Abstract: A well cellar system includes a substantially planar base plate, the base defining an aperture sized to receive a conductor pipe. The planar base plate is an integral structural member which, in conjunction with the seal between the base plate and the wall and the riser and the conductor, are sufficiently robust to support the weight of the conductor pipe and its auxiliary equipment. The sealed well cellar is afforded with a laterally extending flange which serves as an anti-buoyancy anchor. A anti-buoyancy port allows the upward floatation pressure to be balanced out by water pressure within the cellar during placement to avoid floatation. A sacrificial anode housing is provided with a removable lid and holes for allowing passage of electrolyte. Although the preferred embodiments of sealed well cellars are metal and plastic, a cementaceous embodiment is also envisioned.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ecologically and environmentally friendly mud-gas containment system. Specifically, this invention relates to a mobile device that is capable of receiving waste gas and, in emergency situations, a volume of a mud-gas mixture from a drilling operation. The waste gas is communicated to a removable flare stack through a vent line. The mud-gas is received at a containment vessel. The impact of the mud-gas within the containment vessel separates the mud-gas into mud and waste gas. The mud is collected for recycling and/or environmentally sensitive disposal. The waste gas from the vessel is communicated to the flare stack. Separate removal ports and conduits are used to remove any residual mud or mud-gas from the vent line and/or containment vessel. Excess mud or mud-gas is communicated to an overflow catch tank for removal. The entire assembly is mounted on a mobile skid sized for highway transportation.

Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.

Abstract: A device is described for maintaining a predominately constant pressure on, and flow of drilling fluid in, a drill string (100) where drilling fluid is supplied via a circulation system for drilling fluid. The device comprises a mainly elongated, internally hollow body (10) arranged to surround the drill string where the hollow body (10) comprises at least an upper pressure chamber (40a) and a lower pressure chamber (40b) connected with respective inlet and/or outlet (50a, 50b) for drilling fluid from or to the drilling fluid circulation system, as said pressure chambers (40a, 40b) are able to be closed and separated by an intermediate valve (70) arranged for circulation of drilling fluid into or out of the drill string (100) during coupling up or disconnecting of a new length of drill string (100). A method to maintain the mainly constant pressure of drilling fluid in a drill string is also described.

Abstract: A collector device (1) for collecting drilling fluid from a pipe (30) during disconnecting of the pipe (30) from a pipe string (8), the collector (1) in its active position surrounding the pipe coupling (10) of the pipe string (8), and where the whole or parts of the collecting space (2) of the collector (1) is provided with a porous material (4).

Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.

Abstract: A well cellar system includes a substantially planar base, the base defining an aperture sized to receive a conductor pipe. The well cellar system also includes at least one substantially inflexible side member attached to the base, the at least one side member and the base defining a cavity. A seal between the at least one side member and the base substantially prevents the flow of fluids between the at least one side member and the base. The attachment between the base and the conductor pipe substantially prevents the flow of fluids between the base and the conductor. The well cellar system of the present invention substantially eliminates contamination of soil and water sources adjacent the well site during its operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for continuously circulating fluid, e.g., drilling mud, through a wellbore tubular string, the systems in certain aspects including a sub positionable in fluid communication with the tubular string, the sub with a body, a plug releasably closing off a side opening of the body, and a closure apparatus for selectively closing off flow from the top of the sub into and through the body, while flow is permitted below the closure apparatus through the side opening down through the body into the tubular string; and, in certain aspects, such systems and methods including tubular manipulation apparatus, e.g. an iron roughneck and working with wellbore tubulars with the tubular manipulation apparatus.

Abstract: As may be used in a positive displacement pump system, a capped stuffing box assembly includes a stuffing box mountable to a discharge tee to prevent pumped fluid from escaping collection via the discharge tee. The stuffing box is capped by a drain cup that may be releasably mounted to the stuffing box and fixedly mounted to a drive pump motor frame, the drain cap having a drain port to communicate leakage upon failure or pre-failure of the seals in the stuffing box. Upon such failure, the stuffing box may be removed from the drain cap and replaced, while alignment between the actuating rod, drive motor, pump actuator, and drain cap is maintained.

Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.

Abstract: A method and system for containing escaping hydrocarbon fluid from a well pipe of a production well. Suppression of the hydrocarbon fluid to a level below the breach location using a control fluid allows the breach to be repaired through the installation of a containment sleeve at the location of the breach. After collecting the escaping hydrocarbon fluids with a containment sleeve, the hydrocarbon fluid is routed to a collection reservoir from which it may be easily recovered without causing environmental damage. This process occurs with minimal downtime of the production well with the added environmental benefit of remediation of earth contaminated by the hydrocarbon breach.

Abstract: An elongated stripper rubber having a converging internal passage extending to a neck portion elastically expanded to snugly receive a drill string. The elongated stripper rubber is adhered to a steel core having a truncated conical load bearing surface containing an annular gasket cavity containing a truncated conical gasket. The volume of elastic material protruding from the truncated conical load bearing surface can be compressed into the gasket cavity between the steel core and a truncated conical annulus in an outer housing.

Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel safety shield for rotary drilling rigs. More particularly, the invention pertains to a portable, clam-shell style extendible leg safety shield which can be readily installed on the ground around the drill stem of an operational drilling rig, such as an oil well drilling rig. A safety shield for use in association with rotary drilling rigs comprising (a) a first protective shield; (b) a second protective shield hinged to the first shield; (c) a first leg assembly connected to the exterior of the first shield; (d) a second leg assembly secured to the exterior of the second shield; and (e) a securing mechanism for securing the first shield to the second shield.

Abstract: A method for drilling wells in which the tubular can be added or removed from the drill string whilst mud and drilling fluids being circulated continuously and kept separated from the environment to reduce pollution. A connector is used with an inlet and outlet for the mud etc. and which incorporates rams to seal off and separate the flow of mud as a tubular is added or removed.

Abstract: An adjustable fluid collecting device with two shells pivotally movable relative to each other wherein the fluid collecting device is movable between an open position in which the shells are distanced from each other and a closed position in which the shells touch, an actuator and a lever assembly wherein the operation of the actuator results in equal but opposite movement of the shells and the mechanical advantage increases as the shells move toward the closed position. A rigid frame which substantially surrounds the two shells, actuator and lever assembly is provided. Optionally, the apparatus can be equipped with an integral pipe spinner.

Abstract: Methods and apparati are disclosed for continuous circulation of drilling fluids while adding or removing tubulars to and from a drill string, and also for continuing drilling during the addition or removal of tubulars to and from the drill string.

Abstract: A subsea well pumping system for installing and retrieving a hydraulically actuated down hole pump employed within the tubing suspended within casing extending from above a seabed, the system having a wellhead assembly affixed to the upper end of the casing for supporting the tubing and including provision for hydraulically communicating with the interior of the casing and the tubing, a remotely controllable main valve affixed to the tubing at its upper end, a tubular pump lubricator affixed at its lower end to the main valve, a removable pump latch sealably closing the pump lubricator at its upper end and having a pump catcher extending downwardly therefrom for removably latching onto the pump and a system for guiding the pump suspended form the pump catcher into the pump lubricator whereby the pump can be moved downwardly in the tubing into a pumping position by fluid injected into the tubing and can be moved upwardly in the tubing into a retrievable position for grasping by the pump catcher by fluid inject

Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.

Abstract: A containment apparatus is provided for containing fluids, such as oil and salt water leaking from a wellhead, and storing such fluids for re-use or disposal. The apparatus is capable of quick installation without interfering with wellhead operation, and requires few if any tools.

Abstract: Methods and apparati are disclosed for continuous circulation of drilling fluids while adding or removing tubulars to and from a drill string, and also for continuing drilling during the addition or removal of tubulars to and from the drill string.

Abstract: A method for drilling wells in which the tubular (5) can be added or removed from the drill string (17) whilst the drill is rotating with the mud and drilling fluids being circulated continuously and kept separated from the environment to reduce pollution. A connector is used with an inlet (15) and outlet (10) for the mud etc. and which incorporates rams (11) to seal off and separate the flow of mud as a tubular is added or removed.

Abstract: Methods and apparati are disclosed for continuous circulation of drilling fluids while adding or removing tubulars to and from a drill string, and also for continuing drilling during the addition or removal of tubulars to and from the drill string.

Abstract: A oil well stuffing box containment system is disclosed, which may be used for containing leaks from an oil well stuffing box which is used to seal around the polish rod which is connected to the rod string. The disclosed apparatus comprises a secondary container which encloses the stuffing box, a drain from the secondary container, and a storage container which is used for collecting any liquids which are drained from the secondary container. The secondary container has an upper seal for sealing around the polish rod, and a lower seal which seals around a member of the production tree. A disclosed alternative embodiment provides means for injecting the escaped liquids back into the production system.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of wellbore fluid within a stand of pipe when breaking out joints of a wellbore tubular string. The system comprises a container that can be mounted to seal around the joint. The container is preferably connected through a first valve to a receiving tank to which a vacuum may be applied. A vacuum tank may preferably be provided to assist in producing the vacuum in the receiving tank and a second valve preferably connects between the receiving tank and the vacuum tank. A third valve may be provided for controlling flow from the receiving tank to a storage tank for wellbore fluid. Prior to breaking the joint, a vacuum is preferably applied to the receiving tank. The first valve may then be opened to remove the fluid from the joint that is captured by the container in response to the vacuum in the receiving tank. Subsequently, the third valve is opened to permit drainage between the receiving tank and the storage tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparati are disclosed for continuous circulation of drilling fluids while adding or removing tubulars to and from a drill string, and also for continuing drilling during the addition or removal of tubulars to and from the drill string.

Abstract: A fluid collection system for connection upon a wellhead. The collection system includes a fluid collection pan having an upwardly open fluid reservoir. The pan is adapted to be connected in-line with a wellhead conduit. The pan has an upwardly convex floor adapted to direct collected fluids in the reservoir toward a peripheral trough that is formed between the floor and a surrounding side wall to the floor. One or more drains is positioned at the trough for accommodating withdrawal of collected fluid therefrom. A wellhead extension conduit is included that has a through bore configured for conveying well produced fluids from below the fluid collection pan to above the fluid reservoir. Preferably, the extension conduit and the pan are unitarily configured to permit on-site monolithic installation of the assembly upon a wellhead.

Abstract: A modular catch pan for wellheads includes a rigid pan body consisting of two detachably coupled sections, the body having a circular opening. A plurality of split annular adaptor collars are provided. Each of the adaptor collars has the same outer diameter so that any one of them can be fitted into the circular opening. Each of the adaptor collars has an outer circumferential sealing surface adapted to form a seal with the circular opening of the body. Each of the adaptor collars has an inner circumferential sealing surface. The size of the inner circumferential sealing surface and the distance of the inner circumferential sealing surface from the outer circumferential sealing surface varies between adaptor collars. The modular catch pan can be adapted to fit any installation by selecting a suitable adaptor collar.

Abstract: A method for drilling wells in which the tubular (5) can be added or removed from the drill string (17) while the drill is rotating with the mud and drilling fluids being circulated continuously and kept separated from the environment to reduce pollution. A connector is used with an inlet (15) and outlet (10) for the mud etc. and which incorporates rams (11) to seal off and separate the flow of mud as a tubular is added or removed.

Abstract: An oilwell leak containment apparatus for a completed oilwell includes a body segmented into two or more segments. Each of segment has a non-mating edge and a mating edge. The non-mating edge has an upstanding containment wall. When the segments are coupled together to form the body the upstanding containment wall extends around a peripheral edge of the body and defines a liquid containment cavity. The mating edge mates with an other segments. Each mating edge has an arcuate portion. When the segments are coupled together to complete the body the arcuate portions form a circular collar. The segments are connected together with quick release couplers. It is preferred that the quick release couplers be positioned within the liquid retaining cavity for ease of access.