Moving Tubing Or Cable Into An Existing Well Patents (Class 166/77.1)
  • Patent number: 8757251
    Abstract: A multi-function machine for drilling, boring, driving and lifting comprising a translation system (2) which supports a turret (3) motorized and provided with driving cab. A lattice tower type arm is hinged to the frame of the turret and movable between substantially raised and inclined positions. In at least a first configuration the arm is used as a lifting arm. The free upper end of the arm has a head (9) having a system of pulleys and/or transmissions for rope (10). The arm (4) can rotate with respect to the turret (3) to acquire a second configuration of mounting/transport wherein its longitudinal axis is substantially horizontally arranged and turned over toward the front. Ropes and rods are provided (14,16) for bringing the arm from the first to the second configuration and vice-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Soilmec S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Ditillo, Stefano Massari
  • Publication number: 20140166270
    Abstract: A system and method for positioning equipment on a track system where the equipment may descend a wireline or a cable into a borehole for well logging. The equipment may be a drum unit for storing, deploying and retracting the cable, a winch, a dancer unit and an auxiliary power supply. The equipment may be positioned with the track system for either operations or transport. The cable may be threaded through the equipment to descend into the borehole for well logging purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Barry Lee Schuler, Jeffrey Joseph Kamps
  • Patent number: 8752617
    Abstract: A system is provided for drilling and/or servicing a well bore using continuous lengths of coiled tubing in which a turntable assembly rotates a coiled tubing reel assembly and a counter balance system about the well bore such that the coiled tubing is rotated while in the wellbore. A coiled tubing injector may be provided on a separate turntable assembly or on the same turntable assembly as the reel assembly. A swivel support assembly may be provided for managing operation lines associated with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Reel Revolution Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Terence Borst, Dudley J. Perio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8752618
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (10) for handling bulky articles (such as a PLET or ILT (12)) on a deck (14) of a vessel at sea. The apparatus (10) includes a cradle (16) which supports the bulky article (12?), first translational movement means (32 42, 46) provided between the deck (14) and the cradle (16) and second translational movement means (20, 31, 35, 37) moveable along the deck (14). The first translational movement means allows the bulky article (12) to be moved from a storage area and transferred to the second translational movement means, and the second translational movement means allows the bulky article (12) on its cradle (16) to be moved toward an operational location (F). An actuator (26) is also provided between the deck (14) and the cradle (16), in order to adjust the orientation of the bulky article (12) relative to the deck (14), when in the operational position. A method of handling bulky articles on a deck of a vessel at sea is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Sunsea 7 Contracting (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Pose
  • Patent number: 8733433
    Abstract: A spool for deploying and retrieving multiple separate strings of continuous tubing, such as over the side of or through the moon pool of a boat, rig or other vessel, without the need of an injector head. The spool has at least one rotating swivel to permit pumping of fluid(s) down, or back up, tubing strings while the spool is rotating or stationary. A level-wind assembly having at least one sheave directs the continuous tubing overboard, but also level-winds the tubing onto the spool in an orderly fashion through lateral movement of the sheave. The system is powered by a hydraulic power unit with a remote control console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Robert A. Coles
  • Patent number: 8733434
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus connectable between a top drive system and a tool useful in connection with a hydrocarbon exploration or production well includes a rotatable barrel, a non-rotating upper housing engageable with the top drive system, a rotatable lower housing engageable with the tool and a non-rotating communication ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Stewart John Barker
  • Patent number: 8726983
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus log an underbalanced open hole well without killing the well or causing formation damage to maintain well control during the process. The installation of the well logging equipment is accomplished while holding the underbalanced open hole at its optimal pressure, then conveying the logging string on a drill string into the open hole portion to total depth and logging while removing the logging string from the total depth to be logged with a cable side entry sub. The invention also provides a unique configuration of equipment to accomplish the logging using what is normally referred to as tough logging condition techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Waqar Khan
  • Publication number: 20140131053
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for radially expanding a tubular element below a previous tubular element. The method includes: connecting a downhole section to an uphole section of the tubular element, the downhole section having a smaller diameter than the uphole section; bending a downhole end of the downhole section radially outward and in axially reverse direction to form a start expanded tubular section extending around an unexpanded part of the downhole section; arranging said start expanded tubular section at least partially within a downhole end of the previous tubular element; anchoring said start expanded tubular section to the previous tubular element; and increasing the length of an expanded tubular section of the tubular element by pushing an unexpanded tubular section downhole relative to said start expanded tubular section to expand the unexpanded tubular section by bending the wall of the unexpanded tubular section radially outward and in axially reverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Petrus Cornelis Kriesels, Francesco Dalla Longa
  • Patent number: 8720541
    Abstract: A tubular handling apparatus including a tubular member running tool adapted to provide load-bearing, and preferably torquing, capacity upon the gripping of a tubular is provided. The running tool includes a slotted member having a plurality of elongated slots, a recessed member associated with the slotted member and having a plurality of recesses, and a plurality of gripping elements disposed between the slotted member and recessed member. Each such gripping element is adapted to move with an engaged tubular so as to grip the tubular. A tubular member elevator associated to the running tool, as well as related floor slips, are also encompassed. Methods of casing running are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd., First Subsea Limited
    Inventors: Brian Ellis, Craig Weems, Faisal J. Yousef, Beat Küttel
  • Patent number: 8708055
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Liess, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Publication number: 20140102721
    Abstract: An injector for deploying a cable into a wellbore includes a traction assembly having at least a stationary segment and a movable segment. Each segment includes: a drive sprocket; an idler sprocket; a track looped around and between the sprockets; a set of grippers fastened to and disposed along the respective track, and a frame. The frame: is connected to the stationary segment, has a coupling for connection to a pressure control assembly (PCA), and has a passage for receiving the cable. The injector further includes a motor torsionally connected to the drive sprocket of the stationary segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ZEITECS B.V.
    Inventors: Eugene BESPALOV, James Rudolph WETZEL, Matthew CROWLEY, Neil GRIFFITHS
  • Patent number: 8689862
    Abstract: A reel assembly for supplying a continuous composite tubing of a type used in oilfield operations, which reel assembly comprises a stand onto which a spool of continuous composite tubing is lowered and a drive coupling for transmitting rotational force from the stand to the spool. A removable cage is connected with the stand. The continuous composite tubing is arranged around the outer periphery of the spool, in a U-formed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: C6 Technologies AS
    Inventors: Morten Talgø, Øystein Skjæveland
  • Patent number: 8684089
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid circulation system for circulating fluid in a subsea cavity, the cavity being filled with a first fluid and having first and second end ports. The system comprises a container (26) containing a second fluid, fluid lines (21, 27) extending from the container to the first and second end ports of the cavity, respectively, and a pump (22) for exchanging the second fluid provided in the container (26) and the first fluid provided in the subsea cavity (10). The invention also relates to a method for circulating fluid in a subsea cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Kristian Borhaug, Gunnar Herø
  • Patent number: 8678088
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Dougal Hugo Brown
  • Patent number: 8662160
    Abstract: There is provided a mobile high power laser system and conveyance structure for delivering high power laser energy to and for performing high power laser operations in remote and difficult to access locations. There is further provide such systems with high power laser, handling equipment and conveyance equipment that are configured to avoid exceeding the maximum bending radius of high power optical fibers used with the conveyance structures. There are also provided embodiments of the conveyance structures having channels, lines and passages for delivering materials such as fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Foro Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. DeWitt, Mark S. Zediker, Brian O. Faircloth, Daryl L. Grubb, Ryan P. McKay, William C. Gray, Joel F. Moxley, Charles C. Rinzler, Lance D. Underwood, Paul D. Deutch
  • Publication number: 20140048287
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: FRANK'S CASING CREW AND RENTAL TOOLS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon J. Bouligny, JR., Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
  • Publication number: 20140048248
    Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Doyle Fredric BOUTWELL, JR., Karsten HEIDECKE, Kevin WOOD, Bernd-Georg PIETRAS
  • Patent number: 8651187
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the management of injection and production of well fluids in a subterranean well is described to optimize the use of stimulation fluids to enhance their compatibility with subterranean reservoirs and the surface environment and thereby reducing the damage said fluids induce in subterranean reservoirs and upon flow back to the surface reduce their damage to the environment is described. More specifically, this method is directed to the subterranean treatment of injection fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: David Randolph Smith
  • Patent number: 8646536
    Abstract: To deploy a capillary string through a wellhead to a downhole safety valve, a control port and a retention port are drilled in an adapter between a casing hanger and a gate valve or elsewhere. The capillary string is connected to a first port of a capillary hanger and installed through the wellhead. The capillary hanger is landed on a tubing hanger, and a side port on the capillary hanger communicates with the control port. Because the side port's location may not align with the control port, operators may need to measure how long the capillary hanger should be. A control line connects to the control port in the wellhead's side to communicate with the capillary line, and a retention rod inserts in the retention port to support the capillary hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Travis, Brandon Cain, Eric Calzoncinth, Paul Perez
  • Patent number: 8640781
    Abstract: A method and device for deploying a cable and an apparatus in a ground formation having a motherbore, wherein the method comprises positioning a non-rotating drill pipe, a cable and an apparatus in a motherbore tubular; and drilling a lateral opening relatively the motherbore by displacing the drill pipe into the formation with the cable and apparatus attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fishbones AS
    Inventor: Rune Freyer
  • Patent number: 8636056
    Abstract: A drilling rig for use in drilling wells having a top drive with a slide assembly configured to engage, slide on, and react torque to a modular torque track assembly. The modular torque track assembly connects between the top of a derrick and lower structure of the drilling rig. The modular torque track assembly can have a top track, one or more middle tracks, and a bottom track allowing the modular torque track to be various lengths for various applications. The torque track sections are connectable with unique locking devices which allow a man in a suspended sling to quickly and safely make or break each connection. There are no loose parts in the design to accidentally drop and hurt a person below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • Patent number: 8627890
    Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by advancing the tubular string longitudinally into the wellbore; stopping drilling by holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; adding a tubular joint or stand of joints to the tubular string while injecting drilling fluid into a side port of the tubular string, rotating the tubular string, and holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; and resuming drilling of the wellbore after adding the joint or stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Mark A. Mitchell, David Pavel, Lev Ring, Ram K. Bansal, David Iblings
  • Patent number: 8613309
    Abstract: When inserting a tube into a borehole in the ground for extracting minerals, tube parts are successively added to the proximal end of the tube while the tube reaches into the borehole. Thereafter, the tube is inserted further into the borehole. As the addition of the tube part is carried out by welding, each time an eminently sealing and slender joint between the tube parts is obtained. As the tube parts are successively added to the tube only when this is necessary for inserting the tube further into the ground, winding up the tube to store it prior to insertion is not necessary and the use of a tube-carrying reel which is difficult to handle is thus rendered redundant. Further, an installation for carrying out the proposed method is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company & B.J. Services
    Inventors: Thomas Walburgis Bakker, Arno van Mourik
  • Patent number: 8613322
    Abstract: An Active Motion Compensation system for use during intervention or other work on subsea wells, pipelines or other structures. The present invention can be employed on existing floating production platforms such as Tension Leg Platforms (TLP) and Spar structures where intervention work including Coiled Tubing, Slickline, Electric Line, Wireline, as well as snubbing or Hydraulic Workover activities are being utilized. It can also be deployed over the side of or through the moon pool of a vessel without the need of any other compensation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Robert A. Coles
  • Publication number: 20130327541
    Abstract: A handling device for handling drill string components (8, 8?,8?) in a rock drilling rig (1), wherein the handling device includes a gripper unit (11) for gripping drill string components (8, 8?,8?) to be put into and be brought out from the rock drilling rig, and wherein the gripper unit (11) includes grippers (12,13,14) operational for gripping components positioned in a gripping position, which defines a grip position axis (G). The gripper unit (11) is supported swingable between: a) a first position, wherein the gripper unit is positioned for engagement with an end portion of a first drill string component (8?) and an end portion of a second drill string component (8?) in and aligned with said active drill string position (A), and b) a second position, wherein a gripper unit (11) is positioned for engagement with an end portion of a drill string component in a delivering position for drill string components that are to be brought into respectively taken away from said active drill string position (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Anders Gustafsson, Olof Göransson, Lars Gellerhed
  • Publication number: 20130312983
    Abstract: A double swivel for use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through double sleeves which are sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeves and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeves have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system, clamp, and novel packing configuration. In an alternative embodiment the unit can include a plug or ball insertion tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: MAKO RENTALS, INC.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Donny Logan
  • Patent number: 8590626
    Abstract: An improved motion compensator device that includes a compensated framework for various types of well intervention operations where a stable work area is required that is stationary to the sea bed and equipment in the annulus. The device is intended for use on offshore drilling vessels that are primarily either moored or dynamically positioned and therefore subject to the motions created by the sea. The device is designed to compensate for the vertical motion of the rig by means of two steel frame assemblies, pneumatic compensating cylinders, and a load and motion transfer apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Stingray Offshore Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent H. Barone, Trevor S. Brown
  • Patent number: 8590612
    Abstract: A technique enables improved efficiency with respect to various coiled tubing and well servicing operations. The technique utilizes a combined mobile unit having several types of equipment combined into at least one transportable unit. The combined mobile unit may comprise a coiled tubing reel having coiled tubing, a well servicing system mounted to deliver material through the coiled tubing, and/or other well servicing components with the gas delivery system. The gas delivery system has a pressurized liquid gas vessel to deliver gas that can be used for well servicing operations, including purging material from coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Rod Shampine
  • Patent number: 8590610
    Abstract: A top drive assembly arranged to travel in a derrick. An important use of this assembly is to manipulate tubulars in a wellbore, so it includes a traveling block housing and sheaves disposed about a compensating airbag. The airbag is arranged to prevent damage to the threads during screwing and unscrewing operations of tubulars in a wellbore. The arrangement of the airbag requires only a single air valve thus having only a single leak path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • Patent number: 8584773
    Abstract: A system and method for building and handling oilfield tubular stands while drilling operations are simultaneously and independently occurring with one drilling deck, one derrick, and one rotary system. An offline guided path horizontal to vertical arm lifts and moves in the same plane tubulars stored horizontally on the catwalk and positions the tubulars vertically directly into a preparation hole for assembling and disassembling tubular stands while online drilling operations are simultaneously being conducted. A stand arm lifts and lowers the tubulars into and out of the adjustable preparation hole, and transports the tubulars for storage to an auxiliary tubular racking station in the upper part of the derrick. A bridge racker crane moves tubular stands from the auxiliary tubular racking station to the top drive or another tubular racking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: Atwood Oceanics, Inc., Friede Goldman United, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Childers, Brendan William Larkin, Harvey Mark Rich, Barry M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130292139
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for the controlled entry of a tubing string, and cable adjacent thereto, into a wellbore. A stationary housing is fit to a wellhead and has a bore in communication with the wellbore. The cable can be laterally displaced from the bore into a cable access formed into the side wall of the stationary housing for fitting a sealing assembly to the bore and engages a sealing surface therein. The sealing assembly seals tubulars passing therethrough. The cable access interrupts the sealing surface. A cable bypass sub is fit to the cable access and permits the cable to extend sealingly from above the sealing surface to the wellbore wherein the cable bypasses the sealing assembly and sealing surface. A seal reconstitutes the interrupted portion of the sealing surface at the cable access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John David Struthers, George James Michaud, Lawrence Gerald Cyr, Salem Ahmed Lotfi Elsayed
  • Patent number: 8573312
    Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a string of well pipe being lowered into or retrieved from a well includes pipe slips defining a central bore opening having an axis. The pipe slips are configured to abut and grip a surface of a pipe passing through the central bore opening while the pipe slips are in a first position. The pipe slips are further configured to allow axial movement of the pipe when moved to a second position. The apparatus includes at least one hydraulic ram device configured to exert an axial force on the pipe slips while the pipe slips are in the first position to enhance gripping of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Errol A Sonnier
  • Patent number: 8573313
    Abstract: Well servicing methods and systems are described, in one embodiment comprising a pressure containment housing fluidly connected directly to a wellhead of a wellbore, and a reel positioned inside the housing on which is spooled a communication line. One method comprises introducing the communication line into the pressurized wellbore without a well control stack, the communication line being introduced and driven into the wellbore by controlling a reel, the reel being internal to a pressurized housing removably connected directly to a wellhead of the wellbore. Fluid flow may move the communication line to a desired location in the wellbore. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It may not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Lovell, Sarmad Adnan, Jospeh A. Ayoub, Michael G. Gay
  • Publication number: 20130284433
    Abstract: An apparatus including a first actuator including a first housing defining a first internal region, a first head disposed in the first internal region, the first head defining first and second portions of the first internal region, and a first elongated member connected to the first head and extending out of the first housing. The apparatus further includes a first arm connected to the first elongated member to transfer to the first elongated member at least a first portion of a first force applied in a first direction by at least the weight of at least a tubular component, and a first pressurized fluid source in fluid communication with the first portion of the first internal region to apply a second force against the first head in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. According to one aspect, the tubular component is part of a quill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Preston Weintraub, Randy Slocum, Beat Kuttel, Samved Bhatnagar
  • Patent number: 8567514
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon J. Bouligny, Jr., Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
  • Patent number: 8561693
    Abstract: A mobile assembly usable in at least one well services operation includes a chassis, a drum disposed on the chassis having a spooled element disposed thereon for use in the at least one well services operation, a winch disposed on the chassis and attached to the spooled element for raising and lowering the spooled element, an elevation device disposed on the chassis and operable to support the spooled element in the at least one well services operation, at least one acquisition system disposed on the chassis in operable communication with a tool disposed on the spooled element, and a prime mover operable to provide power to at least the drum, the winch, and the elevation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ravicharan Mydur, Jean-Louis Pessin, Mike Wedge, Pavan Katte Vadirajachar
  • Patent number: 8544537
    Abstract: A drilling rig with top drive assembly consisting of a traveling block housing, sheaves, with axles connected to a pair of links supporting a top drive, and a compressible extendable airbag as a thread compensator for running tubulars into a wellbore, making up tubulars, or breaking tubulars out of a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • Patent number: 8534387
    Abstract: A drawworks device on a drill floor includes an upper pulley assembly connected to a heave-compensated or fixed mounting. In addition, the drawworks device includes a main block connected to a pipe mount. The pipe mount is laterally movable in at least one direction relative to the drilling center of the drill floor. The pulley assembly is pivotal about a horizontal first axis oriented perpendicular to the direction of lateral movement of the pipe mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Norway AS
    Inventor: Paal Taraldrud
  • Patent number: 8528651
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for directionally disposing an elongated flexible member in a pressurized conduit, including inserting a bent end portion of an elongated hollow body through an opening in fluid communication with a well valve and defined by a pressurized conduit, the bent end portion being disposed in a pre-determined direction and location within the pressurized conduit; inserting a lead portion of an elongated flexible member into a fluid passageway defined by a primary valve, the fluid passageway of the primary valve being in sealed fluid relationship with the elongated hollow body which, in turn, is in sealed fluid relationship with the pressurized conduit, wherein the lead portion of the elongated flexible member is inserted through the bent end portion and into the pressurized conduit by a pre-determined distance; and retaining in place the inserted elongated flexible member which is directionally disposed in the pressurized conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John Gregory Darby, Harold L. Becker
  • Publication number: 20130213662
    Abstract: A coiled tubing lifting frame (10) for deploying coiled tubing in a riser (32). The coiled tubing lifting frame (10) comprises a coiled tubing injector (12) and the frame (10) is configured to position the coiled tubing injector (12) relative to a support (44). The coiled tubing lifting frame (10) is configured to support the riser (32). Methods of deploying a riser (32) and coiled tubing in a riser (32), including supporting the riser (32) with a coiled tubing lifting frame (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: HELIX ENERGY SOLUTIONS (U.K.) LIMITED
    Inventors: Leigh Beck, Colin Nicol
  • Patent number: 8505635
    Abstract: A device for a top drive drilling machine, in which a drive shaft (14), which is arranged for releasable connection to a drive (12) and to a first end portion (51) of a drill pipe (5), is provided with a center bore (141) extending therethrough and arranged for fluid communication between the drilling mud plant (6) and a fluid bore (53) in the drill pipe (5). First and second releasable, drive-shaft-surrounding, respectively drill-string-surrounding, pressure seals (1311c, 1321) and a valve (133) which is arranged to provide, in an open position, a passage (1331) for the drill pipe (5) or drive shaft (14), form a first and a second chamber. A drilling mud inlet (1323) is arranged for the second chamber (132) and is arranged for fluid communication between the drilling mud plant (6) and connection housing (13). A method for the continuous supply of drilling mud to a drill string (4) by the use of the drilling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Per A. Vatne
  • Publication number: 20130192817
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for aligning tubulars when a drilling rig is used to lower a string of tubulars into a well. A joint of tubular can be moved to a vertical position above a connector to which it is to be joined and placed at the angle where threads on the joint and connector can be joined at low torque without damage to the threads. The apparatus can be used on a variety of drilling rigs and provides a safer environment for workers on the rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: EXPRESS ENERGY SERVICES OPERATING, LP
    Inventor: EXPRESS ENERGY SERVICES OPERATING,LP
  • Patent number: 8485269
    Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Karsten Heidecke, Kevin Wood, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Patent number: 8479830
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for deploying a wireline tool in a borehole. The apparatus comprises a wireline cable which is connected at a first end at the surface and is releasably connected at a second end to a first end of an umbilical cable via a first connection means. A second end of the umbilical cable is releasably connected to the logging head of a wireline tool via a first latching means, wherein the logging head provides for mechanical and electrical connection between the wireline tool and the wireline cable via the umbilical cable. The umbilical cable is surrounded by umbilical pipe downhole, and the logging head also provides for mechanical and hydraulic connection between the umbilical pipe and the wireline tool. The wireline tool is releasable from connection with the umbilical cable by a release means in the first latching means, and is capable of being pulled through the first latching means and through the umbilical pipe so that it is retrievable from the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Henri Denoix, Charles Deible
  • Publication number: 20130168107
    Abstract: Control lines are secured to a completion string by a wrap wound around the completion string and control lines. The control lines are positioned adjacent to the completion string as it is lowered towards a well, and the wrap is wound helically around the lines and string in an open or closed loop manner. The placement and pitch of the wrap may be regulated, such as based upon the rate of advancement of the string into the well. One or multiple wraps may be used, and successive turns of the one or more wraps may overlap or be spaced from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: TESCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: TESCO CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130133898
    Abstract: To deploy a capillary string through a wellhead to a downhole safety valve, a control port and a retention port are drilled in an adapter between a casing hanger and a gate valve or elsewhere. The capillary string is connected to a first port of a capillary hanger and installed through the wellhead. The capillary hanger is landed on a tubing hanger, and a side port on the capillary hanger communicates with the control port. Because the side port's location may not align with the control port, operators may need to measure how long the capillary hanger should be. A control line connects to the control port in the wellhead's side to communicate with the capillary line, and a retention rod inserts in the retention port to support the capillary hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Todd Travis, Brandon Cain, Eric Calzoncinth, Paul Perez
  • Publication number: 20130126189
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Jeremy Richard Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, Robert Thibodeaux, JR., Blaine Stephen LaFleur, John Erick Stelly
  • Patent number: 8443877
    Abstract: A drilling rig with a top drive having an inside blowout preventer for drilling in a wellbore, the drilling rig having a derrick and a crown, a torque track suspended from the crown, a travelling block hanging from a cable, a drawworks for raising or lowering the travelling block, and a top drive with a rotatable stem suspended from the travelling block. The top drive has a motor mounted to the top drive housing and is connected to the rotatable stem. An inside blowout preventer with a rotatable stem is connected to the top drive rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer has a hydraulically actuatable arm, a hydraulic cylinder, a tubular body having a tubular bore, and a valve operator assembly surrounding the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • Patent number: 8443876
    Abstract: This invention is a top drive having an inside blowout preventer connected with a rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer includes a hydraulically actuatable arm. An inside blowout preventer with a rotatable stem is connected to the top drive rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer has a hydraulically actuatable arm, a hydraulic cylinder, a tubular body having a tubular bore, and a valve operator assembly surrounding the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • Patent number: 8439109
    Abstract: A technique enables determination of changes in length of a conveyance deployed between a surface vessel and a subsea installation. The technique allows information to be obtained on the relationship between length of conveyance spooled out or spooled in at a surface location and the depth and/or speed of an intervention well tool deployed in a well. The information can be used to determine the actual depth of the well tool deployed in the well for the intervention operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Andrea Sbordone