Abstract: A system and process for predicting the failure of a machine begins with the step of loading a slope signature library into the control system, in which the slope signature library correlates time-to-failure based on rates of change of one or more measured conditions. The process includes the steps of activating the machine, determining baseline measurements, and detecting an out-of-spec measurement. Once an out-of-spec measurement is made, the process includes the determination of the rate of change for the out-of-spec measurement. A slope signature is calculated based on the rate of change for the measured condition, which is compared against the slope signature library to determine a predicted time-to-failure based on the calculated slope signature, and outputting the predicted time-to-failure. The process can be used to modify the operation of the machine to extend the predicted time-to-failure.

Abstract: An annular dual barrier seal includes a pair of axially extending inner seal lips and a pair of axially extending outer seal lips, the pair of inner seal lips are connected to the pair of outer seal lips by a radially outwardly extending web portion. The pair of inner seal lips extend axially by a first dimension and the pair of outer seal lips extend axially by a second dimension which is greater than the first dimension. The pair of inner seal lips have a sealing surface that is one of partially toroidal and partially elliptical and that engage the radially inwardly facing first sealing surface and the pair of outer seal lips have a sealing surface that is one of partially toroidal, partially elliptical and conical.

Abstract: A pipe connection swivel joint assembly includes a pipe member having an end flange with a conical proximal surface. A split ring assembly includes a pair of swivel ring halves each having a conical inner surface disposed against the conical proximal surface of the pipe member. The pair of swivel ring halves further include a plurality of mounting holes extending axially through the pair of swivel ring halves and a plurality of ring fastening holes. An outer ring is connected to the pair of swivel ring halves by a plurality of split ring fasteners engaged with the plurality of ring fastening holes. The outer ring supports a pair of distance plates that are disposed between opposing ends of the pair of swivel ring halves.

Abstract: The pipe ball joint includes a casing having a socket portion with a substantially spherical interior surface and a first pipe segment extending from the socket portion. The socket portion has an annular groove disposed adjacent the partially spherical interior surface. A ball pipe section includes a ball segment received in the socket portion of the casing and a second pipe segment extending from the ball segment. A seal assembly is received in the annular groove of the casing and is disposed against the ball segment of the ball pipe section. The seal assembly includes a plurality of nested seal rings that each include a concave face and a convex face.

Abstract: A longitudinal expansion joint for piping systems, includes a first casing member and a second casing member telescopically engaged with a second end of the first casing member, the second casing member having a first end adapted to connect to a second pipe and having a second end with a flange portion having a threaded outer surface. A longitudinal adjustment mechanism for longitudinally adjusting a position of the second casing member relative to the first casing member. A locking sleeve for locking a longitudinal position of the second casing member relative to the first casing member. A sealing system including a seal unit disposed between the first casing member, and the second casing member and a push plate disposed against the seal unit. A seal energizing system pushes against the push plate to energize the seal unit to seal between the first casing member and the second casing member.

Abstract: A system and process for predicting the failure of a machine begins with the step of loading a slope signature library into the control system, in which the slope signature library correlates time-to-failure based on rates of change of one or more measured conditions. The process includes the steps of activating the machine, determining baseline measurements, and detecting an out-of-spec measurement. Once an out-of-spec measurement is made, the process includes the determination of the rate of change for the out-of-spec measurement. A slope signature is calculated based on the rate of change for the measured condition, which is compared against the slope signature library to determine a predicted time-to-failure based on the calculated slope signature, and outputting the predicted time-to-failure. The process can be used to modify the operation of the machine to extend the predicted time-to-failure.

Abstract: A pipeline misalignment flange includes a socket member having a first smaller spherical internal surface, the socket member having a first face surrounding the first substantially spherical internal surface, the first face having a recessed channel. A retainer member includes a second larger spherical internal surface, the socket member and the retainer member being fastened together. A ball member includes a first smaller spherical external surface for engaging the socket member and a second larger spherical external surface for engaging the retainer member. The second larger spherical external surface includes an axially protruding portion with an undercut, the ball member being pivotable relative to the socket member such that the axially protruding portion of the second larger spherical external surface is received in the recessed channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjusting a composition, pressure, and/or flow rate of a mixed refrigerant (MR) fluid in a liquefaction system to provide refrigeration to natural gas (NG) feedstock to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG). The MR fluid that is in circulation within a liquefaction system can include heavy components and light components. During LNG production, heavy components and/or light components of the MR fluid can be selectively removed from, and reintroduce into the MR fluid, thereby altering the composition of the remaining MR fluid in circulation. Adjusting the composition of the MR fluid in circulation within a liquefaction system can allow the system to be optimized to maximize efficiency, LNG production, and or profitability while the system is in operation.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes an outer member defining a bore and an inner member received in the bore of the outer member and one of the outer member and the inner member defining a shoulder portion. An inner circular cross-section metallic ring member and an outer circular cross-section metallic ring member are disposed between the outer member and inner member and against the shoulder portion. A wedge member engages the inner circular cross-section metallic ring member and the outer circular cross-section metallic ring member for applying an axial force against each of the inner and outer circular cross-section metallic ring members in a direction toward the shoulder portion and for applying a radially outer force against the outer circular cross-section metallic ring member and for applying a radially inner force against the inner circular cross-section metallic ring member.

Abstract: A system that can offload compressed gas from a storage tank to a customer site. The system can have a fluid circuit that is configured to fit within a container structure, like a trailer, for mobility to remote locations. This fluid circuit can include a transfer unit to automatically switch between tanks. The transfer unit can couple with a heat exchanger. Downstream of the heat exchanger, the fluid circuit can reduce pressure of fluid from the tanks through multiple pressure reduction stages. Each of the pressure reduction stages can include a throttling device, for example, a pilot-type fluid regulator and a control valve assembly. The throttling device may be selected to maintain flow of fluid at least at, e.g., 35,000 scfh, in accordance with pressure drops in the incoming fluid from the tanks.

Abstract: A spherical blow out preventer annular seal is provided for sealing around a pipe. The blow out preventer includes a housing adapted to be disposed around the pipe and having a generally spherical interior surface. A seal body includes a plurality of metallic inserts arranged side by side in an annular pattern and each includes a base portion and a wedge shaped extension having a partially spherical outer surface terminating at a tip end. An annular elastomeric body is over-molded on the base portions of the plurality of metallic inserts with the partially spherical outer surface of each of the wedge shaped extensions being supported in engagement with the interior spherical surface of the housing. A piston is engaged with the seal body to press the metallic inserts upward and inward against the generally spherical interior surface of the housing so as to come together tangentially around the pipe.

Abstract: A rotary coupling includes an annular outer section which has a female end, a threaded portion, and a Z-ring relief. A connector pipe has a connection end, a shoulder, and a seal end. A Z-ring is housed within the Z-ring relief and packing seals are housed within a packing chamber; and a retainer ring is threadably received into the threaded portion of the outer section. The retainer ring receives compression screws there-through, wherein in the engaged position the compression screws urge a packing end of the Z-ring longitudinally against packing seals thereby compressing the packing seals into the packing chamber creating a seal. The compression screws are movable between an engaged and disengaged position in order that in the disengaged position the compression pressure against the Z-ring and packing seals is released by backing off the compression screws without disassembly of the rotary coupling.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for geophysical surveying are disclosed. In one embodiment, a marine vehicle may obtain magnetic measurements in a location around a drilling site. The magnetic measurements may be used to calculate a localized disturbance magnetic field resulting from, for example, solar flares. The localized disturbance magnetic field may be used to calculate a declination value and, thus, a wellbore position with improved accuracy.

Abstract: A spherical blow out preventer annular seal is provided for sealing around a pipe. The blow out preventer includes a housing adapted to be disposed around the pipe and having a generally spherical interior surface. A seal body includes a plurality of metallic inserts arranged side by side in an annular pattern and each includes a base portion and a wedge shaped extension having a partially spherical outer surface terminating at a tip end. An annular elastomeric body is over-molded on the base portions of the plurality of metallic inserts with the partially spherical outer surface of each of the wedge shaped extensions being supported in engagement with the interior spherical surface of the housing. A piston is engaged with the seal body to press the metallic inserts upward and inward against the generally spherical interior surface of the housing so as to come together tangentially around the pipe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for geophysical surveying are disclosed. In one embodiment, a marine vehicle may obtain magnetic measurements in a location around a drilling site. The magnetic measurements may be used to calculate a localized disturbance magnetic field resulting from, for example, solar flares. The localized disturbance magnetic field may be used to calculate a declination value and, thus, a wellbore position with improved accuracy.

Abstract: A packing element comprising a tube having a longitudinal length. The tube includes a first end and a second end opposing the first end, an external portion including a plurality of circumferential ribs, and an internal portion opposing the external portion. The internal portion of the tube includes i) a central portion extending along a portion of the longitudinal length of the tube between the first end and second end of the tube, wherein the central portion includes a relief, ii) a first tapered portion radially tapering along the longitudinal length from the central portion towards the first end, and iii) a second tapered portion tapering along the longitudinal length from the central portion towards the second end.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for collecting operational data at remote oil and natural gas sites, such as wells, and or processing and refinery plants. One such system comprises a remote transmitter and/or controller at the site and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), such as a drone aircraft, configured for aerial dispatch to the remote site and wireless connection to the remote transmitter for subsequent relay or upload of data to an external processor. The UAV may include still or video cameras for collecting images around the well site that can be uploaded and transmitted to the external processor. The system may also include logic-based applications allowing for feedback control of the well site to change operational parameters based on the received data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for geophysical surveying are disclosed. In one embodiment, a marine vehicle may obtain magnetic measurements in a location around a drilling site. The magnetic measurements may be used to calculate a localized disturbance magnetic field resulting from, for example, solar flares. The localized disturbance magnetic field may be used to calculate a declination value and, thus, a wellbore position with improved accuracy.

Abstract: A seal stack including a sealing element including an annular seal ring having a diameter and an axis defined therethrough perpendicular to the diameter, a groove defined in the seal ring, wherein the groove has an opening at a first end of the seal ring, and a swellable energizer disposed in the groove, wherein the swellable energizer swells upon exposure to a solvent causing the seal ring to expand. The seal stack also includes a first annular back-up and a second annular back-up provided at opposing ends of the sealing element, wherein said first back-up includes an interior surface that receives a second end of the sealing element.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a casing seal for a wellhead, including a casing with an internal surface having an annular groove therein. A fluid seal is disposed in the annular groove and includes an internal bead for sealing against a cylindrical surface of an inner case or tube. A swellable material is disposed within the annular groove and surrounds the fluid seal. An energizing port is in communication with the annular groove for delivering fluid to the swellable material to cause the swellable material to expand and further load the fluid seal.