Moving Tubing Or Cable Into An Existing Well Patents (Class 166/77.1)
  • Publication number: 20130112433
    Abstract: An injector head for feeding a tool string support member downhole is described. The injector head includes a first gripping device and a second gripping device. The first and second gripping devices are adapted to grip a tool string support member passing through an injector head passageway. The injector head further includes an actuator movable between a first position and a second position wherein, movement of the actuator between the first and second positions moves at least a portion of both of the first and second gripping devices towards or away from a passageway longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Kenny Armstrong, Morten Talgo, Ole Johannessen
  • Patent number: 8430175
    Abstract: Equipment for intercepting and diverting liquid circulation flow includes three chambers and a series of valves. The chambers are equipped with a connection device with arrival or supply lines, communicating with each other, of which only a first chamber communicates with second and third chambers. Communication between the first and second chambers and between the first and third chambers each is obtained by at least two valves, one is a flow-rate valve and at least one is an equalizer valve. An upstream or downstream of each equalizer valve is coupled with a fixed or adjustable flow-blocking device. The second and third chambers do not communicate and include a three-way valve in common with each other, or include two one-way valves in counterposition. One one-way valve is open when the other is closed and vice versa, and the three-way valve or the two one-way valves are coupled with a discharge valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Angelo Calderoni, Giorgio Girola
  • Patent number: 8413723
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Byong Jun Kim, Garud Sridhar, Wayne Fulin, Noor F. Sait, Matthew Billingham, Andrea Sbordone
  • Patent number: 8408288
    Abstract: A system for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a first support; a mast attached to the first support, a top drive carried by the mast and longitudinally movable therealong, a second support, a skid carried by the second support, a CT injector carried by the skid, the skid being movable from the first support to the second support and a reel of CT for supplying CT to the CT injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Xtreme Drilling and Coil Services Corp.
    Inventor: Richard D. Havinga
  • Publication number: 20130075077
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Kris Henderson, Lee J. Matherne, JR.
  • Patent number: 8403039
    Abstract: A system and method for accessing an annulus within a wellhead assembly while the annulus is pressurized. The system includes a tubular body with an attached valve assembly and adapter. The adapter to the wellhead assembly with a sealed annular fitting. The body houses a selectively extendable plunger assembly rotatable by an attached motor. A bit or milling device is provided on the end of the plunger assembly, so that selectively extending the plunger assembly through the valve assembly and adapter contacts the bit against the wellhead assembly. An opening is formed through the wellhead assembly with the rotating bit allowing access to the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Howell, David Daniel Comeaux, Richard Porteous, Mariusz Karp
  • Patent number: 8397827
    Abstract: A well system can include a tubular string in a blowout preventer stack, a releasable hanger of the tubular string supported by a support surface, and the released hanger permitting the tubular string to displace further through the blowout preventer stack. A tubular string can comprise a releasable hanger including at least one inwardly retractable support, an indicator sub interconnected a distance from the hanger, and wherein the support retracts in response to a stimulus, whereby the tubular string is released for displacement. A method of measuring a distance between a support surface and a location in a blowout preventer stack can include displacing a tubular string into the blowout preventer stack, contacting a releasable hanger with the surface, indicating the distance from the surface to the location along the tubular string, and then releasing the hanger, thereby permitting the tubular string to displace further through the blowout preventer stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Ringgenberg
  • Publication number: 20130056224
    Abstract: One embodiment provides an adjustable guide 10a to steer the end 90 of a pipe string 88 into position to be engaged and supported by a pipe gripping apparatus such as, for example, an externally gripping elevator assembly 10. The adjustable guide 10a may comprise a plurality of angularly distributed guide inserts 30, each having a sloped surface 30A to engage a pipe end 90. Another embodiment provides an adjustable guide 60a to steer a pipe connection into position to pass through a spider 60. The guide inserts 30, 80 of an adjustable guide may be controllably positionable to together form a guide that is concentric with the bore of the tapered bowl of an elevator assembly or a spider. One embodiment comprises a guide insert retainer 11 having a plurality of channels 28, each slidably receiving a guide insert 30 and positionable by rotation of a threaded shaft 40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jeremy Richard Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, John Erick Stelly
  • Patent number: 8376042
    Abstract: A method and vessel for installing an expandable tubular in a subsea wellbore, wherein said expandable tubular is assembled from expandable tubular segments, said expandable tubular being adapted to be expanded diametrically when positioned in said wellbore by means of expansion tooling, wherein a multitude of expandable tubular segments are provided, and wherein use is made of a surface vessel, said vessel comprising: at least one assembly station adapted for the assembly of at least one intermediate tubular assembly by interconnection of multiple expandable tubular segments, an intermediate tubular assembly suspension storage device adapted for storage of one or more intermediate tubular assemblies, said intermediate tubular assemblies being suspended from the vessel into the water by said storage device, a guide and handling system for intermediate tubular assemblies, said guide and handling system having an entry and an exit, said entry being spaced from said exit, the entry being arranged and adapted t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Diederick Bernardus Wijning, Joop Roodenburg
  • Patent number: 8376041
    Abstract: An apparatus for engaging with an outside diameter of a tubular comprises a device body having an internal surface that defines an internal diameter in a first position and allowing the tubular to pass therethrough and an actuator operable to move the internal surface of the device body from the first position to a second position, the second position defining an internal diameter less than the first position internal diameter. The internal surface of the device body is sized with a predetermined grip length for engaging with the outside diameter of the tubular. The grip length is determined by a function of the outside diameter of the tubular and the coefficient of friction between of the outside diameter of the tubular and the interior surface of the device body and the device body is operable to engage with a tubular having a predetermined range of outside diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rod Shampine, Jean-Louis Pessin, Joseph K. Flowers, Robin Mallalieu
  • Patent number: 8356660
    Abstract: In an oil derrick separate service loops which are power cables and/or hydraulic hoses are affixed at one end to a top drive and affixed at an opposite end to an oil derrick end, adding a series of polyurethane supports or rungs along the length of the separate service loops to provide a little lateral motion but to limit the overall amount of lateral motion. The rungs will also help insure that the cables and hoses do not wrap themselves around everything when the wind blows. In order to carry the weight of the cables, two parallel steel cables are affixed on either side of the copper cables, and two steel cables are affixed on either side of the hydraulic hoses. These steel cables will be terminated at the derrick and the top drive by being affixed to steel brackets received in steel mounting plates all designed to withstand the loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Delafield Corporation
    Inventor: John P. Schiefelbein, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8347971
    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 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon Joseph Bouligny, Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
  • Publication number: 20130000925
    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: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John Gregory Darby, Harold L. Becker
  • Patent number: 8336614
    Abstract: A movable well drilling rig for drilling either on-shore or off-shore new in-line arranged oil, gas, mineral and water wells or for servicing in-line non-productive wells with well heads emerging from ground by at least three meters where the rig has a drilling mast supporting a vertically upward and downward movable drilling rotary head, where the drilling mast is operatively associated at least a pipe and drilling bit and stabilizer container, pipe and drilling bit and stabilizer element gripping and loader devices as well as driving motors, and a control operator, cab and auxiliary servicing devices, wherein all the above components are operatively supported either on a ground movable substructure or on a floating platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Walter Bagassi
  • Patent number: 8333238
    Abstract: A snubbing apparatus for moving well tubing through a blowout preventer including a support frame, a standing tubular engaging assembly, a pair of linear actuators, and a traveling tubular engaging assembly. The actuators have a cylinder and a rod, and the cylinder has an upper end and a lower end. The cylinders are connected to the support frame in a diametrically opposing relationship to one another and with the lower ends of the cylinders extending downwardly beyond the lower end of the support frame and spaced apart from one another a distance sufficient so that the lower ends of the cylinders are positioned on opposing sides of the blowout preventer when the support frame is connected to the blowout preventer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Rodgers Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Troy A. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8327927
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing earth borehole operations comprising a base or substructure, a mast mounted on the base, a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive having an opening therethrough and a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive, the apparatus being operable to selectively use the top drive to engage and manipulate a component used in borehole operations while the coiled tubing injector is substantially inoperative and selectively operable to use the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into an earth borehole while the top drive is substantially inoperative or alternatively using the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into a tubular string being manipulated by the top drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Xtreme Drilling and Coil Services Corp.
    Inventor: Thomas Dyer Wood
  • Patent number: 8316929
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus to guide a tubular member include the apparatus having a bore with a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and configured to support the tubular member, with the apparatus including 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Richard Angelle, Donald E. Mosing, Robert Thibodeaux, Blaine Stephen LaFleur, John Erick Stelly
  • Patent number: 8312932
    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: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Jones, Jean-Luc Jacob, Todd Travis, Brandon Cain, Eric Calzoncinth, Paul Perez
  • Patent number: 8302677
    Abstract: A control circuit for a coiled tubing injector includes a circuit controller (14). One or more counterbalance valves (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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Xtreme Drilling and Coil Services Corp.
    Inventor: Richard Havinga
  • Patent number: 8280636
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for controlling the operations of a well service rig at a well site by evaluating load sensor data obtained from sensors on or associated with the well service rig. A rig load data chart can be reviewed and an average rig load can be determined for each pull of tubing or rods from a well. The average rig load can be used to calculate and set a rig overload level. If the rig load sensor reads a rig load at or above the rig overload level, the clutch for the hoist can be disengaged and the brake applied to prevent the load from either damaging the rig or breaking off the tubing or rods in the well. In addition, the rig load can be evaluated to determine when the limit the block speed when pulling rods or tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Key Energy Services Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic M. Newman
  • Patent number: 8267182
    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 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon Joseph Bouligny, Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
  • Publication number: 20120222853
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a system for installing a powered device in a downhole tube, the system comprising a power line disposed along a production tube and terminating in a first power connector and an orientation profile disposed in the vicinity of the first power connector. An assembly includes a powered device having a second power connector and an extending orientation means capable of radial outward movement from the assembly. The powered device being lowered down the production tube, causing the extending orientation means to be urged radially outwards to engage with the orientation profile and orient the device, so that the first power connector means and second power connector means engage to connect the powered device to the power line in an automatic manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ARTIFICIAL LIFT COMPANY
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Patent number: 8251153
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus allowing a downhole line to be fed between downhole tubular members. The clamping apparatus can include a first and second half, each including: support arms with inner surfaces, connecting walls, and grips. The first and second halves can be selectively connectable. The clamping apparatus can include handles, hinges, and latches. A system for feeding a downhole line between an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member can include an outer tubular member disposed about an inner tubular member, wherein the clamping apparatus is disposed about the inner tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Petroquip Energy Services, LLP
    Inventors: Rodney Wayne Long, Charles David Wintill, William John Darnell, William Ryle Darnell, Michael Chad Darby
  • Publication number: 20120199361
    Abstract: A system for performing a downhole operation within a well during a production phase of the well includes a tubing string extending from a surface of the well to the downhole location. A lift system is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the tubing string to axially lift and lower the tubing string, following positioning of the tubing string within the well, each time a substantial reduction in production gas flow and production liquid flow at a portion of the well is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph A. ZUPANICK
  • Publication number: 20120199368
    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: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Fishbones AS
    Inventor: Rune Freyer
  • Patent number: 8230934
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for directionally disposing an elongated flexible member in a pressurized conduit. The method includes 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, so that the lead portion of the elongated flexible member is inserted through the bend end portion and into the pressurized conduit by a pre-determined distance; and thereafter retaining in place the inserted elongated flexible member, whereby the elongated flexible member is directionally disposed in the pressurized conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John Gregory Darby, Harold L. Becker
  • Patent number: 8225875
    Abstract: A control line positioning apparatus (10) comprising a retainer arm (30), having a control line retainer thereon, is driven between a removed position with the retainer arm (30) positioned adjacent to a base and adjacent to a rig floor and a raised position with the retainer arm (30) raised by a drive member to a raised position to hold one or more control lines (90) along a portion of the length of a pipe string (80) to facilitate application of a clamp to secure the control lines to the pipe string (80). In one embodiment, the retainer arm (30) may be releasably secured to a docking assembly (50) disposed adjacent to the pipe engaging apparatus and adjacent to a rig floor. In one embodiment, the control line positioning apparatus may comprise an ascending control line pathway (112) comprising a plurality of rolling members to direct one or more control lines to a retainer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian David Begnaud, Russell John Ferguson, Dougal Hugo Brown
  • Patent number: 8215405
    Abstract: Year 2010 showed us that the oil/gas industry was not prepared to shut down in few days a high pressure oil/gas well. The Gulf of Mexico was polluted by thousands of barrels of oil that were leaking from a high pressure well. The environment damage was humongous as well as the economical loses. Here, I am presenting a method to shut down a high pressure oil/gas well in matter of days rather than in months. This method keeps the well integrity. This method is effective even if the well integrity was compromised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Jorge Fernando Carrascal
  • Patent number: 8191636
    Abstract: This patent application applies to an Active Motion Compensation system for use during intervention or other work on subsea wells, pipelines or other structures. It could be used 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 could 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: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Robert A. Coles
  • Patent number: 8191622
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting a casing annulus remediation system to a well having a wellhead with standard lateral ports. The adapter has a body with first and second ends. The first end of the adapter body has a substantially planar surface adapted to cover the lateral ports and be in abutting contact with the wellhead when the two are connected to one another. The second end of the adapter body has a planar surface positioned at an angle greater than 0 degrees and up to 90 degrees to the planar surface of the first end. The second end of the adapter is adapted to be connected to a casing annulus remediation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Comeaux, James J. Howell, Richard Porteous, Noel A. Monjure, Frank C. Adamek
  • Patent number: 8191641
    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: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Karsten Heidecke, Kevin Wood, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Patent number: 8186455
    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: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Atwood Oceanics, Inc., Friede Goldman United, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Childers, Brendan William Larkin, Harvey Mark Rich, Barry M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8181700
    Abstract: The method of displacing fluids in the annulus between pressurized casing strings inside an active oil or gas well by providing a controlled turndown insert and guides then inserting and retrieving a flexible hose without it folding or buckling while being pushed or pulled through a wellhead system orifice with relatively sharp edges at the annulus opening where the hose must make a 90 degree turn from horizontal to vertical within a short radius without cutting, crimping or tearing the hose then seating and holding the hose while fluids are injected, all the while providing protection against well blow out or other pressure problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Benton F. Baugh
  • Patent number: 8167052
    Abstract: A system for delivering a cable through a tubing string to a downhole location in a well, includes a plug and a receiver. The plug includes a first connector configured to be operably connected to the cable and further includes a plug housing adapted to fit within the tubing string. A check valve operably associated with a passage in the plug housing restricts fluid flow through the passage in a downhole direction and allows fluid flow through the passage in an uphole direction. The receiver is configured to be positioned at the downhole location and includes a receiver housing and a second connector configured to be operably connected to a downhole device. The second connector is adapted to communicate with the first connector when the receiver and plug housings are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Pine Tree Gas, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zupanick
  • Patent number: 8167050
    Abstract: An internally gripping tong to rotate tubular segments comprising a central cam body rotatably disposed within a housing having a plurality of windows. The cam body is surrounded by a plurality of angularly distributed gripping jaws slidably received within the windows. The tong is disposed within a bore of a tubular segment, and rotation of the housing relative to the cam body deploys the gripping jaws radially outwardly within the windows to engage the interior wall of the tubular segment. The tong may be self-energizing in both the make-up and the break-out modes of operation. The tong may be deployed to grip the tubular segment using a device to frictionally couple the housing to the tubular segment that cooperates with the top drive assembly, or by an internal actuator that imparts rotation to the housing relative to the cam body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Frank's casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Brennan Scott Domec, Vernon J. Bouligny
  • Publication number: 20120097390
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: James J. Howell, Mahesha Udipi, Mark Viator, Eugene Borak, David Comeaux
  • Patent number: 8162045
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for connecting a tubular to a tubular string are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus suitable for engaging, compensating, and connecting a tubular includes one or more compensating pistons, an engaging assembly for engaging a tubular, and a connector for connecting the engaging assembly to the one or more compensating pistons while allowing for rotation of the tubular relative to the compensation pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy L. Hollingsworth, Jr., Karsten Heidecke, Kevin Wood
  • Patent number: 8146671
    Abstract: A pipe elevator comprised of a frame pivotally mounted on elongated hangers and having a body with an inward tapered opening that is configured to receive a length of pipe having an outwardly protruding collar around its periphery. A plurality of shoes is mounted within the body. The shoes are poweredly positionable upward and downward within the inward tapered opening of the body and thereby positionable radially inward and outward around the pipe. A means for biasing the shoes upward is provided whereby the weight of the pipe against the shoes will move the shoes around the pipe collar against the periphery of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: David Sipos
  • Patent number: 8127853
    Abstract: A tieback connector connects a tieback conduit from an offshore platform to a subsea wellhead assembly. The tieback connector has a mandrel that is connected to a string of tieback conduit and a sleeve and load ring that are carried by the mandrel. The load ring is radially expansible and has a conical portion with internal threads. The load ring has an external grooved profile that engages an internal grooved profile in the subsea assembly. The mandrel is rotatable relative to the sleeve while in its lower position, causing the load ring to further expand outward into engagement with the internal profile. A locking member is carried below the load ring on an exterior cam surface of the mandrel. The cam surface moves the locking member outward when the mandrel moves downward into engagement with an internal profile in the subsea assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Rockford D. Lyle, Gregory M. Dunn
  • Patent number: 8127836
    Abstract: A top drive for engagement with a travelling block with a hook can include an airlift thread compensator connected to a bail. An enclosure can be connected to the bail with an airbag disposed therein. A bail pin can be engaged through the enclosure, and can be connected to the airbag. The airbag can support weight of the top drive. Upper links can be connected to the enclosure and to a top drive housing. The top drive housing can support a stem connected to a motor, and a bearing can be disposed about the stem. Lower links can be connected to the top drive housing and to an elevator for moving tubulars. An inside blow out preventer can be connected to the stem and to a saver sub. A torque wrench assembly can be connected to the top drive housing for gripping tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Larry G. Keast, James Strickland, Alan Shem
  • Publication number: 20120048574
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jimmy Duane Wiens, Yury P. Gutsu, Benson Thomas, Karsten Heidecke, Jim Hollingsworth, Doyle Fredric Boutwell, JR., Rodney Stephens, Russell W. Thompson, Patrick James Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20120031627
    Abstract: A tubing installer runs a string of tubing into a well while strapping a control line to the tubing string. The installer includes a base having a tubular connector extending downward for connection to an upper end of a blowout preventer. Hydraulic cylinders are mounted to and extend upward from the base. A support floor having support slips is mounted to the hydraulic cylinders at a fixed distance above the base. A traveling slip base containing traveling slips is mounted to upper ends of piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders. A pipe lifting assembly is supported by the base for lifting and positioning an additional joint of tubing to be added to the string of tubing. A pipe make-up mechanism is supported by the base for rotating the additional joint into threaded engagement with the string of tubing. A control line supply source for supplies control line to and alongside the string of tubing at a point between the base and the support floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Errol A. Sonnier
  • Publication number: 20120024544
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for depth referencing tubular strings in a wellbore. The apparatus (100) includes a depth reference coupling (102) having a profile (112) that is positioned in a first tubular string. The first tubular string has a predetermined length between the depth reference coupling (102) and a predetermined reference point. The apparatus (100) also includes an indicator assembly (118) having a mating profile (128) operable to engage the profile (112) of the depth reference coupling (102) that is positioned in a second tubular string. In operation, the second tubular string is run in the first tubular string until the mating profile (128) of the indicator assembly (118) engages the profile (112) of the depth reference coupling (102), thereby enabling reliable depth referencing of the tubular strings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Neil Hepburn
  • Publication number: 20120018142
    Abstract: A cable head for use with coiled tubing electric line in well operations has upper and lower housings attached by a shearable connection to allow release of the lower housing and any downhole equipment carried thereon. A piston is slidable within the housing by fluid pumped through the coil tooling to release a locking mechanism that otherwise prevents the shearing disconnect of the housings. Flow ports in the housing to allow pumping or circulation of fluid through the cable head are positioned to remain continuously open, regardless of the piston position, to maximize the range of flow rates over which fluid can be circulated. The electric line of coiled tubing is only stripped of its armor past sealed receipt thereof in a cable passage below the flow path of the fluid, thereby avoiding exposure of the conductor to the fluid to minimize the potential for damage or failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Dean Spence
  • Patent number: 8100187
    Abstract: A tubular running tool includes a mandrel assembly having an upper mandrel, a lower mandrel and a mid-mandrel, wherein the upper mandrel, the lower mandrel and the mid-mandrel rotate in unison; the lower mandrel having a tubular gripping portion; a slip disposed with the tubular gripping portion; the mid-mandrel forming a bore between a top end and a bottom end, the top end forming a slip-joint with the upper mandrel; and an actuator mechanism disposed with the mid-mandrel, the actuator mechanism comprising a compensation actuator and a slip actuator; wherein the compensation actuator functionally connects the upper mandrel and the lower mandrel to affect axial movement of the lower mandrel relative to the upper mandrel and the slip actuator moves the slip into gripping engagement with a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian David Begnaud, Vernon J Bouligny, Charles Michael Webre
  • Patent number: 8091629
    Abstract: A stuffing box assembly for a wellhead intervention has a stuffing box and an adjustable sheave. The stuffing box has a body with a collar for connecting to a wellhead and with a passage for running wireline therethrough. A frame connected to the body has side plates and has a hub assembly with hubs rotatable about a first rotational axis. An axle interconnects the two hubs and supports them between the side plates. The sheave can rotate about the second rotational axis of the axel to run the wireline into and out of the stuffing box. The hub assembly can be rotated about its axis of rotation to adjust the location of the axle's axis of rotation. This can move the sheave away from a fixed guard, can change how the sheave lines up with the stuffing box, and can move the sheave away from the stuffing box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: James Fogg, Jeremy Ward
  • Patent number: 8082997
    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: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon Joseph Bouligny, Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
  • Publication number: 20110290507
    Abstract: A method of providing a communication conduit for a down-hole tool includes the steps of: forming a communication port at an existing portion of the down-hole tool located below the valves of the Christmas tree; and extending the communication conduit through the formed port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: CALEDYNE LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel Stewart, Roland Van Dort
  • Publication number: 20110284244
    Abstract: Apparatus (14) for supporting a cable (16) in a fluid-filled pipe (10) extending through an underground borehole, comprising a body for connection to an end of the cable extending along the pipe, the body being buoyant in the fluid filling the pipe, such that when the body is connected to the end of the pipe, it floats at or near the surface (15) of the fluid in the pipe. A method of supporting a cable in a fluid-filled pipe using such apparatus, comprises connecting the cable to the body, and dropping the body into the pipe so as to float on the surface of the fluid filing the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nicolas Flamant, Pierre Vigneaux
  • Patent number: 8056639
    Abstract: A continuous feed injection unit used for example for injection and removal of continuous well string from wells operates in a dual speed configuration. The unit comprises a first hydraulic motor, a second hydraulic motor, cooperating continuous well string gripping chains connected to be driven by the first and second hydraulic motors, a hydraulic power supply connected to provide pressurized fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors and a control system for the hydraulic power supply. The control system for the hydraulic power supply has a motor speed control valve with at least a first and second operating configuration, the first operating configuration providing power fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors in parallel and the second operating configuration providing power fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors in series. The hydraulic power supply may be a conventional power tong hydraulic supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Emanuel Kulhanek