Abstract: A mobile service rig for wells includes a hoist powered by an internal combustion engine. In response to the hoist exerting a predetermined lifting force, the lifting force is limited by automatically limiting or reducing the speed of the engine.

Abstract: A well servicing system includes a computer-based system that monitors pumping or other service operations at a well site and monitors deliveries and withdrawals of chemicals at a bulk storage station. A GPS device or other location identifier provides a location value that identifies the location of the service vehicle. A GPS reading is triggered by actuation of the vehicle's parking brake, and the location value is recorded in association with a process-related transducer value. The transducer value is based on the service vehicle performing some type of service operation either at the well site or at the bulk storage station.

Abstract: A method of treating a formation at a lateral section of a well is disclosed. The lateral section has openings in a casing, which can be un-cemented. Treatment fluid with or without a proppant, such as sand slugs, is pumped into the well to induce fractures in the formation. 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: A strain gage apparatus for measuring the load applied to a derrick leg mechanically multiplies the deflection or distortion of a strain gage. The apparatus attaches to the derrick leg at two points that are spaced about five feet apart. Accumulated strain along the five-foot section moves one end of an elongate member a significant distance. The distance is much greater than any localized movement or minute strain in the derrick leg. The movement of the elongate member stresses a reaction member upon which the strain gage is mounted.

Abstract: A method of managing well file records includes storing a well file on a first computer at a home base location and communicating the well file to a second computer at a remote well site. The well file serves as a blueprint that describes the well and its various components, and can be a valuable a reference tool for crews doing repair or service work on the well. When the work involves replacing or changing any of the well components, the crew can immediately update the well file using the computer at the well site. In some cases, part numbers and other information are scanned into the computer to minimize human error. Information between the two computers is accomplished by way of a wireless communication link and the Internet.

Abstract: A magnetic induction device mounted at the wellhead that is capable of measuring changes in magnetic flux can recognize when a tubing joint or casing collar passes in or out of the well. The number of changes in magnetic flux directly correlates to the number of joints and collars that have passed, and therefore an accurate inventory of the number of lengths of casing or tubing that are run into the well can be automatically maintained.

Abstract: A tongs monitor for monitoring the tightening of tubing, casings, and sucker rods of a well is selectively operable in a learning mode and a monitoring mode. A target tightness value is determined during the learning mode. Subsequent tightness values are then compared to the target value. For example, a first connection is tightened in a conventional manner, while its tightness 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 tight the first connection was tightened. The tightness value of that first joint then becomes the target tightness value for any subsequent joints. As additional joints are tightened, their tightness are 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 of monitoring service operations performed on a well involves creating, directly at the well site, a cohesive report of what work was done to the well and which of several contractors did the work. The report includes supporting data generated by one or more transducers. The transducers sense various conditions of a process or service operation, which is being performed by a contractor with the assistance of a special service vehicle. The report is computer generated and can be conveyed from a remote well site to a home base location using two computers communicating across a wireless communication link. The method is particularly useful when the work at the well involves several independent contractors using different service vehicles to perform different service operations.

Abstract: A method monitors servicing operations of a vehicle capable for example of pumping various fluid treatments down into a well being serviced at a well site. The method records the vehicle's engine speed and the values of one or more service-related variables, such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, and pump strokes per minute. These variables are recorded as a function of the time of day in accordance with when they were sensed, and are associated with a well site identifier to form a data record. Global Positioning System data associated with the service vehicle assists in determining the well site identifier or can constitute the well site identifier. In some embodiments, the data record is communicated over a wireless communication link from a remote well site to a central office.

Abstract: A method monitors pumping operations of a vehicle that pumps various fluid treatments down into a well being serviced at a well site. The method records the vehicle's engine speed and the values of one or more fluid-related variables, such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, and pump strokes per minute. The values are recorded as a function of the time of day that the variables and engine speed were sensed. In some embodiments, the recorded values are communicated over a wireless communication link from a remote well site to a central office.