Abstract: An apparatus includes a first housing portion comprising a first adjustable gripping system moveable between an engaged position that grips a cylindrical outer surface of a first tubular structure having a first diameter and a disengaged position that permits relative movement of the first housing portion and the first tubular structure. The apparatus also includes a second housing portion fixed relative to the first housing portion so that rotation of the first housing portion results in rotation of the second housing portion. The second housing portion includes a second gripping system to securely grip a cylindrical outer surface of a second tubular structure that is threadably attached to the first tubular structure and has a second diameter different than the first diameter. Methods of breaking tubing hanger connections are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for production testing. According to one aspect, the apparatus is modular and suitable for transport and assembly in the field. The apparatus comprises a platform and one or more pressure vessels. The platform includes a mounting bracket for the pressure vessel and the mounting bracket includes a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism allows the pressure vessel to be lowered into the mounting bracket and coupled to the platform for example using a load sling on a helicopter. According to another aspect, the pressure vessels comprise spherical containers and the spherical containers are configured to be heliportable to a field site.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first housing portion comprising a first adjustable gripping system moveable between an engaged position that grips a cylindrical outer surface of a first tubular structure having a first diameter and a disengaged position that permits relative movement of the first housing portion and the first tubular structure. The apparatus also includes a second housing portion fixed relative to the first housing portion so that rotation of the first housing portion results in rotation of the second housing portion. The second housing portion includes a second gripping system to securely grip a cylindrical outer surface of a second tubular structure that is threadably attached to the first tubular structure and has a second diameter different than the first diameter. Methods of breaking tubing hanger connections are also disclosed.

Abstract: A robotic system coupled to a racking platform of an oil well service or drilling rig comprising a base coupled to the racking platform at a fixed location, a mast pivotally coupled to the base by a mast pivot joint allowing rotation of the mast about a mast axis, a mast actuator for controllably rotating the mast about the mast pivot joint, an arm coupled to the mast and moveable along a radial direction with respect to the mast axis, an arm actuator for controllably moving the arm along the radial direction, an end effector pivotally coupled to an end of the arm by an end effector pivot joint allowing rotation of the end effector about an end effector axis oriented generally parallel to the mast axis, and an end effector actuator for controllably rotating the end effector about the end effector pivot joint. The end effector comprises at least one grabbing member operable to selectively grab an elongated object under control of a grabbing member actuator.

Abstract: An electrically-powered service rig utilizes an engine-driven generator to power a propulsion system, a drawworks system and a sandline system, all mounted on a single mobile platform. The rig utilizes lightweight permanent magnet motors to enable integration of the systems onto a single mobile platform which meets transport regulations. The rig's power plant is capable of powering other onsite equipment such as mud pump motors through use of umbilicals connected to the engine-driven generator.

Abstract: A method of automatic drilling of a well with coil tubing or drill pipe tubing utilizes AC motors coupled to variable frequency drives controlled by a programmable logic controller. For example, a coil tube injector is supported in a mast for injecting coil tube from a reel and into a wellbore for drilling the wellbore. The AC motors for the injector are driven for controlling a rate of injection of coil tube by the injector for maintaining at least one drilling parameter such as weight-on-bit, differential mud pressure or rate of penetration. The AC motor for the reel is also controlled for driving the reel and maintaining a relative rate of coil tube supplied from the reel to the injector. Drawworks and a top drive supported by the draworks can also be equipped with AC motors and variable frequency drives for controlling a drilling rate for maintaining at least one of the drilling parameters.