Abstract: Disclosed is a drilling system and a method for drilling a well. The drilling system includes a coilable drill string; a first reel for storing the coilable drill string; a drive means for driving the coilable drill string into the well from the first reel and out of the well to the first reel; and a deflection means for directing the coilable drill string between the first reel and into the well centre. The drilling system further includes a top drive. The coilable drill string is provided with: a first connection at a first end for connecting the coilable drill string to a bottom-hole-assembly and a second connection at a second end for connecting the coilable drill string to the top drive.

Abstract: A sensor includes at least one optical waveguide having a mode-field diameter greater than 11 ?m and an optical reflector optically coupled to the at least one optical waveguide. The optical reflector includes a first substrate portion configured to reflect a first portion of a light beam back to the at least one optical waveguide and a diaphragm configured to reflect a second portion of the light beam back to the at least one optical waveguide. The diaphragm is responsive to a perturbation by moving relative to the first substrate portion. The light beam is centered on a region between the first substrate portion and the diaphragm.

Abstract: A mobile, coiled tubing drilling apparatus includes a non-rotating mast on a mobile platform. The mast has mounted thereon an injector, a coiled tubing reel having a tubing pay-off point associated therewith, and a tubing control system. The tubing control system is located between the reel and the injector, and includes a tubing abutment adjacent the tubing pay-off point for applying an opposite bend to the tubing during pay-out of the tubing. The reel is mounted for horizontal (x,y) movement such that, during pay-out of the tubing, the tubing pay-off point can be maintained generally above the injector, and can also be moved towards or away from the tubing abutment.

Abstract: A joined pipe injector for the oil-field industry that is capable of handling strings of jointed pipe. The injector includes gripper block assemblies removably mounted to a pair of looping, sprocket-supported drive chains facing a pipe/tubing passage therebetween. The gripper block assemblies have self-adjusting pipe inserts biased with springs to grip tubing or pipe of constant nominal diameter or pipe having both nominal and secondary diameter including upset joints. An insert guide is provided at the end of the pipe/tubing passage to postpone contact between the pipe inserts and the pipe when the respective gripper block assemblies are moving with curving motion around the sprockets. The injector is designed to operate either independently, or in conjunction with a conventional work-over and/or drill rig.

Abstract: An foldable guide for a continuous rod injector features first and second segments of similar length and a shorter third segment. In a fully folded state of the guide, the shorter third segment is foldable into a position contained between facing-together concave sides of the first and segments for improved collapse of the guide into a compact state for storage or transport. A proximal end of the first segment is mounted to the injector, which is carried on a mast having a selectively deployable jib thereon at an elevation above the installed position of the injector. The jib is movable between a slant-mode condition reaching outward from the mast and a vertical-mode position retracted into a more compact relation with the mast. The slant-mode condition provides improved support and stability by providing a more direct overhead support for the rod guide in slant well applications.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method for coupling a wireline system to a wellhead. The method includes storing a downhole tool within the wireline system. The method also includes coupling the wireline system to the wellhead via a remotely actuated connector and pressure testing the wireline system. Further, the method includes opening a valve of the wellhead to enable passage of the downhole tool from the wireline system to a well.

Abstract: A coiled tubing transport unit includes a coiled tubing reel unit, a first mechanism for shifting the coiled tubing reel unit lengthwise along the coiled tubing transport unit, an injector head, and a second mechanism for shifting the injector head lengthwise along the coiled tubing transport unit.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for centralized monitoring and control of a hydraulic fracturing operation. The system includes an electric powered fracturing fleet and a centralized control unit coupled to the electric powered fracturing fleet. The electric powered fracturing fleet can include a combination of one or more of: electric powered pumps, turbine generators, blenders, sand silos, chemical storage units, conveyor belts, manifold trailers, hydration units, variable frequency drives, switchgear, transformers, and compressors. The centralized control unit can be configured to monitor and/or control one or more operating characteristics of the electric powered fracturing fleet.

Abstract: A system for installing control line secured to a tubular string suspended in a borehole includes a first arm having a pivotally secured first end about which a second end is rotatable with a generally vertical plane, and a second arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the second end of the first arm and a second end coupled to a control line retainer. The second arm slidably engages a stationary pathway at a position intermediate the first end and the second end of the second arm. The system also includes one or more cylinders for rotating the first arm and for translating and rotating the second arm within the vertical plane to move the control line retainer along a generally vertical path along the tubular string.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a system and method for coordinating operation of a gripping device of a top drive system and power slips of a drilling rig to ensure that at least one of the gripping device and the power slips is engaged with a length of tubular and/or a drill string to support weight of the length of tubular and weight of the drill string.

Abstract: A knee-joint mechanism for a folding gooseneck used in a coiled tubing unit, includes a main structure having a distal end pivotally attached thereto, the knee-joint mechanism including an articulated member attached between the main structure and the pivotally attached distal end of the gooseneck, the articulated member having a joint, and a cylinder attached between the main structure and the articulated member. The arm of the cylinder is extended to push the joint of the articulated member to an over-center position, thereby locking the articulated member.

Abstract: A subsea winch is described. The subsea winch comprises a housing adapted to be attached to a well intervention system, the housing having an inlet and an outlet and at least one powered sheave arranged between the inlet and the outlet, the or each powered sheave having a surface adapted to form a frictional engagement with a cable passing between the inlet and the outlet via the at least one sheave. In use, a pull force pulling the cable in a downhole direction applied to the cable by a tool string being lowered into the well intervention system is increased by the winch such that the downhole pull force on the cable at the housing inlet is greater than the downhole pull force at the housing outlet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed concerning an injector apparatus, comprising: an upper injector coupled to a frame, wherein the upper injector has an upper injector passage; a lower injector coupled the frame, wherein the lower injector has a lower injector passage; wherein the upper injector and the lower injector are substantially axially aligned; and a work window between the upper injector and the lower injector.

Abstract: A device for vibrating tubing as it is inserted into a wellbore is disclosed. The device has a fluidic switch that has no moving parts. The fluidic switch is connected to a piston that oscillates back and forth in a cylinder. The piston is the only moving part. As the piston oscillates, it blocks and unblocks openings in the cylinder or other components. The movement of the piston controls the timing of the oscillation, and also generates an impulse or vibration. The vibration may reduce the friction between the tubing and the wellbore.

Abstract: A system for stick mitigation of a cable in a well includes a derrick operatively aligned with a well. The derrick supports a cable and a cable injector. The cable injector is operatively aligned with the well and the cable, and the cable injector is disengaged during normal operations.

Abstract: A joint for disposing between a rotatable drum and stationary surface equipment. The joint serves as a channel through which optical data from a well access line may be routed through the rotating drum and to the stationary equipment for processing. The optical data may be routed in a manner that allows for multi-fiber transmissions with one fiber dedicated to uphole transmissions and another dedicated to downhole transmissions. This is achieved through embodiments of the joint in spite of the separate optical channels involved sharing the same central axis to allow for data transfer between moving and stationary joint components.

Abstract: A technique for subsea intervention operations incorporates use of a compliant guide that extends between a surface location and a subsea installation. The technique facilitates deployment of tool strings into a subsea well. For example, a portion of the compliant guide can be used as a subsea lubricator during pressure deployment of tool strings. In some applications, a tool entry guide can be connected into the subsea installation to facilitate deployment of tool strings into the subsea well.

Abstract: A pipe handling system for locating a pipe joint in a joining assembly that includes an internal joining tool and an external joining tool is provided. The system includes a gripper configured to grip a surface of the pipe joint; an elevator configured to pick up the pipe joint and position the pipe joint adjacent a string of pipe disposed in the external joining tool; and a deployment assembly coupled to the gripper, wherein the deployment assembly includes a cable that is used to position the internal joining tool inside the pipe joint.

Abstract: A technique facilitates deflecting a tubing string into a desired branch of a surrounding tubular structure. A deflector assembly is provided with a deflector tube, an orienting member, and a latching feature, such as latch dogs which are circumferentially disposed on the deflector tube in an asymmetrical pattern. The deflector assembly may be moved within the outer tubular structure, e.g. wellbore tubing, to a desired junction. The deflector tube and the latching feature are then oriented in an alignment sleeve of the surrounding tubular structure by moving the orienting member along a profile within the outer tubular structure. The latching feature is able to securely latch at the selected junction. The latching feature may use a pattern of latch dogs which matches a corresponding asymmetrical pattern of latch openings in the alignment sleeve.

Abstract: A system for deploying cable that includes a housing. The housing is configured to receive circulating lubricant, and a drive assembly is located within the housing. The drive assembly includes a first gripper portion and a second gripper portion. The grips portions are supported by independent frames. An actuator is connected with one of the frames. The actuator provides force that causes the gripper portions to engage and cooperate to support and deploy cable.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme and methods using two or more systems that operate simultaneously and continuously in a synchronized manner such that the feeding of tubulars into or out of a well bore is achieved with continuous or near continuous movement, without the need for periodic interruptions. The drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme is also able to rotate the tubulars in the well bore with continuous speed and torque sufficient for both drilling and back-reaming operations. The drilling and tripping equipment package and control scheme is additionally able to circulate drilling fluid into the internal bore of the tubulars with sufficient pressure and flow to facilitate both drilling and back-reaming operations, with minimal interruption to circulation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to guide a tubular member are described herein. The apparatus includes a bore with a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and configured to support a tubular member, the apparatus having a first opening formed at a first side thereof, a second opening formed at a second side thereof, and an inner wall extending from the first opening to the second opening. The apparatus further includes a first guiding member disposed adjacent to the first opening of the bowl and a second guiding member disposed adjacent to the second opening of the bowl.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a support structure for use on a rig floor and for supporting a unit used to manipulate tubular components through a wellhead, the support structure comprises a first section, a second section and a central passage of sufficient diameter to allow passage of the tubular components therethrough. When the first section and the second section are assembled together, said sections together are suitable to support said unit used to manipulate tubular components through a wellhead.

Abstract: A pipe clamp mechanism and method for use with a pipe arm retracts beneath two laterally positioned pipe guide surfaces in a retracted position to allow a pipe to roll laterally into a pipe receptacle on the pipe arm along either of the two pipe guide surfaces. After at least one pipe is positioned within the pipe receptacle, then the pipe clamp utilizes one or more pipe clamps which extend outwardly of the pipe guide surfaces to clamp the pipe into the pipe receptacle.

Abstract: A shoulder elevator having a gated pipe opening, is disclosed. The elevator has a ringed body having unclosed sector creating an opening for receiving a pipe within the body ring. Pivotally mounted gates positioned on opposite sides of the unclosed, sector of the ringed body, move in unison to an open and partially close the unclosed sector of the ringed body around the pipe in response to pipe contact with rearward end of the gates. A lever is provided to manually pivot the gates to an open and closed position around a pipe. Lifting lugs or ears are provided to attach the elevator to the lifting links of a hoist.

Abstract: A displacement assistance device can include at least two flow paths in fluid communication with a flow passage, and a blocking member that blocks flow through each flow path in response to the flow through that flow path. A method of assisting displacement of a tubular string can include installing the tubular string, then discharging a blocking member into the tubular string, and flowing a fluid through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a displacement assistance device connected in the tubular string, thereby causing the member to repeatedly block flow through at least two flow paths in succession. A system can include a displacement assistance device connected in a tubular string, the device including at least two flow paths in communication with a flow passage extending through the tubular string, and a blocking member that alternately blocks flow through the flow paths in response to flow through the flow passage.

Abstract: A system for positioning a trailer mounted coiled tubing tensioner either in a first stowed position on the deck of a transport trailer or in a second position resting on an elevated rig floor of a drilling rig is described. The system for selectably elevating a coiled tubing tensioner from its first stowed position to its second position on the rig floor of a drilling rig includes the cooperative operation of the coiled tubing tensioner and its frame, multiple pivotable swing arms attached to the trailer at one end and the tensioner frame at the other end, an elevatable mast, a crown block, a drawworks winch, a top drive, a pair of tensioner lifting winches and multiple lifting lines deployed from the mast and reeved through sheaves mounted on the tensioner frame and the top drive.

Abstract: A casing annulus remediation hose assembly having a hose with an inlet in selective fluid communication with a fluid supply and an exit connected to a nozzle. On the nozzle is an insertion tip for facilitating insertion and retrieval of the hose assembly in and out of an annulus in a wellhead assembly. The insertion tip has an outer annular flexible housing that is coaxially attached to the nozzle and spherical weighted members arranged in series in the housing. A cable extends coaxially from a downstream end of the nozzle and through each weighted member.

Abstract: A top entry wireline apparatus with a roller chain configuration for inserting a manipulating an electrical conduit into a wellbore and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A pipe gripping assembly includes, among other components, a fluid conducting swivel, a fluid-powered linear actuator and a pipe gripping assembly. The linear actuator has a central rod mounted within a multi-stage, segmented barrel assembly. Each barrel segment acts as a piston, with control fluid forces being transmitted to the barrel assembly to selectively extend or retract the barrel assembly in order to engage or disengage the pipe gripping assembly. By aggregating such force, the total combined force generated by the barrel piston assemblies, the actuator assembly of the present invention can operate using pneumatic control fluid, and can operate at much lower control fluid pressures than other actuators.

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: A modular pipe gripping assembly has a universal actuator assembly having a control fluid swivel. An external pipe gripping assembly can be attached to the actuator assembly for gripping the external surface of a section of pipe. Alternatively, the external pipe gripping assembly can be quickly and easily removed and replaced with an internal pipe gripping assembly for gripping the internal surface of a section of pipe. Control fluid pressure is trapped within the actuator assembly, but relieved from a fluid swivel, permitting high speed rotation of the modular pipe gripping assembly and preserving swivel seal life.

Abstract: A coil tubing rig (12) is supported on a carrier trailer (24) in transit and during rig operations. A plurality of a hydraulic tracks (30), (32) each connected to the carrier trailer may be activated to raise and lower the carrier trailer from the loading position to a rig operating position. A dolly assembly including a plurality of wheels supports the carrier trailer during transit, and hydraulic jacks both incline the carrier trailer to a rig loading/unloading position such that a front end of the carrier trailer is substantially at ground level, and raise the rig to a desired elevation for conducting rig operations.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector unit insert assembly includes a gripping insert configured to be coupled to a carrier block, the insert comprising a tongue with a first cutout configured to engage a shaft extending within a carrier block pocket, the shaft having a first diameter portion and a second larger diameter portion and a junction between the two shaft diameters that is located within the carrier block pocket to couple the gripping insert to the carrier block.

Abstract: A wireline pressure control apparatus for use in an oil or gas well, comprising a grease injector having first and second tubes (10) and a bore (12), and a grease injection channel in communication with the bore for injecting grease between the outer surface of the wireline and the inner surface of the bore. The bore (12) has radial passages (15) at spaced apart locations providing a leak path for fluids between the inner surface of the bore and the outer surface of the tubes, allowing pressure to equalise. The radial passages are in fluid communication with one another outwith the bore.

Abstract: An embodiment of a pressure control assembly for a wireline cable disposed in a wellbore comprises a housing frame, at least a pair of sealing devices disposed in the housing, the sealing devices defining an aperture for a cable to pass therethrough and a chamber therebetween, and a lubricant recirculation system for injecting and recirculating a lubricant into the chamber, the assembly operable to lubricate the cable and seal the cable, and maintain a predetermined pressure within the housing frame while the cable is disposed therein.

Abstract: A system for aligning and connecting components including a support structure and a measuring apparatus coupled to the support structure. The measuring apparatus is arranged to spatially analyze a first tubular component with respect to a second tubular component for determining an adjustment vector therebetween. An alignment apparatus is coupled to the support structure and in data communication with the measuring apparatus. The alignment apparatus includes a plurality of actuators operatively arranged in parallel for moving at least one of the first or second tubular components relative to the other for coaxially arranging the first and second tubular components in accordance with the adjustment vector. A connection apparatus is coupled to the support structure and operatively arranged for connecting the first and second tubular components together.

Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations and method for facilitating rotation thereof. The system includes a main body and a motor, preferably a salient pole motor. A motor shaft extends from the motor and a gear system is driven by the shaft and interconnected with a drive shaft. The gear system has a housing and a bearing retainer integral with the housing and is driven by the motor apparatus so that driving the gear system drives the drive shaft.

Abstract: A fill up tool includes a mandrel; a primary sealing member disposed around the mandrel; and a selectively operable secondary sealing member activated by rotation of the mandrel. In another embodiment, the selectively operable secondary sealing member is activated using hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to cut a control line and/or to run a control line on a rig may include a movable cutting apparatus to cut a control line, a load transfer member to engage a control line, a load measuring device to measure a load imparted to a load transfer member, and a drive member to engage and drive a control line. The apparatuses and methods may be used with a control line positioning apparatus, a pipe engaging apparatus, and/or may be used by themselves.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of deploying a cable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation comprises providing a cable, wherein the cable comprises at least one insulated conductor, at least one armor wire layer surrounding the insulated conductor, a polymeric material disposed in interstitial spaces formed between armor wires forming the at least one armor wire layer, and interstitial spaces formed between the at least one armor wire layer and insulated conductor, the polymeric material forming a continuously bonded layer which separates and encapsulates the armor wires forming the at least one armor wire layer, and whereby the polymeric material is extended to form a smooth polymeric jacket around the at least one armor wire layer, introducing the cable into a wellbore and performing at least one operation in the wellbore utilizing the cable.

Abstract: A method for using a power swivel with tilt capable of being tilted to any angle up to an adjustable maximum tilt angle. The method allows adjusting the tilting power swivel's angle of tilt to line up with pipe staged at various angles as required by different rigs. The method allows for adjusting the maximum extension of the tilt cylinder, and further allows the power swivel to be repeatedly positioned at a desired angle for the duration of a job. The method requires the addition of only one hydraulic fluid supply hose, thereby allowing a simple live hose reel with four hoses. The method for using a power swivel with tilt promotes safety, efficiency, and saves time by eliminating the need for a stabbing man hanging in the derrick.

Abstract: A remote controlled tilting power swivel capable of being tilted to any angle up to an adjustable maximum tilt angle. The tilting power swivel angle of tilt can be adjusted to line up with pipe staged at various angles as required by different rigs. Adjusting the maximum extension of the tilt cylinder allows the power swivel to repeat a desired angle for the duration of a job. The system requires the addition of only one hydraulic fluid supply hose, thereby allowing a simple live hose reel with four hoses. The tilting power swivel promotes safety, efficiency, and saves time by eliminating the need for a stabbing man hanging in the derrick.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to measurement and control systems and methods of improved spooling accuracy. Specifically, the systems and method disclosed herein provide techniques for accurately monitoring the depth of a sandline in a wellbore through sensing spool rotation, and controlling certain aspects of the spooling and/or producing certain notifications when the depth is above or below a certain threshold. Thus, the spool can be operated with increased diligence when it gets close to the wellhead. In certain example embodiments, the depth of the sandline is measured based at least partially on the number of spool rotations, compensating for decreasing length of sandline per layer of sandline on the spool.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus is provided with a wedge lock release mechanism that creates a clearance to allow movement by the mandrel having mating wedge surfaces relative to the tubular to release the wedge slips. In another embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus for handling a tubular includes a mandrel; a carrier coupled to the mandrel; a gripping element for engaging the tubular; an engagement member coupled to the carrier for engaging an upper portion of the tubular; and an abutment device adapted to engage the engagement member, wherein a length of the abutment device is adjustable to allow movement of the engagement member.

Abstract: A well servicing system includes a frame adapted to mount to a pipe handling system that includes a hanger adapted to guide a load coupled to a cable towards a wellhead, where the load exerts at least a portion of a tensile force on the cable; and a winch including a drum and a brake. The brake is adapted to control rotational motion of the drum to spool a portion of the cable over the drum and set the drum to substantially prevent rotational motion of the drum. The well servicing system also includes a hydraulic piston-cylinder coupled to a sheave. The piston is adapted to stroke into or out of the cylinder when the tensile force exceeds a desired load when the drum is set to substantially prevent rotational motion to spool the cable from the drum.

Abstract: A high-pressure casing fill-up and circulating assembly and method of use is disclosed. The fill and circulating assembly, when inserted into the uppermost portion of the casing, will allow the casing to be filled while each section of casing is added. In one configuration there can be a cup type seal that seals in the casing simply by inserting the circulator into the casing. In yet another configuration the casing circulator portion can be anchored in the casing by manipulating the setting apparatus of the circulator thus anchoring the circulator to the casing and a settable seal unit will be energized to seal between the casing and the circulator.

Abstract: A control circuit for a coiled tubing injector includes a circuit controller (14). One or more counterbalance vales (3) may be responsive to the circuit controller to prevent the tubing string from descending into the wellbore during rate of penetration movement. In one embodiment, a control valve (4) allows fluid to flow through a bypass line around the counterbalance valves when drilling in a weight-on-bit mode. Other hydraulic control circuits allow for the release of fluid pressure to control the injector hydraulic motor. In yet another embodiment, the control circuit regulates power to an electric motor of the injector.

Abstract: A petroleum well intervention winch system includes a high pressure confining housing for a drum for a rope to a tool string. The pressure confining housing has a connector with an aperture for the rope to a top of a tool string gate chamber on vertical bore BOP valves on a wellhead on the petroleum well. The rope runs through the aperture via a capstan to the drum. The capstan is driven by a first motor through a first high pressure proof magnetic coupling across a wall of the housing. The drum is driven by a second motor through a second high pressure proof magnetic coupling across the wall of the housing. The capstan is subject to a load tension from the rope and is provided with a hold tension on the rope from the drum. The second motor exerts a constant hold tension on the rope via the drum.

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 supported by a table elevated above the rig floor. Supporting the spider on an elevated table provides personnel with access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated spider and above the rig floor for applying a fastener to secure the control line to the pipe string. The control line is supplied from above the spider and is positioned by a control line guide supported on the spider or a sleeve to pass through the spider outside the path of the pipe gripping members, such as slips.