Abstract: Drill pipe protection rings for filling external identification slots in drill pipe tool joints prevent damage to the internal seals of a drilling head. The rings are formed from resilient elastomeric materials. In cross-section, each ring has slightly convex inner and outer surfaces, and a series of circumferentially spaced-apart, hemispherical bumps located along its inner surface. One ring is mounted within each slot on each drill pipe section. The rings stretch slightly while being installed, but form a tight fit once they are properly seated. When installed, the outer surfaces of the rings will protrude slightly outward from or beyond the slots. The hemispherical bumps help align and center the rings within the slots. Without the rings, sharp edges of the slots on the drill pipe tool joints could cause severe damage as they passed through the drill head. However, with the rings, the outer surfaces of the slots are substantially filled to prevent their edges from cutting or gouging the elastomers.

Abstract: A rotating blowout preventor having a spring-steel reinforced stripper rubber removably mounted in a rotating inner housing, wherein the stripper rubber is sealed against the drill pipe by well bore pressure and externally-applied hydraulic pressure. In a preferred embodiment the externally-applied hydraulic pressure is maintained against the middle and upper portion of the stripper rubber by using a pump at a level of about ten percent above the well bore pressure to insure rotation of the stripper rubber with the drilling string and minimize rotation of the drill pipe inside the stripper rubber. A bayonet-type locking mechanism is attached to the stripper rubber for selectively removing the stripper rubber from the rotating inner housing and changing or repairing the stripper rubber.

Abstract: A blow-out protector and fire control system is located in a rotating Kelly flange assembly and flange housing. The blow-out protector is based upon compressing a rubber Kelly bushing and seal positioned around a rotating Kelly by upward movement of a catch ring on the rotating Kelly. The catch ring forces a compressor ring positioned below the rubber bushing upward causing the rubber bushing to form a seal between the Kelly and the rotating Kelly flange assembly. The fire control system involves injecting an inert gas through an opening in the Kelly flange housing into the well casing, and removing high pressure fluid sequentially through the same opening. As an alternative, high pressure fluid can be removed from the well pipe simultaneously. The high pressure fluid is piped to a location remote from the well for storage or flaring.