Abstract: An apparatus including at least four different modules, the first module being a treatment conditions module structured to interpret a specified pumping rate and a specified salt concentration. The second is a hydration requirements module structured to determine at least one of a hydration vessel fluid volume and a specified temperature in response to the specified pumping rate. The third is a dynamic brine generation module structured to control a flow rate of a first fluid, at least one of a clay stabilizer precursor, an acid precursor and a base precursor; and a polymer material into a hydration vessel in response to the specified salt concentration and the at least one of the hydration vessel fluid volume and the specified temperature. The fourth is a treatment fluid flow module structured to control a flow rate of a treatment fluid from the hydration vessel in response to the specified pumping rate.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 16, 2012
Date of Patent:
December 4, 2012
Assignee:
Schlumberger Technology Corporation
Inventors:
Carlos Abad, Hemant K. Ladva, Lijun Lin, Yiyan Chen
Abstract: A system for supporting tubing with an installable load shoulder. The system includes a wellhead formed with an enlarged first circumferential groove in the wall of the vertical bore of the wellhead, and a second circumferential groove extending upwardly or downwardly from the first circumferential groove. At least one opening is formed in communication with the second circumferential groove. An annular load shoulder is received within the first circumferential groove, and has an inner surface adapted to support a tubing hanger. The load shoulder is formed from at least three arc-shaped shoulder segments adapted to be received within the first circumferential groove. At least one of the shoulder segments has an engagement member configured to pass through the opening to be received within the second circumferential groove. Rotating the load shoulder such that the engagement member is out of alignment with the opening secures the load shoulder within the wellhead.
Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
Abstract: A wicker repair tool lands on a casing hanger within a wellhead. The wicker repair tool engages cutters with the inner diameter of the wellhead and rotates to reform wickers in the wellhead. The wicker repair tool includes a tubular member having an upper end that couples to a tubing string. A tubular tool head is formed on a lower end of the tubular member. At least one cutter is coupled to the tool head and is radially moveable between an engaged and a disengaged position. The cutters are adapted to engage an inner diameter surface of a wellhead so that rotation of the tool head relative to the wellhead will reform the wickers.
Abstract: Apparatus and methods comprising a plurality of particles which are magnetically attracted to one another in response to exposure to an magnetic field, and which maintain attraction to one another after removal of the magnetic field, the attraction being disabled when the particles are demagnetized, whereby the particles operate to alter the rheological properties of a fluid in which the particles are mixed when the attraction is enabled or disabled is disclosed.
Abstract: A system for pumping multiphase fluids includes a phase separator (14), a gas-gas jet pump (30) and a liquid pump (36). The phase separator (14) receives a LP multiphase fluid and separates a LP gas phase and a LP liquid phase from the LP multiphase fluid. The gas-gas jet pump (30) receives the LP gas phase from the phase separator (14) and a HP gas supply from a sustainable gas source, and has an outlet providing outlet gas at a pressure higher than that of the LP gas phase. The liquid pump (36) receives the LP liquid phase from the phase separator (14), and has an outlet providing outlet liquid at a pressure higher than that of the LP liquid phase.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 17, 2004
Date of Patent:
September 4, 2012
Assignee:
Caltec Limited
Inventors:
Mirza Najam Ali Beg, Mir Mahmood Sarshar
Abstract: A well cellar system includes a substantially planar base plate, the base defining an aperture sized to receive a conductor pipe. The planar base plate is an integral structural member which, in conjunction with the seal between the base plate and the wall and the riser and the conductor, are sufficiently robust to support the weight of the conductor pipe and its auxiliary equipment. The sealed well cellar is afforded with a laterally extending flange which serves as an anti-buoyancy anchor. A anti-buoyancy port allows the upward floatation pressure to be balanced out by water pressure within the cellar during placement to avoid floatation. A sacrificial anode housing is provided with a removable lid and holes for allowing passage of electrolyte. Although the preferred embodiments of sealed well cellars are metal and plastic, a cementaceous embodiment is also envisioned.
Abstract: There is provided a high power shear laser module, which can be readily included in a blowout preventer stack. The shear laser module as the capability of delivering high power laser energy to a tubular within a blowout preventer cavity, cutting the tubular and thus reducing the likelihood that the tubular will inhibit the ability of the blowout preventer to seal off a well.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 24, 2011
Publication date:
August 30, 2012
Applicants:
Foro Energy, Inc., Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Inventors:
Mark S. Zediker, Henry A. Bergeron, Philip V. Clark, Joel F. Moxley, Paul D. Deutch, Charles C. Rinzler
Abstract: A method and pumping unit for use with an inclined wellhead. Proper address of the wellhead is accomplished through incorporation of an elbow-shaped walking beam. The forward section of the walking beam is fabricated such that its longitudinal axis is angled to address the inclination of the wellhead. The rearward section of the walking beam and the four-bar linkage system remains unchanged relative to a prior art pump jack intended for vertical wells. This modification is a simple and effective means of addressing an angled wellhead while preserving the well-known operating characteristics of a prior art pumping unit. Torque factors, polished rod position, speed, acceleration, stroke length, and effective counterbalance remain unchanged.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 9, 2010
Date of Patent:
August 14, 2012
Assignee:
Lufkin Industries, Inc.
Inventors:
Roddy W. Simpson, David W. Doyle, Martin E. Morales, Brady D. Romano
Abstract: A compact and transportable installation, which is quick to start up and is independent, which allows for dissolution of at high concentration, in very short periods of time, substantial quantities of polyacrylamide powder and which is designed to be used in fracturing operations on gas or oil fields, is provided. The installation successively includes a polymer storage area, a vertical polymer transfer hopper, a supply overflow pipe, a polymer dosing system fed by the pipe, a polymer slicing unit (PSU) type polymer dispersion device, a tank for storage and degassing of polymer in solution, and a volumetric pump to inject and dose the solution of polymer obtained at a suction of a high pressure pump enabling the fracturing operations.
Abstract: A transportable well service platform and method are provided. The transportable well service platform can have a main platform and a work platform. The work platform can be movable substantially vertically relative to the main platform. The well site platform can be transported to a well site and positioned at the well site relative to a well head so completion work can be performed on the well. The work platform can be moved vertically relative to the main platform to a desired height relative to the well head to perform the completion work.
Abstract: A system for operating downhole equipment in a well includes a drive shaft extending from a surface of the well to a downhole location. A motor is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the drive shaft to selectively rotate the drive shaft. A lift system is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the drive shaft to axially lift and lower the drive shaft.
Abstract: A method for the controlled delivery of a fracturing fluid to a well bore comprises formulating an aqueous base fluid such that it meets or exhibits desired physical and chemical characteristics for an optimal fracturing fluid. The formulation of the aqueous base fluid max involve commingling one or more sources of waste water with a source of fresh water followed by controlled injection of one or more additives. This process is substantially completed prior to delivering the aqueous base fluid to the well site. This allows the delivery of an optimal volume of the aqueous base fluid with homogeneously blended additives to the well bore.
Abstract: A seal assembly between a wellhead housing having a bore and a casing hanger, has an inner seal leg for sealing against hanger and an outer seal leg for sealing against housing. An extension extends downward from outer seal leg and is connected to a nose ring having a downward facing shoulder that rests on the hanger shoulder to provide a reaction point for setting operations. A lock ring is retained within interior portion of the nose ring. An upward facing shoulder formed on an upper portion of nose ring contacts the lower surface of the inner seal leg. The shoulder prevents the downward deflection of the inner leg and eliminates buckling due to Poisson effect from the resulting axial force due to growth of the seal legs during setting operations. The shoulder thus prevents crooked or twisted setting of the seal to prevent plastic strain in the seal.
Abstract: Disclosed apparatus and methods permit well-site operators to retrofit existing wells in order to comply with local regulations that restrict the escape of annular natural gas from hydrocarbon wells. Such allows sealing around an exterior of surface and concentric production casings, both above and below the point of their intersection, then assembling a pressure vessel around that point and between those seals so as to capture and hold gas rising up an intercasing annulus, for periodic controlled venting.
Abstract: A technique is provided to limit the number of vehicles required during a well project involving a plurality of well construction related procedures. The technique utilizes a modular unit, e.g. a vehicle, and a plurality of modules that may be interchanged on the modular unit according to the scheduled well procedure. A separate crane unit can be used to move the modules to and from the vehicle as required for specific phases of well construction.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 19, 2005
Date of Patent:
March 20, 2012
Assignee:
Schlumberger Technology Corporation
Inventors:
Scott Glenn, Lars R. Halvorsen, Kirby Jon Walker, John Reinhart
Abstract: A well cellar system includes a substantially planar base, the base defining an aperture sized to receive a conductor pipe. The well cellar system also includes at least one substantially inflexible side member attached to the base, the at least one side member and the base defining a cavity. A seal between the at least one side member and the base substantially prevents the flow of fluids between the at least one side member and the base. The attachment between the base and the conductor pipe substantially prevents the flow of fluids between the base and the conductor. An additional embodiment incorporates an extension ring to minimize/eliminate runoff entering the cellar. One version of the extension ring includes a telescoping section which moves between an extended and retracted position representing its to operative positions. Yet a further embodiment provides a rain cap to reduce the amount of precipitation which enters the cellar and becomes hazardous waste.
Abstract: A top drive for engagement with a travelling block with a hook can include an airlift thread compensator connected to a bail. An enclosure can be connected to the bail with an airbag disposed therein. A bail pin can be engaged through the enclosure, and can be connected to the airbag. The airbag can support weight of the top drive. Upper links can be connected to the enclosure and to a top drive housing. The top drive housing can support a stem connected to a motor, and a bearing can be disposed about the stem. Lower links can be connected to the top drive housing and to an elevator for moving tubulars. An inside blow out preventer can be connected to the stem and to a saver sub. A torque wrench assembly can be connected to the top drive housing for gripping tubulars.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 5, 2011
Date of Patent:
March 6, 2012
Inventors:
Larry G. Keast, James Strickland, Alan Shem
Abstract: A hanger system is provided for supporting a cable-supported dewatering pump in a gas well. A dewatering pump is supported in a downhole location by a cable. A cable hanger bears the weight of the cable and the weight of the dewatering pump. A pulling tool is configured to detachably connect to the cable hanger and to support the weight of the cable hanger, cable and gas well dewatering system as it is pulled out of a seated position in the well.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 18, 2009
Date of Patent:
March 6, 2012
Assignee:
Schlumberger Technology Corporation
Inventors:
Michael A. Dowling, Jason Kamphaus, Harryson Sukianto, Alain P. Dorel, Joseph Varkey
Abstract: A fluid extraction system and method for the removal of fluid from subterranean wells. The system comprising: an upper extraction unit; an extraction container; a valve assembly engaged to the extraction container; a drainage tray engaged to the upper extraction unit; a curvilinear gear engaged to the upper extraction unit and the drainage tray; and, a linear gear engaged to the extraction container.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for plugging leaking oil and leaking gas wells is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stepped structure capable of being mounted over the one of the leaking oil well and the leaking gas well. The stepped structure includes a plurality of structural modules arranged in a stacked form. A pipe arrangement capable of extracting one or effluents perpendicularly passes through the plurality of structural modules. One or more effluents are extracted from one of the leaking oil well and the leaking gas well. Additionally, one or more pressure relief pipes are provided to extract the one or more effluents. The one or more pressure relief pipes protrude outwardly through a peripheral surface of each of one or more structural modules. The pipe arrangement and the one or more pressure relief pipes enables extraction of the one or more effluents to reduce the pressure within the stepped structure.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 27, 2010
Publication date:
March 1, 2012
Applicant:
King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology
Abstract: A system and method for verifying support hanger orientation within a wellhead housing. In an example, a profile is included at a designated location on an inner surface of the wellhead housing. When the support hanger is landed in the wellhead housing, an impression is taken of the inner surface of the wellhead housing from a reference location. Analyzing the impression can indicate the position of the support hanger within the wellhead housing. A running tool that can land the support hanger within the wellhead housing can be equipped with an impression block for taking the impression of the profile in the wellhead housing.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 29, 2010
Publication date:
February 2, 2012
Applicant:
VETCO GRAY INC.
Inventors:
Nicholas Gette, Guilherme Pedro Eppinghaus
Abstract: A lubricator for use at a wellhead such as an oil or natural gas well. The lubricator has a polished rod on which an item, such as a back pressure valve, may be disposed for placement, for example to isolate the wellhead from the well pressure to permit wellhead servicing. The rod is moved by hydraulic power, rather than manually. A piston is connected to the polished rod within the lubricator barrel. Hydraulic pressure within the barrel, above or below the piston, is controlled to cause the rod to move up and down, under power, to permit the rod and items thereon to be lowered and retrieved.
Abstract: A low-profile wellhead system having a nested hanger configuration, annular communication, elastomeric seals, and seal verification is provided.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 8, 2010
Publication date:
January 19, 2012
Applicant:
CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
Inventors:
Leonard J. Vogel, Michael Larkin, Kirk P. Guidry, Delbert E. Vanderford
Abstract: A system for transporting and deploying a natural gas processing system comprises a base. In addition, the system comprises a plurality of natural gas processing units mounted to the base. Further, the system comprises a plurality of jacking units attached to the base and configured to raise and lower the base. Each jacking unit comprises a post, an upper lift member moveably coupled to the post, a lower lift member moveably coupled to the post, and a pair of actuators. Moreover, each actuator has an upper end coupled to the upper lift member and a lower end coupled to the lower lift member.
Abstract: A method for breaking a fracturing fluid includes identifying application parameter(s) including a subterranean formation temperature, and determining an acid precursor concentration in response to the application parameter(s). The method further includes providing a treatment fluid including a carrier fluid, a metallic peroxide breaker, and an amount of an acid precursor according to the acid precursor concentration, and treating the subterranean formation with the treatment fluid. The application parameter(s) may further include a flowback wait time, a composition of the metallic peroxide breaker, a gel loading of the carrier fluid, and/or a permeability of the subterranean formation. The metallic peroxide breaker may include an alkaline peroxide and/or a zinc peroxide. The acid precursor may include polylactic acid and/or polyglycolic acid.
Abstract: A reusable metal seal for a wellhead provides a metal-to-metal seal and includes upper and lower tapered sealing flanks which may be deflected by tapered wall surfaces on the wellhead engaging the taper sealing flanks, and the seal may have a plurality of annular relief grooves.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 27, 2009
Date of Patent:
November 29, 2011
Assignee:
Stream-Flo Industries Ltd.
Inventors:
Keith D. Farquharson, Tianle Guo, Heinrich Lang, Tony Lam, Kevin Paul Schneider
Abstract: A multi-component C-ring coupling is provided that includes a connector, an internal C-ring, and a lower ring. In one embodiment, the multi-component C-ring coupling may include a diverter connector to weldlessly couple a diverter to a pipe, such as a conductor. In other embodiment, the coupling may include a casing housinghead connector to couple to a casing housinghead. The lower ring may be engaged with the connector via axial fasteners. The lower ring and connector may include angled internal surfaces to exert radial forces on the C-ring and cause engagement of the teeth of the C-ring with the outer wall of a pipe.
Abstract: A system and method for accessing an annulus within a wellhead assembly while the annulus is pressurized. The system includes a tubular body with an attached valve assembly and adapter. The adapter to the wellhead assembly with a sealed annular fitting. The body houses a selectively extendable plunger assembly rotatable by an attached motor. A bit or milling device is provided on the end of the plunger assembly, so that selectively extending the plunger assembly through the valve assembly and adapter contacts the bit against the wellhead assembly. An opening is formed through the wellhead assembly with the rotating bit allowing access to the annulus.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 13, 2010
Publication date:
November 17, 2011
Applicant:
Vetco Gray Inc.
Inventors:
James J. Howell, David Daniel Comeaux, Richard Porteous, Mariusz Karp
Abstract: Device for transfer of equipment for a wireline operation in a well connected to a drilling derrick via a top drive. The device comprises a beam structured for releasable connection to said top drive; wherein the beam is structured in a manner allowing it to extend, when in its position of use, transversely relative to a centre line between the top drive and the well; wherein the beam is provided with at least one hoisting device with a lifting line for vertical movement of said equipment; wherein a support point for the lifting line is connected to the beam and is structured so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the beam, whereby said equipment may be moved horizontally relative to said centre line; and wherein said hoisting device and support point are structured for remote-controlled operation.
Abstract: A method of treating liquid, particularly an oil/water mixture, in an oil well pipe, wherein a radio frequency propagating electrical field is established in the liquid in the pipe cause the formation of seed crystals or scale-forming material in the liquid, on which seed crystals asphaltenes and/or paraffin waxes in the liquid are deposited so that they are carried through the pipe with the liquid in preference to being deposited on the pipe wall.
Abstract: An apparatus for flexibly restraining service loops in an oil derrick to prevent entangling of the loops, comprising a plurality of identical apparatus wherein each apparatus is positioned at different longitudinal level to restrain the service loops. Each apparatus is comprised of a plurality of interlocking units, wherein each unit is comprised of a central steel ring which is adhesively bonded to a braid of a service loop penetrating therethrough and exteriorly affixed to first and second interconnecting rings. A first flexible cable and second flexible cable connect the respective first and second interconnecting rings of the units of each apparatus. Therefore, the service loops are flexibly restrained to have a uniform path and bend radius when they travel longitudinally during operation of an oil well drilling machine, which results in reduction of damage of the service loops.
Abstract: An apparatus for flexibly restraining service loops in an oil derrick to prevent entangling of the loops, comprising a plurality of identical apparatus wherein each apparatus is positioned at different longitudinal level to restrain the service loops. Each apparatus is comprised of a plurality of interlocking units, wherein each unit is comprised of a central steel ring which is adhesively bonded to a braid of a service loop penetrating therethrough and exteriorly affixed to first and second interconnecting rings. A first flexible cable and second flexible cable connect the respective first and second interconnecting rings of the units of each apparatus. Therefore, the service loops are flexibly restrained to have a uniform path and bend radius when they travel longitudinally during operation of an oil well drilling machine, which results in reduction of damage of the service loops.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and supporting the work platform of a mobile workover rig is disclosed. The work platform of the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a unique support structure and automated positioning system for positioning the work platform at the desired height above the wellhead equipment. The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a specialized automated “pinning” system that secures the work platform at the desired height. Additionally, the present invention utilizes one or more support cylinders to position and support the work platform in the horizontal position over the wellhead equipment. The automated positioning and pinning system of the present invention is a unique system that significantly reduces the time required to position the work platform of a mobile workover rig in the operating position, as well as significantly reduces the risk of injury to rig personnel assisting in the positioning operations.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 8, 2007
Date of Patent:
August 30, 2011
Assignee:
National-Oilwell, L.P.
Inventors:
Jeff A. Lambert, James C. Garrett, Kenneth L. Cambern, Joel M. Ferland, Jay D. Furnish, Donald W. Johnson, Michael R. Zemanek, James R. Cirone, Calvin R. Blankenship
Abstract: A guide tube for continuous rod has a sections pivotably connected together by at least one translatable pivot. The tube connects to a rig at a fixed pivot and is initially folded on the rig for transport. To unfold and raise the tube for operation, a rig operator pivots a support rod pivotably connected to the tube away from the rig using a rope. This pivoting support rod moves the attachment point of a winchline extending from the rig to the rod beyond the tube's fixed pivot. Also, the pivoting rod tensions a sling having a fixed length that extends from the rod to the tube's translatable pivot. In this way, the winchline can be tensioned without the need for rig operators to perform a substantial amount of manual labor as conventionally done. Once the outer sections of the guide tube are lowered to the ground, the entire guide tube can be unfolded and raised with the tensioned winchline.
Abstract: A system and method is provided for hydraulically presetting a metal-to-metal seal, which may be installed in an annular space between wellhead components. A hydraulic running tool may be landed on a first wellhead component and coupled to a second wellhead component, for example, via a hydraulic or mechanical coupling assembly. Fluid pressure may then be applied to the hydraulic running tool to move the components axially together, thereby setting the metal-to-metal seal (i.e., axially compressing and radially expanding the seal). A coupling may secure the wellhead components in place relative to one another, while fluid pressure is being applied so that the metal-to-metal seal remains in the set position after the hydraulic tool is removed.
Abstract: An in-line flow separator (1) comprises an uphill section (2) of pipeline which, in use, carries a gravitationally stratified flow of a first liquid (3) and a second denser liquid (4). The second liquid (4) forms a sump (5) extending uphill from the foot of the uphill section (2), and an interface between the first and second liquids on the uphill section is inclined from the horizontal. An extraction port (6) in the pipeline extracts the second liquid from the sump.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 17, 2005
Date of Patent:
August 23, 2011
Assignee:
Schlumberger Technology Corporation
Inventors:
Michel Berard, Kamal Babour, Ibrahim Babelli
Abstract: An integrated wellhead assembly is provided to enable free flow production and artificial lift production from a well without requiring removal and/or reconfiguration of the wellhead assembly. The wellhead assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion forming an integrated assembly. The upper portion includes a flow tee and at least one set of rams. The lower portion includes a shoulder to receive a hanger. The upper portion may seal the bore of the wellhead assembly and provide full bore access to the bore of the wellhead assembly.
Abstract: A well cellar system includes a substantially planar base plate, the base defining an aperture sized to receive a conductor pipe. The planar base plate is an integral structural member which, in conjunction with the seal between the base plate and the wall and the riser and the conductor, are sufficiently robust to support the weight of the conductor pipe and its auxiliary equipment. The sealed well cellar is afforded with a laterally extending flange which serves as an anti-buoyancy anchor. A anti-buoyancy port allows the upward floatation pressure to be balanced out by water pressure within the cellar during placement to avoid floatation. A sacrificial anode housing is provided with a removable lid and holes for allowing passage of electrolyte. Although the preferred embodiments of sealed well cellars are metal and plastic, a cementaceous embodiment is also envisioned.
Abstract: A drilling rig with a top drive for engagement with a travelling block with a hook comprising an airlift thread compensator with an airlift box connected to a bail. The airlift box can have an airbag disposed therein. A bail pin can be engaged through the airlift box, and can be connected to the airbag. The airbag can support the top drive. Upper links can be connected to the airlift box and to a bearing housing. The bearing housing can support a stem connected to a motor, and a bearing can be disposed about the stem. Lower links can be connected to the bearing housing and to an elevator for moving tubulars. An inside blow out preventer can be connected to the stem and to a saver sub. A torque wrench can be connected to the bearing housing for gripping tubulars.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 23, 2010
Date of Patent:
July 26, 2011
Inventors:
Larry G. Keast, James Strickland, Alan Shem
Abstract: A ring like seal assembly for a wellhead assembly that seals between a pair of coaxial tubulars. The seal assembly includes a spring member for exerting an axial force on the seal. The spring member projects from an end of the seal assembly substantially parallel to the axis of the seal assembly and is compressed when installing the seal assembly between the tubulars. Compressing the spring member maintains an axial force on the seal assembly to keep the seal assembly radially deformed so that it can maintain sealing contact with both coaxial tubulars.
Abstract: A natural gas production well secondary purpose turbine electric power generator system includes: a.) a natural gas production well from an underground or underwater natural gas well production field that produces natural gas at the surface at an elevated pressure of at least 500 psi and at least 200 psi in excess of desired pressure delivered to gas processing or gas distribution lines; b.) a natural gas valving subsystem connected to said well; and, c.) a power generating turbine subsystem, including at least one gas driven turbine located in at least one of said well and said gas valving subsystem.
Abstract: Systems and methods for the extraction, incineration and monitoring of methane gas extracted from a mine are described herein. In some embodiments, a system includes a transportation platform, a fluid machine coupled to the transportation platform, an incinerator, a vent assembly and a flow interface assembly. The fluid machine is configured to be coupled to a gas well, and to produce a gas flow from the gas well. The incinerator is configured to be fluidically coupled to the fluid machine, and is configured to combust at least a portion of the gas flow from the gas well. The vent assembly is configured to be fluidically coupled to the fluid machine. The flow interface assembly is coupled to the transportation platform and is configured to selectively place the fluid machine in fluid communication with any one of the incinerator and the vent assembly.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 5, 2010
Publication date:
June 9, 2011
Inventors:
Robert B. APPLE, Neil A. Butler, Joshua L. Green, Santosh Lakhan, Jeffrey F. Liebert
Abstract: An apparatus for deploying an instrument usable with a well comprises at least one reversibly expandable structure, at least one actuator operable to change a perimeter dimension of the at least one reversibly expandable structure, at least one instrument disposed interior of the at least one reversibly expandable structure, and having an axial dimension, and tractoring fluid disposed between the at least one reversibly expandable structure and the at least one instrument. The apparatus is operable to perform at least one of exerting thrust to convey the at least one instrument with respect to at least one adjacent surface, creating compensating pressure between the at least one instrument and the at least one adjacent surface, and sealing between the at least one instrument and the at least one adjacent surface.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 15, 2011
Publication date:
June 9, 2011
Inventors:
Julio C. Guerrero, Hitoshi Tashiro, Bartley Patton, Hubertus V. Thomeer, Robin Mallalieu
Abstract: A combined system for treating an oil or gas well is provided which includes a truck, having a truck bed attached thereto and a fracturing support unit and an iron skid mounted on the truck bed. The fracturing support unit includes well head control equipment, and the iron skid includes a manifold having an arrangement of valves for controlling the flow of fluid to the well. The iron skid may be advantageously articulated off the truck bed and onto the ground for unloading the iron components used to treat the well.
Abstract: A wellhead or Christmas tree seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead or Christmas tree members. U-shaped metal seals having legs that face in opposite directions, are bonded to a wiping element. During installation of the seal assembly, the ends of the seal legs seal against the wellhead members and the wiping element compensates for defects on the surfaces of the wellhead members. The wiping element can be of an elastomer, metallic, or intercalated graphite material.
Abstract: An embodiment of a system for preventing the loss of a spooled device into a wellbore comprises a housing defining an aperture extending therethrough, the aperture sized for allowing the spooled device to pass therethrough, a sensor to measure at least one condition of the system, and a gripper device to engage with the spooled device and the housing to prevent the loss of the spooled device when the condition of the system is a failure condition.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for a moving a floor structure relative to a base structure is provided. The apparatus includes a base structure having an opening for a well head, a floor structure coupled to the base structure by a plurality of support members, and a drive mechanism disposed on the floor structure, the drive mechanism providing motive force to the support members for moving the floor structure relative to the base structure in a single first direction.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 30, 2009
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2011
Assignee:
Process Manufacturing Corp.
Inventors:
Joseph William Ditta, Reynaldo A. Gonzalez, Robert Gary Reider
Abstract: A reinforced workover rig mast (40) is disclosed. A top section (60) of the mast (40) telescopes relative to a mid section (44), and includes a scoping cylinder area (72) for receiving a scoping cylinder (90) that may be used to extend and retract the top section (60). A number of external gussets (78) are located within this scoping cylinder area (72) to structurally reinforce the upper section (60). Other reinforcement features are incorporated by the mast (40) as well, including an increased width and depth, along with a reduced vertical spacing between adjacent cross supports (50b, 66b, 74).
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 8, 2010
Publication date:
April 14, 2011
Inventors:
Greg Wiedmer, Thomas Edwin Mau, Robert Eugene Mau
Abstract: A method for using a top drive is disclosed herein. The method can include: actuating a motor to provide power to the top drive, thereby rotating a stem with a saver sub mounted to a top drive housing having a bearing disposed about the rotatable stem; grabbing, lifting, and positioning tubulars using an elevator; and suspending weight of the top drive to prevent damage to threads of the tubulars during threadable engagement and disengagement of the tubulars using an airbag of an airlift thread compensator. The method can further include: positioning a torque wrench assembly along the tubulars for connecting the tubulars using a hydraulic cylinder disposed inside a torque supporting telescoping tubes; and movably positioning a single hollow cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder to extend into a first and second protected area, thereby preventing axial movement of a flexible hose during operation of the torque wrench assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 23, 2010
Date of Patent:
April 12, 2011
Inventors:
Larry G. Keast, James Strickland, Alan Shem