Abstract: Passive load balancing in a fluid bearing for a rotational device is provided using disclosed devices, systems, and methods. In particular, fluid bearing apparatus may include an outer member with an inner member disposed concentrically within the outer member. A fluid inlet may provide fluid communication with a surrounding space between the inner and outer members. A bearing may be connected to the inner member and may extend into the surrounding space. The apparatus may also include a piston located in the surrounding space between the bearing and the fluid inlet. A supporting fluid is located between the piston and a surface of the bearing to transmit force from the piston to the bearing.

Abstract: Passive load balancing in a fluid bearing for a rotational device is provided using disclosed devices, systems, and methods. In particular, fluid bearing apparatus may include an outer member with an inner member disposed concentrically within the outer member. A fluid inlet may provide fluid communication with a surrounding space between the inner and outer members. A bearing may be connected to the inner member and may extend into the surrounding space. The apparatus may also include a piston located in the surrounding space between the bearing and the fluid inlet. A supporting fluid is located between the piston and a surface of the bearing to transmit force from the piston to the bearing.

Abstract: A seal assembly, method for sealing a seal assembly and a modular seal unit for a rotating control device for use in an offshore environment. The modular seal unit includes a first outer housing, a first seal housing lockable within the first outer housing, and a first sealing element disposed on a lower end of the first seal housing. The first sealing element includes a throughbore configured to receive a drill pipe, and a sealing surface configured to seal against the drill pipe. The modular seal unit also includes a first connector configured to couple the first seal housing to the first outer housing, and a second connector configured to couple the first seal housing to one selected from a second outer housing of a second modular seal unit or a running tool adapter.

Abstract: A method of flushing a wellbore fluid from a downhole tool containing a bearing package includes pumping hydraulic oil through at least one of a hydraulic inlet line and at least one of a pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and into an annulus formed between the bearing package and a main housing of the downhole tool, wherein the hydraulic oil replaces the wellbore fluid in the annulus, removing the wellbore fluid from the annulus through at least one hydraulic outlet line and at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing, pumping air through the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and removing the hydraulic oil from the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing, and removing the hydraulic oil through at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing.

Abstract: A seal assembly, method for sealing a seal assembly and a modular seal unit for a rotating control device for use in an offshore environment. The modular seal unit includes a first outer housing, a first seal housing lockable within the first outer housing, and a first sealing element disposed on a lower end of the first seal housing. The first sealing element includes a throughbore configured to receive a drill pipe, and a sealing surface configured to seal against the drill pipe. The modular seal unit also includes a first connector configured to couple the first seal housing to the first outer housing, and a second connector configured to couple the first seal housing to one selected from a second outer housing of a second modular seal unit or a running tool adapter.

Abstract: A downhole valve assembly is attached to a drillstring and includes an upper drillstring connection, a lower drillstring connection, and a tubular body comprising a through bore, and further includes a weight activated mechanism configured to close the through bore when the drillstring is lifted.

Abstract: A method of flushing a wellbore fluid from a downhole tool containing a bearing package includes pumping hydraulic oil through at least one of a hydraulic inlet line and at least one of a pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and into an annulus formed between the bearing package and a main housing of the downhole tool, wherein the hydraulic oil replaces the wellbore fluid in the annulus, removing the wellbore fluid from the annulus through at least one hydraulic outlet line and at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing, pumping air through the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and removing the hydraulic oil from the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing, and removing the hydraulic oil through at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing.

Abstract: A downhole valve assembly is attached to a drillstring and includes an upper drillstring connection, a lower drillstring connection, and a tubular body comprising a through bore, and further includes a weight activated mechanism configured to close the through bore when the drillstring is lifted.