Abstract: A system for deploying a string of pipe from a drilling rig into a well includes a spider for mounting on a rig floor and a pipe gripper attached to the top drive. A hydraulic safety circuit monitors hydraulic fluid pressure at an apply port of the gripper and prevents hydraulic fluid pressure from being directed to move the slips to the released position if hydraulic fluid pressure is not already present at the apply port of the gripper. The safety circuit also monitors hydraulic fluid pressure at the apply port of the spider and prevents release hydraulic fluid pressure from being directed to move the gripping members to the released position if apply hydraulic fluid pressure is not already present at the apply port of the spider.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a top drive system equipped with a mounted winch configured to draw tubular or well equipment into alignment with a quill of the top drive system. The winch comprises a spool and a flexible line that extends from the spool and through channels in the top drive system, exiting through the quill. An attachment feature at the distal end of the flexible line couples the flexible line with the tubular or drilling equipment. Once this coupling has been established, the winch may rotate such that the flexible line retracts through the quill of the top drive system, drawing the tubular or well equipment into alignment with the quill.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for a direct drive pump for use in pumping fluids and/or quasi-fluids from one location to another. In the direct drive pump, bearings or bushings are optimally spaced, taking into account various operational considerations such as load, path, pressure, and tension. Further, bearings or bushings are coupled to the drive string, thus assisting in more efficient installation and de-installation. The bearings or bushings are not fixed to the production casing or drive tube. In embodiments, the drive tube can be vented, and the production fluid can be used as a lubricant for the system bearings.

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

Abstract: Control lines on the outer surface of a tubular disposed within a drilling riser casing may be encapsulated to facilitate formation of a seal in an annular space defined by an inner surface of the drilling riser casing and an outer surface of the tubular. More specifically, an encapsulation body may be configured to at least partially encase control lines. The encapsulation body may include a first surface and a second surface. The first surface may have an arcuate shape that corresponds to the outer surface of the tubular to facilitate formation of a seal between the first surface of the encapsulation body and the outer surface of the tubular when the first surface of the encapsulation body abuts the outer surface of the tubular. The second surface may be shaped to provide a geometrically continuous periphery about the tubular and the encapsulation body when the first surface of the encapsulation body abuts the outer surface of the tubular.

Abstract: Equipment for intercepting and diverting liquid circulation flow includes three chambers and a series of valves. The chambers are equipped with a connection device with arrival or supply lines, communicating with each other, of which only a first chamber communicates with second and third chambers. Communication between the first and second chambers and between the first and third chambers each is obtained by at least two valves, one is a flow-rate valve and at least one is an equalizer valve. An upstream or downstream of each equalizer valve is coupled with a fixed or adjustable flow-blocking device. The second and third chambers do not communicate and include a three-way valve in common with each other, or include two one-way valves in counterposition. One one-way valve is open when the other is closed and vice versa, and the three-way valve or the two one-way valves are coupled with a discharge valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is adapted for easy disassembly and reassembly when the pipe slips within the spider are not engaged with the outer surface of the pipe string so that upon disassembly, a control line guide becomes vertically movable. The control line guide is adapted for being controllably elevated to a distance above the rig floor, thereby providing personnel access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated control line guide and above the rig floor for securing control line to the pipe string using a fastener.

Abstract: An underwater connection installation (26) and a laying method for connecting a riser and a flexible pipe (22) that are intended for carrying hydrocarbons. A post (28) is attached to a float (20) to suspend the riser (12) below the surface. The post (28) supports a gooseneck shape pipe (54) that has a bent-over outlet free end (58) ending in a first coupling (60). A coupling end piece (32) mounted on the flexible pipe (22) includes a second coupling (86). The coupling end piece (32) and the post (28) define mechanical guides including complementary frustoconical rings (64, 84). The driving of the coupling end piece (32) and of the bent-over free end (58) toward each other causes the frustoconical rings (64, 84) to engage one another to bring about coaxial alignment of the couplings (60, 86).

Abstract: A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described.

Abstract: A system for sealingly engaging multiple downhole tubulars includes a first downhole tubular, a guide assembly and a swellable seal. The first downhole tubular includes an end for receiving a second downhole tubular. The guide assembly is disposed on an end of the second tubular. A swellable seal is disposed on an outer surface of the guide assembly. After the first tubular receives a second tubular, the swellable seal is activated to form an expanded circumferential seal between the first tubular and the second tubular.

Abstract: A termination assembly for a steel tube umbilical, wherein a plurality of the elongated umbilical elements which compose the umbilical are steel tubes, said termination assembly comprising a cavity through which said tubes pass, said cavity being filled with a filler material, at least one of said tubes having at least one region of increased localized diameter at a location within said cavity to define at least one load bearing face on the tube to anchor said at least one tube within said cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of drilling equipment for the discovery and production of hydrocarbons from the earth. In particular, this disclosure relates to a torque reaction device for coupling a pipe running tool to a top drive assembly on a drilling rig. In one embodiment, a system for coupling a pipe segment to a pipe string includes a top drive assembly, a pipe running tool, and a torque reaction device. The top drive assembly includes an output shaft and a link extending from the top drive. The top drive is operative to rotate the output shaft with respect to the link. The pipe running tool is coupled to the output shaft and is engageable with a pipe segment to transmit torque from the output shaft to the pipe segment. The torque reaction device couples the pipe running tool to the link.

Abstract: A hybrid junction assembly is provided. The hybrid junction assembly may comprise a junction body configured to sealingly couple to a first control line and a second control line. In addition, the assembly may include a transfer conduit configured to fit within a hybrid control line such that an annulus is formed between the transfer conduit and the hybrid control line. The first control line and the transfer conduit may form a first communication pathway and the second control line and the annulus may form a second communication pathway. The transfer conduit and the hybrid control line may be sealingly coupled to the junction body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an optical cable comprising at least one metal tube housing at least one optical fiber and having a predetermined excess fiber length (EFL) is described. In this method the metal tube is plastically deformed and shortened by a predetermined amount (St) greater than the predetermined EFL and is plastically deformed after shortening to provide a controlled elongation thereof so as to reach the predetermined excess fiber length. An optical cable so manufactured has a local excess fiber length (EFL) varying of or less than 0.2% along the longitudinal extension of the cable with respect to an average EFL of the cable.

Abstract: A layer of permeable material is positioned on an area of lost circulation lithology in a wellbore. An example of the permeable material includes a planar member with perforations that is rolled into and retained in an annular configuration. The permeable material is lowered into the wellbore adjacent the area of lost circulation and allowed to unroll and expand radially outward against walls of the wellbore. The wellbore wall along the area of lost circulation lithology can be reamed out so the layer of permeable material is out of the way of a drill bit. A bridging agent can be applied on the interface where the permeable material contacts the wellbore wall.

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

Abstract: A string to be expanded is run in with a running string that supports a swage assembly. The running string is secured to the existing tubular and the top of the string to be expanded is sealed around the supported running string. The pressure applied to the annular space above the seal drives the liner over the swage. A cement shoe is affixed to the lower end of the string that is expanded after becoming detached from the running string assembly. When the expanded liner bottoms on a support, generally the hole bottom, the cement is delivered through the shoe and the expansion of the top of the string into a recess of the string above continues. The swage assembly with the seal and the anchor are then recovered as the running string is removed during the process of expanding the top of the expanded string into the lower end recess of the existing string already in the wellbore.

Abstract: An expandable device comprising a plurality of expandable cells. The cells may be bistable cells or other types of cells that are expanded from a contracted position towards an expanded position. Additionally, the cells may be combined with locking mechanisms to hold the structure in an expanded position.

Abstract: A spoolable downhole control system includes a length of one or more lines suitable for the downhole environment. The spoolable downhole control system also includes one or more components disposed in signal bearing communication with the one or more lines and along a length of the one or more lines, prior to the system being connected with a string. The components are capable of actuating an operation. A method for creating a downhole system includes spooling out the spoolable downhole control system and joining the one or more components with one or more subs of the tubing string.

Abstract: A system for stimulating a multi-zone well includes a tubular body apportioned into at least a first zone and a second zone. The system has a first set of plugs placed in pre-drilled holes along the tubular body within the first zone. The plugs in the first set of plugs are fabricated to substantially dissolve upon contact with an acidic stimulation fluid within a first selected time. The system also has a second set of plugs placed in pre-drilled holes along the tubular body within the second zone. The plugs in the second set of plugs are fabricated to substantially dissolve upon contact with the acidic fluid within a second selected time that is greater than the first selected time.

Abstract: A method for running a tubular string in wellbore operations according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes providing a tubular running tool comprising gripping assembly rotationally connected to a carrier, the gripping assembly comprising a body and slips; connecting the carrier to a quill of a top drive of a drilling rig; positioning an end of a tubular for gripping with the slips; actuating the slips into gripping engagement with the tubular; and rotating the tubular with the slips in gripping engagement therewith.

Abstract: A tubular handling system includes at least one first storage tub configured to hold one or more tubular singles, at least one second storage tub configured to hold one or more stands of tubulars having two or more tubular singles, and a catwalk operable between the at least one second storage tub and a rig floor, wherein the catwalk is configured to allow the stands of tubulars to be transferred from the catwalk to the rig floor.

Abstract: A downhole tubular connector comprising a first body portion and a seal provided on the first body portion, the seal being adapted to selectively provide a seal with a downhole tubular, the downhole tubular connector further comprises a seal protector, wherein one of the seal protector and seal is movable with respect to the other of the seal protector and seal, the seal protector or seal being movable from a first position, in which at least a portion of the seal is protected by a first end of the seal protector, to a second position, in which the portion of the seal is exposed. The seal protector may be disposed so as to be movable from the first position to the second position by contact of the sleeve with the downhole tubular as the downhole tubular connector is brought into engagement with the downhole tubular.

Abstract: Assemblies can be disposed in a subterranean bore. An assembly can include a body and a member that is made from a different material that the material from which the body is made. The member can be located in an opening in the body and can be coupled to the body. The member coupled to the body can define an inner diameter and form a seal for the inner diameter. The member can be milled to access an environment exterior to the member and the body for example to create a branch wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for manipulating and driving casing. The apparatus includes mechanically responsive elements for gripping an interior of a casing joint, and hydraulically responsive elements for gripping an interior of the casing joint responsive to pressure of drilling fluid flowing through the apparatus. One method comprises manipulating a casing joint by mechanically gripping an interior thereof, hydraulically gripping the interior of the casing joint responsive to drilling fluid pressure, and rotating the casing joint. Another method comprises driving casing by applying weight and torque thereto through engagement with an interior thereof.

Abstract: A method of traversing a travel joint with a line can include, after the travel joint has been installed in a well, activating a connector which provides sealed fluid communication between sections of the line on respective opposite sides of the travel joint. A travel joint system for use with a subterranean well can include a travel joint comprising a releasing device which permits relative displacement between sections of the travel joint, and a connector which provides fluid communication between sections of a line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to place a conductor pipe and a casing in a subsea environment. In one embodiment, a conductor pipe is jetted or drilled into the subsea floor. Thereafter, a casing drilling assembly comprising a drill casing and a drilling assembly is connected to the drill pipe using a crossover. The drilling assembly urged into the seafloor until a casing latch on the drilling assembly is engaged with a casing profile of the conductor pipe. During drilling, instrumentation in the drilling assembly may be used to measure geophysical data. The measured data may be used to optimize the drilling process. After the drill casing is engaged with the conductor pipe, cementing may be performed to set the drill casing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods used to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. In one instance, an interlock system is used to control the operations of a gripping apparatus connected to the top drive and a spider such that at least one of the top drive or the spider retains the tubular. The interlock system allows the spider to open when the gripping apparatus is supporting a load of the tubular or is in position to support a load of the tubular.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to wellbore tubular running systems and methods of their use. In one illustrative embodiment, a tubular running system is disclosed that includes, among other things, a torque frame, a main shaft extending through a top opening of the torque frame and rotatable by rotation apparatus, slip setting apparatus connected to the torque frame and including a levelling beam and a plurality of slip assemblies, each of the slip assemblies connected independently and pivotably to the levelling beam, and movement apparatus connected to the levelling beam for moving the slip assemblies in unison with respect to a tubular projecting into the torque frame.

Abstract: An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for manipulating and driving casing. The apparatus includes mechanically responsive elements for gripping an interior of a casing joint, and hydraulically responsive elements for gripping an interior of the casing joint responsive to pressure of drilling fluid flowing through the apparatus. One method comprises manipulating a casing joint by mechanically gripping an interior thereof, hydraulically gripping the interior of the casing joint responsive to drilling fluid pressure, and rotating the casing joint. Another method comprises driving casing by applying weight and torque thereto through engagement with an interior thereof.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for longitudinally moving or running a tubular, with the system including an elevator suspended from a rig. The elevator includes a body defining a bore to receive a tubular and wedges defining channels therebetween, with the wedges being configured to engage the tubular. The system may also include a spider including a body defining a bore to receive the tubular and wedges defining channels therebetween. The wedges of the spider may be configured to engage the tubular, and the wedges of the elevator may be configured to slide axially at least partially in the channels of the spider. The wedges of the spider may be configured to slide axially at least partially in the channels of the elevator.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for a direct drive pump for use in pumping fluids and/or quasi-fluids from one location to another. In the direct drive pump, bearings or bushings are optimally spaced, taking into account various operational considerations such as load, path, pressure, and tension. Further, bearings or bushings are coupled to the drive string, thus assisting in more efficient installation and de-installation. The bearings or bushings are not fixed to the production casing or drive tube. In embodiments, the drive tube can be vented, and the production fluid can be used as a lubricant for the system bearings.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is disclosed. The clamp assembly is made with a first clamp part, a second clamp part, a hinge assembly and a fastener. The first clamp part has at least one connection capable of receiving and securing the at least one downhole tool. The first clamp part also has a first inner clamp surface. The second clamp part has a second inner clamp surface extending between the third side and the fourth side. The hinge assembly connects a first side of the first clamp part to a third side of the second clamp part and is configured to permit the first clamp part and the second clamp part to be moved to a closed position and an open position to receive the tubing.

Abstract: Apparatus for running a casing string into a wellbore features a housing arranged for coupling to the casing string in fluid communication with an interior thereof, a shoe rotatably supported at a lower end of the housing, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism features a shaft extending internally along the housing toward the upper end thereof from a connection of the shaft to the shoe, and a ribbon coiling around and along the shaft toward the shoe in a manner radially spaced from the shaft above the connection thereof to the shoe. The ribbon drive rotations of the shaft through action of a fluid on said ribbon under pumping of said fluid through the housing from the casing. The drive mechanism thus employs a simple structure of a rotor assembly spinning within the housing, without requiring an additional stator or housing-carried vanes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for limiting movement of gripping members of an elevator are provided. The apparatus includes a locking arm coupled to one or more of the gripping members and configured to move in a first direction when the gripping members move toward engagement with a tubular and to move in a second direction when the gripping members move away from engagement with the tubular. The apparatus also includes a first engagement member configured to move between a disengaged position, in which the first engagement member and the locking arm are relatively moveable, and an engaged position, in which the first engagement member allows the locking arm to move in the first direction but restrains the locking bar from moving in the second direction by more than a selected distance.

Abstract: A set for obtaining a threaded connection used in hydrocarbon wells includes a first tubular component, a second tubular component, and a third tubular component. A threaded zone provided on an internal circumferential surface of an end of the third component cooperates by makeup with one of two threaded zones of an end of the first component. A threaded zone provided on an external circumferential surface of the end of the third component cooperates by makeup with one of two threaded zones of the second component. The second and third components define an end of makeup of the threaded zones. The other threaded zone provided on the end of the first component cooperates by makeup with the other threaded zone provided on the second component.

Abstract: A method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include connecting at least two tubular strings to one opposite end of a tubular string connector with similarly dimensioned oriented connections, whereby the tubular strings are interchangeably connectable to the connector by the oriented connections. A wellbore junction assembly can include at least two tubular strings and a tubular string connector having opposite ends. Each of the tubular strings may be secured to one opposite end of the connector by oriented connections, whereby each of the tubular strings has a fixed rotational orientation relative to the connector. A well system can include a tubular string connector, each of first and second tubular strings being secured to the connector, and a support which reduces bending of the second tubular string which results from deflection of the second tubular string from one wellbore section into another wellbore section.

Abstract: A method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include inserting a tubular string into a deflector, and opening a flow control device in response to the inserting. A well system can include a deflector positioned at an intersection between at least three wellbore sections, and a tubular string connector having at least two tubular strings connected to an end thereof, one tubular string being received in the deflector and engaged with a flow control device positioned in a wellbore section, and another tubular string being received in another wellbore section. Another method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include inserting a tubular string into a deflector positioned at a wellbore intersection, then sealingly engaging the tubular string, and then opening a flow control device in response to the inserting.

Abstract: A spider assembly is a round platform with a central bore used to support sections of casing as the sections of casing are joined to one another and lowered below a drilling platform. The spider assembly comprises two c-shaped section joined together at two seams, one seam at the end of each leg of the c-shape. A clamping plate is used to join each seam and apply a preload force on the joint. The preload force minimizes axial deflection at the joint.

Abstract: A velocity string installation method comprises the steps of: removing an existing safety valve from a production tubing safety valve nipple; running a velocity string into the production tubing to engage the safety valve nipple; and then running a velocity string safety valve into the velocity string and coupling the safety valve with a port at the safety valve nipple.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector to provide a fluidic connection between a fluid supply and a downhole tubular, the connector comprising: a body; an engagement assembly comprising an extendable portion selectively extendable from the body, the engagement assembly being configured to extend and retract a seal assembly disposed at a distal end of the extendable portion into and from a proximal end of the downhole tubular; and a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, the valve assembly being configured to: allow a fluid to communicate between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular through the seal assembly when in the open position; and prevent fluid communication between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular when in the closed position.

Abstract: A marine drilling riser system for securing drilling riser joints in a drilling riser string is presented. The drilling riser string is assembled by connecting a pin end of one drilling riser joint to a box end of an adjoining drilling riser joint by using a moveable ring to drive a fastener of one drilling riser joint against the adjoining drilling riser joint. A spider is used to drive the movable ring axially from a position where the fastener is not engaged against the adjoining drilling riser joint to a position where the fastener is engaged against the adjoining drilling riser joint, and vice versa. A latch is used to prevent the moveable ring from moving inadvertently from the second position. The spider may also be used to support the marine drilling riser string during assembly.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an assembly for controlling an annulus between tubulars. The assembly comprising a first annular member securable to the outer tubular; a second annular member securable to the first annular member; wherein each of the first and second annular members have eccentric bores therethrough.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include drill string components having a thread extending around a body. The leading end of the thread can have a configuration that resists jamming and cross-threading. In particular, the leading end of the thread can include a planar surface normal to the body. The leading end of the thread can provide an abrupt transition to full thread depth that helps reduce or eliminate cross-threading. The leading end of the thread can be oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the drill string component. When mating male and female threads are similarly structured, the mating threads slide together along an interface at the thread start face and are drawn into a fully thread-coupled condition. The thread starts may have full circumference mating with no jamming positions.

Abstract: A casing gripper is stabbed into a casing and energized by a top drive, gripping the casing. The casing gripper includes a load bearing mandrel that has external threads. The casing gripper also includes a nut threaded over the external threads, and a wrench having a portion of the upper end of the load bearing mandrel inserted into an opening of the wrench. The wrench is configured to prevent rotation of the nut but allow axial movement while the op drive rotates the mandrel. The casing gripper includes a grapple coupled to the nut and extending along a portion of the lower end of the load bearing mandrel. The grapple moves axially with the nut an is configured to radially expand and engage a casing member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method for controlling the torque applied to a tubular connection. In one embodiment, a method of connecting a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular supported by a spider on a drilling rig includes engaging the first threaded tubular with the second threaded tubular; making up the connection by rotating the first tubular using a top drive; and controlling unwinding of the first tubular after the connection is made up.

Abstract: Provided are coated sleeved oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated sleeved devices. In one form, the coated sleeved oil and gas well production device includes an oil and gas well production device including one or more bodies and one or more sleeves proximal to the outer or inner surface of the one or more bodies, and a coating on at least a portion of the inner sleeve surface, outer sleeve surface, or a combination thereof, wherein the coating is chosen from an amorphous alloy, a heat-treated electroless or electro plated based nickel-phosphorous composite with a phosphorous content greater than 12 wt %, graphite, MoS2, WS2, a fullerene based composite, a boride based cermet, a quasicrystalline material, a diamond based material, diamond-like-carbon (DLC), boron nitride, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Roller standoff assemblies and devices facilitate disposal of an interior tubular member within an exterior tubular member. Roller standoff devices include a roller cage and at least one roller supported by the roller cage to contact and roll upon the exterior tubular member.

Abstract: Earth-boring casing shoes include a crown configured for at least one of drilling and reaming a wellbore when the crown is attached to a section of casing and the casing is advanced into a wellbore. The crown includes a body comprising a corrodible composite material, and at least one cutting structure carried on the body. The casing shoes further include connection structure configured for attachment to a section of casing. Methods are used to form such casing shoes, and such casing shoes are used to install casing within wellbores.