Abstract: Tower erection systems and methods utilizing a load-sharing support member (LS support member) are disclosed. The LS support member can have a first end coupled to a crane tower and a second end configured to repeatably couple to the upper-most tower section of a partially assembled tower stack during assembly. During lifting, a portion of the vertical load is transferred to the partially assembled tower stack.

Abstract: A system includes a wellbore that extends from a surface into a subterranean formation. In addition, the system includes a power generation assembly including a fluid circuit that is in fluid communication with the wellbore wherein the power generation assembly is configured to generate electricity in response to a flow of a working fluid through the fluid circuit. Further, the system includes a bubble pump positioned within the wellbore that is configured to circulate the working fluid between the fluid circuit of the power generation assembly and the wellbore via a thermosiphon effect.

Abstract: A subplate mounted (SPM) valve includes a valve body having pilot port, a piston configured to be actuated by fluid from the pilot port, a first control chamber and second control chamber each formed in the valve body and fluidicly isolated from the pilot port, a first flow restrictor fluidicly disposed between the first control chamber and the second control chamber and configured to restrict flow in at least one direction between the first control chamber and the second control chamber, a cage coupled to the valve body and having a supply port, a return port, and a work port, and a spool slidably engaged with the cage and configured to selectively restrict flow between the supply port and the return port by actuation of the piston.

Abstract: Tower erection systems and methods utilizing a load-sharing support member (LS support member) are disclosed. The LS support member can have a first end coupled to a crane tower and a second end configured to repeatably couple to the upper-most tower section of a partially assembled tower stack during assembly. During lifting, a portion of the vertical load is transferred to the partially assembled tower stack.

Abstract: Several pre-assemblies holding panels of photovoltaic cells are constructed and pre-wired in a factory. The pre-assemblies are shipped to a solar farm, where they are lifted above posts secured to the ground. By being foldable, the solar panel assemblies can provide a compact shipping arrangement. Operators can connect the solar panel assemblies to a support and then unfolded the solar panel assemblies and lock them in the unfolded position.

Abstract: A valve for use in a hydraulic circuit to drive a piston is fluidly connected to a first actuating chamber of the hydraulic piston. The valve is piloted to close when the first chamber is pressurized. The valve vents the fluid in the first actuating chamber when the first chamber is not pressurized. The valve permits several fluid supplies connected to the chamber via check valves to be used to drive the piston. The hydraulic piston and hydraulic circuit may be implemented in a blowout preventer operating in a subsea environment to ensure safe drilling of deepwater wells.

Abstract: Power generation assemblies and methods relating thereto are disclosed. In an embodiment, the power generation assembly includes a thermoelectric generator, and a conductor configured to conduct electricity generated by the thermoelectric generator to the surface of a subterranean wellbore. The power generation assembly is to circulate a working fluid through a closed loop in the power generation assembly in response to the receipt of geothermal energy within a subterranean formation, to cause the thermoelectric generator to generate electricity.

Abstract: Several pre-assemblies holding panels of photovoltaic cells are constructed and pre-wired in a factory. The pre-assemblies are shipped to a solar farm, where they are lifted above posts secured to the ground using, for example, using an excavator connected to an end effector. The pre-assemblies are then connected to the posts and electrically coupled to one another. Such installation of solar panels in a solar farm may be faster and less labor-intensive than other types of installation.

Abstract: Several pre-assemblies holding panels of photovoltaic cells are constructed and pre-wired in a factory. The pre-assemblies are shipped to a solar farm, where they are lifted above posts secured to the ground. By being foldable, the solar panel assemblies can provide a compact shipping arrangement. Operators can connect the solar panel assemblies to a support and then unfolded the solar panel assemblies and lock them in the unfolded position.

Abstract: A system for handling tubulars on a rig may include a top handling device configured for arrangement on the rig and for handling a top portion of a tubular to and from a setback area. The system may also include a lower handling device configured for arrangement on the rig and for handling a bottom portion of the tubular between well center and a release position. The system may also include a bottom handling device configured for arrangement on the rig and for handling the bottom portion of the tubular between the release position and the setback area.

Abstract: Several pre-assemblies holding panels of photovoltaic cells are constructed and pre-wired in a factory. The pre-assemblies are shipped to a solar farm, where they are lifted above posts secured to the ground using, for example, using an excavator connected to an end effector. The pre-assemblies are then connected to the posts and electrically coupled to one another. Such installation of solar panels in a solar farm may be faster and less labor-intensive than other types of installation.

Abstract: A valve for use in a hydraulic circuit to drive a piston is fluidly connected to a first actuating chamber of the hydraulic piston. The valve is piloted to close when the first chamber is pressurized. The valve vents the fluid in the first actuating chamber when the first chamber is not pressurized. The valve permits several fluid supplies connected to the chamber via check valves to be used to drive the piston. The hydraulic piston and hydraulic circuit may be implemented in a blowout preventer operating in a subsea environment to ensure safe drilling of deepwater wells.

Abstract: A system for handling pipes on a drilling rig includes an elevator suspended from a stand transfer vehicle, a top drive or other lifting device of a drilling rig. The system also includes a rig-floor pipe lifting machine including a fork sized to engage a tool-joint of a pipe. A navigation system includes a controller that can be programmed to autonomously drive the rig-floor pipe lifting machine.

Abstract: A device for retrieving a control pod from a subsea BOP stack or deploying a control pod to a subsea BOP stack includes a base having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end axially opposite the first end. The base includes a plurality of axially adjacent bays positioned side-by-side between the first end and the second end. Each bay is sized to hold one control pod. In addition, the device includes a trolley moveably coupled to the base. The trolley includes a first stall and a second stall axially adjacent the first stall. Each stall is configured to hold one control pod. Further, the device includes a housing fixably coupled to the base. Still further, the device includes a control pod actuation assembly coupled to the housing. The control pod actuation assembly is configured to move the trolley axially relative to the base and the housing to align each stall of the trolley with at least one bay of the base.

Abstract: A method for replacing a first control pod of a BOP stack includes (a) lowering a control pod exchange device subsea. In addition, the method includes (b) coupling the control pod exchange device to the BOP stack. Further, the method includes (c) transferring the first control pod from the BOP stack to the control pod exchange device after (b). Still further, the method includes (d) lifting the control pod exchange device to the surface after (c).

Abstract: Hydraulic circuits for controlling a movable component use one or more of a plurality of fluid supplies. Pressurized fluid flowing from one supply is routed toward the component and is not inadvertently vented into another fluid supply, or into an exit port. A backflow path is provided for fluid returning from the hydraulic component when the component is actuated in a reversed direction. The hydraulic circuits can be used, for example, on blowout preventers in a subsea environment.

Abstract: Cranes and crane systems with high capacity lifting capabilities, as well as versatility and relatively large operational areas. A crane of the present disclosure may have main boom pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis and a luffing assembly configured for luffing the boom about the axis. The main boom may be pivotable in both a forward luffing operation and a reverse or rearward luffing operation. In this way, the main boom may be operable within a range extending up to 180 degrees. Various adjustment mechanisms may be used to shift the main boom from a forward luffing operation to a reverse luffing operation. Additionally, a crane of the present disclosure may have a utility boom rotatable about a substantially vertical axis. The utility boom may allow for added lateral reach of the crane, thus further increasing the operational area of the crane.

Abstract: A system for handling tubulars on a rig may include a top handling device configured for arrangement on the rig and for handling a top portion of a tubular to and from a setback area. The system may also include a lower handling device configured for arrangement on the rig and for handling a bottom portion of the tubular between well center and a release position. The system may also include a bottom handling device configured for arrangement on the rig and for handling the bottom portion of the tubular between the release position and the setback area.

Abstract: A subplate mounted (SPM) valve includes a valve body having pilot port, a piston configured to be actuated by fluid from the pilot port, a first control chamber and second control chamber each formed in the valve body and fluidicly isolated from the pilot port, a first flow restrictor fluidicly disposed between the first control chamber and the second control chamber and configured to restrict flow in at least one direction between the first control chamber and the second control chamber, a cage coupled to the valve body and having a supply port, a return port, and a work port, and a spool slidably engaged with the cage and configured to selectively restrict flow between the supply port and the return port by actuation of the piston.

Abstract: The disclosure provides devices and methods for controlling the actuation rates of SPM valves by bi-directionally controlling the fluid which actuates the valve or by maintaining enclosed volumes which communicate with each other through predetermined restrictions as the valve actuates. These enclosed volumes can be completely isolated, depth compensated, share fluid with the pilot actuating fluid, or utilize the main system fluid. The restrictions can be modified to increase or decrease the actuation rates of the SPM valve. The disclosure also provides control over the main system fluid passage opening and closing positions as well as how rapidly the flow passage areas increase or decrease while opening or closing the valve.