Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) protector is adapted to support a tubing string in a wellbore so that the tubing string is directly accessible during a well treatment to stimulate production. The BOP protector includes a mandrel having a sealing assembly mounted to its bottom end for pack-off in a casing of a well to be stimulated. The mandrel is connected at its top end to a fracturing head, including a central passage and radial passages in fluid communication with the central passage. The mandrel is locked in a fixed position by a lockdown nut that prevents upward movement induced by fluid pressures in the wellbore. The advantages are that the BOP protector permits access to the tubing string during well treatment and enables an operator to move the tubing string up and down or run coil tubing into or out of the wellbore without removing the tool. This reduces operation costs, saves time and enables many new procedures that were previously impossible or impractical.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for positioning a section of a well string. The apparatus includes a base plate and a turntable supported by the base plate. The turntable is preferably configured to rotate with respect to the base plate. At least one jack assembly is supported by the turntable and connects to a load collar, which is configured to support the section of the well string. The rotational position of the section of the well string can be adjusted by rotating the turntable. The vertical position of the section of the well string can be adjusted by raising or lowering the jack assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding and turning a tubular and string of tubulars, such as casing, for make-up and drilling with the tubulars are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a spear and a clamping head, both of which are mounted to a top drive. The spear and the clamping head can be engaged to transmit torque therebetween from the top drive. In addition, an aspect of the invention provides variable height wickers positioned on slips to enable use of the slips with variable inner diameter (ID) and weight casing without deformation or rupture of the casing. Still further, a casing collar is also provided to provide reinforcement to the casing in the area of slip contact with the casing ID.

Abstract: A centralizer is located in a passage of a tubular body of a wellhead assembly for centralizing well tools lowered through the passage. Centralizing members have outer ends mounted to axially extending stationary hinge members, which are mounted to the tubular body in a circular array around a circumference of the passage. A cam and a slot are located between the outer end of each of the centralizing members and the stationary hinge member. Each of the slots has an upward inclined portion, a downward inclined portion, and a neutral position located between the upward and downward inclined portions. A spring urges the cam and the slot to the neutral position, which orients the centralizing members radially inward.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive and is, more particularly but not exclusively, intended for facilitating the connection of a section or stand of casing to a string of casing.

Abstract: An oil or gas well slip system is provided that includes a first movable member having an interactive contact surface and a second movable member having a mating interactive contact surface for slidable engagement with the interactive contact surface of the first movable member. The first and second movable members are each comprised of a first material. A second material, compositionally different from the first material, is attached to the interactive contact surface of either the first or the second movable member.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method to insert a small diameter pipe into a borehole while holding a larger diameter pipe. The apparatus includes a table attached to a centralized base which, in turn, provides a telescopic stop tower. The stop tower includes a force transducer that yields a readout when it is abutted by a first wrench when a second wrench secured to the small diameter pipe is turned.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and methods to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods can be used to for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping two concentric tubes, typically two concentric tubes in an oil or gas well. The clamp has two axially movable tapered components which can be pulled over one another in an axial direction to provide a contraction of internal diameter which grips the smaller diameter tube. In one embodiment, a spacer is fitted to allow the tapered components to be held apart until the tubes have been correctly positioned. The spacer is then removed, and the tapered components are drawn together to effect the clamping. A hydraulic ram can be provided to separate the tapered components should readjustment be required. In another embodiment, the larger diameter tube is made with a relatively thin wall, so that it can be distorted inwards to grip the smaller tube.

Abstract: A surface pump assembly having a pressure vessel containing a submersible pump and an industrial motor located at least partially external to the pressure vessel having a shaft or seal thrust chamber extending at least partially into the pressure vessel to connect to pump. The pressure vessel has an inlet connected to a fluid source and one or more bleed off or pressure relief valves. The pump has an intake to receive the fluid and a discharge connected to a discharge conduit.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector apparatus for use in inserting coiled tubing into a well, temporarily suspending the coiled tubing, and removing the coiled tubing from the well is described. The apparatus includes a base with a pair of spaced-apart carriages extending upwardly therefrom. The base is part of a frame positioned above a wellhead. The carriages each have a gripper chain drive system rotatably mounted thereon and movable therewith. An actuation and linkage system allows the carriages to move toward and away from one another in a lateral or transverse direction with respect to the superstructure and the base. Thus, the gripper chain systems comprises gripper chains that can be engaged or disengaged from the coiled tubing extending through the apparatus. A wetting fluid basin is positioned below the gripper chains, and support guides engage the coiled tubing below the gripper chains to prevent buckling of the coiled tubing.

Abstract: A process to transport a blow out preventer for a drilling rig having a drawworks wherein the blow out preventer is transported between a storage area and a use position over a wellbore. The process includes the steps of connecting an upper connector end of an elongated running tool to the drawworks of the drilling rig. The elongated running tool is moved in position parallel to the wellbore using the drawworks of the drilling rig. The running tool is lowered so that a stab connection is made between a lower connector end of the running tool and the blow out preventer. The blow out preventer is thereafter moved over and in alignment with the wellbore.

Abstract: An electrical actuator is particularly suited for driving a wellhead valve for regulating the flow of natural gas from a production well. The electrical actuator can be driven using the existing local power supply in wellhead valve systems, typically a solar panel and a battery. The electrical actuator may include a gear reduction train, a brake and a manual input override with clutch protection. The electrical actuator can be configured in three different operational modes that provides a predetermined position upon power loss including fail-bias fixed, fail open and fail bias closed.

Abstract: A wellhead is formed by extruding a plurality of tubular liners off of a mandrel into contact with an outer casing. The first tubular liner and mandrel are positioned within the wellbore with the tubular liner in an overlapping relationship with the outer casing. At least a portion of the tubular liner is extruded off of the mandrel into contact with the interior surface of the outer casing. The first tubular liner is extruded off of the mandrel by pressurizing an interior portion of the first tubular liner. Subsequent tubular liners are positioned in concentric overlapping relation and similarly extruded off of a mandrel into at least partial contact with the interior surface of the outer casing.

Abstract: A well completion system includes a completion device defining a bore therein attached to a wellhead and a tool, disposed within the bore, comprising an operational element and a control receptacle in communication with the operational element. The system further includes a horizontal penetrator assembly disposed external to the completion device and comprising at least one horizontal penetrator capable of being extended into and retracted from the bore to engage the control receptacle such that the horizontal penetrator is in communication with the operational element of the tool. A method includes inserting a tool into a bore of a completion device, engaging a horizontal penetrator with a control receptacle of the tool, and operating an element of the tool via the horizontal penetrator.

Abstract: A side entry tool having a lower end portion for receiving a saver sub thereon. There is further provided a sleeve portion positioned in the lower end of the side entry tool having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the tool body; the sleeve would have undergone heat treatment to a certain rockwell hardness so that because of the smaller diameter of the sleeve, any contact of the wireline with the tool body would make contact with the hardened sleeve, which could take the contact without a groove or cut being formed in the sleeve. The sleeve would be held in place with a set screw at its lower end to prevent it from rotating. In the event the sleeve indicates wireline wear, the set screw would be loosened and the sleeve would be rotated so that the wireline would make contact with a non-affected portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A tubular support system with a bowl and a hanger, the bowl for supporting at least one tubular member and including a body with at least one access port for accessing a fluid channel opening of the hanger positioned within the bowl; the hanger for connection to a tubular member and having at least one fluid channel through it from a bottom surface to an outer surface so that one or more control lines attached to a supported tubular (pipe, casing, riser, tubing) can be placed in fluid communication with the at least one fluid channel, and, via the at least one access port, the at least one fluid channel can be placed in fluid communication with other apparatus, e.g., a surface control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an actuator system having an electrical actuator in hydraulic communication with a hydraulic actuator are described. The apparatus includes a controller module in communication with a source of electrical power and a transceiver. The transceiver is adapted for bi-directional wireless communication with a remote transceiver for the transfer of control data and feedback data. The controller module sends a control signal to the electrical actuator in response to control data received from the remote transceiver. The source of electrical power includes a hydraulic motor and an electrical generator to provide local electrical power from a hydraulic flow. Because the electrical power is generated locally and the control and feedback data are carried over the wireless link, no wires to remote locations are required.

Abstract: A drilling rig includes a tower, a stabilizer for lifting/lowering an injector and BOP stack, and a powered arm adapted to manipulate BHA segments. The tower includes a plurality of interlocking modules and is mounted on two perpendicularly aligned skids. The tower is also provided with an opening that enables the side loading of equipment. The preferred rig includes one module adapted to support a stabilizer that includes hydraulic lifts that can raise the injector and BOP stack off the wellhead. The stabilizer also accommodates the thermal expansion of the BOP stack by rising and lowering the stack during well servicing operations. The powered arm attaches to the tower and includes an articulated gripper for manipulating the bottom hole assembly segments. Preferably, the powered arm is controlled by a general-purpose computer that guides the powered arm through a predetermined sweep.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a power tong at a desired location with respect to the distance above the rig floor, and with respect to the center of the rig floor. A pedestal is secured to the structure of the rig. An upright member is mounted on the upper end of the pedestal, with a bearing disposed between the upright member and the pedestal, the bearing permitting the upright member to rotate around a vertical axis when moved by a powered ring gear assembly. A telescoping boom is rotatably mounted on the upright member, and one end thereof extends over the central part of the rig floor. Power tongs attached to the boom may thereby be positioned at desired positions with respect to the rig floor. Controls mounted on the power tongs and/or on the upright member permit control of the rotation of the boom, the upright member, and the power tong.

Abstract: An apparatus for rigless subterranean well completion, re-completion, servicing or workover includes at least two substantially vertically oriented double acting prime movers incorporated into a spool for pressure containment, which is mounted to the top of a wellhead. The spool further includes a Bowen union mounted to a top thereof for sealingly connecting an annular adapter, which provides a seal between the well bore and a tubular that is inserted under the well fluid pressure into the well by the prime movers. The spool may further include a mechanism for securing a hydraulic crane that can be temporarily mounted to the top of the spool to hoist equipment and tools above the wellhead when the prime movers are used to support heavy workloads induced by well fluid pressure or the weight of a tubing string. The apparatus can be used in various operations for well completion, re-completion, servicing or workover without the necessity of using a servicing rig.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for connecting tubulars and reforming the connection between the tubulars. In one aspect of the invention, the tubulars are aligned, connected, and then reformed at the connection. In one embodiment, the reforming is accomplished by removing material from the tubular connection. Preferably, a broach is used to remove the material. In another embodiment, a reforming member operatively connected to a telescoping tubular is inserted into the tubulars.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting tubulars comprises tongs (1, 11) for gripping the tubulars, having openings (3, 13) which can be aligned to allow tubulars to enter the tongs, and a detection apparatus (15) for detecting the location of a joint between the tubulars. The detection apparatus comprises a set of keys (19) disposed along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the tubulars, the keys being individually displaceable on contact with the tubulars as the tubulars enter the tongs through the openings. The detection apparatus further comprises a set of sensor means (22), each arranged to detect displacement of a corresponding key. The position of the joint can then be determined from the displacement of the keys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for interconnecting adjacent expandable pipes by Laser Beam Welding (LBW).

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, the apparatus comprising a supporting member (13) connectable to said top drive (3) characterized in that it further comprises an internal tool (30) for engaging said tubular (7) and an external clamping device (39) for engaging said tubular (7).

Abstract: A well casing system is disclosed for the handling and make-up of casing on a drilling rig in conjunction with a top drive is disclosed. The system comprises a top drive, a casing make-up assembly, links, link tilts, and transfer and lifting elevators. The operator can remotely manipulate the elevators to pick up and position a joint of casing above the casing already secured in the drilling hole. The operator can then engage the gripper head and use the rotational capability of the top drive to remotely couple the two joints of casing together.

Abstract: A subterranean oil or gas well apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a single-bore production tubing hanger arranged concentric with a wellhead. The tubing hanger includes a plurality of ports and channels arranged about the tubing hanger to give operators access to the production tubing annulus and provide chemical injection capability. The ports are closable by a sliding valve. The apparatus also includes annulus and production radial-bore stab assemblies between a christmas tree and an internal crossover assembly. The stab assemblies are extendable and retractable between the chirstmas tree and the crossover assembly to allow the retrieval and installation of each independently.

Abstract: A self-erecting rig is adapted for deployment on a platform and includes hydraulic jacks and rails. The rig structure is made up of stacked, interlocking modules having open areas pre-fitted with well equipment such as mud pumps, mud tanks, and power packs. The rails are disposed on a platform and guide the modules to the hydraulic jacks. Hydraulic jacks, also fixed onto the platform, are configured to releasably engage and elevate the modules. During deployment, the jacks engage a module and hoist it to a pre-determined height. While the engaged module is suspended, another module is slid immediately below. After the two modules interlock, the jacks repeat the process.

Abstract: The present invention includes an interchangeable coil tubing support block that provides a means for quickly adapting a wheel system for wheel-type coiled tubing injectors for a wide variety of tubing sizes. In addition, the present invention provides a light weight, robust, and wear resistant means of contacting and fully supporting the tubing while it is being injected into and withdrawn from a well.

Abstract: A high torque and high capacity rotatable center core and floatable sealed body apparatus with universal ram applications. The apparatus includes a central core assembly, connected between a swivel on its upper end and the work string below, with the central core assembly having a central passageway therethrough. The apparatus further includes a first outer assembly, having a central bore for slidably engagement around a portion of the central core assembly. In one embodiment, a second outer assembly is included, with the second outer assembly having a central bore for slidably engaging around a portion of the central core assembly above the first outer assembly. A pair of opposing transverse bores is contained within both of the first and second outer assemblies, corresponding to a pair of transverse bores in the central core assembly.

Abstract: A high torque and high capacity rotatable center core and floatable sealed body assembly with universal ram applications and method for use in a drill string, including a central core assembly, connected between a swivel on its upper end and the drill string below, having a central passageway therethrough; a first outer assembly, having a central bore for slidably engagement around a portion of the central core assembly; a second outer assembly, having a central bore for slidably engaging around a portion of the central core assembly above the first outer assembly; a pair of opposing transverse bores in both the first and second outer assemblies, corresponding to transverse bores in the central core assembly; sleeve members for aligning the bores of the core assembly and the first and second outer assemblies; and rams positionable in the transverse bores in the first and second outer assemblies for sealing off the passageway in the central core assembly when moved to the sealing position.

Abstract: A wellbore casing is formed simultaneously with the drilling out of the wellbore.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) protector is adapted to support a tubing string in a wellbore so that the tubing string is directly accessible during a well treatment to stimulate production. The BOP protector includes a mandrel having a sealing assembly mounted to its bottom end for pack-off in a casing of a well to be stimulated. The mandrel is connected at its top end to a fracturing head, including a central passage and radial passages in fluid communication with the central passage. The mandrel is locked in a fixed position by a lockdown nut that prevents upward movement induced by fluid. pressures in the wellbore. The advantages are that the BOP protector permits access to the tubing string during well treatment and enables an operator to move the tubing string up and down or run coil tubing into or out of the wellbore without removing the tool. This reduces operation costs, saves time and enables many new procedures that were previously impossible or impractical.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, the apparatus comprising a supporting member (13) connectable to said top drive (3) characterized in that it further comprises an internal tool (30) for engaging said tubular (7) and an external clamping device (39) for engaging said tubular (7).

Abstract: This invention relates to a dual jacking system and method for inserting and extracting tubulars, or the like into and out of a well, such as an oil or gas well, at a relatively high rate of speed.

Abstract: A drilling rig derrick is adapted to direct the hoist lines reeved between the crown block and the traveling block such that they enter both in a vertical direction if the traveling block is moved laterally to clear the work area over the rotary table. Arrangements are provided to move the crown block laterally, and to move it back over the rotary table. Alternate provisions displace the reeved lines with idler sheaves to move the traveling block only and direct the reeved lines such that they enter both crown block and traveling block sheaves in a near vertical direction. Methods for both options are provided.

Abstract: Liquids recovered from a gas well processed in a ground flare for avoiding the expense of offsite disposal. Well gases are burned in first burners to form a primary combustion zone. Liquids for disposal are introduced and atomized through second burners or nozzles into the primary combustion zone. Preferably, a wellhead separator further separates liquids from gas recovered from the well. Liquids are stored in a tank and delivered to the second burners as the heat capacity in the flare permits. Supplementary commercial pilot gas can provide sufficient heat capacity if the well gas is temporarily insufficient. The liquid is incinerated and its combustion or vaporized products are discharged with the burned gas.

Abstract: A drilling rig includes a tower, a stabilizer for lifting/lowering an injector and BOP stack, and a powered arm adapted to manipulate BHA segments. The tower includes a plurality of interlocking modules and is mounted on two perpendicularly aligned skids. The tower is also provided with an opening that enables the side loading of equipment. The preferred rig includes one module adapted to support a stabilizer that includes hydraulic lifts that can raise the injector and BOP stack off the wellhead. The stabilizer also accommodates the thermal expansion of the BOP stack by rising and lowering the stack during well servicing operations. The powered arm attaches to the tower and includes an articulated gripper for manipulating the bottom hole assembly segments. Preferably, the powered arm is controlled by a general-purpose computer that guides the powered arm through a predetermined sweep.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tensioner/slip-joint module for providing a conduit from a floating vessel at the surface of the ocean to the blowout preventer stack, or production tree, which is connected to the wellhead at the sea floor. The tensioner/slip-joint module compensates for vessel motion induced by wave action and heave and maintains a variable tension to the riser string alleviating the potential for compression and thus buckling or failure of the riser string. The tensioner/slip-joint module of the present invention preferably includes at least one mandrel having at least one hang-off donut; at least one upper flexjoint swivel assembly, at least one radially ported manifold, at least one tensioning cylinder, and at least one slip-joint assembly combined in a single unit.

Abstract: An oil or gas well slip system is provided having a slip bowl with an interactive contact surface and a slip assembly having a mating interactive contact surface for slidable engagement with the slip bowl interactive contact surface, wherein the slip bowl and the slip assembly are each comprised of a first material. A second material is attached to the interactive contact surface of either the slip bowl or the slip assembly, wherein the second material is compositionally different from the first material to prevent cold welding between the slip bowl and the slip assembly and wherein the second material has little or no tendency to dissolve into the atomic structure of the first material.

Abstract: An apparatus for rigless subterranean well completion, re-completion, servicing or workover includes at least two substantially vertically oriented double acting prime movers incorporated into a spool for pressure containment, which is mounted to the top of a wellhead. The spool further includes a Bowen union mounted to a top thereof for sealingly connecting an annular adapter, which provides a seal between the well bore and a tubular that is inserted under the well fluid pressure into the well by the prime movers. The spool may further include a mechanism for securing a hydraulic crane that can be temporarily mounted to the top of the spool to hoist equipment and tools above the wellhead when the prime movers are used to support heavy workloads induced by well fluid pressure or the weight of a tubing string. The apparatus can be used in various operations for well completion, re-completion, servicing or workover without the necessity of using a servicing rig.

Abstract: A well tool assembly interconnection method is provided. In a described embodiment, a continuous tubing string has connectors positioned corresponding to desired locations for tool assemblies in a well. The tubing string is wrapped on a reel and transported to a well. As the tubing string is deployed from the reel into the well, the tool assemblies are interconnected between the connectors.

Abstract: A mast for lifting and suspending over a wellhead a coiled tubing injector and blow out preventer is pivotally mounted on a rear portion of a truck. The mast has two side-by-side telescoping legs that extend and retract synchronously. When in a retracted position, the blow out preventer and coiled tubing injector are attached to the mast, between the legs, and legs of the mast extended to lift the equipment.

Abstract: A drilling rig includes a tower, a stabilizer for lifting/lowering an injector and BOP stack, and a powered arm adapted to manipulate BHA segments. The tower includes a plurality of interlocking modules and is mounted on a two perpendicularly aligned skids. The tower is also provided with an opening that enables the side loading of equipment. The preferred rig includes one module adapted to support a stabilizer that includes hydraulic lifts that can raise the injector and BOP stack off the wellhead. The stabilizer also accommodates the thermal expansion of the BOP stack by rising and lowering the stack during well servicing operations. The powered arm attaches to the tower and includes an articulated gripper for manipulating the bottom hole assembly segments. Preferably, the powered arm is controlled by a general purpose computer that guides the powered arm through a predetermined sweep.

Abstract: A pipe running tool for use in an oil drilling system and the like comprises a lower drive shaft adapted to engage a drive shaft of a top drive assembly for rotation therewith. The pipe running tool further includes a lower pipe engagement assembly which is driven to rotate by the lower drive shaft, and is designed to releasably engage a pipe segment in such a manner to substantially prevent relative rotation between the two. Thus, when the lower pipe engagement assembly is actuated to securely hold a pipe segment, the top drive assembly may be actuated to rotate the top drive output shaft, which causes the lower drive shaft and lower pipe engagement assembly to rotate, which in turn rotates the pipe segment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to insert a small diameter pipe into a borehole while holding a larger diameter pipe is disclosed. The apparatus includes a table attached to a centralized base which, in turn, provides a telescopic stop tower. The stop tower includes a force transducer that yields a readout when it is abutted by a first wrench when a second wrench secured to the small diameter pipe is turned.

Abstract: A means and method for improving the injection of coiled tubing into and from a well by providing a secondary injection device for supplementing the thrust forces of the primary injector means. Use of the secondary injection device coacting in tandem with the coiled tubing injector permits developing significantly higher axial forces in the tubing than can be provided by the primary injector alone. The selectably operable thrust enhancement device of this invention provides a short, repeatable stroke in either direction. The thrust enhancement device operates by selectably gripping the tubing with a reciprocably moveable means in a first position, shifting the moveable means to a second position thereby moving the tubing, gripping the tubing with a static means at its new position, releasing the tubing from the moveable means, and returning the moveable means to its first position. When the thrust enhancement device is not needed for the injection operation, its gripping means are disengaged from the tubing.

Abstract: A tubing centralizer for borehole drilling disclosed. The centralizer includes a retaining collar and an outer sleeve. In a method for installing the centralizer onto a joint of tubing, the retaining collar is mounted onto the joint of tubing and the outer sleeve is installed thereover.

Abstract: This invention is a cap for protecting wells from ground surface liquids getting into a well through the top. The cap encompasses the lid and the top portion of the well casing. The cap has a top, a sidewall and an access port. The top is coupled to a sidewall to define a space to accept a lid and well casing. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the access port has either a tube and boss or a neck and adaptor. The boss surrounds an opening in the top and receives a proximal end of the tube whereas the neck surrounds the opening in the top and the adaptor is received within the neck. The cover is disposed on the tube or neck at an open end distal to the top to cover the opening. In both embodiments, there is at least one hole in the access port.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for severing casing as it is pulled from a wellbore. An apparatus is first provided, comprising a clamping assembly, a drilling assembly and a cutting assembly. In one aspect, the apparatus is disposed at the end of a telescopic arm, with the components being remotely operated by personnel using a control panel. The apparatus can be positioned adjacent casing and clamped thereto. Thereafter, the apparatus can drill a hole completely through the casing for the insertion of a retention pin. The apparatus can then severe the casing into manageable lengths to facilitate disposal, such as during a plugging and abandonment procedure.