Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing a casing string in a borehole, the apparatus comprising a propulsion system movable through the borehole; the propulsion system having an attachment member; and the attachment member being engagable with the casing string causing the casing string to move with the propulsion system through the borehole. The apparatus further including a conduit for circulating fluids through the propulsion system to provide the power to move the propulsion system. The propulsion system may also be disposable.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining two strings of tubulars characterized in that said apparatus comprises body parts (1, 2; 101, 102) of a device for retaining a single string of tubulars and a converting member (103; 305). A device for retaining a string of tubulars, said device comprising at least one body part (203) having a curved tapered surface (202) upon which inserts are located for engagement with said string of tubulars characterised in that said curved tapered surface comprises a recess for the passage of cables.

Abstract: A tubing guide for directing coiled tubing through an injector apparatus and into a well. The tubing guide comprises a frame, which is also referred to as a tubing carrier, extending from a base. The shape of the tubing guide changes depending upon the natural radius of curvature of the tubing. The tubing carrier will conform to provide a path for the coiled tubing that more nearly approximates the residual radius of curvature of the coiled tubing. The carrier has a plurality of segments pivotably connected to one another. The segments can pivot and thus the carrier itself can move from a fully retracted position to a fully rotated position. In the fully rotated position, the carrier can approximate a radius larger than that in the fully closed position. The segments are allowed to pivot or rotate as the tubing is passing therethrough so that the shape of the carrier is continually adjusting so as to provide a more natural path for the coiled tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, the apparatus comprising a supporting member (13) connectable to said top drive (3) characterized in that it further comprises an internal tool (30) for engaging said tubular (7) and an external clamping device (39) for engaging said tubular (7).

Abstract: A handling and assembly system and method for use in deploying tubing in a subterranean environment. A framework is used to linearly engage sequential tubular members as a tubing string is formed and run into a subterranean environment. The system also facilitates the disassembly of the individual tubular components from the tubing string.

Abstract: A drillpipe line installation system, the drillpipe string being composed of drillpipe sections which are added and removed to increase and decrease the length of the drillpipe, and a length of cable is disposed within the drillpipe string. The length of this cable is greater than that of the drilipipe string when the cable is put in the drill pipe. The system includes a lower cable storage means which stows the cable in a compact manner and pays the cable out when the length of the drillpipe is increases, and an upper cable storage means which can take up the cable in a compact manner when the length of the drillpipe is decreased.

Abstract: A method of lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section. The shoulder of the drill pipe and the shoulders of the wedge members are rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A tubing guide for directing coiled tubing through an injector apparatus and into a well. The tubing guide comprises a frame, which is also referred to as a tubing carrier, extending from a base. The shape of the tubing guide changes depending upon the natural radius of curvature of the tubing. The tubing carrier will conform to provide a path for the coiled tubing that more nearly approximates the residual radius of curvature of the coiled tubing. The carrier has a plurality of segments pivotably connected to one another. The segments can pivot and thus the carrier itself can move from a fully retracted position to a fully rotated position. In the fully rotated position, the carrier can approximate a radius larger than that in the fully closed position. The segments are allowed to pivot or rotate as the tubing is passing therethrough so that the shape of the carrier is continually adjusting so as to provide a more natural path for the coiled tubing.

Abstract: Canister, sealing method and composition for sealing a borehole. The canister includes a container with slurry inside the container, one or more slurry exits at one end of the container, a pump at the other end of the container, and a piston inside that pushes the slurry though the slurry exit(s), out of the container, and into a borehole. An inflatable packer outside the container provides stabilization in the borehole. A borehole sealing material is made by combining an oxide or hydroxide and a phosphate with water to form a slurry which then sets to form a high strength, minimally porous material which binds well to itself, underground formations, steel and ceramics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to determine the temperature profile of a 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 wellbore tubular handling system and method is provided for operation in holding and lowering tubulars, such as casing strings, at a rig site. The handling system utilizes a plurality of interchangeable gripping modules for use with both the elevator slips and the spider. Because the gripping modules are completely interchangeable, only one additional gripping module is needed to provide redundancy at the well site to thereby reduce the equipment normally required. An elevator module receives the interchangeable gripping module therein. An interchangeable gripping module may also preferably be flush mounted in many standard rotary table types. Alternatively a top mount spider module is provided to receive a gripping module for other rig floor and/or rotary table constructions. The gripping module has three inner support rings and slips between approximately one and two feet in length to permit load support while protecting any thin walled casing that is used in the casing string.

Abstract: The well intervention system of the invention is a novel subsea deployed wire line, “stiff wire” (conventional wire-line located inside reeled tubing or embedded in the tubing wall), coil tubing, or reeled pipe unit landed on the existing subsea wellhead assembly or tree, wherein the unit includes as an additional novel component a “carousel” tool caddy. The carousel is utilized to allow the remote change-out of multiple tool strings that are included in the carousel prior to deployment, thereby eliminating the need for a “riser” conduit to the surface or the need to trip tools through the riser column for tool replacement. The subject invention also includes an improved method for conducting a well intervention activity, wherein the method includes the step of selecting a tool for the well intervention activity from a carousel tool caddy located in close proximity to the well.

Abstract: A mounting system for a fill-up and circulating tool on the rig hoisting system is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the tool is supported on one of the bails and it driven to rotate around the longitudinal axis of one of the bails. A combined vertical and rotational movement is imparted by the mounting system to allow the fill-up and circulating tool to be raised and swung out from between the bails to allow normal drilling or tripping. In the other position it can be swung over the tubular and lowered for sealing contact to allow fluids to pass in both directions to or from a pumping and storage system on the rig.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for moving equipment into and through a conduit that is preferably an oil and/or gas production well, wherein use is made of an uphole equipment storage and handling unit via which equipment modules can be moved into a launch conduit and connected to a shuttle device which is able to locomote itself as a wireless tractor via the launch conduit into and from the underlying conduit.

Abstract: A flexible assembly is provided for a fill-up and circulation (FAC) tool. The flexible assembly preferably comprises a flexible hose portion and a rigid tubular housing portion. The flexible assembly is attached to the tool body of the FAC tool below the casing seal of the FAC tool. The casing seal is utilized for sealing with an interior surface of an upper joint of a casing string. Preferably a tapered guide is provided at a lower end of the flexible assembly and a fluid outlet may preferably be formed in the tapered guide. The flexible assembly preferably has an overall length such that the tapered guide is positioned within the interior of the upper joint of the casing string when the fill-up and circulation tool is attached to a standard traveling block assembly and the elevator casing gripping slips attached to the traveling block assembly are engaged with the upper joint of the casing string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elevator (10, 134, 136, 150, 162, 186), particularly a single joint elevator, for supporting tubular members such as drill pipe (118), borehole casing and/or production tubing, for use in downhole operations. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an elevator (10) is generally elliptical shaped, and comprises a housing (12), a lock (14), lifting eyes (16) and a hinge (18). The housing comprises first and second portions (20, 22), pivotally coupled via the hinge (18), which together define an upper ring, elliptical in cross-section, and a tapering, generally truncated cone-shaped lower portion. The tapered lower portion of the elevator (10) ensures that the elevator (10) does not become caught or fouled upon a Vee door, or a pipe discharge ramp (122), on to which the pipe (118) supported by the elevator (10) is to be discharged during, for example, the “running-in” of the pipe (118) into a borehole of an onshore or offshore well.

Abstract: A wellbore tubular handling system and method is provided for operation in holding and lowering tubulars, such as casing strings, at a rig site. The handling system utilizes a plurality of interchangeable gripping modules for use with both the elevator slips and the spider. Because the gripping modules are completely interchangeable, only one additional gripping module is needed to provided 100% redundancy at the well site to thereby reduce the equipment normally required by approximately 25%. An elevator module receives the interchangeable gripping module therein. An interchangeable gripping module may also preferably be flush mounted in many standard rotary table types. Alternatively a top mount spider module is provided to receive a gripping module for other rig floor and/or rotary table constructions.

Abstract: A method of lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section, the shoulder of the drill pipe and the shoulders of the wedge members being rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A downhole coiled tubing recovery apparatus and method which utilizes vibration and resonant vibration in particular, to remove coiled tubing and/or other objects which are stuck or jammed downhole in a well. In a preferred embodiment the coiled tubing recovery apparatus includes an oscillating apparatus suspended from a rig and fitted with a coiled tubing bail for mounting the coiled tubing and the method includes guiding the coiled tubing from a reel through the bail and into and from an injector head and the well, responsive to raising and lowering of the oscillating apparatus and the tubing bail. One or more rod clamps are typically used in connection with the coiled tubing bail for manipulating the coiled tubing through the injector head to and from the reel. In another embodiment of the invention the coiled tubing bail is omitted and the coiled tubing is suspended directly from a fitting attached to the oscillator and extends through the injector head into the well.

Abstract: A monolithic pumping tree combining a bottom connection, production blow-out preventer section, flow tee section and top connection is cast so as to provide an access port extending downwardly through the side wall of the tree from its outer surface, to connect with either the central vertical bore of the tree or its horizontal bottom surface, thereby enabling coiled tubing to be inserted either into the tubing string bore or into the annulus between the tubing and production casing strings.

Abstract: A blow down apparatus for a well has a tank for receiving an emulsion of water and natural gas, a piping connectable to a well from which the emulsion is supplied and connected to the tank so as to direct a flow of the suspension from the well into the tank, a control valve provided in the piping for closing and opening the piping, a vent for venting the gas from the vessel to atmosphere, and a transporting structure for transporting the apparatus to and from the well, the tank and the piping unit being mounted on the transporting unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for expanding an expandable steel tubular including the steps of: flattening the unexpanded tubular; transporting the flattened unexpanded tubular to a location at or near the site where the tubular is to be installed; unflattening the tubular before positioning the tubular at said site; and expanding the tubular along at least a substantial part of its length before or after the tubular has been positioned at said site.

Abstract: A cable protector includes a housing body which is adapted to fit in a pipe connector. The housing body has a central bore and an insert body is rotatably supported in the central bore. The insert body has a groove which is adapted to receive a cable.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing blowouts during the deployment of a casing string into a wellbore. The system includes securing a casing coupling to a casing string and securing a retrievable check valve within the casing coupling. The retrievable check valve allows fluid from the surface to be pumped through the retrievable check valve. However, the retrievable check valve prevents upward fluid flow from the wellbore through the retrievable check valve to the surface.

Abstract: A device for moving a tool lengthwise in a passageway such as a pipe or oil well hole, with a power or signal conduit connected between the tool and outside of the passageway, consists of a solid rod with a groove along the rod's length, the groove extending inwards from the rod outer surface. The conduit is installed in the groove. The device can also be used to rotate the tool in the passageway.

Abstract: Apparatus for exploring the subsoil by means of a string of rods in which the bottom rod carries a tool, the rods being hinged to one another and being wound on a drum, which drum is moved in reciprocating rectilinear motion on a tower and is moved in rotary motion so as to enable successive rods to be lowered and subsequently to enable them to be wound back onto the drum.

Abstract: A method of lowering items from a drilling rig to a well located below it through the use of a landing string comprised of drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section with a shoulder, in combination with upper and lower holders having wedge members with shoulders that engage and support the drill pipe at the shoulder of the enlarged diameter section.

Abstract: A drill pipe handling apparatus for oil and gas drilling rigs, the drill pipe having an enlarged diameter section positioned between the ends of the drill pipe. The enlarged diameter section of drill pipe has a shoulder which corresponds with and is engaged by a shoulder located on wedge members of lower and upper holders on a drilling rig for supporting the drill pipe without damaging it during and after addition or removal of joints of drill pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for boring a hole from an inside of a casing outwardly at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the casing comprises a drill shoe having a longitudinal axis and being positionable in the casing, the shoe having first and second passageways which converge into a third passageway exiting the shoe, a torsional load transmitting element and a cutting element connecting to one end of the torsional load transmitting element, the torsional load transmitting element and cutting element being positioned in the first passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use, and a fluid conduit and a nozzle connected to one end of the fluid conduit, the fluid conduit and nozzle being positioned in the second passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, which apparatus comprises a body (2; 102) connectable to said top drive, said body (2; 102) comprising at least one gripping element (5; 105) radially displaceable by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to drivingly engage said tubular (30; 110) to permit a screw connection between said tubular and a further tubular to be tightened to the required torque.

Abstract: A method of installing multiple strings within a wellbore. The method utilizes a carrier string having carrier string joints, a plurality of side strings each having side string joints, and a carrier tool for transferring the weight of the side strings to the carrier string permitting the side strings to be held, raised, and lowered within the wellbore by holding, raising, and lowering the carrier string. The carrier tool includes a body having a threaded through bore extending through the body and at least one threaded blind bore on the body. The method comprises the steps of engaging the carrier string joint into the carrier tool at the through bore so that the carrier string extends vertically upward and downward from the carrier tool, and engaging side string joints into the carrier tool at the at least one threaded blind bore.

Abstract: A cylindrical cavity is continuously contacted while removing a rigid liner from within the cavity. The supporting apparatus includes a flexible liner insertable within the rigid liner, having an expanded diameter greater than a diameter of the cavity, and having a top end and closed bottom end. A hollow conduit is attached to the bottom end of the flexible liner and has an opening adjacent the bottom end for introducing a fluid to expand the flexible liner against the cavity and contact the cavity as the rigid liner is withdrawn from about the flexible liner.

Abstract: The present invention is a system permanently installing measuring sondes against the inner wall of a pipe (1) such as a well or a tube. Measuring sondes (8) are respectively associated with coupling devices (2) that are brought to their coupling points in the pipe by means of an elongate support element (3) such as a cable or a tube. Each coupling device (2) comprises a deformable element (6) made of a shape-memory alloy that is deformed in order to allow displacement thereof along the pipe, and that is brought back to its expanded (convex) shape for example by means of a hot fluid stream that is injected in the pipe by means of a pump (P). In this expanded position, it immobilizes coupling device (2) and presses the sonde (8) against pipe (1) while mechanically decoupling the sonde from support element (3). The support element may be withdrawn if not serving another purpose.

Abstract: A method for lining a portion of a casing affixed within a well bore a distance below an upper end of the well bore with a viscoelastic pipe having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the casing is provided. The outer diameter of the pipe is reduced so that the outer diameter of the pipe is less than the inner diameter of the casing. The reduced pipe is then lowered into the casing to a predetermined depth where the upper end of the reduced pipe is positioned a distance below the upper end of the well bore. The reduced pipe is then allowed to expand against the internal wall of the casing, thereby forming a fluid tight seal with the casing and effectively sealing any breaches in the casing. So that the outer diameter of the reduced pipe remains less than the inner diameter of the casing as the viscoelastic pipe is being passed down the casing, the reduced pipe is maintained in tension as the reduced pipe is being passed down the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing pipe buckling when downwardly directed axial forces are applied to a pipeline (3) which extends from a derrick (1) down into a well bore, especially when snubbing. The apparatus comprises two sets of pipe supports (8) linked together to give a continuous chain (10), which is arranged to extend from a respective guide rail (6, 7) in the derrick (1) to the pipeline (3), and the pipe supports (8) are movably arranged in the guide rail (6, 7) parallel to the pipeline (3). The guide rail (6, 7) extends in a general U-shape with the U-bend (6c, 7c) located closest to the lower end of the derrick (1) and comprises two legs (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), of which a first leg (6a, 7a) is arranged close to the pipeline (3) and a second leg (6b, 7b) is arranged at a greater distance from the pipeline. The pipe supports (8) are designed to be placed in the first leg (6a, 7a) when operative, and are designed to be transferred to the second leg (6b, 7b) when they are to be rendered inoperative.

Abstract: This invention provides a tubing injection system that contains one injector for moving a tubing from a source thereof to a second injector. The second injector moves the tubing into the wellbore. In an alternative embodiment for subsea operations, the system may contain a first injector placed under water over the wellhead equipment for moving the tubing to and from the wellbore. A second injector at the surface moves the tubing to the first injector and a third injector moves the tubing from the tubing source to the second injector. In each of the tubing injection systems sensors are provided to determine the radial force on the tubing exerted by the injectors, tubing speed, injector speed, and the back tension on the source. A control unit containing a computer continually maintains the tubing speed, tension and radial pressure on the tubing within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A pressure relief system for use in live well snubbing has blow-out preventers (BOPs) mounted one above the other in a BOP stack on a live well bore and spools installed between successive ones of the blow-out preventers, the spools and the blow-out preventers being arranged along a passage communicating with the well bore and serving to receive piping therethrough during snubbing operations. Supply ducts communicating with the passage between successive ones of the blow-out preventers are provided with gas pressure regulators.

Abstract: The bottom end of a coil tubing string is secured to the bottom end of a primary tubing string at ground surface. Usually the primary tubing string will be of larger diameter and is therefore stronger and stiffer than the coil tubing string. The strings are secured together with a locking assembly. This assembly comprises two interlocking members, one connected with each string. One of the interlocking members is meltable when exposed to elevated temperature. The primary tubing string and the coil tubing string are run together into the desired position in the wellbore. The primary tubing string acts to drag the coil tubing string along with it. Heat is then used to melt the interlocking member so that the strings can be separated. The heat can be provided by circulating steam or hot water or oil down to the assembly. Alternatively the downhole formation temperature may be sufficient to induce melting. Once separated, each string can be pulled or moved independently.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.

Abstract: The present invention, in certain embodiments, discloses a method for moving a conduit, e.g. a cable, in certain wellbore operations, the method, in certain aspects, including a method for introducing cable into a wellbore, the method including providing wellbore cable through a pressure control device to a capstan drive system above an earth wellbore, and pulling the wellbore cable through the pressure control device with the capstan drive system.

Abstract: A circulating nipple used to circulate fluid through well casing while running the casing into a well. The circulating nipple has a body portion and an elongated neck portion. The elongated neck portion is adapted for engagement with a pipe wrench for making the nipple up on the casing string. The body defines one or more holes therethrough adapted for receiving a handle or operating bar therein. The operating bar may be used as an alternative to, or in addition to, the use of the pipe wrench for making the nipple up on the casing string. Methods of running casing using the circulating nipple are also disclosed.

Abstract: A circulating nipple used to circulate fluid through well casing while running the casing into a well. The circulating nipple has a body portion and an elongated neck portion. The elongated neck portion is adapted for engagement with a pipe wrench for making the nipple up on the casing string. The body defines one or more holes therethrough adapted for receiving a handle or operating bar therein. The operating bar may be used as an alternative to, or in addition to, the use of the pipe wrench for making the nipple up on the casing string. Methods of running casing using the circulating nipple are also disclosed.

Abstract: Entry sub for small conduit operations within the bore of a drill string. The entry sub comprises a central body having upper and lower collars, adapted for in-line attachment to a drill string. Each of the collars has a bore therethrough. The upper and lower collars are joined by dual connecting arms, the connecting arms separated so as to provide a cut-out section between the upper and lower collars. Fluid passages are contained within each connecting arm, connecting with the bores of the collars and providing a fluid flowpath through the length of the entry sub. A seal assembly is positioned in the bottom of the cut-out section, permitting a wireline or other small diameter conduit to pass therethrough into the bore of the lower collar and then into the bore of the drill string.

Abstract: This invention provides oilfield spooled coiled tubing production and completion strings assembled at the surface to include sensors and one or more controlled devices which can be tested from a remote location. The devices may have upsets in the coiled tubing. The strings preferably include conductors and hydraulic lines in the coiled tubing. The conductors provide power and data communication between the sensors, devices and surface instrumentation. The coiled tubing strings are preferably tested at the assembly site and transported to the well site one reels. The coiled tubing strings are inserted and retrieved from the wellbores utilizing an adjustable opening injector head system. This invention also provides method of making electro-coiled-tubing wherein upper and lower adapters are connected to the coiled tubing and tested prior to transporting the string to the wellbore. The string preferably includes pressure barriers at both ends of the string.

Abstract: Smart shuttles are used to complete oil and gas wells. Following drilling operations into a geological formation, a steel pipe is disposed in the wellbore. The steel pipe may be a standard casing installed into the wellbore using typical industry practices. Alternatively, the steel pipe may be a drill string attached to a rotary drill bit that is to remain in the wellbore following completion during so-called “one-pass drilling operations”. Using typical procedures in the industry, the well is “completed” by placing into the steel pipe various standard completion devices, many of which are conveyed into place using the drilling rig. Instead, with this invention, smart shuttles are used to convey into the steel pipe the various smart completion devices necessary to complete the oil and gas well. Smart shuttles may be attached to a wireline, to a coiled tubing, or to a wireline installed within coiled tubing.

Abstract: A casing annulus remediation system for lowering a flexible hose into an annulus between strings of casing in a petroleum well by pressurizing the hose so that the hose is rigid and may be forced down the annulus. It is necessary to insert the hose through an outlet into the annulus region for well fluid displacement when pressure builds up in the annulus between casing strings due to leaks in the casing. Pressure build-up in the annulus is reduced by pumping a heavy liquid, sealant or other media through the hose into the annular space experiencing the pressure build-up. A tubing nose is affixed to the lower end of the hose. The hose may be inserted hundreds of feet into the well. Therefore, the hose is pressurized to maintain rigidity to keep the hose from winding about the well during deployment. To keep the hose rigid, internal pressure is maintained in the hose. The tubing nose is provided with a check valve that holds the pressure.