Abstract: A system and method for using a pneumatic line to automate the launch a cement plug from a cement head. The pneumatic line is in communication with the valves and retaining devices normally found on a typical cement head. The system ensures that the proper sequence of opening and closing valves in combination with the removal of the retaining device is used to safely launch a cement plug from the cement head. The pressure in the single pneumatic line may be varied to launch multiple cement plugs from a cement head. The system may be used to remotely launch a cement plug from a cement head. A wireless remote may be used to regulate the pressure in the pneumatic line to launch cement plugs from the cement head as desired.

Abstract: A system and method for using a pneumatic line to automate the launch a cement plug from a cement head. The pneumatic line is in communication with the valves and retaining devices normally found on a typical cement head. The system ensures that the proper sequence of opening and closing valves in combination with the removal of the retaining device is used to safely launch a cement plug from the cement head. The pressure in the single pneumatic line may be varied to launch multiple cement plugs from a cement head. The system may be used to remotely launch a cement plug from a cement head. A wireless remote may be used to regulate the pressure in the pneumatic line to launch cement plugs from the cement head as desired.

Abstract: A densimeter contains an inlet pipe section, a second pipe section joined to the downstream end of the inlet pipe section, and an outlet pipe section joined to the downstream end of the second pipe section. The inlet and outlet pipe sections are constrained by a support structure, while flexible couplings allow the second section of pipe to undergo a limited amount of radial motion relative to the adjacent pipe sections. The weight of the second pipe section is supported by a weight measuring unit, which continuously measures the weight of the second pipe section as fluid flows through the densimeter. One preferred embodiment of the invention uses the densimeter to measure the density of a proppant in a blender system for preparing fluid mixtures for fracturing and propping oil bearing geological formations.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in circulating cement in a casing in a wellbore is described having a first component such as a sensor disposed on the casing and a second component such as a detectable device disposed at a fluid interface formed between the cement and a fluid. The sensor may be a sensor coil mounted on the perimeter of the lower end of the casing, while the detectable device may be a transponder capable of emitting Radio Frequency Identification signals to the sensor to signal its arrival at the lower end of the casing. The transponder may be encased in a protective covering. Also described is a method of cementing a casing utilizing a first component such as a sensor disposed on the casing and a second component such as a detectable device disposed in the cement.

Abstract: Wireless local area networks (“wireless networks”) used to interrelate individual mobile nodes, and having the capability of automatically establishing and/or modifying functionality of a network in response to the characteristics and/or identity of the nodes connected to the network at a given time. The wireless networks may be mobile, and may be employed in applications using service vehicles, such as truck, skid and trailer mounted equipment used in the well servicing industry, delivery or maintenance trucks, railroad service vehicles, aircraft, or off-shore service vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in circulating cement in a casing in a wellbore is described having a first component such as a sensor disposed on the casing and a second component such as a detectable device disposed at a fluid interface formed between the cement and a fluid. The sensor may be a sensor coil mounted on the perimeter of the lower end of the casing, while the detectable device may be a transponder capable of emitting Radio Frequency Identification signals to the sensor to signal its arrival at the lower end of the casing. The transponder may be encased in a protective covering. Also described is a method of cementing a casing utilizing a first component such as a sensor disposed on the casing and a second component such as a detectable device disposed in the cement.

Abstract: A system for use in detecting the launching of a device, such as a wiper plug or a sealing ball, is described having a first component, such as a detectable object disposed within the device, and a second component, such as a sensor. The sensor may be a sensor coil, while the detectable object may be a transponder capable of emitting Radio Frequency Identification signals to the sensor to signal its arrival adjacent the sensor. The system may be used with a concrete head or with a sealing ball injector. A method of launching the devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: A closed automatic fluid mixing apparatus and method for mixing two fluids while maintaining a feed pressure of the mixed fluid at a predetermined level are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first fluid feed, a second fluid feed, a mixing valve, and a closed control system. The mixing valve is capable of mixing a first fluid received from the first fluid feed and a second fluid received from the second fluid feed to produce a mixed fluid. The closed control system is capable of controlling the mixing valve to determine the ratio of the first and second fluids in the mixed fluid while maintaining the pressure of the mixed fluid at a predetermined level. The method comprises feeding a first fluid and a second fluid to a mixing valve; mixing the first and second fluids therein; and controlling the mixing valve's actuation of to determine the ratio of the first and second fluids in a resultant mixed fluid while maintaining the pressure of the mixed fluid at a predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in circulating cement in a casing in a wellbore is described having a first component such as a sensor disposed on the casing and a second component such as a detectable device disposed at a fluid interface formed between the cement and a fluid. The sensor may be a sensor coil mounted on the perimeter of the lower end of the casing, while the detectable device may be a transponder capable of emitting Radio Frequency Identification signals to the sensor to signal its arrival at the lower end of the casing. The transponder may be encased in a protective covering. Also described is a method of cementing a casing utilizing a first component such as a sensor disposed on the casing and a second component such as a detectable device disposed in the cement.

Abstract: A system for use in detecting the launching of a device, such as a wiper plug or a sealing ball, is described having a first component, such as a detectable object disposed within the device, and a second component, such as a sensor. The sensor may be a sensor coil, while the detectable object may be a transponder capable of emitting Radio Frequency Identification signals to the sensor to signal its arrival adjacent the sensor. The system may be used with a concrete head or with a sealing ball injector. A method of launching the devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: A general purpose control system for use in the oilfield pressure pumping service industry. The system is comprised of a dedicated control computer mounted on the apparatus to be controlled and one or more remote operator units. The dedicated control computer interfaces with all the sensors and control elements of the apparatus. The control computer performs all the calculations necessary to control the apparatus. The dedicated control computer communicates with other computerized equipment on the apparatus such as engines, pressure sensors, speed sensors and flowmeters to extract data and perform control functions. The dedicated control computer has no operator controls. The dedicated control computer communicates via a single electrical cable to the operator control pendants. The control pendant is a small portable unit that provides the complete operator interface.