Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a high pressure swivel joint comprising: (a) a first tube comprising: a first tube central longitudinal axis; a first tube interior circumferential surface; a first tube circumferential surface; a first tube first end comprising a male connector comprising a plurality of bearing races; and a first tube second end; (b) a second tube having: a second tube central longitudinal axis; a second tube interior circumferential surface; a second tube circumferential surface; and a second tube first end comprising a female connector comprising a plurality of complimentary bearing races; and (c) a plurality of balls contained between the plurality of bearing races and the plurality of complimentary bearing races, wherein the first end of the first tube and the proximal end of the second tube are configured to connect to form an articulating joint, and wherein the first tube and the second tube comprise a carburizing grade micro-alloy steel, wherein the car

Abstract: A zipper stack is connected to a wellhead by way of a single straight-line pipe connection. A manifold assembly with high- and low-pressure lines feeding into one or more fluid lines with a large internal bore diameter supplies fracturing fluid to the zipper stack, which in turn supplies the fracturing fluid to the wellhead. A spherical swivel joint with multiple bearings may be used to the connect various piping and fluid lines disclosed herein.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve system for use in a downhole operation may include a pressure relief valve configured to relieve pressure from high pressure tubing extending between a pump and a wellhead, and may include a sensor operably disposed to detect pressure in the high pressure tubing. The pressure relief valve system also may include a controller having a pressure threshold stored therein. The controller may be configured to receive data from the sensor and compare the detected pressure to the stored pressure threshold. A valve actuation system may be in communication with the pressure relief valve and in communication with the controller. The valve actuation system may be configured to change the state of the pressure relief valve from a closed state to an open state in response to a command signal from the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.

Abstract: A plug valve including a valve body defining an internal cavity, a first passage, and a second passage, a plug defining a third passage and being rotatable within the internal cavity, and an insert extending within the internal cavity between the valve body and the plug. The insert defines an interior surface and an opening aligned with the first passage of the valve body. The insert may also define a sealing surface extending around the opening and standing in relief against the interior surface to sealingly engage the plug. In addition to, or instead of, the sealing surface, the insert may define a projection at least partially defining the interior surface. In addition, a boot may be connected to the valve body and interlocked with the projection to prevent, or at least reduce, rotation of the insert relative to the valve body when the plug rotates within the internal cavity.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for use in oil and gas operations. In one aspect, the valve assembly includes a valve body defining an internal region, an inlet passageway, and an outlet passageway, the inlet and outlet passageways extending into the internal region; a valve seat connected to the valve body and defining a fluid passageway; a clapper extending within the internal region and defining an annular groove; and a seal extending within the annular groove of the clapper and adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat. In an example embodiment, the clapper is actuable between an open configuration, in which fluid flow is permitted through the fluid passageway; and a closed configuration, in which the seal sealingly engages the valve seat to at least partially restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve system for use in a downhole operation may include a pressure relief valve configured to relieve pressure from high pressure tubing extending between a pump and a wellhead, and may include a sensor operably disposed to detect pressure in the high pressure tubing. The pressure relief valve system also may include a controller having a pressure threshold stored therein. The controller may be configured to receive data from the sensor and compare the detected pressure to the stored pressure threshold. A valve actuation system may be in communication with the pressure relief valve and in communication with the controller. The valve actuation system may be configured to change the state of the pressure relief valve from a closed state to an open state in response to a command signal from the controller.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve system for use in a downhole operation may include a pressure relief valve configured to relieve pressure from high pressure tubing extending between a pump and a wellhead, and may include a sensor operably disposed to detect pressure in the high pressure tubing. The pressure relief valve system also may include a controller having a pressure threshold stored therein. The controller may be configured to receive data from the sensor and compare the detected pressure to the stored pressure threshold. A valve actuation system may be in communication with the pressure relief valve and in communication with the controller. The valve actuation system may be configured to change the state of the pressure relief valve from a closed state to an open state in response to a command signal from the controller.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve system for use in a downhole operation may include a pressure relief valve configured to relieve pressure from high pressure tubing extending between a pump and a wellhead, and may include a sensor operably disposed to detect pressure in the high pressure tubing. The pressure relief valve system also may include a controller having a pressure threshold stored therein. The controller may be configured to receive data from the sensor and compare the detected pressure to the stored pressure threshold. A valve actuation system may be in communication with the pressure relief valve and in communication with the controller. The valve actuation system may be configured to change the state of the pressure relief valve from a closed state to an open state in response to a command signal from the controller.

Abstract: A valve has a body having a rotatable valve element. A drive mechanism has a drive input member and a drive output member that are coupled to the valve element for rotating the valve element. A shear member is operatively located within the drive mechanism between the drive input member and the drive output member for shearing in the event the force to rotate the valve element is excessive. The valve has indicia indicating open and closed positions for the valve element. An indicator is mounted to output drive member to properly align with the indicia regardless whether the shear member has sheared or not.

Abstract: A swivel joint has uniform ball bearing requirements for all bearing races. The swivel joint has a male connector and a female connector that coaxially interconnect and swivel relative to each other. Each connector has three bearing races to form three sets of bearing races, each of which supports that same number of ball bearings. The circumference of the main set of races are enlarged by less than the diameter of one ball.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve system for use in a downhole operation may include a pressure relief valve configured to relieve pressure from high pressure tubing extending between a pump and a wellhead, and may include a sensor operably disposed to detect pressure in the high pressure tubing. The pressure relief valve system also may include a controller having a pressure threshold stored therein. The controller may be configured to receive data from the sensor and compare the detected pressure to the stored pressure threshold. A valve actuation system may be in communication with the pressure relief valve and in communication with the controller. The valve actuation system may be configured to change the state of the pressure relief valve from a closed state to an open state in response to a command signal from the controller.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve system for use in a downhole operation may include a pressure relief valve configured to relieve pressure from high pressure tubing extending between a pump and a wellhead, and may include a sensor operably disposed to detect pressure in the high pressure tubing. The pressure relief valve system also may include a controller having a pressure threshold stored therein. The controller may be configured to receive data from the sensor and compare the detected pressure to the stored pressure threshold. A valve actuation system may be in communication with the pressure relief valve and in communication with the controller. The valve actuation system may be configured to change the state of the pressure relief valve from a closed state to an open state in response to a command signal from the controller.

Abstract: A valve has a body having a rotatable valve element. A drive mechanism has a drive input member and a drive output member that are coupled to the valve element for rotating the valve element. A shear member is operatively located within the drive mechanism between the drive input member and the drive output member for shearing in the event the force to rotate the valve element is excessive. The valve has indicia indicating open and closed positions for the valve element. An indicator is mounted to output drive member to properly align with the indicia regardless whether the shear member has sheared or not.

Abstract: A valve has a body having a rotatable valve element. A drive mechanism has a drive input member and a drive output member that are coupled to the valve element for rotating the valve element. A shear member is operatively located within the drive mechanism between the drive input member and the drive output member for shearing in the event the force to rotate the valve element is excessive. The valve has indicia indicating open and closed positions for the valve element. An indicator is mounted to output drive member to properly align with the indicia regardless whether the shear member has sheared or not.

Abstract: A check valve assembly has a body having a central cavity intersected by upstream and downstream flow passages. A seat is secured by a threaded engagement in the upstream flow passage. An access bore intersects the cavity and has a support shoulder formed in it. A holder is supported on the support shoulder. A flapper is pivotally secured to the holder and located in the cavity for movement between an open position and a closed position blocking flow through the seat. A straight edge portion in the access bore engages a straight edge portion of the holder to prevent rotation of the holder. A fastener extends through a hole in the support shoulder into engagement with the seat to prevent rotation of the seat.

Abstract: A check valve assembly has a body having a central cavity intersected by upstream and downstream flow passages. A seat is secured by a threaded engagement in the upstream flow passage. An access bore intersects the cavity and has a support shoulder formed in it. A holder is supported on the support shoulder. A flapper is pivotally secured to the holder and located in the cavity for movement between an open position and a closed position blocking flow through the seat. A straight edge portion in the access bore engages a straight edge portion of the holder to prevent rotation of the holder. A fastener extends through a hole in the support shoulder into engagement with the seat to prevent rotation of the seat.

Abstract: A valve has a body having a rotatable valve element. A drive mechanism has a drive input member and a drive output member that are coupled to the valve element for rotating the valve element. A shear member is operatively located within the drive mechanism between the drive input member and the drive output member for shearing in the event the force to rotate the valve element is excessive. The valve has indicia indicating open and closed positions for the valve element. An indicator is mounted to output drive member to properly align with the indicia regardless whether the shear member has sheared or not.

Abstract: A check valve assembly has a body having a central cavity intersected by upstream and downstream flow passages. A seat is secured by a threaded engagement in the upstream flow passage. An access bore intersects the cavity and has a support shoulder formed in it. A holder is supported on the support shoulder. A flapper is pivotally secured to the holder and located in the cavity for movement between an open position and a closed position blocking flow through the seat. A straight edge portion in the access bore engages a straight edge portion of the holder to prevent rotation of the holder. A fastener extends through a hole in the support shoulder into engagement with the seat to prevent rotation of the seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and dispensing balls into a flow stream. The apparatus has an outer housing with a smooth cylindrical inner surface, and an inner housing, removably mounted within the outer housing. The inner housing has a hollow cylindrical body extending longitudinally between a lower guide plate and an upper guide band. A plurality of longitudinal slots are located in and extend the length of the cylindrical body and through the lower guide plate. The width of the slots is greater than the diameter of the balls. The apparatus also has a shaft with a smooth cylindrical outer surface, coaxially, rotatably, and removably mounted in the inner housing. The distance between the outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the outer housing is greater than the diameter of the balls.