Abstract: A cable head line cutter tool comprising an internal mandrel anchored to a line and releasably held in an initial position by a locking mechanism disposed within an outer housing of the cable head cutter tool. When a tensile load is applied to the line sufficient to overcome a mechanical resistance acting upon the locking mechanism, and maintained for a duration sufficient to overcome a hydraulic resistance acting upon the locking mechanism, the internal mandrel may become released from the locking mechanism and allowed to travel within the outer housing free of the locking mechanism. In embodiments, the cable head line cutter tool may comprise one or more such locking mechanisms acting independently or in coordination. If the tensile load applied to the line is sufficient to release the mandrel from each of the one or more locking mechanisms and maintained for sufficient duration, the mandrel may cause a line cutter device disposed within the cable head line cutter tool to cut the line.

Abstract: A cable head line cutter tool comprising an internal mandrel anchored to a line and releasably held in an initial position by a locking mechanism disposed within an outer housing of the cable head cutter tool. When a tensile load is applied to the line sufficient to overcome a mechanical resistance acting upon the locking mechanism, and maintained for a duration sufficient to overcome a hydraulic resistance acting upon the locking mechanism, the internal mandrel may become released from the locking mechanism and allowed to travel within the outer housing free of the locking mechanism. In embodiments, the cable head line cutter tool may comprise one or more such locking mechanisms acting independently or in coordination. If the tensile load applied to the line is sufficient to release the mandrel from each of the one or more locking mechanisms and maintained for sufficient duration, the mandrel may cause a line cutter device disposed within the cable head line cutter tool to cut the line.

Abstract: Provided in some embodiments is a method of distributed acoustic sensing in a subterranean well. The method including advancing a torpedo into a first portion of a wellbore of a subterranean well (the torpedo including a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) fiber-optic (FO) umbilical that is physically coupled to a surface component and adapted to unspool from the torpedo as the torpedo advances in the wellbore, and an engine adapted to generate thrust to propel the torpedo), and activating the engine to generate thrust to propel advancement of the torpedo within a second portion of the wellbore such that at least some of the DAS FO umbilical is disposed in the second portion of the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for puncturing a pipe in-situ is presently disclosed. The apparatus has an actuator in communication with a remote controller. A firing assembly has a firing chamber and a firing pin, wherein the firing pin is in communication with the actuator. The firing chamber is configured to hold and fire a bullet radially toward the pipe, upon the firing pin being actuated with the actuator. The method includes the steps of inserting a pipe puncturing apparatus into a pipe, activating an actuator, communicating the activation of the actuator to a hammer and moving a firing pin in the hammer to impinge a cartridge and fire a bullet.

Abstract: A time delay tool and method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.

Abstract: A time delay tool and method in a wellbore casing is disclosed. The tool/method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for puncturing a pipe in-situ is presently disclosed. The apparatus has an actuator in communication with a remote controller. A firing assembly has a firing chamber and a firing pin, wherein the firing pin is in communication with the actuator. The firing chamber is configured to hold and fire a bullet radially toward the pipe, upon the firing pin being actuated with the actuator. The method includes the steps of inserting a pipe puncturing apparatus into a pipe, activating an actuator, communicating the activation of the actuator to a hammer and moving a firing pin in the hammer to impinge a cartridge and fire a bullet.

Abstract: A well production device includes a production tubing with a fluid passage between the exterior of the tubing and a center bore of the tubing. A fluid barrier is provided sealing the fluid passage. The device has a chamber comprising a dissolving fluid adapted to dissolve the fluid barrier when in contact with the fluid barrier and an actuator configured to release the dissolving fluid into contact with the fluid barrier in response to a signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards, in general, retrieval tools operable for conveyance within a wellbore extending below a wellsite surface, and methods of using such retrieval tools. One such retrieval tool comprises an annular member operable to receive a conveyance terminating at a downhole tool lodged within the wellbore. The annular member may subsequently receive and engage a portion of the downhole tool. The retrieval tool also comprises a flapper selectively operable to sever the conveyance if the downhole tool cannot be dislodged from the wellbore.

Abstract: A cable head with cable shear mechanism for attaching to a wireline to support oilfield equipment in a wellbore formed from a housing with a cable bore. The housing comprises a tapered sleeve with a tapered sleeve cable bore, a sliding bell with a sliding bell cable bore, a drive pinch cylinder, a linear biasing mechanism positioned between the tapered sleeve and the drive pinch cylinder, a plurality of shear pins disposed partially into the housing and though the drive pinch cylinder, wherein each shear pin is adapted to withstand from 100 pounds to 2000 pounds of shear load, a pair of slidable cutting segments and a pair of slidable cutting segment guides. When cable load exceeds a preset limit, the shear pins shear allowing the slidable cutting segments to be moved up the slidable cutting segment guides to impact and shear the cable.

Abstract: A shear pig assembly and method of use for severing a linear conductor within a surrounding tubular. A shear pig assembly includes a main body and a nose that radially surround the linear conductor within the tubular. The main body and nose are axially moveable with respect to each other to cause a shear plug to move radially within a shearing chamber, thereby severing the linear conductor.

Abstract: A cut and pull spear is configured to obtain multiple grips in a tubular to be cut under tension. The slips are set mechanically with the aid of drag blocks to hold a portion of the assembly while a mandrel is manipulated. An annular seal is set in conjunction with the slips to provide well control during the cut. An internal bypass around the seal can be in the open position to allow circulation during the cut. The bypass can be closed to control a well kick with mechanical manipulation as the seal remains set. If the tubular will not release after an initial cut, the spear can be triggered to release and be reset at another location. The mandrel is open to circulation while the slips and seal are set and the cut is being made. Cuttings are filtered before entering the bypass to keep the cuttings out of the blowout preventers.

Abstract: A cut and pull spear is configured to obtain multiple grips in a tubular to be cut under tension. The slips are set mechanically with the aid of drag blocks to hold a portion of the assembly while a mandrel is manipulated. An annular seal is set in conjunction with the slips to provide well control during the cut. An internal bypass around the seal can be in the open position to allow circulation during the cut. The bypass can be closed to control a well kick with mechanical manipulation as the seal remains set. If the tubular will not release after an initial cut, the spear can be triggered to release and be reset at another location. The mandrel is open to circulation while the slips and seal are set and the cut is being made. Cuttings are filtered before entering the bypass to keep the cuttings out of the blowout preventers.

Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.

Abstract: A downhole tool mechanism for applying a driving force, such as a cutter tool for cutting a line captured within the tool, comprises a resiliently compressible member for storing a compressive force; a retaining device for maintaining storage of the compressive force until released; a trigger mechanism for releasing the compressive force when the trigger mechanism is activated. In one form the resiliently compressible member comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged spring washers each having a radial slot therein for receiving a line along the length of the resiliently compressible member. In the cutter form, there is a cutter arranged to cut the line when the trigger mechanism is activated, and the trigger mechanism is activated when the tool receives a shock force to one or both ends.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to cut a control line and/or to run a control line on a rig may include a movable cutting apparatus to cut a control line, a load transfer member to engage a control line, a load measuring device to measure a load imparted to a load transfer member, and a drive member to engage and drive a control line. The apparatuses and methods may be used with a control line positioning apparatus, a pipe engaging apparatus, and/or may be used by themselves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for releasing a coiled tubing internal line from a bottom hole assembly. The internal line may not have strength sufficient to permit the application of a tension force at the surface to disconnect the internal line from the bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly may include a ball seat adapted to retain a ball permitting the application of a pressure differential above and below the ball seat. An anchor assembly connected to the internal line may be adapted to disconnect from the bottom hole assembly upon the application of predetermined pressure differential. A predetermined pressure differential may be used to shear a portion of the internal line releasing an upper portion of the internal line from the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A valve has a moveable member movable between open and closed configurations and a cutting device arranged to shear against an anvil member when moving between the open and closed configurations and a sealing member providing a seat for seating of the moveable member when the moveable member is in the closed configuration. The anvil member and the sealing member are moveable relative to one another when the moveable member is moving from the open to the closed configuration. During opening and closing the sealing member is displaced away from the cutting device as the cutting device engages the anvil member. The sealing member is pushed away from the moveable member and the anvil to a maximum separation from the movable member at the point on the stroke when the cutting surface of the moveable member is moving past the anvil member.

Abstract: A cutting device and a method for emergency cutting of a line in a well are disclosed. The cutting device includes a tapering guide including a narrow end portion and a wide end portion for feed-through of the line, the narrow end portion being placed, when in its position of use, at a lower position than that of the wide end portion; at least one sliding block arranged axially movable within the tapering guide; at least one cutting knife connected to the sliding block and directed inwards in the tapering guide; at least one releasable holding mechanism for standby holding of the at least one sliding block at the wide end portion of the guide, and for releasing the at least one sliding block in connection with emergency cutting of the line. Upon release, the at least one sliding block will move downward in the direction of the narrow end portion of the guide where it will force its at least one cutting knife with increasing force against the line until it is cut off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for releasing a coiled tubing internal line from a bottom hole assembly. The internal line may not have strength sufficient to permit the application of a tension force at the surface to disconnect the internal line from the bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly may include a ball seat adapted to retain a ball permitting the application of a pressure differential above and below the ball seat. An anchor assembly connected to the internal line may be adapted to disconnect from the bottom hole assembly upon the application of predetermined pressure differential. A predetermined pressure differential may be used to shear a portion of the internal line releasing an upper portion of the internal line from the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A downhole line tool assembly (200) for use in a wellbore. The downhole line tool assembly (200) includes a downhole power unit (206) having a moveable shaft (240) and a line motivator tool (208) having a drive assembly (246, 247) adapted to contact a line (204) passing through the line motivator tool (200) in the wellbore. The drive assembly (246, 247) is operably associated with the moveable shaft (240) such that rotation of the moveable shaft (240) rotates the drive assembly (246, 247), thereby moving the line (204) relative to the line motivator tool (208).

Abstract: Methods for severing a tubular string having a cable in association therewith can include lowering a cutting apparatus into the tubular string and actuating the cutting apparatus to form a cut in the tubular string and sever the cable. Severing the cable in this manner can be performed through a single actuation of a single cutting apparatus, enabling at least a portion of the tubular string to be subsequently severed and retrieved, unimpeded by the cable.

Abstract: A cut and pull spear is configured to obtain multiple grips in a tubular to be cut under tension. The slips are set mechanically with the aid of drag blocks to hold a portion of the assembly while a mandrel is manipulated. An annular seal is set in conjunction with the slips to provide well control during the cut. An internal bypass around the seal can be in the open position to allow circulation during the cut. The bypass can be closed to control a well kick with mechanical manipulation as the seal remains set. If the tubular will not release after an initial cut, the spear can be triggered to release and be reset at another location. The mandrel is open to circulation while the slips and seal are set and the cut is being made. Cuttings are filtered before entering the bypass to keep the cuttings out of the blowout preventers.

Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.

Abstract: A safety valve system includes a safety valve having an actuator and a line connected to the actuator. The safety valve is operable by opening the line in the well, with the line being free of any connection to a surface control system. Another safety valve system includes multiple safety valves. An actuator of each safety valve is connected to an actuator of another safety valve via a line. A biasing force in each of the actuators is operative to close the respective one of the safety valves in response to opening of the line. The biasing force is produced at least in part by hydrostatic pressure in a well.

Abstract: A cutting tool for cutting a wireline, slickline, coiled tubing, or other well access line stuck downhole in a well. The tool includes a host of features including a propulsion mechanism to aid in delivering the tool to a predetermined cut location of the line. In this manner, the risk of unintended uphole cutting of the line may be minimized.

Abstract: Methods for severing tubing having a cable extending along its length include lowering a first cutting torch into the tubing to a desired location, igniting the first cutting torch, and directing cutting fluids in a circumferential arc to form a first cut in the tubing and sever the cable. A second cutting torch can be lowered and positioned relative to the first cut, and ignited to direct cutting fluids radially to cut the tubing all around the circumference, enabling retrieval of the tubing. The need for precise positioning and alignment of the torches to sever both the cable and tubing is thereby eliminated.

Abstract: A well surface control system for use with various types of work strings such as, but not limited to, drill strings, coiled tubing, snubbing pipe, electric line, production tubing, and wireline. The system includes a main housing with a main bore extending from one end to the other. The main housing is equipped with a side port which communicates with the main bore between the two ends. The main housing is also equipped with two valves for controlling fluid and/or gas flows through the main bore and for severing a component of a work string running through the main bore. The first valve is positioned between the side port and one end of the main housing and the second valve is positioned between the side port and the other end of the main housing. Attached to each end of the main housing is a saver sub, with means for temporarily locking the saver subs to the main housing to prevent circular and longitudinal movement of the saver subs in relation to the main housing.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein to cut a control line and/or to run a control line on a rig. The apparatuses may include a movable cutting apparatus to cut a control line, a load transfer member to engage a control line, a load measuring device to measure a load imparted to a load transfer member, and a drive member to engage and drive a control line. The apparatuses and methods may be used with a control line positioning apparatus, a pipe engaging apparatus, and/or may be used by themselves.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatuses for gripping and shearing a downhole cable. In one embodiment, a line cutter mandrel includes: a tubular mandrel; a pocket disposed along an outer surface of the mandrel and longitudinally coupled to the mandrel; a channel disposed through the pocket for receiving a cable; and a line cutter. The line cutter includes a blade, is operable to engage an outer surface of the cable in a gripping position, is operable to at least substantially sever the cable with the blade in a cutting position, and is operable from the gripping position to the cutting position by relative longitudinal movement between the cable and the pocket.

Abstract: A wireline cutter comprises a primary housing with a first axial bore configured to receive a wireline positioned within a well bore, and a first blade mounted within the primary housing and operable to cut the wireline. A method of cutting a wireline in a well bore comprises running a wireline cutter into the well bore, receiving the wireline within the wireline cutter, and cutting the wireline with the wireline cutter. A one-trip cutting system for use in a well bore comprises a wireline cutter, and a coiled tubing cutter. A method for cutting a coiled tubing with a wireline disposed therein comprises running a system comprising a wireline cutter and a coiled tubing cutter into the well bore, cutting the coiled tubing with the coiled tubing cutter, and cutting the wireline with the wireline cutter, wherein both cutting steps are performed in one trip into the well bore.

Abstract: A cutting tool for cutting a wireline, slickline, coiled tubing, or other well access line stuck downhole in a well. The tool includes a host of features including a propulsion mechanism to aid in delivering the tool to a predetermined cut location of the line. In this manner, the risk of unintended uphole cutting of the line may be minimized. Thus, the time and expense of any follow-on fishing operations to remove tools stuck further downhole may be reduced.

Abstract: A coupling to serve as a logging head or other downhole weakpoint assembly. The coupling is configured with a variety of internal tensile members. The individual members and load bearing capacities of each may be selectively engaged in a variety of combinations so as to provide a host of different load bearing capacities to the weakpoint coupling. Such selectable engagement is achieved through the dialing of a key by the user without the need to add or remove any load bearing features from the coupling. Thus, the user-friendly nature of the coupling is enhanced and the possibility of the user leaving behind supplemental load bearing tensile members for change-out is eliminated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatuses for gripping and shearing a downhole cable. In one embodiment, a line cutter mandrel includes: a tubular mandrel; a pocket disposed along an outer surface of the mandrel and longitudinally coupled to the mandrel; a channel disposed through the pocket for receiving a cable; and a line cutter. The line cutter includes a blade, is operable to engage an outer surface of the cable in a gripping position, is operable to at least substantially sever the cable with the blade in a cutting position, and is operable from the gripping position to the cutting position by relative longitudinal movement between the cable and the pocket.

Abstract: A cutting device and a method for emergency cutting of a line in a well are disclosed. The cutting device includes a tapering guide including a narrow end portion and a wide end portion for feed-through of the line, the narrow end portion being placed, when in its position of use, at a lower position than that of the wide end portion; at least one sliding block arranged axially movable within the tapering guide; at least one cutting knife connected to the sliding block and directed inwards in the tapering guide; at least one releasable holding mechanism for standby holding of the at least one sliding block at the wide end portion of the guide, and for releasing the at least one sliding block in connection with emergency cutting of the line. Upon release, the at least one sliding block will move downward in the direction of the narrow end portion of the guide where it will force its at least one cutting knife with increasing force against the line until it is cut off.

Abstract: An embodiment of a clamping, cutting, and wiping assembly assembly may comprise a frame defining a pathway for a cable to pass therethrough, a clamp mechanism, a cutter device, and a wiper mounted to the frame adjacent the pathway for engaging with a cable, wherein the clamp device, the cutter, and the wiper may each be actuatable.

Abstract: A safety valve system includes a safety valve having an actuator and a line connected to the actuator. The safety valve is operable by opening the line in the well, with the line being free of any connection to a surface control system. Another safety valve system includes multiple safety valves. An actuator of each safety valve is connected to an actuator of another safety valve via a line. A biasing force in each of the actuators is operative to close the respective one of the safety valves in response to opening of the line. The biasing force is produced at least in part by hydrostatic pressure in a well.

Abstract: In a method for releasing cables (2) from an attached well tool, where the cutting and the time for cutting can be decided from the surface above the well, and where a cable cutter (6) is arranged between the main part of a cable and a well tool, the cable cutter being controlled by an electronic timer, it is suggested that at least three parameters are used for controlling the cutter, e.g. a pulling force exerted by the cable on the well tool, the pressure in the well location, and time.

Abstract: A wireline cutter comprises a primary housing with a first axial bore configured to receive a wireline positioned within a well bore, and a first blade mounted within the primary housing and operable to cut the wireline. A method of cutting a wireline in a well bore comprises running a wireline cutter into the well bore, receiving the wireline within the wireline cutter, and cutting the wireline with the wireline cutter. A one-trip cutting system for use in a well bore comprises a wireline cutter, and a coiled tubing cutter. A method for cutting a coiled tubing with a wireline disposed therein comprises running a system comprising a wireline cutter and a coiled tubing cutter into the well bore, cutting the coiled tubing with the coiled tubing cutter, and cutting the wireline with the wireline cutter, wherein both cutting steps are performed in one trip into the well bore.

Abstract: A wireline cutter comprises a primary housing with a first axial bore configured to receive a wireline positioned within a well bore, and a first blade mounted within the primary housing and operable to cut the wireline. A method of cutting a wireline in a well bore comprises running a wireline cutter into the well bore, receiving the wireline within the wireline cutter, and cutting the wireline with the wireline cutter. A one-trip cutting system for use in a well bore comprises a wireline cutter, and a coiled tubing cutter. A method for cutting a coiled tubing with a wireline disposed therein comprises running a system comprising a wireline cutter and a coiled tubing cutter into the well bore, cutting the coiled tubing with the coiled tubing cutter, and cutting the wireline with the wireline cutter, wherein both cutting steps are performed in one trip into the well bore.

Abstract: A communication tool apparatus is described which is adapted to provide selective communication of control fluid through a downhole device such as a safety valve. The downhole safety valve is a tubing retrievable subsurface safety valve (“TRSSSV”). The communication tool may be run downhole and within the TRSSSV. Once within the TRSSSV, the communication tool apparatus activates a cutting device within the TRSSSV such that communication of control fluid through the TRSSSV is possible. A replacement safety valve run on a wireline may then be inserted into the TRSSSV and be operated via the control fluid line, as a new communication path created by the communication tool described herein. A method of using the communication tool apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A side entry sub for use with a drill string, where the side entry sub receives a wireline within its inner diameter. The present invention includes a device capable of severing the wireline proximate to the side entry sub. The present invention can further include a capturing device to grapple the severed portion of the wireline to prevent it from being dropped within the wellbore.

Abstract: A safety cable cutter used for cutting a cable used in servicing an oil and gas well. A centrifugal arm roller and a guide roller are mounted on top of a frame. The cable is received on the rollers as the cable is lowered down a well bore. Mounted on ends of the centrifugal arm roller is a centrifugal arm attached to an arm coil spring. The coil spring holds the centrifugal arm next to the end of the roller. Opposite ends of a clamp attached to a cutter bar are slidably received in a pair of cutter bar guides. When the centrifugal arm roller exceeds a certain speed indicating a free fall of the cable, the bias force of the arm coil springs is overcome and the arms move outwardly. Contact ends of the arms engage the opposite ends of the clamp. The clamp and cutter bar are then moved outwardly and the cutter bar cuts the cable.

Abstract: A cutting device cuts one or more downhole control lines such that the cut ends of the one or more control lines will not interfere with subsequent fishing operations. The cutting device comprises a mandrel, a cutting sleeve and a housing supported on a tubing. Movement of the tubing induces relative motion of the cutting sleeve to cut the one or more control lines.

Abstract: A downhole tool system comprising a side entry sub comprising a side entry adapted to receive a wireline, a cutting sub comprising a cutting apparatus, a cable head adapted to connect a downhole tool to the cutting sub, and a release releasably connecting the wireline to the cable head, the cutting apparatus adapted to cut the wireline. The downhole tool system is conveyed downhole on a pipe string to perform downhole operations. If lodged, the wireline may be released and removed from the downhole tool system such that fishing operations may be performed to retrieve the remaining portions of the downhole tool system. If lodged, the pipe string may also be released or removed from the downhole tool system such that fishing operations may be performed to retrieve the remaining portions of the downhole tool system.

Abstract: A combination tool for attaching to a stuck wireline tool, then cutting the wireline just above the stuck tool with a hydraulically driven cutter, allowing the wireline to be pulled out of the hole before fishing out the stuck tool. A side door can be provided on the work string, to allow rerouting of the wireline outside the work string, after which the stuck tool can be unstuck and repositioned within the well bore for completion of the downhole operation of the tool, prior to cutting the wireline free from the downhole tool.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first member, a second member releasably attached to the first member, and a control line shear mechanism disposed proximate an interface between the first member and the second member. The first and second members can each have a longitudinal bore therethrough and can be moveable in an axial direction to release from one another. The control line shear mechanism may comprise a first shear member attached to the first number and a second shear member attached to the second member, wherein the first and second shear members are adapted to cooperatively shear a control line as the first and second members separate. A method includes separating a first member from a second member and, before or during the separating step, cutting a control line proximal to the paint of separation of the first and second members.

Abstract: A combination tool for attaching to a stuck wireline tool, then cutting the wireline just above the stuck tool with a hydraulically driven cutter, allowing the wireline to be pulled out of the hole before fishing out the stuck tool. A side door can be provided on the work string, to allow rerouting of the wireline outside the work string, after which the stuck tool can be unstuck and repositioned within the well bore for completion of the downhole operation of the tool, prior to cutting the wireline free from the downhole tool.

Abstract: A cable breakaway assembly is adapted for mounting within a stationary component of a communications service network to prevent damage to a feeder cable in the event that an excessive pulling force is applied to a customer cable spliced to the feeder cable. In one embodiment, the cable breakaway assembly comprises a generally symmetric base, at least one cutting blade fixed to the base, and a swing arm rotatably attached to the base and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The communications cable is secured to the swing arm by a cable clamp and the swing arm is biased in the extended position by a torsion spring. When the excessive force is applied to the customer cable the swing arm rotates to the retracted position, thereby bringing the communications cable into contact with the cutting blade and severing the communications cable. In another embodiment, the base defines a cavity and the swing arm is replaced by a cable block resiliently positioned within the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention describes a hardbanding material and a process for producing a hardbanding material which greatly extends the life of tool joints and sections of steel pipe to which the material is applied. Granules of tungsten carbide are dropped into a melt puddle which is formed when a low carbon chrome based alloy is welded to an outside surface of a drill pipe. The tungsten carbide has a size ranging from about {fraction (25/40)} to about {fraction (40/60)} mesh, with a hardness greater than 3000 HV. Alternatively, the tungsten carbide has a size of {fraction (40/60)} mesh with a hardness of greater than 1700 HV.