Abstract: A head member having a piston provided thereon is connected to an elongate tube such as a micro-tube. The micro-tube contains one or more optical fibres, preferably suspended therein by a protective fluid such as a scavenging gel. The head member is preferably inserted into an already-deployed downhole tubular and fluid is pumped down that already deployed tubular behind the piston such that the head member and attached micro-tube and optical fiber(s) are pumped downhole. A sealing means such as a resin material may be pumped downhole in the annulus between the outer circumference of the micro-tube and the inner circumference of the already-deployed tubular downhole in low viscosity form and which may be adapted to cure or harden after a passage of time and/or under application of heat.

Abstract: A relatively light weight radial 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 segmented tubular body structure capable of being pressurized and defining a radial arc of between 0 and 180 degree having a threaded coupling at each end for connection to riser tubular joints. The tubular body contains a series of connected tubular segments, each of which includes a longitudinal bore and a roller or ball assembly therein defining a pressurized wire-line pathway for receiving wire-line that passes through each of the tubular segments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring torque on a rig. The apparatus comprises a central body having a central passage, and a first plurality of splines formed within the central passage and a second plurality of splines formed on a bottom sub, and wherein the first plurality of splines and the second plurality of splines cooperate to engage and transfer the torque applied to the central body. A third plurality of splines may be formed within the central passage, and a fourth plurality of splines formed on a top sub may be included that cooperates to engage and transfer the torque applied to the cental body with the third plurality of splines. In one of the preferred embodiments, the top sub is connected to a top drive of a rig. The apparatus may further comprise a first threaded cap engaging that contains an opening in communication with the central passage. A wireline is disposed within the opening.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for use with the assembly of tubular segments with a tubular string in a well bore is disclosed. The alignment apparatus includes an actuator assembly functionally associated with an engagement assembly. Upon actuation of the actuator assembly, the engagement assembly engages the segment. The alignment apparatus is then lowered such that the segment contacts the string, and a connection may be made. A method of improving the alignment of the segment with the tubular string in the well bore is also is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a torque sub for use with a top drive. In one embodiment a method of connecting threaded tubular members for use in a wellbore is disclosed. The method includes operating a top drive, thereby rotating a first threaded tubular member relative to a second threaded tubular member; measuring a torque exerted on the first tubular member by the top drive, wherein the torque is measured using a torque shaft rotationally coupled to the top drive and the first tubular, the torque shaft having a strain gage disposed thereon; wirelessly transmitting the measured torque from the torque shaft to a stationary interface; measuring rotation of the first tubular member; determining acceptability of the threaded connection; and stopping rotation of the first threaded member when the threaded connection is complete or if the threaded connection is unacceptable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lubricating and injecting downhole equipment into a wellbore includes a blowout preventer, a spool for enclosing the downhole equipment, a pressure isolation window, and a hydraulic cylinder. The blowout preventer is positioned above a wellhead. The spool is positioned above the blowout preventer. The pressure isolation window is positioned above the spool. The hydraulic cylinder is positioned above the pressure isolation window. The hydraulic cylinder comprises a rod connected to the downhole equipment, and the hydraulic cylinder is used to lower the downhole equipment into the wellbore.

Abstract: A top drive assembly for wellsite operations may include a quill, a swivel including a swivel housing and a swivel bearing therein in which the quill is supported, a drive system for applying torque to the quill, and link arm hangers extending from the swivel housing and formed to accept and retain link arms.

Abstract: A cable drawn snubbing apparatus includes a first track and a second track in parallel spaced relation. A carriage extends between and engages the first track and the second track. Pipe engaging slips are carried by the carriage. Upper cables extend from the carriage to an upper end of the first track and the second track. Lower cables extend from the carriage to a lower end of the first track and the second track. Upper winches exert a force upon the upper cables to pull the carriage toward the upper end. Lower winches exert a force upon the lower cables to pull the carriage toward the lower end.

Abstract: The inventions relates to an apparatus for connecting a control line to a tubular string. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a guide boom pivotable around a location adjacent the string and with a guide member at an end thereof to guide the control line. The apparatus further includes a clamp boom that is independently pivotable and includes a clamp housing at an end thereof for clamping the control line against the tubular string. The guide boom and the clamp boom each have a center line which is substantially aligned with the center line of the tubing string permitting the control line to be aligned adjacent the tubular string prior to clamping.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle for inserting jointed pipe into a well, having a derrick and hydraulic rams to raise and lower same, adapted to conduct additional operations which will allow a well to be completed by this vehicle alone. Three winches are provided, a first to raise and lower power tongs to manoeuvre and thread jointed pipe, a second situate on the bed of the vehicle to raise and lower jointed tubing, and a third likewise mounted on the bed of the vehicle on which a conductive wireline is wound, for raising and lowering logging and swabbing devices in the well. Levelling jacks are provided at four corners of the vehicle to permit levelling of the vehicle and alignment of jointed pipe with the borehole of the well. Each of the rams, power tongs, levelling jacks, first, second, and third winches are hydraulically powered, preferably by a single pump, as each of the aforementioned devices are not operated at the same time but sequentially.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed towards a system designed to assist the rig operator by alerting him/her that the air pressure is too low to be using the drum clutch, to provide a log for studies on rig operation technique, and to provide a training tool for rig operators. If the pressure on the clutch bladder is above a predetermined range, the clutch is allowed to engage. If the signal is below the range, the clutch is assumed to have not been engaged. If the signal is within the range, the clutch is not allowed to engage and the rig operator is notified of the problem.

Abstract: A control line guide and manipulating arm can protect and guide one or more control lines which are desired to be attached and lowered into a wellbore with a tubular string. The control lines may be moved toward a tubular string, can be clamped to the tubular string, and the tubular string and control lines may be lowered into the wellbore. When the elevator reaches a predetermined position, the spider slips are preferably set. To protect the control lines, the control lines are moved in a substantially radial direction outward from the tubular string. The spider slips are closed only after the control lines are retained outward. After another tubular joint is connected to the tubular string and the elevator grips the tubular string, the spider slips are preferably released. For easier attachment, of the control lines to the tubular string, the control lines are moved in a substantially radial direction toward the tubular string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding rigidity and weight to the piping used in geothermal wells for ground-source heat pumps enhances insertion of the piping into the wells. The weight used must be approved by appropriate organizations such as the DNR, NSF, and/or EPA, or similar, for contact with the ground water. Concrete and coated iron or steel are examples of such weights. A system for assembling the pipes, weight, and a tremie pipe for insertion is disclosed. The weighting system may also help maintain straightness in the geothermal piping for ease of inserting the piping into the vertical well.

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 gravel pack completion with fiber optic monitoring. In a described embodiment, a method for completing a subterranean well includes the steps of: positioning at least one assembly in a wellbore of the well; then inserting a portion of a tubular string into the assembly; and attaching a fiber optic line to the tubular string portion.

Abstract: The rig for selectively inserting coiled tubing or a threaded tubular through a rig floor 13 and into a well includes a mast 15 extending upward from the rig floor and movable between a threaded tubular position and a coiled tubing position. A top drive 21 is movable along an axis of the mast to insert the threaded tubular in the well when a top drive axis 42 is substantially aligned with the axis 44 of the well. Injector 17 supported on the mast inserts coiled tubing into the well, with the injector having an axis 46 offset from the top drive axis and substantially aligned with the axis of the well when the mast is in the coiled tubing position. A powered drive 54 is provided for selectively moving the mast between the threaded tubular position and the coiled tubing position.

Abstract: The rig for selectively inserting coiled tubing or a threaded tubular through a rig floor 13 and into a well includes a mast 15 extending upward from the rig floor and movable between a threaded tubular position and a coiled tubing position. A top drive 21 is movable along an axis of the mast to insert the threaded tubular in the well when a top drive axis 42 is substantially aligned with the axis 44 of the well. Injector 17 supported on the mast inserts coiled tubing into the well, with the injector having an axis 46 offset from the top drive axis and substantially aligned with the axis of the well when the mast is in the coiled tubing position. A powered drive 54 is provided for selectively moving the mast between the threaded tubular position and the coiled tubing position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring torque on a rig. The apparatus comprises a central body having a central passage, and a first plurality of splines formed within the central passage and a second plurality of splines formed on a bottom sub, and wherein the first plurality of splines and the second plurality of splines cooperate to engage and transfer the torque applied to the central body. A third plurality of splines may be formed within the central passage, and a fourth plurality of splines formed on a top sub may be included that cooperates to engage and transfer the torque applied to the cental body with the third plurality of splines. In one of the preferred embodiments, the top sub is connected to a top drive of a rig. The apparatus may further comprise a first threaded cap engaging that contains an opening in communication with the central passage. A wireline is disposed within the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling tubular goods which includes an elongate tubular body having a peripheral sidewall and opposed ends. The peripheral sidewall has a plurality of axial slots arranged circumferentially around the tubular body parallel to an axis of the tubular body. An articulating coupling protrudes from at least one of the opposed ends. The articulated coupling includes an insert positioned within the tubular body with radial pins that engage the slots, the pins being axially movable along the slots. A gripping assembly is provided at one of the opposed ends for engaging a tubular good.

Abstract: A method of extending an insulated wire through a wellhead opening of a well that includes casing having a top. The method makes use of an annular cap sized to engage and be retained by the top of the casing, the annular cap having smooth top and radially inward surfaces and defining an aperture. The annular cap is placed onto the top of the casing and the insulated wire is passed through the aperture, wherein should the insulated wire touch the annular cap the insulated wire will remain undamaged by the smooth top and radially inward surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to allow tools disposed upon a conduit to enter the bore of a drillstring is presented. The apparatuses and methods include the use of one or more articulated knuckle joints at ends of an entry sub. The articulated knuckle joints are capable of articulating the entry sub among various conduit entry and load carrying positions.

Abstract: A running string for a subsea completion comprises an upper section (70) which may be a coiled tubing (CT) injector unit as shown, or a wireline lubricator (FIG. 8). A lower section (60) provides wireline/CT access to production/annulus bores of a tubing hanger (not shown) attached to tubing hanger running tool (62). A flow package (64) in the lower section (60), together with BOP pipe rams (86) and annular seal (88), directs production and annulus fluid flows/pressures to the BOP choke/kill lines (78/76). The upper and lower sections allow installation and pressure/circulation testing of, and wireline/CT access to, a subsea completion, without the use of a high pressure riser.

Abstract: This invention relates to an elongated wireline entry device (10) which allows a wireline tool or coiled tubing with a tool attached to be inserted in a well bore without disconnection form the drill string appended thereto without introducing bending moments into the threaded connections (101, 106, 202) attached to the drill string because the pin and box connections of the tool are in axial, longitudinal alignment, the absence of these bending moments is required to suspend long pendular, and therefore heavy, drill strings for this device without failure. The angle between the longitudinal ayes of the longitudinal passage and the wireline passage in the wireline entry device is at most 4.0°.

Abstract: A relatively light weight radial 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. The tubular body contains a series of connected tubular blocks, each of which includes a longitudinal bore and a roller or ball assembly therein defining a wire-line pathway for receiving a wire-line that passes through each of said tubular blocks, fully contained therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting, deploring, and retrieving an array is disclosed. The array has a plurality of nodes interconnected by sections of cable and can be transported, deployed, and retrieved with the apparatus and method of the present invention. The apparatus includes a plurality of first divisions and a plurality of second divisions. The first divisions have first portions or holders capable of individually accommodating the nodes. The second divisions are alternatingly positioned adjacent the first divisions. The second divisions have second portions or surfaces capable of individually accommodating the sections of cable. The first and second divisions can be integral portions of the apparatus, can be separate members positioned on the apparatus, or can be used with a standard cable drum. Preferably, the second divisions can be rotated relative to the first divisions to tightly wind and easily unwind the sections of cable.

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.

Abstract: A tong as may be used for a continuous circulation system in a wellbore. The tong has a housing with a hollow interior. A plurality of spaced apart jaw assemblies reside within the housing's hollow interior for engaging a portion of a tubular to be gripped and rotated by the tong. A gear wheel is secured to the housing for rotating the housing and the jaw assemblies. The gear wheel includes a toothed outer circumference for mating with teeth of a drive shaft of a driving motor. A gear flange is movably mounted on the gear wheel such that rotation of the gear wheel does not rotate the gear flange.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it. One embodiment includes the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder along with upper and lower holders having wedge members also with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section. In this embodiment the drill pipe and wedge members can be rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to determine the temperature profile of a pressurized wellbore using a fiber optic cable and an anchor are disclosed. Furthermore, a pressurized wellhead spool that couples to a standard Christmas tree structure on a well head to facilitate the injection of fiber optic cable into an oil and gas well is disclosed. The wellhead spool is portable and may be connected to fiber optic cable already located at the site, for quick connection to on-site instrumentation. A method of using the apparatuses disclosed to measure wellbore temperature at multiple depths of investigation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drilling rig is provided which is adapted to selectively drill using coiled tubing and jointed-pipe. The rig includes a base, a mast, a top drive slidably mounted to said mast for performing jointed-pipe operations, and a tubing injector for performing coiled tubing operations, mounted on said mast for selective movement from a first position in which the injector is in line with the mast and a second position in which the injector is out of line with the mast to permit jointed-pipe operations by the top drive. The rig is uniquely suited to easily and quickly assemble bottom hole assemblies (BHA's), and to connect such BHA's to coiled tubing.

Abstract: A vent screen pressure deployment tool and method for use in running tubular members into a pressurized well. The apparatus comprises a top sub and a stinger. The top sub is adapted for connection to the upper end of a tubular member, such as a vent screen. An upper end of the top sub is adapted for connection to a conveying tool, such as a slick line deployment tool, and the top sub defines a collet recess therein. The stinger comprises a locator sub adapted for connection to the lower end of another tubular member and a collet sub shearably attached to the locator sub. The collet sub has a plurality of flexible collets thereon adapted for latching engagement with the collet recess when aligned therewith, thereby providing a latched connection between the tubular members.

Abstract: A well casing system is disclosed for the handling and make-up of casing on a drilling rig in conjunction with a top drive is disclosed. The system comprises a top drive, a casing make-up assembly, links, link tilts, and transfer and lifting elevators. The operator can remotely manipulate the elevators to pick up and position a joint of casing above the casing already secured in the drilling hole. The operator can then engage the gripper head and use the rotational capability of the top drive to remotely couple the two joints of casing together.

Abstract: When the spider slips are open, the control line can be moved toward the pipe string, can be clamped to the pie string and string and line can be lowered into the well. When the pipe connector approaches the spider, the spider slips need to be set. To move the control line into a safe area, it is thrust radially outward from the pipe string. The slips are closed while the line is retained outward. To keep them safe while work proceeds just above the spider an optional trap is closed to retain the control lines until the spider slips are opened. The lines can be manually pulled outward but it is more easily done with a powered thruster. Optional sequencing controls can start with moving the control line away from the pipe, closing the line trap, and closing the spider slips. Reversing the procedure, the sequencing controls open the spider slips, release the line trap, and moves the line toward the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for conveying downhole tools within a borehole using a continuous rod. The apparatus may include a continuous rod, a downhole tool attached to one end of the continuous rod, and a delivery rig for lowering the continuous rod and downhole tool into the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods to reduce ECD and pressure associated therewith while drilling with casing. In one aspect, the invention provides an energy transfer assembly locatable at a predetermined location in a casing string. The assembly includes an impeller portion in the interior of the casing to be acted upon by the downward moving fluid in the casing and a pump portion disposed outwardly of the impeller portion and arranged in fluid communication with the upward moving fluid in the annulus between the casing and the borehole, adding energy thereto and reducing pressure in the annulus therebelow. In another aspect, the energy transfer assembly is retrievable to the surface of the wellbore prior to cementing. In a further aspect, fluid ports between the interior and exterior of the casing are remotely sealable prior to cementing.

Abstract: Bottom members for a heat loop for an earth energy transfer system with a moving energy transfer fluid and heat loops with such a bottom member; the bottom member in one aspect including a body with a top surface and a bottom surface, the body configured for connection at a lower end of the heat loop, the bottom surface shaped to facilitate passage of the heat loop through a borehole extending down into the earth.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting or removing a string of tubulars from a borehole includes a makeup/break out mechanism which is capable of adding a tubular to or removing a tubular from the string and handling mechanism which feeds a tubular into, or removes a tubular from, the make up/break out mechanism. The make up/break out mechanism is moveable along the direction parallel to the axial direction of the string, such that the string may be substantially continuously inserted into or removed from the borehole.

Abstract: A device for intervention of a subsea oil and/or gas well by means of a tool (8) suspended by a cable (9), fed from or withdrawn to a vessel (1) and driven by a drive mechanism (12) located on the vessel. The device comprises a lubricator (5) having a tool housing for the insertion of the tool into the well, and a stuffing box (40) sealing around the cable after the tool is inserted into the well. According to the invention an injector which drives the cable in the well is located on the lubricator, and is controllable independently of the drive mechanism for the cable located on the vessel. The drive mechanism and the injector may be synchronized in a manner, among others, providing that the cable is hanging in a predetermined arc during the intervention, whereby the vessel may be moved from the well. Moreover, the invention relates to a method and a cable used together with the device.

Abstract: A bracket and tension rod device to mount to atop-drive dolly to carry the weight of a sheave wheel assembly is disclosed. The invention is deployed by connecting the sheave wheel assembly to a rigid dolly arm with an adjustable tension rod to relieve a gooseneck from adverse tensile, compressive and bending forces from the movement of a wireline through the sheave assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding and turning a tubular and string of tubulars, such as casing, for make-up and drilling with the tubulars are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a spear and a clamping head, both of which are mounted to a top drive. The spear and the clamping head can be engaged to transmit torque therebetween from the top drive. In addition, an aspect of the invention provides variable height wickers positioned on slips to enable use of the slips with variable inner diameter (ID) and weight casing without deformation or rupture of the casing. Still further, a casing collar is also provided to provide reinforcement to the casing in the area of slip contact with the casing ID.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an insert for a clamping device or gripping apparatus for conducting translational forces and/or torque into a moveable object, such as a tubular, casing, liner, pipe, expandable tubular, tubing, drill pipe. In one aspect, the insert comprises a base material and a plurality of gripping elements forming an object gripping surface. Gripping elements are at least partially embedded in the base material. The gripping elements in one embodiment are curved to correspond to an outer circumference of an object to be gripped. In one embodiment, the gripping elements are inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the insert. In another aspect, the gripping elements may comprise grains or particles of a hardened or super-hard material. The present invention also provides a method of making the insert and using the insert in a gripping apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to an elongated wireline entry device (10) which allows a wirelein tool or coiled tubing with a tool attached to be inserted in a well bore without disconneciton form the drill string appended thereto without introducing bending moments into the threaded connectiosn (101, 106, 202) attached to the drill string because the pin and box connectiosn of the tool are in axial, longitudinal alignment. The absence of these bending moments is required to suspend long pendular, and therefore heavy, drill strings forr htthis device without failure. The angle between the longitudinal ayes of the longitudinal passage and the wireline passage in the wireline entry device is at most 4.0°.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling vertical movement of a tubular within a wellhead includes an anchor spool connected atop the wellhead, and a detachable superstructure supporting the tubular. The anchor spool provides connectors for detachably connecting bottom ends of at least two piston cylinders of the detachable superstructure. The tubular may be a landing joint or a high-pressure mandrel of either a well stimulation tool, or a well isolation tool. The apparatus provides unobstructed access to a top end of the tubular. The anchor spool includes an elongated sidewall and an axial passage through which a tubing hanger can be reciprocated. The height of the sidewall permits the apparatus to be used for landing/removing a tubing string even if the anchor spool is mounted directly to a blowout preventer (BOP).

Abstract: A body having a bore thereThrough for insertion of capillary tubing. A first means slidably coupled into the bore of the body frictionally restrains movement of the tubing by hydraulically engaging the periphery of the tubing with a compressible elastomeric sealing member. A second means slidably coupled into the bore of the body prevents movement of the tubing in the bore of the body by manually engaging the periphery of the tubing with a compressible elastomeric sealing member. A third means suspends the tubing in the bore of the body by manually engaging a plurality of suspension slips around the periphery of the tubing.

Abstract: A continuous well string injection system, comprising a rig, such as a drilling or service rig, a continuous feed injection unit suspended from the rig, a continuous well string guide forming a conduit for continuous well string between a continuous well string holder and the continuous feed injection unit, the continuous well string guide being suspended from the rig at a suspension point between the continuous feed injection unit and the continuous well string holder; and a tension device, such as a cable, straddling the suspension point to restrain lateral movement of the continuous well string injection unit in relation to the continuous well string holder

Abstract: A concentric casing jack is disclosed having a casing supporter and actuator that uses hydraulic fluid to vertically raise and lower an inner concentric string of casing in a well. This casing jack is connected to a string of casing and can operate down-hole tools attached to the lower end of the casing by actuating the casing. The casing jack is supported at the surface by the wellhead and can be incorporated into a series of drilling spools and blowout preventer valves that are commonly utilized during drilling operations. The casing jack consists of a housing and a hollow piston whose internal diameter is similar in size to the concentric casing. The similar sizing allows drill bits and bottom hole assemblies to pass through the hollow center of the casing jack and the attached string of casing. The piston is equipped with external seals to hold hydraulic pressure between the hollow piston and the body of the jack.

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

Abstract: A drilling rig includes a tower, a stabilizer for lifting/lowering an injector and BOP stack, and a powered arm adapted to manipulate BHA segments. The tower includes a plurality of interlocking modules and is mounted on two perpendicularly aligned skids. The tower is also provided with an opening that enables the side loading of equipment. The preferred rig includes one module adapted to support a stabilizer that includes hydraulic lifts that can raise the injector and BOP stack off the wellhead. The stabilizer also accommodates the thermal expansion of the BOP stack by rising and lowering the stack during well servicing operations. The powered arm attaches to the tower and includes an articulated gripper for manipulating the bottom hole assembly segments. Preferably, the powered arm is controlled by a general-purpose computer that guides the powered arm through a predetermined sweep.

Abstract: A system and method for deployment of a cable, such as a fiber optic cable, through a conduit located in a well. A fluid is pulsed through the conduit, which pulse intermittently forces the cable to pass through the conduit. The cable may include at least one measurement location to measure a parameter of interest within the well. The fluid pulsing technique may also be used to deploy the cable in a conduit adapted to be located in other locations.

Abstract: A top entry sub (ES) includes a tubular member (TM) with a main body section (8) and an enlarged external diameter upper end portion (11). A single passage (15) extends through the main body section (8) and terminates in a pair of spaced passages (14) and (14a) that extend through the enlarged external diameter end portion (11), which passages terminate in a common upper surface on the top entry sub (ES) for receiving a well string and providing an entry into the top entry sub for members such as coiled tubing, snubbing members and cable.