Abstract: A tubular injector with snubbing jack and oscillator, which eliminates the need for overhead tubular and oscillator support structure and utilizes resonant vibration to remove tubulars (2) and other objects which are stuck in a well. In a first embodiment the apparatus includes a mechanical oscillator (22) mounted on a snubbing jack (30), wherein the tubular load on the snubbing jack (30) can be released and transferred to the oscillator (22) when the tubular (2) is stuck, for vibrating and loosening the tubular (2) in the well. In another embodiment the apparatus is designed to handle coiled tubing (6) and a snubbing-type jack (39) is used in association with a conventional coiled tubing guide (37) and a coiled tubing injector (14), for guiding the coiled tubing (6) from a reel through the guide (37) and through a hollow tubular stem (9) in the oscillating apparatus (22), into the injector (14) and the well.

Abstract: A first rig comprises a collapsible mast having one open side for receiving conventional sectional tubing and a second open side for receiving the injector of a second coiled tubing injection rig. Accordingly, lengths of sectional tubulars can be bandied or drawn up the first open side from the first rig; and coiled tubing can be introduced from the second side. A combination of strong and dual draw works, the dual open side mast and rotary table of a conventional rig minimize serial handling and enable making up both sectional tubing for assembling BHA's, drilling surface hole and making up to non-rotating coiled tubing from the coiled tubing injector.

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 is directed to a coiled tubing injector head comprised of a plurality of endless chains, each of which are at least three links wide, that are positioned around a plurality of sprockets and/or idler rollers within the injector head. The invention further comprises a plurality of gripper assemblies that are positioned around the middle links of the endless chains. The present invention further comprises a bearing skate positioned within the injector head, the bearing skate be comprised of a plurality of bearings in a staggered configuration, the bearings being adapted for rolling engagement with a portion of the gripper assemblies. The invention further comprises an injector head comprised of a plurality of halves, each of said halves being coupled to a positioning bar, said positioning bar having a plurality of openings formed therein, said openings adapted for use in varying the distance between said first and second halves.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector head is comprised of a plurality of endless chains, each of which are at least three links wide, that are positioned around a plurality of sprockets and/or idler rollers within the injector head. A plurality of gripper assemblies are positioned around the middle links of the endless chains. A bearing skate is positioned within the injector head, the bearing skate being comprised of a plurality of bearings in a staggered configuration, the bearings being adapted for rolling engagement with a portion of the gripper assemblies. An injector head is comprised of a plurality of halves, each of the halves being coupled to a positioning bar, the positioning bar having a plurality of openings formed therein, the openings adapted for use in varying the distance between the first and second halves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coiled tubing drilling of substantially horizontal shallow depth boreholes for installation of transmission or conveyance lines. A mobile platform mounts a coiled tubing reel and an adjustably mounted injector head. On the leading end of the coiled tubing is a drilling assembly, including a drill, a drill motor, and an orienter. Once the borehole has been drilled by pushing the drilling assembly through the borehole and exiting the earth's surface, a back reamer may be attached for enlarging the borehole as the coiled tubing is pulled back through the borehole. Once the borehole has been properly sized, the transmission or conveyance line may be attached to the leading end of the coiled tubing and the transmission or conveyance pipe pulled back through the borehole.

Abstract: An injector is provided for injecting and withdrawing large diameter coiled tubing comprising a linear section of gripping blocks driven on an endless chain conveyor. The coiled tubing is forced into frictional engagement with the blocks by a corresponding linear array of rollers. The arrangement is gentle on the coiled tubing. The injector is not restricted in length and thus provides a linear driving section of configurable length for providing superior injection and pulling capacities. In combination with the strong draw works, the mast and rotary table of a conventional rig enables making up both sectional tubing for assembling BHA's, drilling surface hole and making up to non-rotating coiled tubing from the injector. Using a mast having two open sides and with dual draw works, increased functionality is provided and less serial handling.

Abstract: A gripper block for use in an endless chain in a device for moving a generally cylindrical object longitudinally, as into or out of a well. The block has a first portion adapted to engage the endless chain and a second portion adapted to frictionally engage the object. At least a portion of the block is made from a resilient material that engages the tubing.

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 gripper block for use in grippingly engaging coiled tubing, pipe, rod, cable or like objects having various outside dimensions is provided. The gripper block has a gripping portion which includes a curved and a planar gripping surface. The planar gripping surface preferably includes a pair of opposed sloped planar gripping surfaces to engage coiled tubing, preferably steel coiled tubing of varying diameters. The sloped gripping surfaces preferably provide a V-shaped engagement configuration. The curved gripping surface is adapted to engage coiled tubing, preferably composite coiled tubing having a diameter less than the coiled tubing to be engaged by the sloped gripping surfaces.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector includes two chains mounted for continuous, opposing rotation and aligned to grip between the continuous tubing. Behind a portion of each chain is a straight skate that presses gripper elements on the chain against the tubing as it passes between the chains. The skate includes a beam. Rollers are mounted on carriers, and the carriers slide into slots formed on the beam. A resilient pad is placed between the carriers and the beam. The gripper elements roll over the rollers as they are being pressed against the continuous tubing. Dimensional variations in gripper elements, rollers, and the roller carriers that may otherwise cause grippers to be out of alignment are accommodated by compression of the pad. Furthermore, the last roller at each end of each skate is mounted for pivoting against a spring in order to deflect as gripper elements turn into, or out of, alignment with the skate.

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 carriages extending upwardly therefrom. The base is attached to a superstructure. 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 can be engaged or disengaged from tubing extending through the apparatus. Each of the carriages are pivotally attached to the base with a load pin which extends through lugs attached to the base and corresponding lugs extending down from the carriage.

Abstract: A gripper block for use in an endless chain in a device for moving a generally cylindrical object longitudinally, as into or out of a well. The block has a first portion adapted to engage the endless chain and a second portion adapted to frictionally engage the object. At least a portion of the block is made from a resilient material that engages the tubing.

Abstract: The gripping element of a coiled tubing injector has a carrier and a removable gripping shoe mounted to the carrier. The removable shoe slides onto slots formed on the carrier and is floated on the carrier by inserting an elastomeric pad sandwiched between the carrier and shoe. A manually depressible spring along ones side of the carrier prevents the shoe from sliding out of the slots during operation of the injector.