Abstract: A control system and method for operating a well completion system utilizing at least one computer programmed in one embodiment to automatically operate the movement of pipe from a pipe tub to the mast and into the well and/or for movement of the pipe out of the well and/or back into the pipe tub. In one embodiment, the computer is programmed and/or configured to coordinate operation of a top drive, and/or a pipe tong, and/or a pipe moving member for moving pipe into and out of a mast, and/or a pipe transfer system for moving pipe to the pipe moving member. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one computer is mounted within a control van which may be positioned so that an operator within the control van can oversee operation of the well completion system.

Abstract: A guided transport unit and methods of guiding the transport unit for moving a superstructure in precise angular movements over a surface are disclosed. The guided transport unit comprises a skid pad, a vertical displacing member engaged with the skid pad, a base operatively associated with the vertical displacing member, and a directional actuator. The base includes a planar element for engaging the surface over which the superstructure is transported, and a carrier for moving the vertical displacing member and skid pad relative to the surface. The directional actuator controls and secures the relationship among the vertical displacing member, the base, and the skid pad for positioning the base in a predetermined direction to engage the surface, setting the carrier to move each skid pad in a predetermined direction across the planar element of the base, and repositioning the base in another direction for movement of the guided transport unit.

Abstract: A flow back process usable on a well during a drilling operation includes the steps of flowing the commingled well fluids and solids into a surface-mounted flow back system under wellbore pressure. Alternatively, a flow back process includes the steps of connecting a surface-mounted flow back system to the well while the well is in an underbalanced condition. The operation of sequentially drilling through each of a plurality of isolation plugs is then initiated while flowing the well fluids and plug fragments into a surface-mounted flow back system. In yet another aspect, a large particle filter includes a filter section, a monitoring assembly, a bypass system and a purge assembly. The large particle filter can be connected to a Christmas tree and used to remove plug fragments from commingled flow leaving the well during a drilling operation.