Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the production of well treatment fluid is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a sand system, a water system, a pumping system, a blender tub, and a virtual rate control system. The method includes determining an output rate from a sand system; sensing an output rate from a water system; sensing an output rate from a pumping system; sensing the height within a blender tub of a mixture of sand from the sand system and water from the water system; providing a virtual rate control system; and producing a drive signal to the pumping system using the virtual rate control system using a desired rate of well treatment fluid to be delivered to a well, the output rate of the sand system, the output rate of the water system, and the output rate of the pumping system.

Abstract: An apparatus for successively releasing balls into a wellbore during wellbore operations is disclosed. The apparatus has a radial housing having at least one radial ball array having two or more radial bores. Each radial bore houses a ball cartridge adapted to receive and release balls and an actuator for operably aligning or misaligning the ball cartridge with an axial bore in fluid communication with the wellbore. The ball cartridge is moveable along the radial bore and is operable between an aligned position, for releasing a ball and a misaligned position for storing the ball.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous treating of a water well with chlorine or hydrogen peroxide to do away with shock chlorination includes an inlet pipe, which is mounted in the cover on a water well and an elongated tube extending downwardly from the bottom end of the pipe into the well, preferably beyond any pitless adapter, for depositing chlorine pellets or chlorine or hydrogen peroxide solution in the well. The pellets or solution are added roughly on a weekly basis which prevents a chlorine or hydrogen peroxide smell in the water and obviates the need for dechlorination.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and delivering a material to a high pressure flow of fluid, comprises a pressure vessel comprising: a particulate solids inlet aperture located substantially in an upper portion of the pressure vessel; a first liquid inlet in fluid communication with a first high pressure line and the pressure vessel and comprising a first valve; and a first outlet in fluid communication with the pressure vessel and a second high pressure line and comprising a third valve.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of operating at least two pressure vessels to inject a particulate slurry into a high-pressure line, comprises a first operating cycle comprising: isolating a pressure vessel from the high-pressure line, introducing, under low-pressure conditions, particulate solids into the pressure vessel through a particulate solids inlet aperture, a second operating cycle comprising: providing high-pressure flow into the pressure vessel, and providing a high-pressure slurry flow from the pressure vessel into the high-pressure line. The method further comprises causing a pressure vessel to operate in the first operating cycle while operating a pressure vessel in the second operating cycle, and synchronizing switching a first vessel from the first operating to a second operating cycle and switching a second vessel from the second operating cycle to the first operating cycle such that at least one of the vessels is operating in the second operating cycle.

Abstract: A tool for dropping one or more balls and then one or more darts features a closable ball drop opening that works automatically after the ball release to minimize damage to the subsequently released dart. A retainer keeps the darts from coming back up above the dart launcher in the event of a pressure surge in the well. The dart launcher features a dedicated movable barrel for each dart that can be locked in a fully misaligned and fully aligned position with the casing or tubular. A handle is retained to the dart housing and can be manipulated to defeat the lock and rotate a given barrel. The darts may be inspected in their respective barrels before launch and the launch order is variable.

Abstract: An erosion resistant frac head with a convergence chamber, an expansion chamber and a mixing chamber provides improved resistance to erosion caused by abrasive frac fluids pumped through the frac head. A bottom leg of the erosion resistant frac head may be replaced in the field by field hands. Top entry ports of the frac head may also be replaced in the field by field hands.

Abstract: Installation for enhanced oil recovery comprising in succession: a polymer storage hopper, a grinding device, a dissolution/maturation tank for the dispersed polymer, and a pump for transferring pressurized polymer solution in the pipeline conveying the injection water for introducing the mixture of polymer and injection water into a well. The grinding device has a chamber for grinding and draining the dispersed polymer comprising a rotor and a stator, and on all or part of the periphery of the chamber, a ring fed by a secondary water circuit. The ring communicates with the chamber for spraying of pressurized water on the blades of the stator. A method implementing the installation is also provided.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly to seal to a production casing including one or more pressure-containing wellhead body members defining a vertical bore, with the lowermost of the wellhead body members sealing to the production casing. A fracturing isolation tool is sealed in the vertical bore of the wellhead body members above the production casing, and forms a pressure barrier profile in its internal bore. A removable protector sleeve is located at least partially within the fracturing isolation tool to seal, protect, isolate and cover the pressure barrier profile against a fracturing pressure and a fracturing fluid. After fracturing the protector sleeve is removed and a pressure barrier is sealed in the pressure barrier profile of the fracturing isolation tool. The invention also extends to the method of isolating the wellhead body members and to the fracturing isolation tool assembly which includes the fracturing isolation tool and the protector sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying proppant is disclosed, comprising a vessel and a level monitor. The vessel has an interior containing a mixture of proppant and liquid, an inlet for supplying proppant to the interior, and an outlet for supplying the mixture of proppant and liquid from the interior of the vessel. The level monitor is associated with the vessel for monitoring at least a level of liquid and has a discriminator for discriminating between the level of liquid and a level of proppant in the mixture of proppant and liquid. A method of supplying proppant is also disclosed. A vessel is provided at least partially filled with a mixture of proppant and liquid and having a level of liquid and a level of proppant. The level of liquid in the mixture of proppant and liquid is monitored. The mixture of proppant and liquid is supplied from the vessel through an outlet in the vessel.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method and apparatus for an improved loading sub method and apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus can be used to pump various pump down means into the well bore from the rig.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

Abstract: A method of top-filling a drill pipe string comprises injecting fluid into the upper end of the string. Apparatus for use in top-filling a drill pipe string comprises an injector adapted to co-operate with the upper end of a drill pipe string, whereby fluid may be pumped through the injector and into the string.

Abstract: An apparatus operatively coupled to a well having a production casing positioned therein, the apparatus including a first device having and internal bore, a second device having an internal bore, and a fracture isolation sleeve disposed at least partially within the internal bores of the first and second devices, wherein the fracture isolation sleeve has an internal diameter that is greater than or equal to an internal diameter of the production casing.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member or around the periphery of the valving member.

Abstract: A chemical dispensing apparatus includes a housing and a cartridge support within the housing. A rotating cartridge with chemical stick receptacles is rotatably supported about an axis of rotation by the cartridge support. An injection passage at the bottom of the housing permits chemical sticks to pass from the housing when one of the chemical stick receptacles is in a chemical dispensing position in axial alignment with the injection passage. A drive system rotates the rotating cartridge. The drive system includes a rotational stop biased into engagement with the rotating cartridge, and a pneumatic cylinder having first and second ends. The first end is stationary at a point off-axis from the axis of rotation of the cartridge. The second end has an engagement member, such that as the pneumatic cylinder extends, the engagement member applies a force to one of the chemical stick receptacles to selectively rotate the rotating cartridge.

Abstract: Multiple ball launch assemblies comprise a plurality of ball launch pods disposed around an outer wall surface of a housing. The ball launch pods are operatively associated with a flow tube disposed within the housing. An actuator assembly rotates the flow tube to align a first opening in the flow tube with a first ball launch pod so that a first ball is launched into the wellbore. Further rotation of the flow tube aligns subsequent openings in the flow tube with subsequent corresponding ball launch pods so that subsequent balls are launched into the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus operatively coupled to a well having a production casing positioned therein, the apparatus including a first device having and internal bore, a second device having an internal bore, and a fracture isolation sleeve disposed at least partially within the internal bores of the first and second devices, wherein the fracture isolation sleeve has an internal diameter that is greater than or equal to an internal diameter of the production casing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for launching spheres into a gas riser in order to reduce the risk that the output from the riser is lost. The apparatus comprises a rotatable body that is rotated to a first position to receive an object from an object storage means in an aperture and the rotatable body is then rotated to a second position such that the object received in the aperture is received within a riser.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method and apparatus for an improved ball dropper is provided. In one embodiment the method and apparatus can be used to drop various objects into the well bore from the rig. In one embodiment, when the well is pressurized the tool can be loaded with one or more items to be dropped.

Abstract: An injection fluid distribution configuration including a tubular having a plurality of openings therein and a plurality of beaded matrixes disposed within the openings. At least one of the beaded matrixes having an injection fluid permeability different than an injection fluid permeability of at least one other of the plurality of beaded matrixes. A method for distributing an injection fluid in a wellbore. A method for making an injection fluid distribution apparatus for distributing an injection fluid in a wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus operatively coupled to a well having a production casing positioned therein, the apparatus including a first device having and internal bore, a second device having an internal bore, and a fracture isolation sleeve disposed at least partially within the internal bores of the first and second devices, wherein the fracture isolation sleeve has an internal diameter that is greater than or equal to an internal diameter of the production casing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cementing tubulars in a borehole are disclosed In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing, a cartridge disposed within the housing, and an actuator. The housing includes a fluid entry port and a fluid exit port The cartridge includes a first chamber and is moveable between a first and a second position In the first position, the first chamber is out of fluid communication with the entry port and the exit port. In the second position, the first chamber is in fluid communication with the entry port and the exit port. The actuator is adapted to move the cartridge between the first and second positions.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method and apparatus for an improved loading sub method and apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus can be used to pump various pump down means into the well bore from the rig.

Abstract: A tool for use in wells to maintain a tubed pipe filled with drilling fluid supplied by a well and to circulate the fluid through a well-pipe space, the tool facilitating sliding of tubes and producing cementation of the space. The tool can be intercalated with drilling equipment between a block and a pipe elevating arrangement for tubes that are gradually coupled to make up the casing pipe. The tool is placed between amelas extending from a rig support to adjacent the pipe elevating arrangement, the tool including a support array for positioning the tool in the drilling equipment, a positioning dynamic array to move the tool upward and downward to mate the tool on, and decouple it from, a tube, and a packaging array to, during the matings, establish a hermetic, self-adjustable elastic seal for the passage of well fluid to the inside of the tube.

Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation according to which a fluid is introduced into a vessel to draw a plurality of impactors into the vessel to form a suspension. The suspension is discharged from the vessel and into another vessel, and fluid is introduced into the other vessel to draw the suspension into the other vessel. A suspension is formed in the other vessel that is discharged towards the formation to remove a portion of the formation.

Abstract: Methods and devices useful in subterranean treatment operations are provided. One example of a device is a dart having a deformable body, a nosepiece connected to a lower terminus of the deformable body, and a channel extending through the deformable body and the nosepiece. One example of a method includes providing a dart, providing a production casing having at least one production sleeve therein, placing the dart in the production casing of a well bore, pumping a treatment fluid into the well bore, and allowing the dart to open the production sleeve within the production casing such that the treatment fluid is introduced into the subterranean formation through the production casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to well servicing operations, and, more particularly, to devices, systems and methods useful in stimulation blending for fluids, mixtures, and/or slurries used in well servicing operations. A device, system and/or method is provided comprising a suction centrifugal pump capable of receiving an inlet fluid and providing a suction pressure arranged to substantially minimize a geyser effect in a proppant inlet and a mixer capable of receiving the inlet fluid provided by the suction centrifugal pump and mixing the inlet fluid with a proppant received from the proppant inlet, the mixer arranged to be substantially optimized for mixing. The device, system and/or method also comprises a discharge centrifugal pump capable of receiving the inlet fluid mixed with the proppant from the mixer and discharging the inlet fluid mixed with the proppant from the mixer downhole, the discharge centrifugal pump arranged to be substantially optimized for pumping.

Abstract: A chemical dispensing apparatus includes a housing and a cartridge support within the housing. A rotating cartridge with chemical stick receptacles is rotatably supported about an axis of rotation by the cartridge support. An injection passage at the bottom of the housing permits chemical sticks to pass from the housing when one of the chemical stick receptacles is in a chemical dispensing position in axial alignment with the injection passage. A drive system rotates the rotating cartridge. The drive system includes a rotational stop biased into engagement with the rotating cartridge, and a pneumatic cylinder having first and second ends. The first end is stationary at a point off-axis from the axis of rotation of the cartridge. The second end has an engagement member, such that as the pneumatic cylinder extends, the engagement member applies a force to one of the chemical stick receptacles to selectively rotate the rotating cartridge.

Abstract: A self-contained well intervention system which can be deployed from a lightweight vessel and coupled directly to a wellhead is described. The system includes valve means for providing a suitable well barrier and sealing the intervention system to allow an emergency disconnect. Within the intervention system, a tool magazine is provided which contains at least one deployable intervention tool. The intervention system also contains a tool selection and deployment means based on a winch located in close proximity to the magazine and which is operable from the surface for selecting a particular tool from the magazine and for deploying the selected tool through the intervention system and the wellhead into the well. The tool magazine has a plurality of magazine pockets each of which may have a deployable tool therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for launching spheres into a gas riser in order to reduce the risk that the output from the riser is lost. The apparatus comprises a rotatable body that is rotated to a first position to receive an object from an object storage means in an aperture and the rotatable body is then rotated to a second position such that the object received in the aperture is received within a riser.

Abstract: An apparatus operatively coupled to a well having a production casing positioned therein, the apparatus including a first device having and internal bore, a second device having an internal bore, and a fracture isolation sleeve disposed at least partially within the internal bores of the first and second devices, wherein the fracture isolation sleeve has an internal diameter that is greater than or equal to an internal diameter of the production casing.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a method and apparatus for an improved ball dropper. In one embodiment the method and apparatus can be used to drop various objects into the well bore from the rig. In one embodiment, when the well is pressurized the tool can be loaded with one or more items to be dropped.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding and releasing an object, such device having a body with a cavity in which the object is accommodatable, an elastic retaining member for retaining the object in the cavity, and, a pushing member for pushing the object out of the body past the retaining member. The pushing member has a first stimuli responsive gel, which has a volume that varies in response to variation of a selected physical stimulating parameter and a controller capable of activating the pushing member by stimulating the first gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean cementing operations, and more particularly to an apparatus useful in loading cementing plugs and darts into tubulars, and methods of using such apparatus in subterranean cementing operations. An example of a method of the present invention is a method of placing a compressible object having a cross-section within a tubular, including the steps of: reducing the cross-section of the compressible object; placing the compressible object with the reduced cross-section in a tubular; and releasing the compressible object within the tubular. Another example of a method of the present invention is a method of reducing the radial cross-section of a compressible object. Other examples of apparatus of the present invention include apparatus for placing a compressible object into a tubular.

Abstract: The automated chemical stick loader includes a ground-based stick storage and dispensing cabinet, an automated valve actuating system atop the wellhead, and a fixed stick transfer tube extending between the storage and dispensing cabinet and the top of the wellhead. A series of chemical sticks are stored in an endless conveyor in the cabinet, with the cabinet dispensing the sticks singly and sequentially to the bottom of the transfer tube upon actuation of the system. Sticks are pushed linearly up the transfer tube until reaching the top of the wellhead, whereupon the topmost stick falls into the well when the valves are actuated to allow passage of the stick therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of a plurality of chemical components in well bore applications. More particularly, this invention relates to delivery capsules and methods of using such delivery capsules for facilitating the delivery of at least a plurality of chemical components to subterranean well bores. In one embodiment, a method of supplying chemical components to a subterranean formation comprises placing a delivery capsule having at least a first chamber comprising a first chemical component and at least a second chamber comprising a second chemical component into the subterranean formation, and allowing the first and second components to be released from the delivery capsule.

Abstract: The subsea intervention system (SIM) includes a BOP module 10 and CT module 20. A tool positioning system 76 is used for positioning a selected subsea tool 22 stored within a rack 18 with a tool axis in line with the BOP axis, while a marinized coiled string injector 80 is moved by positioning system 81 to an inactive position. Power to the subsea electric motors 162 is supplied by an electrical line umbilical extending from the surface for powering the pumps 164, with the hydraulic system controlled by power control unit 198. The injector 80 preferably includes a pressure compensator roller bearing 220 and a pressure compensated drive system case 254.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low cost method and apparatus for fracturing a subterranean formation. The invention involves using a centrifugal pump to combine a fracture fluid, a sand suspension and liquid additive and discharge a mixture of these components into a high pressure pump that injects the mixture into the subterranean formation. The apparatus employs a control pinch valve to precisely control the amount of sand suspension being added to the mixture. The apparatus eliminates the need for expensive blenders, other equipment and associated personnel and provides a low cost means of fracturing the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Apparatus for cementing a string of tubulars in a borehole comprises an enclosure having a bore therethrough, an axially fixed sphere canister having a sphere aperture therethrough, a sphere valve member having a valve body disposed internally of said bore, and a sphere disposed in said sphere aperture, wherein said sphere valve member has a hold position closing said sphere aperture and a drop position opening said sphere aperture to release said sphere.

Abstract: A plug-dropping container used for releasing plugs or other objects into a wellbore during fluid circulation procedures. In one aspect, the plug-dropping container is used as part of a cementing head. The plug-dropping container comprises an elongated housing, and a canister disposed co-axially within the housing. The canister is configured to receive the plug, such as a drill pipe dart. A valve is disposed below the canister. The valve is movable from a plug-retained position where the plug is blocked, to a plug-released position where the plug may be released into the wellbore there below. In the plug-retained position, fluid is permitted to flow through the canister-housing annulus and around the valve.

Abstract: An automated plunger catcher and releaser and chemical launcher for a well tubing method and apparatus. In one configuration, arrival of a plunger is sensed as the plunger ascends from the wellbore through the production tubing and a signal is sent to a controller. A signal is sent from the controller to actuate a stem in order to hold the plunger in a surface catcher chamber. A flowline is thereafter closed by signal from the controller in order to stop fluid flow through the production tubing. A signal is sent from the controller to an actuated valve on a chemical launcher, thereby opening the valve and releasing chemical. Thereafter, the valve is closed to stop release of chemical. The plunger is held in position for a predetermined time and then the stem is retracted in order to permit the plunger to fall by gravity. Finally, the flowline is opened in order to permit fluid flow therethrough and the process is sequentially repeated as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intervention module (18) for well intervention operations in preferably a pressurized subsea well (2) with a wellhead (4) disposed on a water floor. The intervention module (18) is provided with necessary equipment to replace, under water, intervention tools (54) and thereby perform several well intervention operations in one run, without the supply of equipment from a surface vessel. The module (18) is lowered from a surface vessel and placed on the wellhead (4), possibly a BOP (12), of the well (2). The intervention module (18) is connected to the surface vessel through a connecting line/hose or a wireless connection which communicates, as a minimum, necessary control and feed-back signals. The module (18) is provided with i.e.

Abstract: A cementing manifold is disclosed that preferably includes: modular housings that can be stacked together and interconnected to add multi-dart or multi-sphere capability; identical, interchangeable valves; internal bypass capability; a minimum number of protrusions into the pressure containing components; and no externally mounted welded or threaded components. A cementing swivel is also disclosed that preferably includes connections that are formed integrally to the housing, redundant cement connections, angled cement ports, and seal assemblies that do not require individual placement of each seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for dropping a ball into a wellbore. The apparatus is particularly useful for dropping a ball that has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of a bore within a wellbore tool above the apparatus. The ball-releasing apparatus first comprises a tubular body. The tubular body has a bore therethrough that is in fluid communication with the bore of the wellbore tool. A piston is placed within the tubular body. The piston has a top end disposed within the tubular body, and a bottom end disposed below the bore of the wellbore tool. The ball-releasing apparatus further comprises a connector for releasably connecting the piston to the ball. In one arrangement, the ball-releasing apparatus is connected to the bottom of a wiper plug for dropping a ball during a wellbore cementing operation.

Abstract: A running tool for wiper plugs used in cementing well casings into a wellbore. The running tool and setting balls or darts used to launch the plugs are retrievable following deployment of the plugs. Flapper valve assemblies on the wiper plugs are activated after the plugs are displaced from the running tool to eliminate the requirement to maintain a setting ball or dart in engagement with the wiper plug as the assembly is pumped down the well casing. Because of being retrievable, the mandrel, setting sleeves and setting ball or dart may be constructed of any desirable high-strength material without regard to the need to drill up the material following completion of the cementing job. The use of high-strength steel permits large flow passages to be employed in the cementing plugs by eliminating the need for large volumes of drillable metals in the plugs. The running tool protects the flapper valve seal surfaces from circulating fluids prior to deployment of the plugs from the tool.

Abstract: A ball dropping assembly for dropping a plurality of objects, such as spherical balls, into a wellbore. The assembly first comprises a seat for retaining a ball before it is released. The assembly also comprises a ball-feeding channel for feeding additional balls onto the seat. A ball-retaining lever is provided to selectively receive and retain balls onto the seat, and then to release the balls individually into the wellbore. In one embodiment, the assembly is attached to a side bore in fluid communication with a main bore in a cementing head. The ball-retaining lever rotates into the bore when releasing a ball. When a plug is released into the bore from a cementing head, the plug will trip the lever, causing the ball-retaining lever to rotate back towards the ball-retained position. Thus, the ball dropping assembly also serves as a plug release indicator.

Abstract: A lubricator (10) includes a tubular body (12) through which passes a support member such as coil tubing or wireline, and an elongate slot (18) for inspection of or access to the support. A sleeve (20) mounted on the body (12) is movable between first and second positions to close or open the port (18). The sleeve (20) is movable by means of a pair of pistons and cylinders (22, 23, 24, 25). O-ring seals (28, 29) are provided on the body (12) above and below the slot (18).

Abstract: A ball dropping assembly for dropping an object such as a spherical ball into a wellbore. The assembly comprises a seat for retaining a ball before it is released, a ball retaining lever, and a shaft for turning the lever. In one embodiment, the assembly is attached to a side bore in fluid communication with a main bore in a cementing head. The ball-retaining lever has at least one finger which is rotated between a ball-retained position and a ball-released position. In the ball-retained position, the first finger is disposed in the entrance from the side bore to the main bore, thereby preventing the ball from entering the main bore of the cementing head. When the ball is ready for release, the lever is rotated in the direction of the main bore, thereby causing the second finger to urge the ball into the bore of the cementing head, and causing the first finger to protrude into the main bore.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly has the capabilities of communicating from the outer surface of an outer wellhead housing to a casing annulus. Seals between the outer and inner wellhead housings define an annular chamber when the inner wellhead housing lands. The outer wellhead housing has a communication port formed through one of its sidewalls. The inner wellhead housing has a passageway extending from the annular chamber to the bore of the inner wellhead housing. The casing annulus located radially inward of the inner wellhead housing is in communication with the outer surface of the outer wellhead housing through the passageway, the annular chamber between the seals, and the communication port.