Abstract: Blowout preventers, fluid pressure systems and portions thereof may be tested for leaks utilizing either a pressure decay rate method test or a volumetric leak rate method test of a hydrostatic pressure. The method provides for a means of resolving the nonlinear relationship between volumetric loss and test pressure utilizing either a pressure decay rate method test or a volumetric leak rate method test of a hydrostatic pressure test into a single dimensionless number that approximates the diameter of an orifice.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing closed hydraulic systems such as a blowout preventer for leaks maintain a constant pressure in the portion of the hydraulic system to be tested. A variable displacement pump is connected to the system for maintaining a constant pressure within the system. Any amount of fluid introduced into or removed from the blowout preventer in order to maintain constant pressure is measured and is an indication of the leak rate in the closed hydraulic system.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an abrasive jet drilling assembly. In one aspect, a resettable circulation tool for use in an abrasive jet drilling assembly is provided. The resettable circulation tool includes an inner body having a first port in fluid communication with a bore. The resettable circulation tool further includes an outer body having a second port. Additionally, the resettable circulation tool includes a cam member configured to move along one or more slots, wherein the bodies move relative to each other to selectively align and misalign the first port and the second port as the cam member moves along the slots. In another aspect, a method of using a resettable circulation tool disposed in an abrasive jet drilling assembly includes moving the first and second ports into and out of alignment.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an abrasive particles injection system. In one aspect, a high pressure solids pump for use in an abrasive particles injection system is provided. The high pressure solids pump includes a pump body having a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. The high pressure solids pump further includes a first valve connected to the inlet for allowing abrasive particles to enter the chamber. The high pressure solids pump also includes a second valve connected to the outlet for allowing pressurized abrasive particles to exit the chamber. Additionally, the high pressure solids pump includes a piston member movable within the chamber of the pump body, wherein the piston member is configured to pressurize the abrasive particles. In another aspect, a method of injecting abrasive particles into a high pressure line is provided.

Abstract: Methods of monitoring various downhole conditions are described, including a system for determining and/or identifying the flow of fluid in a well, determining sand production in a well, identifying localized events in a well, determining the apparent flow velocity of fluid flowing through a downhole conduit, and/or monitoring the strain in downhole tubulars. These determinations may be made by monitoring signals received from one or more sensors located in a well and analysing the signals, such as their frequency and timing.

Abstract: A head member having a piston provided thereon is connected to an elongate tube such as a micro-tube. The micro-tube contains one or more optical fibres, preferably suspended therein by a protective fluid such as a scavenging gel. The head member is preferably inserted into an already-deployed downhole tubular and fluid is pumped down that already deployed tubular behind the piston such that the head member and attached micro-tube and optical fiber(s) are pumped downhole. A sealing means such as a resin material may be pumped downhole in the annulus between the outer circumference of the micro-tube and the inner circumference of the already-deployed tubular downhole in low viscosity form and which may be adapted to cure or harden after a passage of time and/or under application of heat.

Abstract: A trailer coupling which receives the annular eye of a drawbar over a rearwardly and upwardly-projecting pintle, has a latch which engages the pintle and overlies the drawbar to prevent the drawbar from becoming dislodged during use. The latch is rotatable forwardly toward the body of the hitch, which is attached to the towing vehicle, to uncover the drawbar and permit its installation onto and removal from the pintle. A pawl mounted on the body of the coupling engages a tang on the latch when the latch is in its latched position to prevent rotation of the latch to its unlatched position. Thus the latch cannot inadvertently open during use. The pawl can be rotated away from the latch when it is desired to install or remove the drawbar.

Abstract: The locking mechanism of the present invention is comprised of a pawl which is rotatable to a locking position, where it contacts the latch which covers the pintle that carries the trailer drawbar. The pawl has a central cavity which contains a pair of rotatably mounted prongs that normally extend outwardly from the sides of the pawl but which can be placed into the cavity when manually deflected. When the pawl is in its locking position, against the latch, the prongs extend into notches in the side walls of the body of the coupling and thereby prevent the pawl from being lifted off of the latch. A cam, which is rotatably mounted on the bolt which journals the pawl, has paired plates which fit behind the prongs and prevent them from being deflected into the cavity. Thus, before the prongs can be deflected and thereafter the pawl lifted to unlock the latch, the cam must be rotated to a position where its faces are moved away from the prongs.