Abstract: An automated riser recoil control system (10) including a plurality of riser tensioners (20), a vessel heave measurement system (210) and a control processor (70) with each tensioner (20) having a piston travel indicator (27) which signals the processor (70) and a method of operation is disclosed.

Abstract: A running tool for wiper plugs used in cementing well casings into a wellbore. The running tool and setting balls or darts used to launch the plugs are retrievable following deployment of the plugs. Flapper valve assemblies on the wiper plugs are activated after the plugs are displaced from the running tool to eliminate the requirement to maintain a setting ball or dart in engagement with the wiper plug as the assembly is pumped down the well casing. Because of being retrievable, the mandrel, setting sleeves and setting ball or dart may be constructed of any desirable high-strength material without regard to the need to drill up the material following completion of the cementing job. The use of high-strength steel permits large flow passages to be employed in the cementing plugs by eliminating the need for large volumes of drillable metals in the plugs. The running tool protects the flapper valve seal surfaces from circulating fluids prior to deployment of the plugs from the tool.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for transferring material in a wellbore in an earth formation, a pipe is inserted into the wellbore. A conduit is inserted alongside the pipe into the wellbore. The conduit is fixed to the pipe and has a first section with a perforated wall located adjacent a non-production interval of the formation, and has a second section with an unperforated wall located adjacent a production interval of the formation. The material is injected into the conduit and out the perforated wall of the first section of the conduit.

Abstract: A containment cartridge for extracting and preserving a soil sample comprises a cylindrical sampling barrel for insertion into the soil for collecting a soil sample.