Patents Assigned to Key Energy Services, LLC
  • Patent number: 9879487
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to measurement and control systems and methods of improved spooling accuracy. Specifically, the systems and method disclosed herein provide techniques for accurately monitoring the depth of a sandline in a wellbore through sensing spool rotation, and controlling certain aspects of the spooling and/or producing certain notifications when the depth is above or below a certain threshold. Thus, the spool can be operated with increased diligence when it gets close to the wellhead. In certain example embodiments, the depth of the sandline is measured based at least partially on the number of spool rotations, compensating for decreasing length of sandline per layer of sandline on the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon S. Bell, David E. Lord, Rodney W. Hollums, Roger P. Burke
  • Publication number: 20170204687
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques and methods of tripping rods and tubulars. Specifically, the disclosure provides techniques for pulling a rod string out of hole and delivering the pulled out rod segments into a rod storage and racking system. The disclosure also provides techniques for pulling a tubular string out of hole and delivering the pulled out tubular segments into a tubular storage and racking system. The disclosure further provides techniques for delivering rods from the rod storage and racking system and running the rods down-hole. The disclosure also provides techniques for delivering tubulars from the tubular storage and racking system and running the tubulars down-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Publication number: 20170183954
    Abstract: As activities are completed at a well service rig, sensors receive data and transmit it to a computer or database for storage. The sensor data, including the time it takes to complete particular activities on the rig, is evaluated to determine benchmarks. For example, data from multiple instances of an activity is organized and evaluated to determine the median value for data in that activity. Outlier data is removed and the new median and moving range is determined. A natural process limit range is then determined based on the moving range and data for each instance is compared to the natural process limit range. Instances that have data outside of the natural process limit range are noted and go through supplemental analysis to determine why the data was outside of the natural process limit range. The data can also be evaluated against activity benchmarks to determine if an activity was completed properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Lynn W. Conine, Derrek Yorga
  • Patent number: 9657538
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques and methods of tripping rods and tubulars. Specifically, the disclosure provides techniques for pulling a rod string out of hole and delivering the pulled out rod segments into a rod storage and racking system. The disclosure also provides techniques for pulling a tubular string out of hole and delivering the pulled out tubular segments into a tubular storage and racking system. The disclosure further provides techniques for delivering rods from the rod storage and racking system and running the rods down-hole. The disclosure also provides techniques for delivering tubulars from the tubular storage and racking system and running the tubulars down-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Patent number: 9611707
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tong system which includes a tong assembly and at least one string gripping device. The tong assembly is configured to engage a rod or tubular string at the junction between a first rod or tubular and a second rod or tubular of a rod or tubular string and unthread the first rod or tubular from the second rod or tubular. The tong assembly can also thread the first rod or tubular onto the rod or tubular string. The string gripping device is configured to hold a tubular string for at least a portion of the time. The tong system further holds the rod or tubular string against torque applied onto the first rod or tubular by the tong assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Patent number: 9605498
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a racking system for receiving, storing, and/or delivering rods and tubulars. The racking system includes a rack having a plurality of beams configured to support a plurality of rods, a plurality of tubulars, or both. each of the plurality of beams includes a proximal end and a distal end. The racking system further includes a plurality of indexers aligned with or proximal to the proximal ends of the plurality of base beams, wherein each of the plurality of indexers includes a series of rotating holders configured to transport the plurality of rods, tubulars, or both to and from the rack. Additionally, the racking system further includes a jack coupled to the distal end each of the plurality of base beams, wherein the jack raises and lowers the distal end of the base beam in relation to the proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Patent number: 9562406
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a well service rig for tripping rods and tubulars. The well service rig includes a service rig base unit, a mast coupled to the well service rig base unit movable between a folded position and an upright position, a vertical guide mounted to the mast, and a traveling block system coupled to the vertical guide at a first end and configured to travel up and down at least a portion of a length of the vertical guide. The traveling block system is couplable to a rod, a tubular, or both at a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Patent number: 9470050
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a catwalk system. The catwalk system includes a base unit and a carriage disposed on the base unit and coupled to the base unit at one end and extends towards an opposite end of the base unit. The carriage is movable between a horizontal position and a sloped position, and between an extended position and a retracted position. The catwalk system further includes a racking system coupled to one or both sides of the base unit. The racking system includes a plurality of racking layers configured to store and support a plurality of rods and/or tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Patent number: 9458683
    Abstract: A well service rig system includes a well service rig, a catwalk, a racking system, and a tong system. The well service rig system provides techniques for tripping rods and/or tubulars with improved efficiency, such as reducing the need for operator intervention by providing process automation. The well service rig system is further adaptable for use with rods, tubulars, or both. The well servicing rig system also provides rod and/or tubular storage and delivery solutions via the integrated racking system. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides improved methods for tripping rods and/or tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Patent number: 9057227
    Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus and methods intended to facilitate the transportation of pipe between a rig floor and a rack of pipe. The pipe handling apparatus comprise in general a loading mechanism, which transports pipe between the pipe handler and a rig, and a racking mechanism, which transport pipe between a rack and the loader. The racking mechanism is adapted to selectively transport pipe from and deliver it to various levels in a rack of pipe. The racker comprises a pair of elevators, each of which has a pipe rest which is moveable between a hold position, in which pipe may be received therein and is restricted from rolling out of the pipe rest, and a release position, in which release position pipe may roll out of the pipe rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: E. Kent Tolman, Troy Dean Walton
  • Patent number: 9027416
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Conquergood, David Lord
  • Publication number: 20140216735
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to measurement and control systems and methods of improved spooling accuracy. Specifically, the systems and method disclosed herein provide techniques for accurately monitoring the depth of a sandline in a wellbore through sensing spool rotation, and controlling certain aspects of the spooling and/or producing certain notifications when the depth is above or below a certain threshold. Thus, the spool can be operated with increased diligence when it gets close to the wellhead. In certain example embodiments, the depth of the sandline is measured based at least partially on the number of spool rotations, compensating for decreasing length of sandline per layer of sandline on the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon S. Bell, David E. Lord, Rodney W. Hollums, Roger P. Burke
  • Publication number: 20140151021
    Abstract: A well service rig system includes a well service rig, a catwalk, a racking system, and a tong system. The well service rig system provides techniques for tripping rods and/or tubulars with improved efficiency, such as reducing the need for operator intervention by providing process automation. The well service rig system is further adaptable for use with rods, tubulars, or both. The well servicing rig system also provides rod and/or tubular storage and delivery solutions via the integrated racking system. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides improved methods for tripping rods and/or tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Publication number: 20140138080
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tong system which includes a tong assembly and at least one string gripping device. The tong assembly is configured to engage a rod or tubular string at the junction between a first rod or tubular and a second rod or tubular of a rod or tubular string and unthread the first rod or tubular from the second rod or tubular. The tong assembly can also thread the first rod or tubular onto the rod or tubular string. The string gripping device is configured to hold a tubular string for at least a portion of the time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Publication number: 20140138100
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques and methods of tripping rods and tubulars. Specifically, the disclosure provides techniques for pulling a rod string out of hole and delivering the pulled out rod segments into a rod storage and racking system. The disclosure also provides techniques for pulling a tubular string out of hole and delivering the pulled out tubular segments into a tubular storage and racking system. The disclosure further provides techniques for delivering rods from the rod storage and racking system and running the rods down-hole. The disclosure also provides techniques for delivering tubulars from the tubular storage and racking system and running the tubulars down-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Publication number: 20140140790
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a racking system for receiving, storing, and/or delivering rods and tubulars. The racking system includes a rack having a plurality of beams configured to support a plurality of rods, a plurality of tubulars, or both. each of the plurality of beams includes a proximal end and a distal end. The racking system further includes a plurality of indexers aligned with or proximal to the proximal ends of the plurality of base beams, wherein each of the plurality of indexers includes a series of rotating holders configured to transport the plurality of rods, tubulars, or both to and from the rack. Additionally, the racking system further includes a jack coupled to the distal end each of the plurality of base beams, wherein the jack raises and lowers the distal end of the base beam in relation to the proximal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Publication number: 20140138081
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a well service rig for tripping rods and tubulars. The well service rig includes a service rig base unit, a mast coupled to the well service rig base unit movable between a folded position and an upright position, a vertical guide mounted to the mast, and a traveling block system coupled to the vertical guide at a first end and configured to travel up and down at least a portion of a length of the vertical guide. The traveling block system is couplable to a rod, a tubular, or both at a second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Publication number: 20140140791
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a catwalk system. The catwalk system includes a base unit and a carriage disposed on the base unit and coupled to the base unit at one end and extends towards an opposite end of the base unit. The carriage is movable between a horizontal position and a sloped position, and between an extended position and a retracted position. The catwalk system further includes a racking system coupled to one or both sides of the base unit. The racking system includes a plurality of racking layers configured to store and support a plurality of rods and/or tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Patent number: 8684096
    Abstract: Anchor assemblies for installation within an existing conduit. The anchor assemblies have a nondeformable mandrel, an expandable metal sleeve, and a swage. The expandable metal sleeve is carried on the outer surface of the mandrel. The swage is supported for axial movement across the mandrel outer surface from a first position axially proximate to the sleeve to a second position under the sleeve. The movement of the swage from the first position to the second position expands the sleeve radially outward into contact with the existing conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Harris, Martin Alfred Stulberg
  • Patent number: 8590401
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Conquergood, David Lord