Abstract: An elbow fitting including an elbow body having an inlet, an outlet and an internal flow path formed therein. The inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet via the flow path. The elbow body, the inlet and the outlet together form a unitary workpiece. The unitary workpiece has a dead weight in a range between about 350 lbs and about 1,400 lbs. The inlet and the outlet each have an internal diameter of not less than about 7 inches. The elbow body is further capable of retaining an internal pressure of at least about 10,000 psi. The flow path may further include an enlarged chamber also formed within the elbow body. The enlarged chamber may be generally spherically shaped. An enclosed portion may be in fluid communication with the enlarged chamber.

Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.

Abstract: An articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) is disposed to deliver fluid remotely to, for example, a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Flow iron on the FDU preferably includes at least one swivel joint rated for high fluid pressure and high fluid volume flow. More preferably, the swivel joint has an internal diameter of not less than about 5 inches and is further capable of rotation while retaining an internal pressure of not less than about 10,000 psi.

Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring tightens the locking elements against the adapter. Internal pressure further tightens the adapter against the locking elements and the first seal section against the first seal bore. The fluid connection adapter also provides a release collar in adapter release embodiments. Extension of the locking ring away from the fluid connection housing during disengagement contacts the release collar and separates the fluid connection adapter from the fluid connection housing assembly.

Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.

Abstract: An articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) is disposed to deliver fluid remotely to, for example, a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Flow iron on the FDU preferably includes at least one swivel joint rated for high fluid pressure and high fluid volume flow. More preferably, the swivel joint has an internal diameter of not less than about 5 inches and is further capable of rotation while retaining an internal pressure of not less than about 10,000 psi.

Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. A first seal section on the housing assembly sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the adapter when the adapter enters the housing assembly. Engagement of an externally-disposed locking ring on locking element outer surfaces causes inner surfaces on the locking elements to retain the adapter to the housing assembly via a lock engagement surface. The first seal section is further disposed to expand radially such that when the first seal section expands radially, the first seal section further tightens sealing contact against the first seal bore. Adapter displacement relative to the housing assembly preferably further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring.

Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. A first seal section on the housing assembly sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the adapter when the adapter enters the housing assembly. Engagement of an externally-disposed locking ring on locking element outer surfaces causes inner surfaces on the locking elements to retain the adapter to the housing assembly via a lock engagement surface. The first seal section is further disposed to expand radially such that when the first seal section expands radially, the first seal section further tightens sealing contact against the first seal bore. Adapter displacement relative to the housing assembly preferably further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring.

Abstract: An articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) is disposed to deliver fluid remotely to, for example, a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Flow iron on the FDU preferably includes at least one swivel joint rated for high fluid pressure and high fluid volume flow. More preferably, the swivel joint has an internal diameter of not less than about 5 inches and is further capable of rotation while retaining an internal pressure of not less than about 10,000 psi.

Abstract: A spatially positioned assembly comprising, in preferred embodiments, a fluid inlet in fluid flow communication with a fluid connection adapter. A plurality of boom sections are concatenated in articulated fashion. The plurality is rotatably connected to a turret at a proximal thereof, and is rotatably connected with the fluid connection adapter at a distal end thereof. The fluid connection adapter is disposed for connection to a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Independent control of rotation at multiple axes on the spatially positioned assembly allows an operator to establish measured directional bearings at axes, such that sets of measured directional bearings values contribute to defining corresponding spatial positions for the assembly.

Abstract: A spatially positioned assembly comprising, in preferred embodiments, first and second boom sections concatenated in articulated fashion to a turret at a proximal end thereof, and rotatably connected with a fluid connection adapter at a distal end thereof. The fluid connection adapter is preferably configured for connection to a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Independent control of rotation at each of multiple axes on the spatially positioned assembly allows an operator to establish corresponding desired spatial positions for the spatially positioned assembly.

Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.

Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.

Abstract: An elbow fitting including an inlet and an outlet. An internal flow path and an internal enclosed portion are formed within the elbow body such that the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet via the flow path. The enclosed portion generally opposes the inlet and is in fluid communication with the flow path. The elbow fitting may be a casting or a forging. The inlet may have an internal diameter of not less than about 7 inches, and the elbow body may be further capable of retaining an internal pressure of not less than about 10,000 psi. The flow path may further include an enlarged chamber also formed within the elbow body. The enlarged chamber may be generally spherically shaped. In such designs, the enclosed portion is in fluid communication with the enlarged chamber.

Abstract: A remote operator interface and control unit configured to monitor status of, and control over, fluid connections at wellheads. Independent and concurrent status monitoring and control communication with fluid connections is provided at each of a plurality of wells. The operator interface and control unit allows a remote operator to lock and unlock fluid connection assemblies on wellheads, while at the same time viewing wellhead conditions accompanying such actions.

Abstract: A spatially positioned assembly comprising, in preferred embodiments, a fluid inlet in fluid flow communication with a fluid connection adapter. A plurality of boom sections are concatenated in articulated fashion. The plurality is rotatably connected to a turret at a proximal thereof, and is rotatably connected with the fluid connection adapter at a distal end thereof. The fluid connection adapter is disposed for connection to a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Independent control of rotation at multiple axes on the spatially positioned assembly allows an operator to establish measured directional bearings at axes, such that sets of measured directional bearings values contribute to defining corresponding spatial positions for the assembly.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system including an articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) comprising, in preferred embodiments, first and second boom sections concatenated in articulated fashion to a turret. A stinger assembly is provided at a distal end of the FDU. The stinger assembly includes a fluid connection adapter for connection to a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Independent control of rotation at each of multiple axes on the FDU allows an operator to establish a measured directional bearing at each axis, such that a set of directional bearings values defines the FDU's current spatial position. In preferred embodiments, the FDU may “learn” a desired spatial position by storing the set of directional bearings values corresponding to that spatial position. The FDU may then return to that stored spatial position robotically when instructed to recall and take up again the corresponding set of directional bearings values.

Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. Disclosed embodiments gain advantage from the internal work pressure to provide improved seal performance. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.

Abstract: A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.

Abstract: A solids separator includes a housing having a fluid inlet, the fluid inlet oriented to induce helical flow of fluid entering the housing. A flow reversing device is disposed within the housing and is arranged to reverse a longitudinal direction of the helical flow within the housing. A fluid outlet is disposed at an upper end of the housing. The fluid outlet includes within its cross-section a radial center of the housing.