Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting a well casing and then capping the cut well casing are provided. A well casing cutting assembly having a tensioned wire cutting element may first be moved into position relative to the well casing and operated so that the cutting element reciprocates transversely (i.e., in saw-like fashion) while simultaneously being advanced forwardly into cutting relationship with the well casing. The cutting assembly is removed from the cut well casing and replaced with a well capping assembly having a shield enclosure and a thread cutting subassembly. The thread cutting subassembly includes an interiorly threaded pipe coupling which rigidly carries a normally open, remotely controlled valving assembly and is mounted to the shield enclosure so as to be capable of both rotational and vertical movements relative to the cut well casing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting a well casing and then capping the cut well casing are provided. A well casing cutting assembly having a tensioned wire cutting element may first be moved into position relative to the well casing and operated so that the cutting element reciprocates transversely (i.e., in saw-like fashion) while simultaneously being advanced forwardly into cutting relationship with the well casing. The cutting assembly is removed from the cut well casing and replaced with a well capping assembly having a shield enclosure and a thread cutting subassembly. The thread cutting subassembly includes an interiorly threaded pipe coupling which rigidly carries a normally open, remotely controlled valving assembly and is mounted to the shield enclosure so as to be capable of both rotational and vertical movements relative to the cut well casing.

Abstract: A portable cutting tool has an annular frame for surrounding the pipe. A rotatable ring on the frame carries a radially fed cutter which includes a bit subassembly for cutting the tubular member. The bit subassembly is indexed in response to orbital movement of the cutter. The bit subassembly includes a bit planar support block which has a dimension (as measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member being cut) which is less than that of the bit which it carries. In such a manner, a channel passageway may be formed between the bit support block and the tubular member being cut as the bit penetrates into the tubular member during the cutting operation such that lubricating/flushing fluid may be directed to the bit.

Abstract: Blowout preventers (BOP) include a tubular shell which is insertable within, and thus contained by, an upper portion of the well casing. The tubular shell includes a removable inner sealing/pressure-reducing (SPR) assembly which provides for a high-pressure seal against the exterior surface of the drill stem as well as reducing the pressure of rising subterranean gas. The SPR assembly includes a channel passageway for the rising subterranean gas in which a series of longitudinally separated transverse orificed baffles is disposed. In this manner, the pressure of the subterranean gas flowing upwardly through the channel passageways will be reduced as the gas encounters the orificed baffles. A longitudinally separated pair of split sealing blocks is also preferably disposed within the sealing/pressure-reducing assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting a well casing and then capping the cut well casing are provided. A well casing cutting assembly having a tensioned wire cutting element may first be moved into position relative to the well casing and operated so that the cutting element reciprocates transversely (i.e., in saw-like fashion) while simultaneously being advanced forwardly into cutting relationship with the well casing. The cutting assembly is removed from the cut well casing and replaced with a well capping assembly having a shield enclosure and a thread cutting subassembly. The thread cutting subassembly includes an interiorly threaded pipe coupling which rigidly carries a normally open, remotely controlled valving assembly and is mounted to the shield enclosure so as to be capable of both rotational and vertical movements relative to the cut well casing.