Abstract: A mating connection assembly permits quick and efficient connection and disconnection of tubular goods and equipment. A female box-end connection member has a body, a central through-bore, a bowl-like receptacle section having a tapered internal surface and inwardly-extending load shoulder members along the tapered internal surface, grouped in stacks of spaced-apart rows. A mating male pin-end connection member has a body section, a tapered pin extension, a central through-bore and lug members on the outer surface of the tapered pin extension. The tapered pin extension of the male pin-end connection member can be stabbed into the female box-end connection member and partially rotated. When joined in mating relationship, the connection assembly provides a fluid pressure seal, supports high-tensile axial loading and permits the transmission of torque through the connection assembly.

Abstract: A down hole fluid conditioning assembly, includable within a drilling bottom hole assembly or other tool configuration, creates a vortex to separate fluids such as drilling mud and the like into a lower density first portion and higher density second portion. The lower density first portion is directed toward the bottom hole assembly or other equipment to improve operational performance of the bottom hole assembly or other equipment. The higher-density second portion is directed away from the bottom hole assembly or other equipment, typically into a well annulus with an upward velocity component.