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: 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: A distributed control system for local or remote control of equipment. The distributed control system provides a communication bridge through a local control panel between a non-real-time network, and a real-time network, such as a controller area network. Both soft real-time and hard real-time networks are suitable, but hard real-time is preferred. Multiple distributed control units are used to control various equipment components. The distributed control system may be applied in any environment. The distributed control system may be applied to a skid-mounted coiled tubing unit.

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 an elastomeric compressible 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 hydraulically actuating a plurality of slips to impart select engagement of the periphery of the tubing for its securement therein. 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 gooseneck for coiled tubing operations have a folding design to allow for a more compact design for storage and transport. The gooseneck may remain attached to the injector during transport, thereby decreasing the equipment required to move and set-up the coiled tubing equipment. The gooseneck includes a linkage mechanism for connecting a pair of support struts between the injector body and the tubing guide. The linkage allows the guide to follow a substantially parabolic path as it tracks the tubing from the reel to the injector.

Abstract: A casing liner and method for lining a casing affixed in a well bore. The casing liner having a plurality of grooves and ridges arranged longitudinally and in an alternating relationship about the exterior surface of the casing liner to increase stress storage upon the casing liner being radially reduced in size and thereby decrease the expansion rate of the casing liner and facilitate installation of the casing liner into the casing.

Abstract: A bracket and tension rod device is mounted to a top-drive dolly to carry the weight of a sheave wheel assembly. The device 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: System, apparatus, and method of telemetering downhole sensor information to the surface while operations are performed in an oil or gas well using coiled tubing. Data are transmitted on coiled tubing as digital signals encoded in acoustic signals. In one implementation, a stripper packer through which coiled tubing is moved into a well is operated between at least a first state and a second state; and an acoustic communication device responds to operation of the stripper packer such that when the stripper packer is in the first state, the acoustic communication device is decoupled from acoustic communication with the coiled tubing, but when the stripper packer is in the second state, the acoustic communication device is coupled for acoustic communication with the coiled tubing.

Abstract: The invention is a multipurpose system for reeling tubing secured to a platform made of a reel support frame removeably secured to a platform, a reel containing tubing removeably secured to the reel support frame, a reel drive for rotating the reel disposed on the reel support frame, a tower for suspending the straightener and the guide, a support frame attached to the tower, a guide disposed on the support frame for receiving tubing from the reel and ending the tubing forming bent tubing, a straightener disposed on the support frame for receiving the bent tubing and forming straightened tubing, a rotating connection for connecting the support frame to the tower, a tensioner frame removeably mounted on the platform, and a tensioner secured to the tensioner frame for receiving the straightened tubing, supporting the straightened tubing and moving the straightened tubing.

Abstract: The invention provides a Y-body Christmas tree for use with coil tubing and other wellhead components which integrates components of a Christmas tree, while providing for coil tubing access without necessarily adding to the vertical height of the unit. The Y-body Christmas tree includes firstly, a body formed as a single piece of steel and forming a vertical bore extending axially therethrough, wherein the body comprises in sequence from the bottom to the top: i) a bottom connector for connecting to a wellhead component located therebelow; ii) a first valve housing section forming a side opening communicating with the vertical bore; iii) a flow tee housing section forming at least one side opening communicating with the vertical bore, for producing well flow; and iv) a top connector for connecting to a wellhead component located thereabove.

Abstract: A cyclic check valve is provided for a coiled tubing string which enables reverse circulating for a specific period when a specific combination of pumping condition and oil conditions are favorable. The check valve may be activated to prevent reverse flow up through the valve and into the coiled tubing in the event of a failure of the coiled tubing at surface. The valve may be de-activated to allow reverse circulating. The check valve includes a flapper valve which may be de-activated by shiftable sleeve locked in place by a J-slot assembly. The check valve may be cycled from the activated to de-activated position and verified by a change in pressure drop through the tool.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a spoolable compliant guide, a system including a spoolable compliant guide and injector and methods for using the compliant guide, where the guide is designed to connect at one end to the injector and at its other end to a remote installation having a seal and to allow coiled tubing to be inserted into the installation through the seal. Because the guide permits a substantial distance to exist between the injector and the installation seal and functions as a crimp or band resistor for the coiled tubing, the guide enables the injector to be conveniently positioned remote from the installation such as a wellhead and assumes a compliant shape between the injector and the installation allowing dynamic relative movement between them without the use of heave compensators. Thus, for subsea installations, the injector, its control system and coiled tubing reels can all be located on the water's surface for ease of access and maintenance.

Abstract: A gooseneck for coiled tubing operations have a folding design to allow for a more compact design for storage and transport. The gooseneck may remain attached to the injector during transport, thereby decreasing the equipment required to move and set-up the coiled tubing equipment. The gooseneck includes a linkage mechanism for connecting a pair of support struts between the injector body and the tubing guide. The linkage allows the guide to follow a substantially parabolic path as it tracks the tubing from the reel to the injector.

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: An apparatus for protecting equipment in a wellhead from exposure to fluid pressures, abrasives and corrosive fluids used in a well treatment to stimulate production, includes a mandrel to be inserted through the wellhead into an operative position. The apparatus further includes injectors for reciprocating the mandrel to and from the operative position. The injectors are connected on their top ends to a connector plate that provides a support platform to permit equipment, such as blowout preventers, wireline units, coil tubing injectors or the like, to be mounted to the top of the apparatus.

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: A multi-channel swivel with the wear capability of rigid hard seal means by providing a single mandrel and multiple outer bodies to allow each body to have one or more seals inserted into one or both ends of each body, thereby allowing for three or more seal paths in the swivel.

Abstract: A modular work system permits Rig Up time to be substantially reduced by reducing the number of crane lifts required to offload equipment for a transport boat or vehicle. This is achieved by developing transport skids capable of holding multiple system components. The number of equipment components that must be mechanically coupled on location is reduced by pre-assembling the components and maintaining the assembly in operating condition during storage and transport. Skid design concepts are employed, wherein a skid system carries various pre-assembled components for transport, storage and operation. Specifically, a skid sub-system includes various related components. The components are either pre-assembled or are designed to complete a sub-assembly through final assembly on the rig. The skid is moved into place using the crane, and the assembly is completed. Additional sub-systems are mounted on additional skids which are designed to be mated with the other related skids and sub-assemblies.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a spoolable compliant guide, a system including a spoolable compliant guide and injector and methods for using the compliant guide, where the guide is designed to connect at one end to the injector and at its other end to a remote installation having a seal and to allow coiled tubing to be inserted into the installation through the seal. Because the guide permits a substantial distance to exist between the injector and the installation seal and functions as a crimp or band resistor for the coiled tubing, the guide enables the injector to be conveniently positioned remote from the installation such as a wellhead and assumes a compliant shape between the injector and the installation allowing dynamic relative movement between them without the use of heave compensators. Thus, for subsea installations, the injector, its control system and coiled tubing reels can all be located on the water's surface for ease of access and maintenance.

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: A spring-loaded check valve, mounted between a coiled tubing stripper and a BOP stack seals well bore pressure from the atmosphere when the coiled tubing is removed from the well bore. When no coiled tubing is in use, the check valve is shut against well bore pressure. When coiled tubing is inserted through the stripper and before the coiled tubing enters the BOP stack, the coiled tubing butts against the check valve and opens it, permitting insertion of the coiled tubing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.

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 dual tubing coiled tubing string, including methods of assembly, that includes an inner tubing sealed within at least an upper portion of an outer tubing.

Abstract: A single tractor unit is provided for pulling a tractor, 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 one or more nitrogen generators which gather nitrogen from the earth's atmosphere to be pumped through the coiled tubing into the well being treated. Alternatively, the gaseous nitrogen source is one or more tanks of compressed nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A remote operated coil connector apparatus for use with coiled tubing in a well bore. The apparatus has upper and lower mechanical and electrical connectors. These connectors are adapted for remote operation with respect to a tool holder that secures a tool string within a well bore.

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: The disclosure describes a spoolable compliant guide, a system including a spoolable compliant guide and injector and methods for using the compliant guide, where the guide is designed to connect at one end to the injector and at its other end to a remote installation having a seal and to allow coiled tubing to be inserted into the installation through the seal. Because the guide permits a substantial distance to exist between the injector and the installation seal and functions as a crimp or band resistor for the coiled tubing, the guide enables the injector to be conveniently positioned remote from the installation such as a wellhead and assumes a compliant shape between the injector and the installation allowing dynamic relative movement between them without the use of heave compensators. Thus, for subsea installations, the injector, its control system and coiled tubing reels can all be located on the water's surface for ease of access and maintenance.

Abstract: A remote operated tool string deployment apparatus (RODA) is provided for use with a remote operation coil connector (ROCC) in a well intervention system. The ROCC enables the remote connection of intervention tool strings or bottom hole assemblies (BHA) to the coiled tubing where manually changing them is not possible.

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 gooseneck for coiled tubing operations have a folding design to allow for a more compact design for storage and transport. The gooseneck may remain attached to the injector during transport, thereby decreasing the equipment required to move and set-up the coiled tubing equipment. The gooseneck includes a linkage mechanism for connecting a pair of support struts between the injector body and the tubing guide. The linkage allows the guide to follow a substantially parabolic path as it tracks the tubing from the reel to the injector.

Abstract: The present invention includes an interchangeable coil tubing support block that provides a means for quickly adapting a wheel system for wheel-type coiled tubing injectors for a wide variety of tubing sizes. In addition, the present invention provides a light weight, robust, and wear resistant means of contacting and fully supporting the tubing while it is being injected into and withdrawn from a well.

Abstract: A system for injecting or withdrawing a fluid into or from a well is provided. The system 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. A method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector apparatus for use in inserting coiled tubing into a well, temporarily suspending the coiled tubing, and removing the coiled tubing from the well is described. The apparatus includes a base with a pair of spaced-apart carriages extending upwardly therefrom. The base is part of a frame positioned above a wellhead. The carriages each have a gripper chain drive system rotatably mounted thereon and movable therewith. An actuation and linkage system allows the carriages to move toward and away from one another in a lateral or transverse direction with respect to the superstructure and the base. Thus, the gripper chain systems comprises gripper chains that can be engaged or disengaged from the coiled tubing extending through the apparatus. A wetting fluid basin is positioned below the gripper chains, and support guides engage the coiled tubing below the gripper chains to prevent buckling of the coiled tubing.

Abstract: A remote operated coil connector apparatus for use with coiled tubing in a well bore. The apparatus has upper and lower mechanical and electrical connectors. These connectors are adapted for remote operation with respect to a tool holder that secures a tool string within a well bore.

Abstract: A single tractor unit is provided for pulling a tractor, 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 one or more nitrogen generators which gather nitrogen from the earth's atmosphere to be pumped through the coiled tubing into the well being treated. Alternatively, the gaseous nitrogen source is one or more tanks of compressed nitrogen gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for expanding coiled tubing within a wellbore in order to form a patch. In one aspect, an expansion assembly is run into the wellbore at the lower end of a string of coiled tubing. The expansion assembly includes a cutting tool and an expander tool. The coiled tubing is run into the wellbore such that the expander tool is adjacent a portion of surrounding casing or other tubular body to be patched. The expander tool is actuated so as to expand a selected portion of the coiled tubing into frictional engagement with the surrounding casing, thereby forming a patch within the wellbore. The cutting tool is actuated so as to sever the coiled tubing downhole above the patch. The severed coiled tubing is then pulled, thereby removing the expansion assembly from the wellbore as well.

Abstract: A trolley hoisting system for use in a rig has a derrick mounted to the rig, a winch line extending from an upper end of the derrick, and a traveling block located at one end of the winch line. An injector trolley has at least one cavity for allowing the winch line passage therethrough and is adapted to engage the traveling block so that the winch line may be used to raise and lower the injector trolley along the derrick. A lock arrangement for fixing the injector trolley to the derrick at an upper end thereof allows the traveling block to extend below the injector trolley for performing other desired tasks on the rig.

Abstract: A coil tubing hanger system and a method of installing such system is provided. The coil tubing hanger system comprises a body having an axial opening there through. A slip bowl having a base and housing a slip that can be retained in a first position spaced apart from bowl base and a second position proximate the bowl base is fitted within the opening. The slip has inner teeth. Tubing is fitted within the slip and through the bowl while the slip is retained in the first position. The slip is then allowed to drop to the second position such that the slip teeth bite onto the outer surface of the tubing.

Abstract: An improved mast arrangement for a mobile multi-function rig has a winch line extending from an upper end of the mast and a traveling block supported thereon. A trolley mountable on the mast is adapted for coupling to the traveling block. The trolley works primarily as a guide for a given load, and therefore is of a lightweight design since loads mounted to the trolley are transferred directly to the traveling block and the supporting winch line. The trolley provides the capability to readily switch between various rig operations, including manipulating coiled tubing with an injector, setting surface casing using a top drive, operating the winch and traveling block for joined pipe operations, and interchanging between top drive and joined pipe operations without removing the top drive from the mast or rig.

Abstract: A well tool assembly interconnection method is provided. In a described embodiment, a continuous tubing string has connectors positioned corresponding to desired locations for tool assemblies in a well. The tubing string is wrapped on a reel and transported to a well. As the tubing string is deployed from the reel into the well, the tool assemblies are interconnected between the connectors.

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: The injector of the invention provides a means and method for injecting either coiled tubing or conventional stalked tubing into and from a well by developing axial forces in the tubing. The curvature of the coiled tubing is simultaneously selectably altered on the opposite side of the injector from the wellhead. To develop traction on the tubing, the injector relies upon an array of opposed pairs of annularly grooved driven rollers which are urged into contact with the tubing. The pairs of rollers are mounted in an alternating pattern 90° apart so that the tubing is well supported and urged into roundness. Integral with the injector, but deactivated when the injector is used with stalked tubing, is a selectably operable tubing straightener which serves to straighten the tubing before entry into the well and also to recurve the tubing when being withdrawn from the well to control its arcuate path between the injector and the tubing storage reel.

Abstract: A means and method for improving the injection of coiled tubing into and from a well by providing a secondary injection device for supplementing the thrust forces of the primary injector means. Use of the secondary injection device coacting in tandem with the coiled tubing injector permits developing significantly higher axial forces in the tubing than can be provided by the primary injector alone. The selectably operable thrust enhancement device of this invention provides a short, repeatable stroke in either direction. The thrust enhancement device operates by selectably gripping the tubing with a reciprocably moveable means in a first position, shifting the moveable means to a second position thereby moving the tubing, gripping the tubing with a static means at its new position, releasing the tubing from the moveable means, and returning the moveable means to its first position. When the thrust enhancement device is not needed for the injection operation, its gripping means are disengaged from the tubing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.

Abstract: A coiled tubing rig is operable to simultaneously translate and rotate coiled tubing in a borehole.

Abstract: The injector of the invention provides a means and method for injecting either coiled tubing or conventional stalked tubing into and from a well by developing axial forces in the tubing. The curvature of the coiled tubing is simultaneously selectably altered on the opposite side of the injector from the wellhead. To develop traction on the tubing, the injector relies upon an array of opposed pairs of annularly grooved driven rollers which are urged into contact with the tubing. The pairs of rollers are mounted in an alternating pattern 90° apart so that the tubing is well supported and urged into roundness. Integral with the injector, but deactivated when the injector is used with stalked tubing, is a selectably operable tubing straightener which serves to straighten the tubing before entry into the well and also to recurve the tubing when being withdrawn from the well to control its arcuate path between the injector and the tubing storage reel.

Abstract: The level winding system described has a storage reel, a knuckle boom and a roller guide head for control the winding and unwinding of coiled tubing from the storage reel. The knuckle boom has a crane attached to a rotatable, elevatable, and extendible boom with an attached roller guide head. The described level winding system is easy to control, robust, very adaptable to different rig geometries and tubing sizes, and easy to maintain.

Abstract: A coiled tubing rig is operable to simultaneously translate and rotate coiled tubing in a borehole.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing well operations, such as measuring or forming or testing or treating or the like, and combinations of the above operations, including the use of coiled-in-coiled tubing (CCT) connected to a bottomhole assembly package (BHA), such that the assembly is in communication with both fluid conduits (80 and 82) defined by the coiled-in-coiled tubing.