Abstract: A computer-implemented image manipulation apparatus and method (200) configured to receiving an input image (202) and a desired style. The method can obtain a representation (204) of the input image selected from a plurality of stored representations of a plurality of images, wherein each said representation comprises data describing a set of image features. The method can modify image features in the obtained representation to correspond to the input image and/or the desired style to produce a modified representation (207), and render a reference image (209) based on the modified representation. A manipulated image is generated by performing a style transfer operation (210) on the input image using the rendered reference image. Embodiments may access a data store to find a group of stored images based on similarity between image content descriptors of groups of stored images and those of an input image to retrieve a stored reference image.

Abstract: A snubbing apparatus for a wellhead has a snubbing stack with a upper sealing element and a lower sealing element that seal between the elongate string and the snubbing stack. A string driver carried by the snubbing stack manipulates the elongate string through the upper and lower sealing elements. There is a source of inert liquid connected to the snubbing stack between the upper sealing element and the lower sealing element. A pressure sensor is connected to sense the pressure below the lower sealing element and is connected to provide a pressure signal to the source of inert liquid. The source of inert liquid is configured to pressurize the snubbing stack between the upper sealing element and the lower sealing element in response to the pressure signal.

Abstract: A snubbing apparatus for a wellhead has a snubbing stack with a upper sealing element and a lower sealing element that seal between the elongate string and the snubbing stack. A string driver carried by the snubbing stack manipulates the elongate string through the upper and lower sealing elements. There is a source of inert liquid connected to the snubbing stack between the upper sealing element and the lower sealing element. A pressure sensor is connected to sense the pressure below the lower sealing element and is connected to provide a pressure signal to the source of inert liquid. The source of inert liquid is configured to pressurize the snubbing stack between the upper sealing element and the lower sealing element in response to the pressure signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting and controlling secondary kicks, while dealing with a primary kick experienced when drilling an oil and gas well. The method includes a step of determining whether a different pressure per cubic meter of mud pit volume has been caused by a secondary kick by subtracting shut in drill pipe pressure (SIDPP) from shut in casing pressure (SICP) and dividing the derived sum by a kick volume in KPa per cubic meter from the primary kick. A further step is then taken of increasing casing pressure until casing pressure equals pit gain times (X) rate of change in casing pressure per cubic meter of pit gain plus (+) SIDPP.

Abstract: A method of controlling a well experiencing gas kicks, which includes the step of increasing pressure above maximum allowable casing pressure to offset decreases in circulating pressure. The method includes calculating a difference between initial circulating pressure and present circulating pressure to arrive at a net loss in circulating pressure. Pressure is increased above maximum allowable casing pressure by an amount approximating the net loss in circulating pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting and controlling secondary kicks, while dealing with a primary kick experienced when drilling an oil and gas well. The method includes a step of determining whether a different pressure per cubic meter of mud pit volume has been caused by a secondary kick by subtracting shut in drill pipe pressure (SIDPP) from shut in casing pressure (SICP) and dividing the derived sum by a kick volume in KPa per cubic meter from the primary kick. A further step is then taken of increasing casing pressure until casing pressure equals pit gain times (X) rate of change in casing pressure per cubic meter of pit gain plus (+) SIDPP.

Abstract: A method of monitoring gas influx into a well bore when drilling an oil and gas well. A first step involves positioning a pressure sensor in a well bore at a lower end of a well casing string. A second step involves connecting the pressure sensor to a pressure reader and monitoring the pressure reader for pressure changes indicative of gas influx.

Abstract: A method of controlling a well experiencing gas kicks, which includes the step of increasing pressure above maximum allowable casing pressure to offset decreases in circulating pressure. The method includes calculating a difference between initial circulating pressure and present circulating pressure to arrive at a net loss in circulating pressure. Pressure is increased above maximum allowable casing pressure by an amount approximating the net loss in circulating pressure.