Abstract: According to one aspect, a system is adapted to actively control one or more operating parameters associated with: a wellbore extending in a subterranean formation, and/or wellbore fluid flowing out of the wellbore via a wellhead. The system includes one or more sensors; an electronic controller adapted to receive from the one or more sensors measurement data; and a valve through which the wellbore fluid is adapted to flow. The valve is adapted to be in communication with the electronic controller. The active control of the at least one of the one or more operating parameters is adapted to facilitate: maintenance of the integrity of the wellbore, and/or enhancement of oil and/or gas production out of the wellbore. In one embodiment, the wellbore fluid flow is frac flow-back. In another aspect, a system is adapted to monitor vent gas separated from wellbore fluid flowing out a wellhead.

Abstract: An oil and gas configuration is disclosed that creates and uses a single straight-line fluid path between a zipper module and a fracturing (or Christmas) tree. The single straight-line fluid path is created through connecting a series of valves (e.g., manual or automatic gate or plug valves) that coaxially share inner fluid passageways for transporting hydraulic fracturing fluid between the zipper module and the fracturing tree. The hydraulic fracturing fluid flows along the single straight-line fluid path upon from the zipper module to the fracturing tree. The fracturing tree is equipped with a multi-way block that directs—through one or more internal angled walls—the hydraulic fracturing fluid downward and toward a wellhead.

Abstract: An oil and gas configuration is disclosed that creates and uses a single straight-line fluid path between a zipper module and a fracturing (or Christmas) tree. The single straight-line fluid path is created through connecting a series of valves (e.g., manual or automatic gate or plug valves) that coaxially share inner fluid passageways for transporting hydraulic fracturing fluid between the zipper module and the fracturing tree. The hydraulic fracturing fluid flows along the single straight-line fluid path upon from the zipper module to the fracturing tree. The fracturing tree is equipped with a multi-way block that directs—through one or more internal angled walls—the hydraulic fracturing fluid downward and toward a wellhead.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a diffuser apparatus includes a first pipe having a first plurality of openings formed therein, the first pipe defining a first passageway that is adapted to receive a first portion of debris that is discharged from a well; a first housing within which the first pipe extends, the first housing comprising a first wall and a first outlet formed therein; and a first region formed between the first pipe and the first housing, the first region in communication with the first passageway via the first plurality of openings; wherein the first plurality of openings are circumferentially and axially spaced along the first pipe to pass the first portion of the debris from the first passageway to the first region; and wherein the first outlet is sized such that the first portion of the debris exits the first region via the first outlet.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a system is adapted to actively control one or more operating parameters associated with: a wellbore extending in a subterranean formation, and/or wellbore fluid flowing out of the wellbore via a wellhead. The system includes one or more sensors; an electronic controller adapted to receive from the one or more sensors measurement data; and a valve through which the wellbore fluid is adapted to flow. The valve is adapted to be in communication with the electronic controller. The active control of the at least one of the one or more operating parameters is adapted to facilitate: maintenance of the integrity of the wellbore, and/or enhancement of oil and/or gas production out of the wellbore. In one embodiment, the wellbore fluid flow is frac flow-back. In another aspect, a system is adapted to monitor vent gas separated from wellbore fluid flowing out a wellhead.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a diffuser apparatus includes a first pipe having a first plurality of openings formed therein, the first pipe defining a first passageway that is adapted to receive a first portion of debris that is discharged from a well; a first housing within which the first pipe extends, the first housing comprising a first wall and a first outlet formed therein; and a first region formed between the first pipe and the first housing, the first region in communication with the first passageway via the first plurality of openings; wherein the first plurality of openings are circumferentially and axially spaced along the first pipe to pass the first portion of the debris from the first passageway to the first region; and wherein the first outlet is sized such that the first portion of the debris exits the first region via the first outlet.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus is adapted to be operably coupled to a subsea blowout preventer and includes a first tubular member defining an internal passage, and a second tubular member extending within the internal passage. A sealing assembly is disposed radially between the first and second tubular members, and includes a sealing element. The second tubular member covers the sealing element and thus facilitates protecting the sealing element from any fluid flow through the internal passage. According to another aspect, a sealing element of a connector is protected before engaging the connector with a subsea casing. The connector is engaged with the casing while the sealing element is protected so that the sealing element is fluidically isolated from any fluid flow through the connector. The sealing element sealingly engages the casing.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a diffuser apparatus includes a first pipe having a first plurality of openings formed therein, the first pipe defining a first passageway that is adapted to receive a first portion of debris that is discharged from a well; a first housing within which the first pipe extends, the first housing comprising a first wall and a first outlet formed therein; and a first region formed between the first pipe and the first housing, the first region in communication with the first passageway via the first plurality of openings; wherein the first plurality of openings are circumferentially and axially spaced along the first pipe to pass the first portion of the debris from the first passageway to the first region; and wherein the first outlet is sized such that the first portion of the debris exits the first region via the first outlet.

Abstract: In one aspect, a choke apparatus includes a choke body through which fluid is adapted to flow, a bonnet assembly connected to the choke body, and an electric actuator operably coupled to the bonnet assembly. The choke apparatus operates to control the imposition of backpressure on the fluid. In one embodiment, an actuator stem of the electric actuator is toollessly operably coupled to a choke stem of the bonnet assembly. In another embodiment, an adapter is connected to the bonnet assembly. In yet another embodiment, an absolute position sensor is disposed within a housing of the electric actuator. In still yet another embodiment, a measurement scale is used to indicate choke position. In certain embodiments, the choke apparatus provides for manual override. A method of assembling a choke apparatus is provided. A method of retrofitting a choke apparatus is provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system includes a tool, a hanger connected to the tool, and a plurality of tubulars connected to the hanger and adapted to be positioned within a wellbore. The tool, hanger, and tubulars are rotatable in response to at least the application of torsion to the tool, and without transferring torque to the connection between the tool and the hanger. In another aspect, a method includes positioning a tubular string within a wellbore, connecting a hanger to the tubular string, and applying torsion to the tubular string to rotate the tubular string. To apply torsion to rotate, a tool is connected to the hanger, and torsion is applied to the tool without transferring torque to the connection between the tool and the hanger. In another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for rotating a tubular string in a preexisting structure, such as a wellbore.

Abstract: A zipper stack is connected to a wellhead by way of a single straight-line pipe connection. A manifold assembly with high- and low-pressure lines feeding into one or more fluid lines with a large internal bore diameter supplies fracturing fluid to the zipper stack, which in turn supplies the fracturing fluid to the wellhead. A spherical swivel joint with multiple bearings may be used to the connect various piping and fluid lines disclosed herein.

Abstract: In one aspect, a mud-gas separator vessel defines an internal region in which a slurry is adapted to be collected. The slurry defines a fluid level. A sensor is adapted to measure the fluid level. An electronic controller is in communication with the sensor and is adapted to receive measurement data. A control valve is in communication with the controller and is adapted to control discharge of the slurry. The controller is adapted to automatically control the control valve based on the measurement data and thus actively control the fluid level using the control valve. In another aspect, a method is provided for automatically maintaining the fluid level to prevent vent gas carry under from the separator vessel. In another aspect, a kit is provided for actively controlling the fluid level. In another aspect, a method of retrofitting a mud-gas separator apparatus is provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system includes a tool, a hanger connected to the tool, and a plurality of tubulars connected to the hanger and adapted to be positioned within a wellbore. The tool, hanger, and tubulars are rotatable in response to at least the application of torsion to the tool, and without transferring torque to the connection between the tool and the hanger. In another aspect, a method includes positioning a tubular string within a wellbore, connecting a hanger to the tubular string, and applying torsion to the tubular string to rotate the tubular string. To apply torsion to rotate, a tool is connected to the hanger, and torsion is applied to the tool without transferring torque to the connection between the tool and the hanger. In another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for rotating a tubular string in a preexisting structure, such as a wellbore.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus is adapted to be operably coupled to a subsea blowout preventer and includes a first tubular member defining an internal passage, and a second tubular member extending within the internal passage. A sealing assembly is disposed radially between the first and second tubular members, and includes a sealing element. The second tubular member covers the sealing element and thus facilitates protecting the sealing element from any fluid flow through the internal passage. According to another aspect, a sealing element of a connector is protected before engaging the connector with a subsea casing. The connector is engaged with the casing while the sealing element is protected so that the sealing element is fluidically isolated from any fluid flow through the connector. The sealing element sealingly engages the casing.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus is adapted to be operably coupled to a subsea blowout preventer and includes a first tubular member defining an internal passage, and a second tubular member extending within the internal passage. A sealing assembly is disposed radially between the first and second tubular members, and includes a sealing element. The second tubular member covers the sealing element and thus facilitates protecting the sealing element from any fluid flow through the internal passage. According to another aspect, a sealing element of a connector is protected before engaging the connector with a subsea casing. The connector is engaged with the casing while the sealing element is protected so that the sealing element is fluidically isolated from any fluid flow through the connector. The sealing element sealingly engages the casing.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly is provided including a casing and a tubular member mounted over the casing. A flange extends from the tubular member. A generally elongated annular member is provided in the tubular member. The generally elongated annular member has a first end portion above the tubular member and second end portion below the first end portion. A hanger may be suspended within the tubular member. In such case, a seal may be formed between the elongate annular member and the hanger.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system includes a tool, a hanger connected to the tool, and a plurality of tubulars connected to the hanger and adapted to be positioned within a wellbore. The tool, hanger, and tubulars are rotatable in response to at least the application of torsion to the tool, and without transferring torque to the connection between the tool and the hanger. In another aspect, a method includes positioning a tubular string within a wellbore, connecting a hanger to the tubular string, and applying torsion to the tubular string to rotate the tubular string. To apply torsion to rotate, a tool is connected to the hanger, and torsion is applied to the tool without transferring torque to the connection between the tool and the hanger. In another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for rotating a tubular string in a preexisting structure, such as a wellbore.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly is provided including a casing and a tubular member mounted over the casing. A flange extends from the tubular member. A generally elongated annular member is provided in the tubular member. The generally elongated annular member has a first end portion above the tubular member and second end portion below the first end portion. A hanger may be suspended within the tubular member. In such case, a seal may be formed between the elongate annular member and the hanger.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly is provided including a casing and a tubular member mounted over the casing. A flange extends from the tubular member. A generally elongated annular member is provided in the tubular member. The generally elongated annular member has a first end portion above the tubular member and second end portion below the first end portion. A hanger may be suspended within the tubular member. In such case, a seal may be formed between the elongate annular member and the hanger.

Abstract: A quick connector fitting assembly is provided which includes a fitting which releasably connects to a well casing for providing an interface for the attachment of various types of well related equipment. The quick connector fitting connects using fasteners to a lip or groove formed on the casing. The fasteners can easily connect or disconnect from the groove or lip facilitating the quick connection and disconnection of the fitting from the casing.