Abstract: A system for communicating with a drill rig includes a data management system on the drill rig configured to receive data reflective of an operating parameter of the drill rig. A communications device is operably coupled to the data management system and configured to transmit the data, and a local computing device is configured to receive the data. A graphical user interface on the local computing device is configured to display the data. A method for communicating with a drill rig includes receiving the data, transmitting a request for accessing the data, and transmitting the data. The method further includes transmitting from the local computing device to the data management system an instruction to control equipment on the drill rig.

Abstract: The present multi-function cable hoist system controller monitors a variety of drilling rig hoist system functions, including: positioning of the hoist block of the hoist system, speed/momentum of the hoist block, and hoist block loading. The controller can also monitor: cable ton-mile parameters, weight on the drill bit, and drill bit penetration rate. The controller automatically controls operation of the hoist system's drawworks when the system's operation exceeds certain preset and user specified parameters. The controller has a housing containing a microprocessor, supporting circuitry, and input and output systems. An instruction set digitally stored on the microprocessor codes for the functional features of the controller and enables it to process inputs and to generate outputs to accomplish the controller's functions. Device input means and display/alarm means are mounted on the front panel of the housing. A drawworks output communicates drawworks control signals to the hoist system.

Abstract: A wireline cable length measuring apparatus tracks the length and other parameters of a wireline cable in a well bore. The apparatus has three major components: a rotational distance measuring assembly; a rotation-to-length (rotation:length) calibration assembly; and a processor unit. The rotational distance measuring assembly engages the wireline cable in a manner similar to a standard wireline count wheel, typically receiving the cable from a draw works or a wireline service truck. The rotational distance measuring assembly has a rotation sensor which generates a rotation signal in response to the paying-out and reeling-in of the cable over the count wheel. The rotation:length calibration assembly also engages the wireline cable. However, the rotation:length calibration assembly only intermittently engages the wireline cable, and therefore is subject to substantially less wear than the counter wheel.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for monitoring the effective load carried by a crane having a luffing boom of variable effective length. The method includes generating a first signal corresponding to the magnitude of the load supported by the boom and then a second signal corresponding to the effective radius. Calculations are made to calculate a moment value and displaying same. This is then compared with a predetermined maximum permissible moment value and a warning signal is generated it if differs from the maximum load moment value by less than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A magnetic pick-up device or other electrical output type sensor is operatively situated adjacent to a rotary part of the cable hoist assembly and produces impulses as the part rotates. These are conveyed to electronic equipment which, by use of the necessary calculator networks and the like, displays information such as upper and lower limits or positions of the cable hook and may include automatic cut-off devices for the hoist equipment. Also available is a display showing the total distance travelled by the cable both upwardly and downwardly and means to indicate when a predetermined distance has been travelled. Electronic equipment can also indicate the distance the load travels so that the operator can determine the location of the load relative to a reference point. Furthermore, the rate of travel of the cable as it applies to the penetration of a drill bit can be indicated.