Abstract: A clamp system has been invented for releasably securing a screen to a vibratory screen apparatus, the clamp system in one aspect having a front plate for abutting a portion of a vibratory screen apparatus, a first link movably connected to the front plate and having a first contact surface, a second link movably connected to the first link and having a second contact surface, a bolt with a first end projecting out beyond the second link and a second end projecting out beyond the front plate, the bolt tightenable in place by an adjusting nut on one end thereof, and the first link and the second link movable so that the first contact surface abuts the second contact surface and the links are then held releasably together.

Abstract: A shuttle valve assembly in a ram-type BOP selectively connects the volume behind the rams to the more highly pressurized wellbore volume adjacent to the rams (either above or below the rams). The connection made is free flowing in both directions (no check valves) allowing for evacuation and fluctuations with changes in wellbore pressure.

Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory separator has been invented, the screen assembly, in certain aspects, having a panel with two connected pairs of spaced-apart sides including a first pair of spaced-apart side separated by a second pair of spaced-apart sides, a plurality of spaced-apart strips extending between the first pair of spaced-apart sides, each adjacent pair of the plurality of spaced-apart strips defining a space therebetween through the panel, a first mesh bonded to the spaced-apart strips, and a second mesh bonded to the backup mesh. In one aspect a third mesh is bonded to the second mesh. In one aspect the strips are formed from a panel piece by cutting material therefrom with a laser.

Abstract: A screen is disclosed which, in certain aspects, has screening material between opposed frame sides and one or more lower strips beneath the screen. In one aspect these strips are only inteconnected via their ends and not along their lengths. In certain aspects, a plurality of lower strips are bonded to the screen and extend across the screen from one frame side to the other. In one aspect one or more of the strips has one, two, or more humps or ridges corresponding to one or more corrugations in a corrugated perforated plate and/or corrugated screen assembly which is on the plate or, with no plate present, on the strips. In another aspect instead of the strips a solid corrugated perforated plate is used. In one aspect openings or perforations through the plate are triangular. In one aspect the screen is undulating screening material and lower portions of the screening material are bonded to a plate or to strips. Optionally screen mounting hooks or frame edges or screen edges may be used with such screens.

Abstract: A method for allowing entry of an existing lateral offshoot from a main borehole, without removal of downstream completion tubing from the mai the use of both a liner (14) and a whipstock (28) inserted through the completion tubing (10) to a position within the liner (14), characterized in that an intermediate device (18) has been provided which, in use, is located between the liner (14) and the whipstock (28) so that the whipstock (28) merely needs to locate with the intermediate device (18) rather than the liner (14), the intermediate device (18) preferably having a passageway extending linearly therethrough, and the whipstock (28) preferably being provided with locator keys which are of different profile for different intermediate devices (18).

Abstract: A substantially planar screen for a solid particle separator is formed from one or more layers of mesh. The one or more layers of mesh are formed into a series of ridges separated by channels within the plane of the screen. The wire mesh is bonded to a rigid or semi-rigid panel having a plurality of relatively large openings as compared to those of the mesh to create a plurality of repairable screen cells. The support panel is formed with or bent into a series of alternating ridges and channels to create the ridges and channels in the wire mesh when it is bonded to the panel. The cross-sectional shape of the ridges are generally triangular to maximize exposure of surface area of the screen to a flow of material to be separated. Flat surfaces on the ridges and in the channels facilitate repair of screen cells with solid plugs.

Abstract: A method and a device for replacing a seal element in an undersea blowout preventer is provided. A complete system includes a control center on the surface, an umbilical from the control center to a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and a seal element carrier manipulated by the ROV. The carrier includes either a retrieving tool or a running tool, which retains a cartridge which is to be inserted into or has been retrieved from a BOP. The cartridge is split along a vertical plane, with each half of the cartridge becoming a temporarily integral part of a pipe ram on either side of the BOP. Alignment ramps on the cartridge mate with complementary surfaces on the respective faces of the pipe rams. The retrieving tool preferably includes means for hydraulically actuating the retrieving tool with pressure through the umbilical, such as coiled tubing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a fluid actuated actuator between one and another alternate positions provides different forces for locking and unlocking the actuator. The actuator may use the same fluid pressure to operate a primary piston within a cylinder and to operate the locking mechanism. Actuator fluid is communicated to unlock the lock member and to move the piston back to its open or unactuated position. A sequencing valve determines the proper sequence of actuating the primary piston before the locking mechanism is driven in place, and clearing the locking mechanism prior to reciprocating the piston back to its unactuated position. Different forces for locking and unlocking the locking mechanism is provided by a free-floating piston mounted on a guide rod. The invention may also be applied to a BOP or the like where different opening and closing forces are desired.

Abstract: A screen for a vibratory shaker having a frame with multiple openings. Screen modules or plugs are disposed in each opening. Further disclosed is a mounting apparatus for securing the screen plugs in the openings and a support strip for supporting part of a screen having at least one upturned finger projecting above the top surface of the support body configured for contacting and supporting at least a part of a raised portion of the frame. A plug or module disposed in an opening of a positioning member of a screen assembly for a vibratory separator receives fluid with material therein for separation therefrom. Additionally disclosed is a method for making a plate mesh combination.

Abstract: A screen is disclosed which, in certain aspects, has screening material between opposed frame sides and one or more lower strips beneath the screen. In one aspect a plurality of lower strips are bonded to the screen and extend across the screen from one frame side to the other. In one aspect one or more of the strips has one, two, or more humps or ridges corresponding to one or more corrugations in a corrugated perforated plate and/or corrugated screen assembly which is on the plate or, with no plate present, on the strips. In another aspect instead of the strips a solid corrugated perforated plate is used. In one aspect openings or perforations through the plate are triangular. In one aspect the screen is undulating screening material and lower portions of the screening material are bonded to a plate or to strips. Optionally screen mounting hooks or frame edges or screen edges may be used with such screens. A screening apparatus or shale shaker is disclosed which uses such plates and screens.

Abstract: A method and a device for replacing a seal element in an undersea blowout preventer is provided. A complete system includes a control center on the surface, an umbilical from the control center to a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and a seal element carrier manipulated by the ROV. The carrier includes either retrieving tool or a running tool, which retains a cartridge which is to be inserted into or has been retrieved from a BOP. The cartridge is split along a vertical plane, with each half of the cartridge becoming a temporarily integral part of a pipe ram on either side of the BOP. Alignment ramps on the cartridge mate with complementary surfaces on the respective faces of the pipe rams.