Abstract: An instrument, such as a wall-thickness, rod-wear, or pitting sensor, can monitor tubing as a field service crew extracts the tubing from an oil well or inserts the tubing into the well. A digital system can process data from the instrument to improve the data's fidelity, quality, or usefulness. Digital signal processing can comprise filtering or otherwise manipulating the data to provide refined data that a person or machine can readily interpret. For example, a graphical representation of the refined data can help an operator evaluate whether a segment of tubing is fit for continued service. Processing tubing data can comprise applying a flexible level of filtering, smoothing, or averaging to the data, wherein the level changes based on a criterion or according to a rule. The level can vary in response to a change in tubing speed, noise in the raw data, or some other parameter.

Abstract: A scanner instrument used for scanning tubing that is being placed into an oil well or being removed from the oil well can be calibrated during retrieval of tubing from the well. Calibrating the tube scanner includes scanning a tubing standard and comparing the data from the standard scan to the known characteristics of the standard. The relationship between the scanned data and the known characteristics can be computed. The relationship between the scanned data and the known characteristics can be used as the calibration function for the scanner. Calibrating the tube scanner can also include scanning a string of tubing segments and then adjusting the data collected. The adjustment is based upon equalizing the data peaks that occur in the scan data at the coupling joints between tube segments.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed towards a system designed to assist the rig operator by alerting him/her that the air pressure is too low to be using the drum clutch, to provide a log for studies on rig operation technique, and to provide a training tool for rig operators. If the pressure on the clutch bladder is above a predetermined range, the clutch is allowed to engage. If the signal is below the range, the clutch is assumed to have not been engaged. If the signal is within the range, the clutch is not allowed to engage and the rig operator is notified of the problem.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic system for engaging the hydromatic brake on a drilling rig or a service rig. This system monitors both the hook load and traveling block velocity, and uses an electrical solenoid to activates the hydromatic when either the hook load or rotating drum velocity exceeds a maximum value, requiring hydromatic brake engagement.

Abstract: A magnetic induction device mounted at the wellhead that is capable of measuring changes in magnetic flux can recognize when a tubing joint or casing collar passes in or out of the well. The number of changes in magnetic flux directly correlates to the number of joints and collars that have passed, and therefore an accurate inventory of the number of lengths of casing or tubing that are run into the well can be automatically maintained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system designed to manage or slow the block travel speed down to safe speeds when the rig is operating in a light load/high speed condition. The system monitors and controls engine torque and horsepower, providing the minimum amount of each necessary to pull the light load out of the hold without providing sufficient excess torque to pull the load through a snag.

Abstract: A method monitors servicing operations of a vehicle capable for example of pumping various fluid treatments down into a well being serviced at a well site. The method records the vehicle's engine speed and the values of one or more service-related variables, such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, and pump strokes per minute. These variables are recorded as a function of the time of day in accordance with when they were sensed, and are associated with a well site identifier to form a data record. Global Positioning System data associated with the service vehicle assists in determining the well site identifier or can constitute the well site identifier. In some embodiments, the data record is communicated over a wireless communication link from a remote well site to a central office.

Abstract: This invention will therefore provide a tool to assist the rig operator in perfecting his/her rig operation skills. Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for minimizing slippage on the drum clutch of a well service rig. A detector senses the motion of the compound when the clutch is initially engaged. If the momentum is above an acceptable level, an alarm sounds, notifying the operator to be smoother with the clutch. A tracking mechanism is disclosed so that a rig supervisor or safety person can critique the operator on the smoothness of the rig operation.

Abstract: A mobile service rig for wells includes a hoist powered by an internal combustion engine. In response to the hoist exerting a predetermined lifting force, the lifting force is limited by automatically limiting or reducing the speed of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to incrementing a well service rig in such a manner that activity-based and/or time-based data for the well site is recorded. The acquired data can be transmitted via wired, wireless, satellite or physical to a data center preferably controlled by the work-over rig owner, but alternately controlled by the well owner or another. The data can thereafter be used to provide the customer a detailed invoice or a searchable, secure web-based database. With such information, the customer can schedule other services at the well site. Further, the customer will have access to detailed data on the actual service performed. The present invention fosters a synergistic relationship among the customer and the service companies that promotes a safe environment by monitoring crew work activities and equipment speeds; improving productivity; reducing operation expenses through improved job processes; and better data management and reduced operational failures.

Abstract: A well servicing system includes a computer-based system that monitors pumping or other service operations at a well site and monitors deliveries and withdrawals of chemicals at a bulk storage station. A GPS device or other location identifier provides a location value that identifies the location of the service vehicle. A GPS reading is triggered by actuation of the vehicle's parking brake, and the location value is recorded in association with a process-related transducer value. The transducer value is based on the service vehicle performing some type of service operation either at the well site or at the bulk storage station.

Abstract: A strain gage apparatus for measuring the load applied to a derrick leg mechanically multiplies the deflection or distortion of a strain gage. The apparatus attaches to the derrick leg at two points that are spaced about five feet apart. Accumulated strain along the five-foot section moves one end of an elongate member a significant distance. The distance is much greater than any localized movement or minute strain in the derrick leg. The movement of the elongate member stresses a reaction member upon which the strain gage is mounted.

Abstract: A method of managing well file records includes storing a well file on a first computer at a home base location and communicating the well file to a second computer at a remote well site. The well file serves as a blueprint that describes the well and its various components, and can be a valuable a reference tool for crews doing repair or service work on the well. When the work involves replacing or changing any of the well components, the crew can immediately update the well file using the computer at the well site. In some cases, part numbers and other information are scanned into the computer to minimize human error. Information between the two computers is accomplished by way of a wireless communication link and the Internet.

Abstract: A magnetic induction device mounted at the wellhead that is capable of measuring changes in magnetic flux can recognize when a tubing joint or casing collar passes in or out of the well. The number of changes in magnetic flux directly correlates to the number of joints and collars that have passed, and therefore an accurate inventory of the number of lengths of casing or tubing that are run into the well can be automatically maintained.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed towards a system designed to assist the rig operator by alerting him/her that the air pressure is too low to be using the drum clutch, to provide a log for studies on rig operation technique, and to provide a training tool for rig operators. If the pressure on the clutch bladder is above a predetermined range, the clutch is allowed to engage. If the signal is below the range, the clutch is assumed to have not been engaged. If the signal is within the range, the clutch is not allowed to engage and the rig operator is notified of the problem.

Abstract: This invention will therefore provide a tool to assist the rig operator in perfecting his/her rig operation skills. Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for minimizing slippage on the drum clutch of a well service rig. A detector senses the motion of the compound when the clutch is initially engaged. If the momentum is above an acceptable level, an alarm sounds, notifying the operator to be smoother with the clutch. A tracking mechanism is disclosed so that a rig supervisor or safety person can critique the operator on the smoothness of the rig operation.

Abstract: The technology disclosed herein provides a system that calculates traveling block position, traveling block velocity and weight supported by the traveling block. The system takes all these parameters into consideration when slowing and/or stopping the traveling block when it reaches a crown out or floor out position. The result is much safer operation of the traveling block on a workover rig, as well as on an oil drilling rig.

Abstract: A tongs monitor for monitoring the tightening of tubing, casings, and sucker rods of a well is selectively operable in a learning mode and a monitoring mode. A target tightness value is determined during the learning mode. Subsequent tightness values are then compared to the target value. For example, a first connection is tightened in a conventional manner, while its tightness is monitored during the learning mode. If the tightening process went well, then an operator pushes a button that tells the monitor to remember how tight the first connection was tightened. The tightness value of that first joint then becomes the target tightness value for any subsequent joints. As additional joints are tightened, their tightness are monitored and compared to the first one to ensure that all the joints are as good as the first one within an allowable tolerance.

Abstract: A strain gage apparatus for measuring the load applied to a derrick leg mechanically multiplies the deflection or distortion of a strain gage. The apparatus attaches to the derrick leg at two points that are spaced about five feet apart. Accumulated strain along the five-foot section moves one end of an elongate member a significant distance. The distance is much greater than any localized movement or minute strain in the derrick leg. The movement of the elongate member stresses a reaction member upon which the strain gage is mounted.

Abstract: A method of monitoring service operations performed on a well involves creating, directly at the well site, a cohesive report of what work was done to the well and which of several contractors did the work. The report includes supporting data generated by one or more transducers. The transducers sense various conditions of a process or service operation, which is being performed by a contractor with the assistance of a special service vehicle. The report is computer generated and can be conveyed from a remote well site to a home base location using two computers communicating across a wireless communication link. The method is particularly useful when the work at the well involves several independent contractors using different service vehicles to perform different service operations.