Abstract: A method and system for automatically setting adjusting and monitoring load-based limits is capable of monitoring the hookload, rig weight and combined measured weight and compare those parameters to limits. If any of the hookload, rig weight or measured weight should increase to a level beyond its limit, the system is able to adjust the operation of the well service rig to limit damage to the equipment and danger to the operators and service personnel. The system is also capable of adjusting each of the limits as the weight of the rig and actual hookload change over time while conducting an activity to maintain the respective limits in the most beneficial range.

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.

Abstract: Novel hydraulic actuators and hydraulic setting assemblies are provided for use in downhole, oil and gas well tools. The novel hydraulic actuators include a cylindrical mandrel and an annular stationary sealing member connected to the mandrel. A hydraulic cylinder is slidably supported on the mandrel and stationary sealing member and is releasably fixed in position on the mandrel. The stationary sealing member divides the interior of the cylinder into a bottom hydraulic chamber and a top hydraulic chamber. An inlet port provides fluid communication into the bottom hydraulic chamber, and an outlet port provides fluid communication into the top hydraulic chamber. A balance piston is slidably supported within the top hydraulic chamber of the actuator. The piston includes an axially extending passageway. Fluid communication through the piston and between its upper and lower sides is controlled by a normally shut valve in the passageway.

Abstract: An anchor tool has a body, a plurality of slips coupled to the body, each of the slips hingedly coupled to a link at a first end, each of the slips slidably retained in a channel at a second end and each of the slips operably moveable from a retracted orientation to an expanded orientation.

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: 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: 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 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: A scanner instrument used for scanning tubing that is being placed into an oil well or being removed from the oil well can be calibrated during retrieval of tubing from the well. Calibrating the tube scanner includes scanning a tubing standard and comparing the data from the standard scan to the known characteristics of the standard. The relationship between the scanned data and the known characteristics can be computed. The relationship between the scanned data and the known characteristics can be used as the calibration function for the scanner. Calibrating the tube scanner can also include scanning a string of tubing segments and then adjusting the data collected. The adjustment is based upon equalizing the data peaks that occur in the scan data at the coupling joints between tube segments.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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.