Abstract: A shell and tube heat exchanger has elongated shell having first and second opposing ends and an open interior. A core divides the open interior of the shell into first and second enclosed portions. The shell has first and second tube fluid openings at opposing ends. End plates divide the first and second enclosed portions into manifold portions and enclosed shell chamber portions. Tubes extend from the end plates, through the enclosed shell chambers to the core. Shell fluid openings are at sides of the elongated shell, a first fluid opening communicating with the first shell chamber, and a second fluid opening communicating with the second shell chamber. The shell has a long axis, and the end plates are angled relative to the long axis. The tubes are polygonal with rounded corners and straight sides. The heat exchanger can be used for both evaporation and condensation processes.

Abstract: A shell and tube heat exchanger has elongated shell having first and second opposing ends and an open interior. A core divides the open interior of the shell into first and second enclosed portions. The shell has first and second tube fluid openings at opposing ends. End plates divide the first and second enclosed portions into manifold portions and enclosed shell chamber portions. Tubes extend from the end plates, through the enclosed shell chambers to the core. Shell fluid openings are at sides of the elongated shell, a first fluid opening communicating with the first shell chamber, and a second fluid opening communicating with the second shell chamber. The shell has a long axis, and the end plates are angled relative to the long axis. The tubes are polygonal with rounded corners and straight sides. The heat exchanger can be used for both evaporation and condensation processes.

Abstract: A system and method verifies continuity with and measures voltage across a circuit under test (in some instances simultaneously) using two or more test probes. Two or more probe continuity circuits measure continuity through the test probes by injecting a test current through and measuring a processed test current received at each of the plurality of test probes. The probe continuity circuits measure the respective processed test current rendered by the test current flowing through the test circuit at each test probe. A voltmeter measures the potential difference across the test probes.

Abstract: A system and method measures subterranean stress. The system and method includes a cement mixture that is mixed with water to set as a solid and a stress measuring-medium having piezospectroscopic properties that directly reveals stress in situ within the cement mixture in response to a photo stimulation. The stress measuring-medium combines with the cement mixture as a dry blend before being combined with water.

Abstract: A system and method measuring subterranean stress. The system and method includes a non-destructive sheath enveloping a tubular structure positioned in direct contact with a lateral subterranean rock formation for sensing expansive changes in the subterranean rock formation. A fiber optic is directly embedded in the non-destructive sheath positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of the tubular structure. The fiber optic transmits light and thereafter receives light in proportion to the expansive changes in the subterranean rock formation. A spectrometer connected to the fiber optic remote from the non-destructive sheath. The spectrometer measures hydrostatic stress in the subterranean rock formation without estimating acoustoelastic effects or occluding the tubular structure.

Abstract: A system and method measuring subterranean stress. The system and method includes a non-destructive sheath enveloping a tubular structure positioned in direct contact with a lateral subterranean rock formation for sensing expansive changes in the subterranean rock formation. A fiber optic is directly embedded in the non-destructive sheath positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of the tubular structure. The fiber optic transmits light and thereafter receives light in proportion to the expansive changes in the subterranean rock formation. A spectrometer connected to the fiber optic remote from the non-destructive sheath. The spectrometer measures hydrostatic stress in the subterranean rock formation without estimating acoustoelastic effects or occluding the tubular structure.

Abstract: A system and method measures subterranean stress. The system and method includes a cement mixture that is mixed with water to set as a solid and a stress measuring-medium having piezospectroscopic properties that directly reveals stress in situ within the cement mixture in response to a photo stimulation. The stress measuring-medium combines with the cement mixture as a dry blend before being combined with water.

Abstract: A method and means of minimizing the effect of elastic valve recoil in impact applications, such as percussive drilling, where sliding spool valves used inside the percussive device are subject to poor positioning control due to elastic recoil effects experienced when the valve impacts a stroke limiting surface. The improved valve design reduces the reflected velocity of the valve by using either an energy damping material, or a valve assembly with internal damping built-in, to dissipate the compression stress wave produced during impact.

Abstract: A pneumatic device control apparatus and method comprising a ported valve slidably fitted over a feed tube of the pneumatic device, and using a compliant biasing device to constrain motion of the valve to provide asymmetric timing for extended pressurization of a power chamber and reduced pressurization of a return chamber of the pneumatic device. The pneumatic device can be a pneumatic hammer drill.

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: An offshore oil well platform assembly is provided that includes a jacking frame, which supports a coiled tubing injector, which in turn is connected to a wellhead during a coiled tubing operation; and a compensation system. The compensation system includes a force measurement system which measures forces applied to the wellhead; a force delivery system, which provides a compensating force to counteract at least a portion of the measured forces on the wellhead; and a control system which receives signals from the force measurement system indicative of the measured forces, and operates the force delivery system based on the measured forces.

Abstract: A jacking frame for an oil well offshore platform is provided that includes a support structure; a coiled tubing injector supported by the support structure and having a longitudinal axis; and a centralizer attached to the support structure, which moves a wellhead of the platform into alignment with the longitudinal axis of the coiled tubing 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: 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 jacking frame for an oil well offshore platform is provided that includes a support structure; a coiled tubing injector supported by the support structure and having a longitudinal axis; and a centralizer attached to the support structure, which moves a wellhead of the platform into alignment with the longitudinal axis of the coiled tubing injector.

Abstract: An offshore oil well platform assembly is provided that includes a jacking frame, which supports a coiled tubing injector, which in turn is connected to a wellhead during a coiled tubing operation; and a compensation system. The compensation system includes a force measurement system which measures forces applied to the wellhead; a force delivery system, which provides a compensating force to counteract at least a portion of the measured forces on the wellhead; and a control system which receives signals from the force measurement system indicative of the measured forces, and operates the force delivery system based on the measured forces.

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.