Abstract: A system is provided for drilling and/or servicing a well bore using continuous lengths of coiled tubing in which a turntable assembly rotates a coiled tubing reel assembly and a counter balance system about the well bore such that the coiled tubing is rotated while in the wellbore. A coiled tubing injector may be provided on a separate turntable assembly or on the same turntable assembly as the reel assembly.

Abstract: A system is provided for drilling and/or servicing a well bore using continuous lengths of coiled tubing in which a turntable assembly rotates a coiled tubing reel assembly and a counter balance system about the well bore such that the coiled tubing is rotated while in the wellbore. A coiled tubing injector may be provided on a separate turntable assembly or on the same turntable assembly as the reel assembly. A swivel support assembly may be provided for managing operation lines associated with the system.

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: A coiled tubing transfer system comprising a carrier having a bed, the bed having a width and the length, the length of the bed being longer than the width of the bed, a reel removably supported on the bed, the reel comprising a spool rotatably journaled in first and second supports, the spool having a core with a diameter and long axis extending between the supports, the long axis having a length greater than the width of the bed, the reel being positionable on the bed in a first position with the long axis of the core extending lengthwise of the bed, the longest dimension of the reel transverse to the long axis of the core being less than the width of the bed and a length of coiled tubing useable in earth borehole operations being wound around the core, the coiled tubing having an outside diameter of from 1? to 9?, the ratio of the diameter of the coiled tubing to the diameter of the core being from 1:20 to 1:70.

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: 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: 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 apparatus comprising a mobile trailer, a coiled tubing unit coupled to the mobile trailer, and an enclosure surrounding the coiled tubing unit. The coiled tubing unit may comprise a coiled tubing reel and a coiled tubing injector, wherein the reel and the injector may be positionally fixed relative to one another and collectively move relative to the mobile trailer as an integral unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations include a reel (28) of continuous coiled casing (30), and an injector (20) for moving the coiled casing. The bottomhole assembly including at least a motor (54) and a bit (56) is connected to the free end of the coiled casing, and injected into the earth while circulating fluid through the coiled casing to form a drilled earth borehole having a borehole wall. The coiled casing drill string may be retrieved from the borehole, the bottomhole assembly removed, and the coiled casing again injected into the borehole, then suspended from a wellhead assembly. After severing the coiled casing, a bonding agent such as a cementitious material may be injected into the suspended coiled casing and into the annulus between the coiled casing and the borehole.

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 for conducting earth borehole operations, the apparatus having a base, a mast mounted on the base, and an integrated top drive/CT injector unit carried by the mast for longitudinal movement therealong.

Abstract: A tubing injector head, includes a main body adapted for mounting on a well. A pair of gripper chain supports are mounted to the main body. Each gripper chain support has an upper chain sprocket at an upper end and a lower chain sprocket at a lower end. A drive motor drives the upper chain sprocket to move a gripper chain along a bearing surface. A tubing channel is positioned between the gripper chain supports. Telescopic cylinders are provided for creating relative movement of the gripper chain supports, while maintaining the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface in parallel spaced relation. The telescopic cylinders move the gripper chains into or out of engagement with tubing positioned in the tubing channel.

Abstract: A tubing hanger apparatus and method for installing coiled tubing in oil and gas wells utilizes a tubing head assembly having a vertical flow passage therethrough, a hydraulically operated piston in an upper portion of the flow passage; a double tapered slip cup and an annular packoff assembly in a lower portion of the flow passage, and a contractible double tapered slip assembly disposed between the piston and slip cup. The piston, in a normally raised position and the slip in a normally radially expanded position allows coiled tubing to be lowered or raised therethrough and through the slip cup and packoff assembly. The piston is lowered by hydraulic pressure to apply a vertical force that radially contracts the slip assembly to grip the tubing and support the weight thereof and the weight is transferred through the slip cup to expand the packoff assembly and seal the tubing.

Abstract: A technique improves the ability to inject coiled tubing at a variety of wells. A telescopic, anti-buckling guide is designed to support the coiled tubing to prevent buckling under operating loads. The telescopic, anti-buckling guide also facilitates connection to a variety of well control stacks of different heights without requiring vertical movement of the coiled tubing injector and without the need for pressure containment members in the guide.

Abstract: A well assembly for intervention of a subsea well or a well head with a wireline or a coiled tubing connected to a tool or a toolstring and including lubricator and an injector package. The injector package is adapted to inject the wireline or coiled tubing into the well or well head. The lubricator is adapted to be fitted in a lubricator package and define a locking chamber via which the wireline or coiled tubing is to be forwarded to the well or well head. The lubricator is adapted to be connected to the well head. The injector package includes an injector module adapted to be fitted to the well head. The injector module is adapted to forward the lubricator through it when the packages are connected to each other and to the well head, for the purpose of injecting the wireline or coiled tubing into the well or well head. The lubricator includes a lubricator pipe element and an associated moveable stripper/packer element adapted to be connected to a well barrier module on the well head.

Abstract: A spooled tubing unit is provided which permits simultaneous translation and rotation of continuous tubing to drill or conduct other downhole operations in a borehole in subterranean formations.

Abstract: An improved dual purpose blow out preventer (“BOP”) that provides both deployment and wellhead pressure containment functions. The dual purpose BOP may include four sets of rams including a set of seal/slip rams that provide bi-directional sealing being a first barrier to downhole pressure. The seal/slip rams may also grip a portion of a bottom hole assembly and create the bottom seal of an annular chamber. The BOP may include a set of seal rams that create the top seal of the annular chamber. The annular chamber may be pressurized through a port in the BOP, which may actuate a coiled tubing connector. The BOP may include a set of locate rams used to position a coiled tubing connector within the BOP stack. The BOP may also include a set of blind/shear rams that provide bi-directional sealing being a second barrier to wellhead pressure.

Abstract: A drum assembly for accommodating a well access line. The drum of the assembly may include a core coupled to flanges at either side thereof. The core may be configured to accommodate the well access line thereabout. Additionally, the core may be configured with an inner portion for coupling to the flanges at an arcuate junction therebetween as well as a collar about the inner portion for directly accommodating the well access line in a stable manner.

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 spoolable connector which connects two opposing sections of coil tubing so as to transmit load between one section of coil tubing to another section of coil tubing. The spoolable connector has opposing non-circular grooves into which portions of the sections of coil tubing are deformed so as to create the torque transmitting connection between the spoolable connector and sections of coil tubing. The spoolable connector also includes a plurality of parallel radial slots on each opposing end to enhance bending of the connector at the ends as well as a plurality of longitudinal slots at each end to accommodate the weld seam line in the coil tubing. Seals are also provided as well as a sleeve which in use fits over the mid-section of the connector.

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 steerable soil penetration system having a steerable penetration head, which compacts and does not cut away the surrounding soil and which is connected to an elongate flexible tubing such that the orientation of the penetration head can be varied relative to the tubing. The elongate tubing and/or a downhole hammer or tractor pushes the penetration head through the subsurface formation. Preferably the tubing is surrounded by a narrow annulus so that buckling of the tubing is inhibited and the tubing protects the pierced hole against caving in. Optionally the tubing is circumferentially expanded after completion of the piercing process thereby increasing the width of the pierced hole and providing a permanent hole lining.

Abstract: A spooled tubing unit is provided which permits simultaneous translation and rotation of continuous tubing to drill or conduct other downhole operations in a borehole in subterranean formations.

Abstract: A coiled tubing connector for connecting tools together when they are inserted into a well bore. The connector includes a disposable element that may be severed along with the connected portion of the coiled tubing. This provides for quick disconnect and reuse of the remainder of the connector.

Abstract: A technique facilitates combined drilling and coiled tubing operations from a single bed of a rig. A mast is mounted to the bed, and a coiled tubing injector is connected to the mast. The coiled tubing injector is able to move coiled tubing into and out of a wellbore. A starter head also is mounted to the mast. The starter head is rotatable to make and break connections of tool string components. However, the starter head generally is rotationally stationary during drilling operations.

Abstract: A continuous well string injection unit and balancing system, in which the continuous well string injection unit is suspended using a sling connected to a pair of suspension points. The balancing system comprises a length-adjustable member connected to the rod injector at a third suspension point, and a controller for adjusting the length of the length-adjustable member.

Abstract: A process to lower or raise a drilling rig for transportation wherein the drilling rig includes a mast and a top drive. The process to lower includes the steps of moving the top drive within the mast with a vertical guide and torque reaction mechanism to a locked position and locking the top drive to the mast with a locking mechanism. The mast and the top drive are lowered together from a vertical position to a horizontal position. The combined mast and top drive may then be transported in the horizontal position without disconnecting electrical, mud line or other services.

Abstract: An apparatus and automated control of the apparatus for use in coiled pipe operations is provided. The apparatus includes a mobile rig or trailer that carries a tower having attached thereto a reel of coiled tubing and a standard coiled tubing injector. The tower is positionable to support the reel of coiled tubing and the injector at a desired elevation above a wellhead. The reel of coiled tubing is supported upon a movable reel cart which is actively positioned by an automated control system to position the reel of coiled tube and ultimately the coiled tubing as it drawn from and drawn upon the reel during operation. The control system monitors the position of the coiled tube as it is passed through the injector and positions the reel cart to minimize the number of bends the coiled tubing is subjected to during one complete iteration of running in and withdrawal.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for moving tubulars into and out of a well bore, and particularly, a tubular injector with two or more gripping members which bind the outer surface of the tubular, two or more actuators which cause the gripping members to bind or release the tubular, and at least one reciprocator for translating a gripping member to move the tubular, or for repositioning the gripping member. A method of translating a tubular is also provided which includes the steps of binding the outer surface of a tubular with at least one gripping members by engagement with an actuator, and translating a gripping member by reciprocator to move the tubular.

Abstract: An offshore oil well assembly is provided that includes a floating vessel and a coiled tubing injector supported on the floating vessel. A coiled tubing string is movable by the injector into and out of a wellbore. The assembly also includes at least one measurement device which, either directly or indirectly, measures a heave induced acceleration of the injector; and a control system which receives a signal from the measurement device indicating the heave induced acceleration of the injector, and transmits a command signal which causes a counteracting acceleration to be applied to the coiled tubing, wherein the counteracting acceleration is opposite to the heave induced acceleration experienced by the injector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for removing sand and/or other fill material located in a wellbore ahead of a coiled tubing tractor and displacing the material behind the tractor. More particularly, the apparatus and methods of the present invention allow a coiled tubing tractor to drive forward in a wellbore by removing fill material in front of the tractor thereby allowing the wheels or traction pads of the tractor to remain in contact with the wellbore.

Abstract: Rigid wound or reelable pipe (1) for transporting hydrocarbons having a single-walled or double-walled envelope comprising two coaxial pipes, internal (2) and external (3), respectively, separated by an annular space, comprising at least one electrical heating cable (10) capable of being subjected to an elongation of 0.5% without sustaining damage and produced, for example, in the form of a central conducting braided cable surrounded by an electrically insulating sheath. The materials comprising the cable are subjected to elastically deformation by remaining below 15% of their elastic limit and preferably below 5%.

Abstract: A transportable, elevating operator cabin for use in connection with controlling coiled tubing injection equipment comprises a cabin including control elements; an elongated flexible element of fixed length, such as a belt or chain, extending under the cabin, between two, elevated points on adjacent structures located on opposite sides of the cabin; and a take-up mechanism for shortening the length of the flexible element between the two, elevated points. The take-up mechanism is mounted in a fixed position relative to the cabin so that operation of the take-up mechanism results in elevating of the cabin with respect to the adjacent structures. The cabin may be raised to a distance roughly equal to the height of the cabin while maintaining a compact design not much larger than the cabin itself that is suitable for transport, and the arrangement avoids mechanical complexity and costs associated with using other types of lifting mechanisms.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for servicing of a bore hole in the earth, comprising a first sub-assembly adapted for the insertion and removal of a continuous length of coiled tubing into and from the bore hole, a second sub-assembly adapted for the vaporization of liquified gas and the pumping of the resulting gas through the coiled tubing into the bore hole and a platform to support both the first and second sub-assemblies thereon.

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 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: The subsea intervention system (SIM) includes a BOP module 10 and CT module 20. A tool positioning system 76 is used for positioning a selected subsea tool 22 stored within a rack 18 with a tool axis in line with the BOP axis, while a marinized coiled string injector 80 is moved by positioning system 81 to an inactive position. Power to the subsea electric motors 162 is supplied by an electrical line umbilical extending from the surface for powering the pumps 164, with the hydraulic system controlled by power control unit 198. The injector 80 preferably includes a pressure compensator roller bearing 220 and a pressure compensated drive system case 254.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for deploying a line in a borehole using coiled tubing are presented. Methods are applicable for use in deploying a line in a coiled tubing when the coiled tubing is spooled on a reel or deployed in a wellbore. A line reel provided in a pressure housing is used to supply a line for deployment using fluid flow in coiled tubing. The line reel assembly and deployments methods are suitable for use under well pressure. The line may comprise fiber optics. Subsequent to deployment of coiled tubing with a line dispose therein, the coiled tubing may be withdrawn, leaving the line in the wellbore.

Abstract: The combination workover and drilling rig of the present invention combines a capability to drill a well, as well as perform well maintenance and service, using either or both tubing with threaded tubular connections or coiled tubing. A mast and a coiled tubing injector are independently mounted to a support platform and can be operated independently of each other. The coiled tubing injector is selectably elevatable into a stowed position, a ready position, or an operating position.

Abstract: A tubing injector for injecting tubing (4) into a pipeline or bore or the like comprises: an annular piston for moving the tubing (4); a collet for gripping the tubing on movement of the piston in an injecting direction, the collet (14) and the tubing being movable with the piston, and the collet being releasable from the tubing (4) on movement of the piston in another direction, and a ratchet collet for preventing the tubing from being ejected.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting an injector assembly, such as an injector and a BOP, for coiled tubing to a wellhead may have a platform, such as a trailer, having a shaft attached thereto by at least one bracket. Pivotally on the bracket may be a boom, which may have telescopic sections, and at least one member, which may have a substantially boomerang shape. The member may be attachable to the bracket by an extendable boom fold actuator, and may be attachable to the boom via an extendable boom operating actuator. By selectively extending and contracting the boom fold actuators and the boom operating actuators, the boom may be selectively positioned between a transport mode, a vertical mode, and an operating mode. In this way, one assembly may be used to transport the coiled tubing and the injector assembly for connection to the wellhead, thus minimizing rig-up or set up time.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and moving a load. The apparatus comprises a lift frame having a first and second vertical member that are connected so that a working window area is defined. The apparatus further comprises a rotary actuator mounted on the first vertical member, and an arm having a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the arm is pivotly connected to the rotary actuator. The arm is pivotal from an area exterior of the working window area to an area within the working window area. The apparatus may further comprise a winch, operatively attached to the arm, for lifting a load with the cable. A method of lifting a load is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for removing undesirable material from a well bore in a hydrocarbon formation with minimum damage to the formation. The apparatus comprises a concentric tubing string, said concentric tubing string further comprising an inner tube means having an inner annulus therethrough and an outer tube means forming an outer annulus between said outer tube means and said inner tube means, means for introducing into said well bore a pressurized clean out medium through one of the said inner annulus and outer annulus, and means for removing said material and clean out medium through the other of the said inner annulus and said outer annulus to the surface of said well bore. In a preferred embodiment, the introducing means comprises a discharge compressor or mud pump and the removing means comprises a suctioning compressor.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting coiled tubing into a bore comprises a rotatable housing (28, 29) having an axis along which coiled tubing is to be translated. A set of rolling elements (12, 14) is rotatably mounted in the housing (28, 29), each rolling element (24) having a skewed axis of rotation with respect to the housing axis and being arranged for rolling contact with an outside diameter of the coiled tubing. The arrangement is such that rotation of the housing (28, 29) relative to the tubing causes the tubing to be moved axially through the rotating housing.

Abstract: A system for reducing the effects of heave movements of a wellhead in an offshore drilling device is provided that includes a frame; a coiled tubing stack supported by the frame; and a heave compensation system for controlling an amount of load transferred from the coiled tubing stack to the wellhead to reduce relative movements between the coiled tubing stack and the wellhead.

Abstract: A single tractor unit is provided for pulling a trailer, in which the tractor itself drives a plurality of hydraulic motors which control a crane unit, a coiled tubing injection unit, and the pumps and motors associated with a liquid nitrogen system which is used for injecting gaseous hydrogen into a workover well with coiled tubing. In an alternative mode, the liquid nitrogen system is replaced with nitrogen generators or tanks of compressed nitrogen gas. In another alternative embodiment, a separate engine, preferably mounted with the other equipment on a trailer, skid, or barge, replaces the single tractor engine for driving the plurality of hydraulic motors. In yet another embodiment, a single engine drives a plurality of well treating systems on an off-shore installation.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector assembly includes a coiled tubing injector and a tubing guide. The tubing guide has an automatic clamping mechanism that includes a pair of clamping slips. The clamping slip will automatically move from an open position in which coiled tubing can pass through the clamping sips, to a closed position in which the clamping slips positively clamp the coiled tubing to the tubing guide. The clamping mechanism moves from the open to the closed position when the tubing guide is lifted from an installation platform in which the coiled tubing is positioned in the tubing guide so that it can be positioned on top of the coiled tubing injector. The clamping mechanism will automatically clamp the coiled tubing to the tubing guide when the tubing guide is removed from the coiled tubing injector.

Abstract: A system and method for injecting or withdrawing a fluid into or from a well includes an injector vehicle having a longitudinal axis and operable to position tubing into the well. The system also includes a tubing supply vehicle operable to provide the tubing to the injector vehicle for positioning in the well. In one aspect of the invention, the tubing is mounted on at least one spool, wherein the longitudinal axis of the injector vehicle is transverse to an axis of rotation of the spool and transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tubing supply vehicle. In a separate aspect of the invention, a spiral guide is used to transition tubing during spooling and unspooling between a plurality of empty and full spools. In yet a separate aspect of the invention, a spool is vertically adjustable to allow rotation of the spool during spooling and unspooling.

Abstract: A completion system comprises a christmas tree (10) mounted on a wellhead housing (11), a tubing hanger (12) landed in the tree or wellhead housing, the wellhead housing (11) being mounted on a casing string (100) and a tubing string (14) being suspended from the tubing hanger within the casing string; wherein, in use, the annulus defined between the tubing (14) and the casing (100) serves as a production bore. A second tubing string (98) is expanded into sealing engagement with the casing string (100) over at least a portion of their lengths. The annulus normally used to provide well service functions is thus eliminated. Well servicing is instead provided via the tubing string (14), which may be coiled tubing.

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.