Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The mast assembly can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g., perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or the earth's surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, and the top drive or a similar drive system can be engaged with and move along the mast while remaining above the wellbore.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes. The present disclosure relates to a system and method for observing a facility for lowering a string comprising joints of a conduit into a well. The system and method provide a vehicle comprising a cabin, a base and an extending portion between the cabin and the base, the cabin is for observing the facility and for positioning with respect to the facility, the base is for providing motion to the vehicle, and the extending portion is adapted for movement of the cabin in at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The mast assembly can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g., perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or the earth's surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, and the top drive or a similar drive system can be engaged with and move along the mast while remaining above the wellbore. The top drive can be engaged with a support fixture that resists torque and rotation during operation. The support fixture can in turn be engaged with the mast to transfer torque forces to the mast while being vertically movable along the mast to enable positioning of the top drive.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for controlling the coordination of pressure control equipment such as a BOP stack and/or a snubbing unit and/or other pressure control equipment in a well completion system while moving pipes into or out of a wellbore under pressure. In one embodiment, a moveable clamp and a fixed clamp are provided. The moveable clamp is clamped to a pipe while the fixed clamp is open so that the moveable clamp either moves the pipe into the well or pulls it out of the well. The fixed clamp is then clamped to the pipe. The moveable clamp is unclamped and moves to another position whereupon the process is repeated. A computer controls operation of the moveable clamp, fixed clamp, seals, and pipe moving equipment which moves pipe into and out of the mast.

Abstract: A mast assembly for a transportable rig which accommodates the height of wellhead equipment such as BOP and/or valve stacks and permits orientation of a top drive rotor in the mast directly over the wellhead as the top drive moves up and down in the mast. In one embodiment, the mast contains a base portion that supports a moveable portion of the mast assembly. In one embodiment, angularly rearwardly oriented supports are utilized to provide an open space to accommodate the height of the wellhead equipment between upright rails on which the top drive moves so that the top drive rotor can be aligned with the bore of the wellhead equipment.

Abstract: A method for deploying a mobile rig system to a well site. A control van is transported to the well site for controlling drilling operations. A rig carrier is utilized to transport the mast assembly and position the mast adjacent a wellhead. The mast assembly is raised to an upright position and is remotely operable from the control van. A skid mounted pipe moving member is transported to the well site and positioned on an opposite end of the wellhead from the mast assembly. The pipe moving member is remotely operable from the control van. The skid is interconnected to the rig carrier for maintaining a fixed distance between the mast assembly and the pipe moving member. A carrier support member is fastened at the interconnection point and extended outwards to stabilize the mast assembly. Hydraulic actuators are utilized to level the mast assembly with a ground surface.

Abstract: A mobile rig for use in lowering a string comprising joints of a conduit into a well is provided with a rig transporter comprising a motorized unit, a mast assembly, a pivotal connection on the mast assembly with respect to the rig transporter. At least one hydraulic arm is pivotally mounted to the rig transporter and the mast assembly operable to move the mast to an upright position and for lowering the mast to a substantially horizontal position for transportation. In one embodiment, a top drive is mounted in the mast which is raised and lowered with the mast whereby the top drive is transported in the mast in the substantially horizontal position.

Abstract: A traveling top drive sheave system includes in one embodiment a rig carrier, a mast assembly pivotally attached to the rig carrier comprising guide rails and a crown block, a top drive fixture, and a traveling sheave block. The mast assembly is moveable to a generally perpendicular position with respect to the rig carrier, providing the top drive access to a wellhead. The top drive is mounted within the mast assembly and is supported along guide rails to be vertically moveable along a same axis as the wellhead. In one embodiment, the traveling sheave block has an axis offset from the crown block to enhance the reeving of a drilling line between both blocks. In another embodiment, the system contains guide rails and rollers whereby at least one of the rollers or guide rails has a groove and the other is sized to mate with said groove for facilitating vertical movement along said mast assembly.

Abstract: An ejection mechanism, which in one embodiment selectively ejects pipe joints to either side of a pipe arm and method for manufacturing the same. A pipe arm contains a plurality of pipe receptacles for receiving pipe joints. Pipe ejection arms are operatively connected to an ejection control mechanism. In one embodiment, at least one torsional member and/or at least one hydraulic actuator allow an operator to selectively eject pipe joints to either lateral side of the pipe arm as needed during drilling and production operations.

Abstract: A rig interconnection support and method for providing relatively precise and constant positioning between a rig carrier drilling mast assembly and a skid such as a skid mounted pipe arm for manufacturing the same. Rig interconnection supports, in one embodiment, utilize a pair of interconnectors positioned on opposite sides of well that align a rig carrier with the skid mounted pipe arm or other skid at a lower end.

Abstract: A transportable rig apparatus provides single operator control for moving pipe into and out of a wellbore. A transportable control van houses the operator. A rig carrier is utilized to transport the mast. A pipe tong is mounted in the mast and is remotely operable from the control van. Rig blocks which move up and down in the mast are remotely operable from control van. A skid mounted pipe moving member moves pipe to the mast assembly and away from the mast assembly. The pipe moving member remotely is operable from the control van. A pipe tub stores pipe and a pipe tub transfer system is operable for moving pipe from the pipe tub to the pipe moving member and for moving pipe from the pipe moving member to the pipe tub.

Abstract: A transportable rig apparatus provides for well completion operations while also providing a rig apparatus that readily resists or negates the effects of dynamic wind forces or other weather phenomenon. More particularly, the transportable rig apparatus provides a mast assembly that can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g. perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or ground surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, the mast assembly providing a mast apparatus that readily resists or negates the effects of strong winds or other weather phenomenon.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The mast assembly can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g., perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or the earth's surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, and the top drive or a similar drive system can be engaged with and move along the mast while remaining above the wellbore. The top drive can be engaged with a support fixture that resists torque and rotation during operation. The support fixture can in turn be engaged with the mast to transfer torque forces to the mast while being vertically movable along the mast to enable positioning of the top drive.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The mast assembly can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g., perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or the earth's surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, and the top drive or a similar drive system can be engaged with and move along the mast while remaining above the wellbore. The top drive can be engaged with a support fixture that resists torque and rotation during operation. The support fixture can in turn be engaged with the mast to transfer torque forces to the mast while being vertically movable along the mast to enable positioning of the top drive.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The control system can be used to automate operations of the completion system to facilitate rapid and safe make-up and breaking of tubular connections.

Abstract: A pipe clamp mechanism and method for use with a pipe arm retracts beneath two laterally positioned pipe guide surfaces in a retracted position to allow a pipe to roll laterally into a pipe receptacle on the pipe arm along either of the two pipe guide surfaces. After at least one pipe is positioned within the pipe receptacle, then the pipe clamp utilizes one or more pipe clamps which extend outwardly of the pipe guide surfaces to clamp the pipe into the pipe receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a wellhead or BOP stack with a mast assembly comprising a sensor which provides an initial alignment between a mast and a wellhead or BOP stack. A mast assembly is transported to a well site by a rig carrier which positions the mast assembly adjacent a wellhead, or BOP stack. The mast assembly is raised to an upright position whereby a rear portion of the mast extends over the wellhead. Sensors mounted to the top drive, crow, well head, or mast can be used to align the mast with the wellhead.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a pipe handling system which includes a pipe handling skid with a pipe arm being able to raise along a vertical plane to pass off a joint of pipe to a mast and top drive. Further, the present disclosure includes a pipe handling system having pipe tubs for transporting and delivering joint of pipe to the pipe arm for insertion into a well. Further, the present disclosure includes a pipe handling system having pipe tubs for transporting and delivering joints of pipe to the pipe arm for insertion into a well. Further, the present pipe handling system and method of use contemplates the use in conjunction with a portable rig carrier for completing hydrocarbon producing wells.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The control system can be used to automate operations of the completion system to facilitate rapid and safe make-up and breaking of tubular connections.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The control system can be used to automate operations of the completion system to facilitate rapid and safe make-up and breaking of tubular connections.