Abstract: Vibrations are created in a flow conduit by constraining a bluff object having a plurality of positions between which flow of fluid forces the bluff object. In a preferred embodiment, the vibration technique is utilized in a gravel packing tool. Gravel pack sand is placed while the gravel pack tool is vibrated by balls constrained within a wash pipe. A considerably improved gravel pack density is achieved.

Abstract: Vibrations are created in a flow conduit by constraining a bluff object having a plurality of positions between which flow of fluid forces the bluff object. In a preferred embodiment, the vibration technique is utilized in a gravel packing tool. Gravel pack sand is placed while the gravel pack tool is vibrated by balls constrained within a wash pipe. A considerably improved gravel pack density is achieved.

Abstract: A wash down placement of a screen into sand within a well borehole is improved by vibration of a wash pipe as the wash pipe is removed from the screen. A compacted sand gravel pack around the screen is achieved. The vibrations are created by constraining a bluff object having a plurality of positions between which flow of fluid forces the bluff object.

Abstract: A clamp is disclosed which is capable of latching on to a buckle arrestor on a subsea pipeline which has been severed in the vicinity of the buckle arrestor. By severing the pipe in this location and utilizing the buckle arrestor to latch the clamp on to the pipe, a simple and reliable clamp is used. A method to recover such a subsea pipeline by severing the pipeline in the vicinity of the buckle arrestor and utilizing such a clamp is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flowline bundle is twisted or braided into a permanent rope-like helical configuration, prior to laying the flowline bundle offshore by the reel method.Apparatus for forming the helical flowline bundle includes a pipe twist head and a series of pipe tumblers alternating with intermediate pipe supports, which apparatus rotates and translates part of a flowline bundle while simply translating the other part.

Abstract: A flowline bundle is twisted or braided into a permanent rope-like helical configuration, prior to laying the flowline bundle offshore by the reel method. Apparatus for forming the helical flowline bundle includes a pipe twist head and a series of pipe tumblers alternating with intermediate pipe supports, which apparatus rotates and translates part of a flowline bundle while simply translating the other part.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the force required to pull a pipe through a J-tube riser by coating the pipe and/or the inside of the riser with a fluorocarbon polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing the force required to move a pipe through a J-tube attached to an offshore platform. The J-tube is provided with at least two spaced-apart sections and at least the pipe and/or one section is oscillated as the pipe is moved through the J-tube, thereby reducing the force required to move the pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing the force required to move a pipe through a J-tube riser attached to an offshore platform. The J-tube riser is provided with at least one movable section and the movable section is oscillated as the pipe is moved through the J-tube riser, thereby reducing the force required to move the pipe.

Abstract: A reusable template is disclosed herein for use in cutting pipe and other related applications in conjunction as a guide for an oxygen cutting torch. The template, as described in a preferred embodiment as a pipe template, has one or more contour ends so configured that after the branch pipe is cut it will fit flush against the external surface of a header pipe at the desired angle determined by the configuration of the contour end. The template is made of oxidation resistant material, with an alloy content sufficient to produce refractory oxides when heated by a flame, thus preventing the template from being cut by the oxygen cutting torch. The template is held in place over or on the workpiece or pipe by means well known in the art. The contour end or shape of the template is used as a guide for the nozzle of a standard oxygen cutting torch.

Abstract: A gel plug of vegetable oil, fatty acid, a particulate filler such as calcium carbonate, and an optional base and/or polymer is employed during construction of an offshore pipeline to separate a gas-filled portion of the pipeline from a water-flooded portion, and to facilitate control and movement of a gas/gel plug/water interface as desired to assist in construction operations.

Abstract: Interfaces are detected in pipeline batching by means of a capacitance cell for determining dielectric constants. The batch fluid may be purified by a centrifugal filter to allow identification of the batch fluid by dielectric constant.