Abstract: A predetermined condition in a fluid-filled wellbore system can be detected by generating at least one sound in the wellbore system in response to the condition, such that a detectable change is created in some characteristic of the emitted sound, and detecting the at least one sound and the change, the detection being indicative that the predetermined condition has occurred. Equipment for facilitating detection of the condition can include a trigger operable in response to the condition; a generator operable to emit sound in the borehole and to create a detectable change in some characteristic of the emitted sound in response to the trigger; and at least one sensor operable to monitor the sound and detect the change, the detection being indicative that the predetermined condition has occurred. It is also possible to estimate a value of a property of a fluid-filled wellbore system.

Abstract: An assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for providing a substantially uniform output flow from at least one piston of a pump powered by a prime mover includes at least a first power piston disposed in a cylinder and reciprocatingly movable within the cylinder between an extension direction when supplied with power from the prime mover and an opposite retraction direction, and a synchronization element attached to the power piston to control the speed of the power piston in the retraction direction.

Abstract: An x-ray tool for determining a characteristic of an oilfield fluid. The tool may include a generator portion housing a collimator about a target from which x-rays are emitted. In this manner x-rays may be attenuated right at the target such that a majority of shielding otherwise necessary for safety concerns may be eliminated. Rather, by employing the target within the collimator, shielding of the generator may be limited to a single shielding plate within the generator portion that is positioned parallel to the target at the opposite end of an x-ray tube therebetween. As a result of this configuration, an x-ray tool for analysis of oilfield fluids may be provided with a minimum weight of shielding material. Thus, hand-held user friendly embodiments may be safely employed at the oilfield.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the density and phase fractions of well services fluids is shown including an x-ray generator, a sample cell, and a radiation detector. Radiation is passed through the sample cell and fluid and the attenuated radiation signal is used to evaluate the fluid. In one embodiment, a reference radiation detector measures a filtered radiation signal and controls the acceleration voltage and/or beam current of the x-ray generator using this information. The apparatus may be permanently affixed for long term monitoring or temporarily clamped on to a pipe in production.

Abstract: A mechanism for pressurized delivery of material into a well without exposure to a high pressure pump. The mechanism may include material delivery equipment that is coupled to the high pressure pump or other pressure inducing equipment through a material carrier that intersects a fluid line from the pump. The material carrier may include chambers that are reciprocated or rotated between positions that are isolated from the fluid line and in communication with the fluid line. While isolated from the fluid line, the chambers may be filled with oilfield material which may then be delivered to the fluid line when positioned in communication therewith. In this manner, a supply of the oilfield material may be retained in a substantially isolated state relative to the pump and components thereof which may be susceptible to damage from exposure to the oilfield material.

Abstract: An integrated well access assembly. The assembly may be a coiled tubing unit with integrated pumping capability. However, other types of assemblies for oilfield operations may be employed. Regardless, the assembly may include a single prime mover to operate multiple pumps from a single trailer platform. This may be achieved by replacement of a conventional crankshaft driven pump or other significantly massive pump with a smaller hydraulic pump of sufficient pumping capacity. This replacement allows for a reduction in the amount of capital equipment required at the oilfield for a given operation. Thus, in turn, manpower and other maintenance expenses may similarly be reduced for the operation.

Abstract: An x-ray tool for determining a characteristic of an oilfield fluid. The tool may include a generator portion housing a collimator about a target from which x-rays are emitted. In this manner x-rays may be attenuated right at the target such that a majority of shielding otherwise necessary for safety concerns may be eliminated. Rather, by employing the target within the collimator, shielding of the generator may be limited to a single shielding plate within the generator portion that is positioned parallel to the target at the opposite end of an x-ray tube therebetween. As a result of this configuration, an x-ray tool for analysis of oilfield fluids may be provided that is no more than about 50 lbs. in total weight. Thus, hand-held user friendly embodiments may be safely employed at the oilfield.

Abstract: A method of pumping an oilfield fluid from a well surface to a wellbore is provided that includes providing one or more horizontal pumps to an oilfield; and operating the one or more horizontal pumps to pump the oilfield fluid from the well surface to the wellbore.

Abstract: A multi-step autofrettage process for pre-treating a multi-cylinder reciprocating pump fluid end that has a central cylinder and at least two side cylinders is provided that includes autofrettaging the central cylinder; and autofrettaging the at least two side cylinders, wherein the autofrettaging of the central cylinder is performed independently of the autofettaging of the at least two side cylinders.

Abstract: A method of pumping an oilfield fluid from a well surface to a wellbore is provided that includes providing a clean stream; operating one or more clean pumps to pump the clean stream from the well surface to the wellbore; providing a dirty stream including a solid material disposed in a fluid carrier; and operating one or more dirty pumps to pump the dirty stream from the well surface to the wellbore, wherein the clean stream and the dirty stream together form said oilfield fluid.

Abstract: A technique for utilizing a coiled tubing rig improves its operation and functionality. The coiled tubing rig is adapted to enable improved operation in a variety of harsh environments. The coiled tubing rig also may comprise features that facilitate the interchangeability of well tools, e.g. the interchangeability of bottom hole assemblies, to lower operational cost and to increase the efficiency with which a variety of well related operations can be performed.

Abstract: A method of lifting a coiled tubing reel is provided that includes providing a coiled tubing reel including a pair of flanges connected by a core around which a string of coiled tubing is wrapped, and a pair of hubs with each hub connected to a corresponding one of the flanges by a plurality of spokes. The method also includes providing a spreader beam including a pair of support members, and connecting each support member to a corresponding one of the reel hubs. The method further includes lifting the coiled tubing reel by applying a lift force to the spreader beam, such that the load of the lift force is carried by the spreader beam, the reel hubs and at least one of the plurality of spokes.

Abstract: A coil tubing system including a reel having a core rotatable about a horizontal axis, the core having a surface defining an interior cavity about the horizontal axis and a tubing having an inlet end positioned proximate the horizontal axis. A bend is formed in the tubing between the inlet end and a core point of the tubing positioned proximate the core surface, the permanent bend positioned substantially within the interior cavity.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an apparatus and/or a method for moving an round flexible member into and out of a well bore, and particularly, to an injector with two or more gripping members which bind the outer surface of the round flexible member; two or more actuators which cause the gripping members to bind or release the round flexible member; and at least one reciprocator for translating a gripping member to move the round flexible member, or for repositioning the gripping member. A method of translating a round flexible member is also provided which includes the steps of binding the outer surface of a round flexible member with at least one gripping members by engagement with an actuator, and translating a gripping member by reciprocator to move the round flexible member.

Abstract: A coiled tubing swivel assembly is provided that includes a mandrel for attachment to a pump, and a hub rotatably attached to the mandrel and for attachment to an end of a string of coiled tubing. The mandrel and the hub together form a conduit for passage of a pumped substance. A crane bearing is attached to the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A level-wind head and system for coiled tubing the head adapted for passing coiled tubing of various outside diameters without repositioning or replacing the rollers. A system of an embodiment of the present invention includes a coiled tubing reel mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis, a level-wind head comprising only one pair rollers mounted in spaced relation to one another to form a throat sized to pass various outside diameter coiled tubing, without replacement or repositioning of the pair of rollers, to or from the reel, and a positioning system in connection with the level-wind head for selectively positioning the level-wind head proximate the reel.

Abstract: A modular work system permits Rig Up time to be substantially reduced by reducing the number of crane lifts required to offload equipment for a transport boat or vehicle. This is achieved by developing transport skids capable of holding multiple system components. The number of equipment components that must be mechanically coupled on location is reduced by pre-assembling the components and maintaining the assembly in operating condition during storage and transport. Skid design concepts are employed, wherein a skid system carries various pre-assembled components for transport, storage and operation. Specifically, a skid sub-system includes various related components. The components are either pre-assembled or are designed to complete a sub-assembly through final assembly on the rig. The skid is moved into place using the crane, and the assembly is completed. Additional sub-systems are mounted on additional skids which are designed to be mated with the other related skids and sub-assemblies.

Abstract: A gooseneck for coiled tubing operations have a folding design to allow for a more compact design for storage and transport. The gooseneck may remain attached to the injector during transport, thereby decreasing the equipment required to move and set-up the coiled tubing equipment. The gooseneck includes a linkage mechanism for connecting a pair of support struts between the injector body and the tubing guide. The linkage allows the guide to follow a substantially parabolic path as it tracks the tubing from the reel to the injector.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for moving tubulars into and out of a well bore, and particularly, a tubular injector with two or more gripping members which bind the outer surface of the tubular, two or more actuators which cause the gripping members to bind or release the tubular, and at least one reciprocator for translating a gripping member to move the tubular, or for repositioning the gripping member. A method of translating a tubular is also provided which includes the steps of binding the outer surface of a tubular with at least one gripping members by engagement with an actuator, and translating a gripping member by reciprocator to move the tubular.

Abstract: A gooseneck for coiled tubing operations have a folding design to allow for a more compact design for storage and transport. The gooseneck may remain attached to the injector during transport, thereby decreasing the equipment required to move and set-up the coiled tubing equipment. The gooseneck includes a linkage mechanism for connecting a pair of support struts between the injector body and the tubing guide. The linkage allows the guide to follow a substantially parabolic path as it tracks the tubing from the reel to the injector.