one input signal to control the activation of the first and second packers, and is configured to control the actuation of the first and second electronically actuated valves independently.

Abstract: A device to provide a seal between a housing for a moving element such as a drill chain, piston or the like and the moving element. The device comprising a storage well to retain seal material, the block having an outlet connecting with an aperture in a housing enabling seal material to flow into the space between a housing and the moving element and form a seal, the device further including an inlet port enabling seal material precursor to be added into the block, and pressurising means to pressurise the seal material precursor and force it out of the aperture.

Abstract: A device to provide a seal between a housing for a moving element such as a drill chain, piston or the like and the moving element. The device comprising a storage well to retain seal material, the block having an outlet connecting with an aperture in a housing enabling seal material to flow into the space between a housing and the moving element and form a seal, the device further including an inlet port enabling seal material precursor to be added into the block, and pressurizing means to pressurize the seal material precursor and force it out of the aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus (10) for removing magnetic particles (53) from a liquid flowing from an oil or gas operation and method of use. The apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of magnet assemblies (20), each having a first condition in which an operable part is active to attract magnetic particles (53) to the magnet assembly (20), and a second condition in which the operable part is inactive and magnetic particles (53) are not attracted to the magnet assembly (20). A drive mechanism (13) moves the magnet assemblies (20) between exposure to a flow path of from a liquid (40) flowing from an oil or gas operation and a collection location (54). An activation means (36) moves the magnet assemblies (20) between the first condition and the second condition.

Abstract: A device to provide a seal between a housing for a moving element such as a drill chain, piston or the like and the moving element. The device comprising a storage well to retain seal material, the block having an outlet connecting with an aperture in a housing enabling seal material to flow into the space between a housing and the moving element and form a seal, the device further including an inlet port enabling seal material precursor to be added into the block, and pressurising means to pressurise the seal material precursor and force it out of the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for decontaminating cuttings produced from. a wellbore. The cuttings (11) are conveyed on a belt (13), made of a mesh material, to a decontamination region where, under reduced pressure and elevated temperature organic materials are removed, together with a quantity of water. In order to facilitate the process, a depth gate (14) is provided to control the depth of the cuttings (11) on the belt (13). The organic materials can be either collected and reused or alternatively burnt off. Once the cuttings (11) have been decontaminated they can be safely discharged or reused as part of the drilling process. To facilitate the process means (112,113) can be included which clean the belt (13) and remove compacted regions to prevent the mesh from becoming clogged up.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for removing magnetic particles from a mud slurry is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes one or more endless belts or chains (12) enclosed almost wholly within a pipe (22a). A motor (28) drives the chain (22) around the pipe (22a). When the pipe (22a) is located within a mud slurry, magnetic particles in the mud slurry are drawn to the pipe (22a) and carried along the outside and away from the slurry until a collar (29) is reached. Once so separated the particles can be collected for disposal. The chain (12) comprises a series of units linked together. Each unit includes a magnet (50) with pole pieces (51a, 51b) at either pole to direct magnetic flux. Wear discs (52a, 52b) prevent the magnets (50) and pole pieces (51a, 51b) from abrasion as they are drawn through the pipe (22a). Units can be included in the chain (12) which units do not include a magnet, thereby providing a break in the field, allowing particles to fall away from the collar region.

Abstract: Waveplate, planar lightwave circuit incorporating the waveplate, and method of making an optical device. The waveplate is formed of a mesogen-containing polymer film having a backbone and sidechains containing mesogen groups. The waveplate may be formed by producing a mesogen-containing polymer film having a nonzero birefringence of suitable dimensions for insertion into a planar lightwave circuit. The waveplate may be so inserted into an optical circuit of a planar lightwave circuit so that an optical signal traversing the waveplate is changed, for instance, to have two polarization states.

Abstract: Waveplate, planar lightwave circuit incorporating the waveplate, and method of making an optical device. The waveplate is formed of a mesogen-containing polymer film having a backbone and sidechains containing mesogen groups. The waveplate may be formed by producing a mesogen-containing polymer film having a nonzero birefringence of suitable dimensions for insertion into a planar lightwave circuit. The waveplate may be so inserted into an optical circuit of a planar lightwave circuit so that an optical signal traversing the waveplate is changed, for instance, to have two polarization states.

Abstract: Waveplates formed of mesogen-containing polymers and planar lightwave circuits containing such waveplates. Polymers have sidechains containing mesogens such as biphenyl-containing groups. Polymers may have a glass transition temperature between 100 C and 300 C, and polymers may be stretched in excess of 150% to increase birefringence of polymer and provide thin films. Waveplates formed of stretched polymer films may have high biaxial birefringence.