Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for controlling the operations of a well service rig at a well site by evaluating load sensor data obtained from sensors on or associated with the well service rig. A rig load data chart can be reviewed and an average rig load can be determined for each pull of tubing or rods from a well. The average rig load can be used to calculate and set a rig overload level. If the rig load sensor reads a rig load at or above the rig overload level, the clutch for the hoist can be disengaged and the brake applied to prevent the load from either damaging the rig or breaking off the tubing or rods in the well. In addition, the rig load can be evaluated to determine when the limit the block speed when pulling rods or tubing.

Abstract: Make-up speed for a tongs drive system is monitored and controlled to maintain the speed within a limited target range either throughout the make-up process or during the final portion of the make-up process, thereby improving make-up consistency and allowing for improved evaluation or torque during the make-up process. An encoder generates speed and position data during the make-up process. The speed data is compared to a target speed, which is based on rod and/or tongs characteristics. If the speed does not match the target speed or is not within a range of the target speed, a signal is transmitted to the tongs drive to adjust the speed accordingly. Furthermore, position data from the encoder, or other position sensors, provide position data for the rod during the make-up process to limit or vary the speed control parameters during different portions of the make-up process.

Abstract: Efficiency of a hydraulically driven system is evaluated by monitoring the change in ratio of output torque to input hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic pressure data is received from a hydraulic sensor. The torque data is received from a load cell receiving a force transmitted to it by a back-up wrench. Filters are applied to the data to obtain peak levels of torque and hydraulic pressure. A ratio is generated for each process associated with a rod or other elongated member based on peak torque and hydraulic pressure levels achieved during the process. The ratio is stored and compared to historical ratios to determine if the ratio has changed more than a predetermined amount over time. A similar evaluation can be achieved by comparing speed generated on the elongated member by the hydraulically driven system to the current level controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulically driven system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying depth of positional data with tubing analysis data obtained by instruments analyzing tubing sections being withdrawn from a well includes an apparatus for communicably linking an encoder or other positional or depth sensors to the tubing analysis data processor. In addition, sensors capable of detected collars holding pieces of tubing section together can transmit signals to the analysis data processor that a collar has been detected and insert collar location information into the analysis data. Furthermore, information based on the length of the individual pieces of tubing or the data from the encoder or other positional sensor can be analyzed or associated with the analysis data and displayed with the analysis data by overlaying a depth component on a display of the analysis data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for an off-site supervisor or well owner to evaluate the rig load data provided by a well service rig at a well site by evaluating charts of sensor data obtained from sensors on or associated with the well service rig. A rig load data chart can be reviewed and activities completed by the rig identified based on the data curves on the rig load data chart. In addition the hook load carried by the service rig can be determined by evaluating the rig load data charts of sensor data. Furthermore, well bore and tubing conditions in the well can be analyzed based on the rig load data in the rig load data charts while tubing and rods are being pulled from the well or well bore.

Abstract: A method for evaluating rod quality and wellbore dynamics includes receiving information about the rod size and tong type for a rod pulling operation. Expected breakout pressures can be determined based on the rod size and/or tong type and can be input into an evaluation system. Upper and lower limits for acceptable rod breakout pressures can be calculated based on the expected breakout pressure and/or rod size. Actual rod breakout pressures can be evaluated while pulling rods from a well and compared to the upper and lower limits. Rod breakout pressures below the lower limit or above the upper limit can generate an alarm notifying a rig operator to evaluate the condition of the rod to determine if the rod can be reused. The rod breakout pressures can be recorded as breakout pressure data for further evaluation, including determinations of improper rod make-up and poor well conditions.

Abstract: An instrument, such as a wall-thickness, rod-wear, or pitting sensor, can monitor tubing as a field service crew extracts the tubing from an oil well or inserts the tubing into the well. A digital system can process data from the instrument to improve the data's fidelity, quality, or usefulness. Digital signal processing can comprise filtering or otherwise manipulating the data to provide refined data that a person or machine can readily interpret. For example, a graphical representation of the refined data can help an operator evaluate whether a segment of tubing is fit for continued service. Processing tubing data can comprise applying a flexible level of filtering, smoothing, or averaging to the data, wherein the level changes based on a criterion or according to a rule. The level can vary in response to a change in tubing speed, noise in the raw data, or some other parameter.

Abstract: An instrument, such as a wall-thickness, rod-wear, or pitting sensor, can monitor tubing as a field service crew extracts the tubing from an oil well or inserts the tubing into the well. A computer-based system can process data from the instrument to evaluate the validity of the data. Validating the data can comprise determining whether any features, structures, or patterns present in the data correlate with actual tubing defects or were caused by a condition unrelated to tubing quality, such as signal noise. The computer-based system can also analyze the data to deduce information about the performance of the well or to determine the well's operating state or status. For example, the data analysis can determine whether the well's fluids have a chemical condition that should be treated or whether a detrimental harmonic oscillation has been occurring in the well's mechanical pumping system.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a tubing section with multiple sensors at a consistent speed to improve the analysis and grading of tubing retrieved from an oil well. An analysis speed can be pre-set or input based on the tubing being analyzed and the sensors employed. The analysis data can be retrieved and charted based on whether the data was obtained within the required analysis speed. The data can then be displayed for grading and color-coded based on the data obtained within the required ranged and that obtained outside the range. Further, the display can remove the data obtained outside the required range and link together the remaining data to improve the grading process of the tubing sections.

Abstract: A target pressure value is determined during the learning mode. Subsequent pressure values are then compared to the target value. For example, a first connection is tightened in a conventional manner, while its pressure is monitored during the learning mode. If the tightening process went well, then an operator pushes a button that tells the monitor to remember how much pressure was used on the tongs to tighten the first connection. The pressure value of that first joint then becomes the target pressure value for any subsequent joints. As additional joints are tightened, the pressure applied to the tongs is monitored and compared to the first one to ensure that all the joints are as good as the first one within an allowable tolerance.

Abstract: An operator of a well service rig can retrieve and monitor a display of data on the position of a block during rod and tubing insertion and removal. The operator inputs into the system a minimum and maximum height range that he wants the block to operate within. Data is provided to the operator, in real-time, on a charted display relative to the maximum and minimum position input by the operator to assist the operator in evaluating the position of the block prior to a crown-out or floor-out. In addition methods are provided for evaluating the activities conducted by a rig based on evaluation of the block position data in order to supervise a rig operation from an off-site site location. Furthermore, the technology allows the operator or supervisor to determine the speed of the block during operations by evaluating encoder velocity data provided by an encoder velocity chart.

Abstract: The brake system includes a brake lever independent of, but capable of rotating about the same point as a bell crank. Upon receiving a downward force, a member extending from the lever strikes a portion of the bell crank and generates a force that cause the bell crank to rotate. Rotational action of the bell crank transfers rotational energy to an equalizer bar thorough a linkage system. The equalizer bar's rotation increases or decreases tension on brake bands that slow a tubing drum. A cylinder can activate and cause the equalizer bar to rotate, applying tension to the brake bands and slowing the drum. Rotational energy is transferred back to the bell crank through the linkage. The rotational energy is absorbed by a spring positioned between the bell crank and the brake lever, thereby reducing the amount of sudden force passed through the brake lever to an operator.

Abstract: A task input is received at a well service rig. The maximum allowable speed is determined for the task. Current block speed inputs are received. The throttle position for the engine controlling the block is evaluated to determine if the block is to be sped up or slowed down. When the throttle position indicates the operator is attempting to speed up the block, the current block speed is compared to the maximum allowable speed and the engine is only allowed to speed up the block up to the maximum allowable speed, at which point the operators control of block speed is limited to reducing block speed. Each task can have multiple maximum allowable speeds, which can vary based on specified conditions. When the hookload is light or the remaining equipment in the well is small, the lock-up feature for the transmission can be disengaged in addition to the block speed governing feature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for controlling the operations of a well service rig at a well site by evaluating load sensor data obtained from sensors on or associated with the well service rig. A rig load data chart can be reviewed and an average rig load can be determined for each pull of tubing or rods from a well. The average rig load can be used to calculate and set a rig overload level. If the rig load sensor reads a rig load at or above the rig overload level, the clutch for the hoist can be disengaged and the brake applied to prevent the load from either damaging the rig or breaking off the tubing or rods in the well. In addition, the rig load can be evaluated to determine when the limit the block speed when pulling rods or tubing.

Abstract: A method for evaluating rod quality and wellbore dynamics includes receiving information about the rod size and tong type for a rod pulling operation. Expected breakout pressures can be determined based on the rod size and/or tong type and can be input into an evaluation system. Upper and lower limits for acceptable rod breakout pressures can be calculated based on the expected breakout pressure and/or rod size. Actual rod breakout pressures can be evaluated while pulling rods from a well and compared to the upper and lower limits. Rod breakout pressures below the lower limit or above the upper limit can generate an alarm notifying a rig operator to evaluate the condition of the rod to determine if the rod can be reused. The rod breakout pressures can be recorded as breakout pressure data for further evaluation, including determinations of improper rod make-up and poor well conditions.

Abstract: The technology disclosed herein provides a multiple sensor system that prevents crown incursion by a traveling block in an oil rig. This system calculates traveling block position, traveling block velocity and weight supported by the traveling block, and uses this information to calculate emergency stopping positions to prevent crown out by the traveling block. The system takes all these parameters into consideration when slowing and/or stopping the traveling block when it reaches a crown out position. The result is much safer operation of the traveling block on a workover rig, as well as on an oil drilling rig.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for an off-site supervisor or well owner to evaluate the rig load data provided by a well service rig at a well site by evaluating charts of sensor data obtained from sensors on or associated with the well service rig. A rig load data chart can be reviewed and activities completed by the rig identified based on the data curves on the rig load data chart. In addition the hook load carried by the service rig can be determined by evaluating the rig load data charts of sensor data. Furthermore, well bore and tubing conditions in the well can be analyzed based on the rig load data in the rig load data charts while tubing and rods are being pulled from the well or well bore.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for an off-site supervisor or well owner to evaluate the rig load data provided by a well service rig at a well site by evaluating charts of sensor data obtained from sensors on or associated with the well service rig. A rig load data chart can be reviewed and activities completed by the rig identified based on the data curves on the rig load data chart. In addition the hook load carried by the service rig can be determined by evaluating the rig load data charts of sensor data. Furthermore, well bore and tubing conditions in the well can be analyzed based on the rig load data in the rig load data charts while tubing and rods are being pulled from the well or well bore.

Abstract: A method of treating a formation at a lateral section of a well involves pumping treatment fluid with or without a proppant, such as sand slugs, into the well to induce fractures in the formation. The lateral section has openings in a casing, which can be un-cemented. The treatment fluid is pumped into the well to treat portions of the formation at the heel and toe of the lateral section without mechanically dividing the lateral section of the well. A concentration of degradable diverting agent is mixed with the treatment fluid, and the treatment fluid with agent is pumped into the well. The agent is pumped into the portions of the formation having the lowest fracture gradient, such as near the heel and toe of the lateral section. The pumped fluid is at least diverted from the heel and toe of the lateral section by the agent so that portions of the formation adjacent the middle portion of the lateral section can be treated the pumped fluid.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed towards a system designed to assist the rig operator by alerting him/her that the air pressure is too low to be using the drum clutch, to provide a log for studies on rig operation technique, and to provide a training tool for rig operators. If the pressure on the clutch bladder is above a predetermined range, the clutch is allowed to engage. If the signal is below the range, the clutch is assumed to have not been engaged. If the signal is within the range, the clutch is not allowed to engage and the rig operator is notified of the problem.