Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) installation and removal device, includes: a carriage for supporting a BOP assembly, the BOP assembly having a BOP axis; the carriage being mounted on a linear actuator that has a translation axis that is parallel to the BOP axis; and a rotator mounted to the carriage and connectable to the BOP for rotating the BOP about the BOP axis. A combination of a BOP assembly mounted to the carriage of the BOP installation and removal device with the rotator connected to the BOP and the BOP axis parallel to the translation axis. A rotation of the BOP aligns the axis of the BOP with the axis of the well. A method of using the BOP installation and removal device including installing a BOP assembly on a well.

Abstract: A pump is disclosed, comprising: a pump block defining a cylinder in which a piston is mounted for reciprocation and positive displacement of fluids from an intake port of the pump block to a discharge port of the pump block; an intake valve located in the intake port of the pump block and a discharge valve located in the discharge port of the pump block; the intake valve having a valve plug that has a closed position in which the valve plug is seated on a valve seat in the intake port; a wear sleeve lining at least a portion of the intake port upstream of the valve seat; a pressure sensor upstream of the intake valve for detecting a pressure condition indicative of failure of the intake valve to provide a seal when the intake valve is in the closed position; and a controller responsive to the pressure sensor to send a signal to stop operation of the pump upon detection of the pressure condition.

Abstract: A pump is disclosed, comprising: a pump block defining a cylinder in which a piston is mounted for reciprocation and positive displacement of fluids from an intake port of the pump block to a discharge port of the pump block; an intake valve located in the intake port of the pump block and a discharge valve located in the discharge port of the pump block; the intake valve having a valve plug that has a closed position in which the valve plug is seated on a valve seat in the intake port; a wear sleeve lining at least a portion of the intake port upstream of the valve seat; a pressure sensor upstream of the intake valve for detecting a pressure condition indicative of failure of the intake valve to provide a seal when the intake valve is in the closed position; and a controller responsive to the pressure sensor to send a signal to stop operation of the pump upon detection of the pressure condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing heat energy to a fluid, including a housing adapted for connection into a working string and for inserting into a borehole, a flow path for the fluid extending within the housing, a pressure drop device positioned within the flow path, and an actuator for actuating the apparatus between a minimum pressure drop position and a maximum pressure drop position. A method for providing heat energy to a fluid, including the steps of providing an apparatus in a borehole, actuating the apparatus to a maximum pressure drop position, and circulating the fluid through a pressure drop device which is positioned within a flow path in the apparatus.

Abstract: A drilling assembly (2) comprises upper (4) and lower (6) drill strings with a fluid passage (80) therethrough for distributing fluid to a bottom hole assembly (10). The upper drill string (4) has an upper end (11) connectable to a drilling apparatus (13) and fluid source (16) and a lower end (18) with an attached casing expander unit (20) that communicates the fluid passage (80) of the upper (4) and lower (6) drill strings. An upper end (22) of the lower drill string (6) is formed from a casing string (24) telescoped over the casing expander unit. A constriction (31) connects the casing string (24) with the rest of the lower drill string (6). A flow restriction device (35) in the lower drill string acts to control fluid flow through the fluid passage.

Abstract: In a tool having an inner member supported within an outer member, wherein the tool defines a longitudinal axis, a device is provided for preventing relative rotation of the inner member and the outer member. The device is comprised of a locking mechanism and a locking actuator. The locking mechanism is positioned between the inner member and the outer member, wherein the locking mechanism is movable longitudinally between a first locking mechanism position in which the inner member and the outer member are disengaged and capable of relative rotation and a second locking mechanism position in which the inner member and the outer member are engaged and not capable of relative rotation. The locking actuator causes the locking mechanism to move longitudinally.

Abstract: In a tool having an inner member supported within an outer member, wherein the tool defines a longitudinal axis, a device is provided for preventing relative rotation of the inner member and the outer member. The device is comprised of a locking mechanism and a locking actuator. The locking mechanism is positioned between the inner member and the outer member, wherein the locking mechanism is movable longitudinally between a first locking mechanism position in which the inner member and the outer member are disengaged and capable of relative rotation and a second locking mechanism position in which the inner member and the outer member are engaged and not capable of relative rotation. The locking actuator causes the locking mechanism to move longitudinally.

Abstract: A drilling shaft deflection assembly for a drilling direction control device of the type comprising a rotatable drilling shaft and a housing for supporting a length of the drilling shaft for rotation therein. The deflection assembly is contained within the housing and is axially located between a first support location and a second support location for bending the drilling shaft between the first support location and the second support location. The deflection assembly includes a deflection mechanism for imparting lateral movement to the drilling shaft to bend the drilling shaft, a deflection actuator for actuating the deflection mechanism in response to longitudinal movement of the deflection actuator, and a deflection linkage mechanism between the deflection mechanism and the deflection actuator for converting longitudinal movement of the deflection actuator to lateral movement of the drilling shaft.

Abstract: A drilling shaft deflection assembly for a drilling direction control device of the type comprising a rotatable drilling shaft and a housing for supporting a length of the drilling shaft for rotation therein. The deflection assembly is contained within the housing and is axially located between a first support location and a second support location for bending the drilling shaft between the first support location and the second support location. The deflection assembly includes a deflection mechanism for imparting lateral movement to the drilling shaft to bend the drilling shaft, a deflection actuator for actuating the deflection mechanism in response to longitudinal movement of the deflection actuator, and a deflection linkage mechanism between the deflection mechanism and the deflection actuator for converting longitudinal movement of the deflection actuator to lateral movement of the drilling shaft.