Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatus for circulating fluid through casing and filling the casing with fluid using a combination fill-up and circulating tool while maintaining the fill-up/circulating tool in substantially the same position relative to the casing. In one embodiment, the fill-up/circulating tool includes a mandrel insertable into casing and having a sealing element therearound, the sealing element capable of sealingly engaging with an outer diameter of the mandrel to permit circulating fluid through the casing. The fill-up/circulating tool is also capable of allowing air flow around the outer diameter of the mandrel for the operation of filling the casing with fluid without the need to move the mandrel within the casing.

Abstract: A drive assembly for inserting hose within a wellhead housing that intermittently reciprocates the hose feed into the housing. The intermittent reciprocating action feeds the hose past obstacles in the wellhead housing, such as within annuluses between tubulars. The drive assembly includes rollers that frictionally contact the hose and when rotated drive the hose forward. The rollers are rotated by a drive sprocket that is rotated by a hand crank. An offset cam assembly between the hand crank and the drive sprocket adds an orbital/reciprocating motion to the drive assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely performing a pipe handling operation is provided. In one aspect, the method and apparatus includes a false rotary table capable of supporting one or more tubulars during the pipe handling operation which is moveable between a position for landing one or more tubulars to a position for running one or more tubulars into a wellbore. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely connecting elevator links alternatingly between interchangeable elevators which are capable of axially engaging one or more tubulars above the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations, comprising a base, a mast mounted on the base, and an integrated unit comprising a top drive and a coil tubing injector carried by the mast for longitudinal movement therealong. The top drive has an opening therethrough whereby coil tubing from the injector can pass through the top drive. There is a guide for coil tubing, the guide being selectively releasably connected to the coil tubing injector and mounted on the mast and selectively movable between a first position wherein coil tubing from the guide can be stabbed into the injector and a second position wherein coil tubing from the guide is out of alignment with the coil tubing injector.

Abstract: A top drive system for drilling with casing includes a casing feeder and a torque head. In one embodiment, the casing feeder is adapted to position a casing for engagement with the torque head. The casing feeder includes a pair of conveying arms for engagement with the casing. Each conveying arm may be raised or lowered by a cylinder. The conveying arms are equipped with a motor driven roller for engaging and lifting the casing. The casing feeder may also be equipped with a counting apparatus to determine the positioning of the casing in the torque head.

Abstract: A drive assembly for inserting hose within a wellhead housing that intermittently reciprocates the hose feed into the housing. The intermittent reciprocating action feeds the hose past obstacles in the wellhead housing, such as within annuluses between tubulars. The drive assembly includes rollers that frictionally contact the hose and when rotated drive the hose forward. The rollers are rotated by a drive sprocket that is rotated by a hand crank. An offset cam assembly between the hand crank and the drive sprocket adds an orbital/reciprocating motion to the drive assembly.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a small diameter continuous hydraulic conduit or capillary tube down a well bore is presented. The methods and apparatus allow either the injection of chemicals to enhance production of oil and gas, or to provide a conduit for production up through the small diameter tubing in marginal wells, into a hanger below a well valve to permit its removal from below the valve if the valve should be required to be closed and its reinsertion without pulling the tubing from the well bore.

Abstract: One example of an apparatus for gripping and rotating a tubular includes a mandrel having a longitudinal axis; a first slip disposed on the mandrel; and a second slip disposed on the mandrel axially spaced apart from the first slip, the first slip and second slip operationally connected to move in unison axially; wherein when the first slip and the second slip are moved axially from a first point toward a second point the first and second slips extend radially into gripping contact with the tubular and wherein rotation of the mandrel further urges the second slip radially away from the mandrel.

Abstract: A portable hydraulic rig for workover, drilling or other operations on existing wells in which the rig has a derrick elevated on a base structure comprised of containers for equipment used in association with drilling or workover activities, a work platform including pipe rack sections for storing a plurality of pipes, the derrick being open-sided with a power cylinder at its upper end for lifting and lowering pipe sections away from and into each well, and hydraulic drive cylinders for advancing the rig between wells without telescoping or pivoting the derrick into a travel position, all of the hydraulic components being controlled from a central control panel on the work platform.

Abstract: A movable arm 10 engages a flexible line 50 at a well site for positioning the flexible line between run-in position for passing the flexible line with a tubular through a well hole in the rig floor and a clamping position wherein the flexible line is adjacent the tubular above the rig floor for clamping the line to the tubular. The arm 10 extends upward from the rig floor 70, and includes a line guide, such as roller 12, for engaging the flexible line when in the run-in position. A powered drive 14 moves the arm between the run-in position and the clamping position. A spacer 82 may be used for positioning two or more flexible lines at a desired spacing relative to one another prior to positioning the lines within a clamp secured to the tubular. A slip bowl assembly 60 may be laterally movable so that slips do not engage the flexible line as it is run in the well.

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.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flowback tool for running a tubular string into a wellbore includes a tubular housing having a bore therethrough and a tubular mandrel. The mandrel: has a bore therethrough in communication with the housing bore, is longitudinally movable relative to the housing, is torsionally coupled to the housing, and has a threaded coupling for engaging a threaded coupling of the tubular string. The flowback tool further includes a nose: longitudinally coupled to the housing, operable to receive an end of the tubular string, and including a seal operable to engage a surface of the tubular string, thereby providing fluid communication between a bore of the tubular string and the mandrel bore. The flowback tool further includes an actuator operable to move the mandrel and the nose longitudinally relative to the housing for engaging and disengaging the tubular string.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying an optical fiber within the bore or a well using a linear traction to push the optical fiber, typically encased in a protective sheath, down an instrumentation tube to place an optical fiber sensor at a desired location with the bore of the well.

Abstract: A wireline entry sub includes a body having an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal, center axis therebetween, the body adapted for connection below a top drive to a wellbore string of tubulars; a slot on the body open a depth from a body outer surface to at least the longitudinal center axis; a wireline entry port extending through the body from the slot to open adjacent the lower end; and means for facilitating rig up of the wireline entry sub.

Abstract: A top drive unit guiding system for aligning a power swivel and for dissipating torque created by the power swivel. The guiding system has a first guide frame and a second guide frame, where the first and second guide frames are located on opposite sides of the power swivel. Each guide frame includes at least two wheels. Each wheel is adapted to dissipate torque created by the power swivel and align the power swivel to support guide. Each wheel is made from a hard segmented rubber, a non-segmented rubber, a rubber composite, a synthetic rubber, or combinations thereof. The wheels are mounted to at least two adjustable brackets, where one bracket is associated with each wheel, and where each bracket positions the wheel in relation to the support guide.

Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations, the top drive system in certain aspects including a main body, a motor (in certain aspects a salient pole motor), a motor apparatus, a motor shaft extending from the motor, a gear system driven by the motor shaft and interconnected with a drive shaft, the gear system driven by the motor apparatus so that driving the gear system drives the drive shaft, the gear system having a housing and a bearing retainer integral with the housing. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: Systems and processes are provided for safely facilitating transfer of down-hole devices through an adaptive seal assembly capping a well under pressure. At least one dynamic seal is provided having a size and shape to accommodate varying cross section of an elongated down-hole device, such as a logging tool. The adaptive seal assembly includes a mating flange for coupling its open end to a reversibly sealable wellhead fixture. A pressure is maintained along a wellbore side of the reversible seal, while the aperture is varied according to the varying cross section of the down-hole device as it is translated along the axis. More than one dynamic seals can be actuated in a controlled sequence to apply axial thrust in a preferred direction to the tool. One or more robotic systems can be provided to further expedite manipulation of at least one of the tool and the vessel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of installing tubular conduits (for example, casing, liners, sand screens) into a deep or highly deviated borehole is disclosed. A lower plug (1) is attached at one end of a portion of a tubular conduit. This end is inserted into a borehole. After insertion into the borehole the desired length of conduit intended to resist internal collapse forces and be substantially buoyant, a plug (4) is attached at the upper end. The plug has a valve (5) designed to enable fluid communication between the pressurized fluid section and the insertion string. A pump is attached to the valve and the pressurized fluid is added to the pressurized fluid section, after which the valve is closed. After the tubular conduit is inserted to the desired depth, the valve is opened allowing the pressurized fluid flow out of the pressurized fluid section. Conventional well construction activities may then resume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling device and a related drilling method, in which provision is made for a mast, a drilling carriage that is guided along the mast in a displaceable manner and a drive unit for moving the drilling carriage on the mast. In accordance with the invention the drive unit has both a hydraulic cylinder drive and a rope winch drive. The drilling carriage can be coupled with the hydraulic cylinder drive and with the rope winch drive.

Abstract: A heave motion compensator (30, 40, 70, 100, 140, 300) for compensating heave motions comprises a cylinder (41) and a piston (44) delimiting a variable volume fluid chamber (49) in said cylinder (41), wherein said piston (44) can oscillate within said cylinder (41), said piston (44) being provided with a seal (48) frictionally engaging said cylinder. The compensator further includes a motor (65) that causes said seal (48) to revolve relative to said cylinder (41) so as to obtain a dynamic friction regime between the seal (48) and the cylinder (41). In a possible embodiment the motor (65) is arranged to rotate said piston (44), and the seal (48) is mounted on said piston (44) so as to rotate along with said piston (44).

Abstract: A borehole entry apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dual entry apparatus for use in borehole entry applications, such as slick line and/or wireline (electric wireline) applications. Exemplary embodiments of this invention enable first and second borehole entry apparatuses, such as slick line and wireline tool assemblies, to be simultaneously coupled to a well head. Use of the invention tends to advantageously save rig time and thus reduce the cost of slick line and wireline operations, in particular on a deep-water offshore drilling rig.

Abstract: A high-pressure packoff apparatus and method are disclosed. The packoff allows wireline entering a top drive drilling head through a top entry access system to be isolated in such a fashion to minimize the leakage and escape of drillstring fluids to the atmosphere. Optionally, an extension housing containing a flow tube assembly can be employed to accomplish the task. The flow tube assembly effectuates a pressure drop along the wireline conduit run therethrough, thus minimizing the likelihood of fluid escaping.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for conveying and operating tools into a wellbore. In one aspect, a method of performing a downhole operation in a wellbore is provided. The method includes pushing a continuous rod into the wellbore, wherein the continuous rod includes a member disposed therein. The method further includes positioning the continuous rod proximate at a predetermined location in the wellbore and performing the downhole operation. In yet another aspect, a system for performing a downhole operation in a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: A mobile land rig for use in wellbore operations. The mobile land rig, in certain aspects, has a vehicle; an erectable mast; winch apparatus (e.g., one or two winches); and electric motor apparatus for powering the winch apparatus. In one aspect there are two winches and one electric motor powers both winches. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a top drive system for drilling with casing is provided with an access tool to retrieve a downhole tool. The top drive system for drilling with casing comprises a top drive; a top drive adapter for gripping the casing, the top drive adapter operatively coupled to the top drive; and an access tool coupled to the top drive and adapted for accessing a fluid passage of the top drive system. In another embodiment, a method for retrieving a downhole tool through a tubular coupled to a top drive adapter of a top drive system is provided. The method comprises coupling an access tool to the top drive system, the access tool adapted to provide access to a fluid path in the top drive system and inserting a conveying member into the fluid path through the access tool.

Abstract: An assembly for positioning a well access line in a well. The assembly is located between a supply of well access line and a well, with the line running through the assembly and to the well. Multiple pulleys are incorporated into the assembly about which a well access line such as a conventional wireline may be wrapped. The pulleys are biased to one another such that slack in the line may be stored at the assembly and drawn on in the event of line tension spiking up to a predetermined amount. As such, tension in the line may be kept to a minimum so as to avoid damage to the line during a well access operation. Furthermore, should the tension in the line fail to come back down to below the predetermined amount, the well access operation may be halted in an automated manner. Halting may proceed while continuing to allow take-up of the slack in the line until completed halting of the operation is achieved.

Abstract: A system for monitoring strain in a wellbore casing includes one or more gages that are affixed to an outer surface of the wellbore casing. Each gage includes one or more apertures. During operation, variations in the shape and spacing of the apertures are monitored and used to determine a level of strain in the wellbore casing.

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.

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

Abstract: This invention relates in general to measuring depth of well-tools, such as logging tools or the like, in a borehole. Embodiments of the present invention may provide for disposing transponders along a wireline that may be used to suspend and move the well-tool in the borehole, where the transponders may be disposed along the wireline at predetermined locations. A reader may be located at a reference location and may read when a transponder passes through the reference location and this information may be used to determine the depth of the well-tool in the borehole. Additionally, this invention provides for combining depth measurements from the transponders with measurements from odometer wheels in frictional contact with the wireline and/or time of flight measurements of optical pulses passed along a fiber optic cable coupled with the wireline to accurately and robustly measure the depth of the wireline in the borehole.

Abstract: A measurement device is disclosed which includes a structure adapted to be removably coupled to a Christmas tree, a sleeve operatively coupled to the structure and a flowmeter positioned at least partially within the sleeve.

Abstract: A wireline entry sub includes a body having an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal, center axis therebetween, the body adapted for use with a wellbore string of tubulars; a slot on the body open a depth from a body outer surface to at least the longitudinal center axis; a wireline entry port extending through the body from the slot to open adjacent the lower end; and a wireline pulling device on the sub body to apply pulling force to a wireline.

Abstract: A power slip that utilizes modified SDXL slips and regular drilling bowls that fits to the pin drive master bushings of the rotary table and utilizes the depth of the drive pin holes as part of the actuators, thus allowing the power slip to set lower for added clearance and safety during drilling operations. Cables are anchored to a base plate and slip linkages and slip connectors are pivotally mounted to the slips and to the top plate so that, when the lift cylinders are actuated, the slips are moved to the released position. This two-stage linkage and cable design maximizes the movement of the slip assemblies while minimizing vertical movement of the power slip's housing.

Abstract: A drive system for wellbore operations, the drive system, in certain, but not necessarily all aspects, including a main body, a motor apparatus, a main shaft extending from the main body and rotatable by the motor, the main shaft having a top end and a bottom end, and an item, the item non-threadedly connected to the main shaft.

Abstract: A telemetry system for bi-directional communication of data between a well point and a terminal unit situated on a surface, which can be used inside drilling or production strings. The system includes data transmission and optional reception devices. An active vehicle, which can be equipped with plural automation levels, ranging from purely tele-operated to completely autonomous, is provided for unwinding and pulling a connection line, capable of moving inside a drilling or production string, or a passive vehicle, moved by a deploying cable and a suitable winding/unwinding device, in particular a winch. A connection line, containing electric conductors and/or one or more optical fibers of the transmission and optional reception devices is provided between a well point and its corresponding point situated inside the vehicle or on the surface.

Abstract: A wireline entry sub includes a body having an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal, center axis therebetween, the body adapted for connection below a top drive to a wellbore string of tubulars; a slot on the body open a depth from a body outer surface to at least the longitudinal center axis; a wireline entry port extending through the body from the slot to open adjacent the lower end; and means for facilitating rig up of the wireline entry sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the true temperature of connate fluid within a subterranean geological formation is provided herein. The method includes generating a flow of connate fluid, measuring the temperature of the flow over time until the measured temperature reaches a limiting value termed the stabilized temperature. Multiple events of temperature sampling events can be conducted at different flow rates of the connate fluid. The stabilized temperature values can then be ascendingly organized based on the value of their respective flow rates. The limiting value reached by the stabilized temperatures is taken to be substantially equal to the actual temperature of the connate fluid residing within the subterranean formation.

Abstract: An offshore oil well platform assembly is provided that includes a jacking frame, which supports a coiled tubing injector, which in turn is connected to a wellhead during a coiled tubing operation; and a compensation system. The compensation system includes a force measurement system which measures forces applied to the wellhead; a force delivery system, which provides a compensating force to counteract at least a portion of the measured forces on the wellhead; and a control system which receives signals from the force measurement system indicative of the measured forces, and operates the force delivery system based on the measured forces.

Abstract: A system for installing sub-surface fluid transport tubing and pressure testing coupling seals in a vertically oriented geothermal heating/cooling system installation, and particularly in a direct exchange system installation, includes providing an elevated containment area, that has a confined space opening, supported by extensions/poles, within which opening an upper portion of the fluid transport tubing segment, to be installed within the borehole, can be positioned and contained. The system further includes pressure testing above-ground segmental coupling seals, by using moderate gas pressure applied via temporary gas hose and plug connections to respective ends of the operatively connected fluid transport line set.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering wireline into a well. The apparatus comprises a sleeve having a first and second end, wherein the first end contains a first plurality of wedges and the second end contains a second plurality of wedges. The apparatus further includes an upper mandrel having a third plurality of wedges that are configured to engage the first plurality of wedges and a first cap configured to engage the upper mandrel, wherein the first cap contains a first and second passage, and wherein the first passage is configured to receive the wireline. The apparatus further comprises a lower mandrel having a fourth plurality of wedges that engage with the second plurality of wedges, and a second cap configured to engage the lower mandrel, wherein the second cap contains an opening that has the lower mandrel disposed there through.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a tubular handling system for handling wellbore tubulars. In one aspect, the present invention provides a tubular handling system adapted to retain a tubular without damaging the outer surface of the tubular. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting tubulars by remotely controlling the connection process, including joint compensation, alignment, make up, and interlock. In one embodiment, the tubular handling system comprises an elevator adapted to support a tubular utilizing a first portion of an upset of the tubular and a spider adapted to support the tubular utilizing a second portion of the upset. In another embodiment, at least one of the elevator and the spider is remotely controllable. In yet another embodiment, the tubular handling system comprising a joint compensator system adapted to provide fluid communication to the elevator during rotation of the tubular.

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.

Abstract: The method of preventing over tension to an umbilical wrapped on the spool of an offshore reel when the umbilical is unexpectedly pulled from the spool on the reel, comprising providing a main disk, mounting the main disk on the spool of the reel with a slip connection which will slip at a desired force, connecting motor power for the reel to the main disk, connecting brakes to the main disk, such that when tension from the umbilical exceeds a desired force, the slip connection will slip and prevent the umbilical from being subjected to tension higher than the desired amount.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing well intervention work on a rig. The apparatus comprises a first spreader that is operatively connected to a derrick, a pair of I-beams that have a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the distal end of the pair of I-beams are connected to the first spreader. The apparatus further comprises a second spreader, and wherein the proximal end of the I-beams is connected to the second spreader. The apparatus further comprises a first pivot point on the first spreader and a second pivot point on the second spreader. In the most preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a door, operatively attached to the second spreader, for allowing entry of the tubular. Also, the second spreader may include a shoulder for engagement with a tubular so that the tubular is supported by the second spreader so that the weight of the tubular can be transferred to the second spreader. A method of lifting a tubular used in well intervention work on a rig is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for receiving a telemetry signal with a receiver that is moveably disposed within a drillstring. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a surface module coupled to the upper end of a drillstring, an upper module detachably connected to the surface module, and a lower module moveably disposed within the drillstring. The lower module is coupled to the upper module by an extendable cable. A telemetry signal receiver is disposed on said lower module, which also includes a tractor assembly for moving the lower module through the drillstring.

Abstract: A relatively light weight wire-line conveyance mechanism capable of sustained high pressure incorporated into a wire-line riser set-up and configured to allow multiple radial bends without sheaves. The conveyance mechanism includes a tubular body structure capable of being pressurized defining a radial arc of between 0 and 180 degree having a threaded coupling at each end for connection to riser tubular joints. One embodiment discloses a field formable cable conveyor that may take a variety of shapes. The tubular body contains a series of connected tubular blocks or sleeves, each of which includes a longitudinal bore and a roller or ball bearing assembly therein defining a wire-line pathway for receiving a wire-line that passes through each of said tubular blocks, fully contained therein.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatuses is suspended between the bails of a rig to raise, lower and laterally move a single joint of pipe that is being added to a string of pipe extending into a well.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drilling, completion, well workovers and well control, combining an integrated lifting unit and a coiled tubing unit, the method and apparatus permit running jointed pipe and coil tubing in combination, and standing multiple joints of pipe near the unit. The invention combines a hydraulic pipe hoisting system, pipe handling systems and pipe racking containment apparatus. A hydraulic workover jack is combined with a multifunction injector head and a standpipe for fluid circulation. The invention may also include a rotary table for rotating pipe and/or a rotating power swivel to allow fluid circulation during pipe rotation. Also included are a gin pole, a winching system for jointed pipe, and a traveling head with traveling slips and stationary slips to allow pipe movement in the well. Hydraulic systems allow insertion and extraction of tools in a work string.