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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for moving an Iron Roughneck into position to allow making-up or breaking-out of threaded joints in a drill string. The apparatus may also be used to move other drilling equipment into position on the centerline of the well or at mouse holes. A self-balanced, dual synchronized parallelogram arm is utilized to accomplish the movement of the devices. Hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders are used for extension and retraction of the arm rather than to support the tool. The arm may hold the tool in any position without cylinder assistance. The linkage in the synchronized parallelogram may be accomplished by gears, links, slots, or rollers.

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

Abstract: A drilling flange and an independent screwed wellhead provides a metal-to-metal seal that supplements the traditional elastomeric O-rings for providing a fluid seal between the drilling flange and the wellhead. The metal-to-metal seal may be achieved using a metal ring gasket or two contacting metal surfaces that are machined to required tolerances and are configured to be forced together when the drilling flange is mounted to the wellhead. The metal-to-metal seal ensures a fluid seal between the flange body and the wellhead in the event that the O-rings malfunction or are destroyed by fire.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drilling with a top drive system are provided. In one aspect, a top drive system includes a top drive, top drive adapter, and a tubular positioning apparatus. In another aspect, the top drive adapter is pivotably connected to the top drive for pivoting the top drive adapter toward the casing string with respect to the top drive. In another aspect, the system includes a telescopic link system connected to a lower portion of the top drive adapter to move the casing string into engagement with the top drive adapter. In another aspect, the top drive adapter includes a housing operatively connected to the top drive and a plurality of retaining members disposed in the housing for gripping the tubular. In another aspect, the tubular positioning apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging a tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. A spinner may be provided to rotate the tubular.

Abstract: A pipe handling device for mounting to use with a top drive and possibly a pipe engaging apparatus, includes a link arm having a first end pivotally connectable to move with the top drive and an outboard end pivotally connectable to a pipe elevator segment, and a drive system to drive the outboard end of the link arm at least between a lower position and a raised position. A pipe handling system and method may include or employ the pipe handling device.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining two strings of tubulars characterized in that the apparatus comprises body parts of a device for retaining a single string of tubulars and a converting member. A device for retaining a string of tubulars, the device comprising at least one body part having a curved tapered surface upon which inserts are located for engagement with the string of tubulars characterised in that the curved tapered surface comprises a recess for the passage of cables.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, said apparatus comprising a motor (4, 4?) for rotating a tool (30) for drivingly engaging a tubular, and means (3) for connecting said motor (4, 4?) to said top drive, the apparatus being such that, in use, said motor (4, 4?) can rotate one tubular with respect to another to connect said tubular.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and methods to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods can be used to for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.

Abstract: A top drive drilling system, in at least some aspects, having a top drive unit, and a pipe gripping system beneath the top drive unit which has an open throat for receiving a tubular to be gripped by the pipe gripping system; and, in at least certain aspects, the gripping system having a body with first and second jaws movably connected thereto and piston/cylinder devices movably interconnected with each jaw for moving the jaws to clamp and then to rotate the pipe.

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: An apparatus is provided with position sensors. When the apparatus has moved one tubular into alignment with another tubular a button on a remote control console is pressed to memorize the position. After the next tubular has been gripped by the apparatus a “recall” button is pressed and the apparatus automatically moves the next tubular to the memorized position. This saves vital seconds in joining tubulars and also reduces the likelihood of threads being damaged due to misalignment of the tubulars.

Abstract: A running tool 10, a lockdown sleeve 27, and a seal ring 24 are provided for axially fixing upward movement of a tubular hanger with respect to a subsea wellhead. The running tool 10 includes a tool latching and unlatching mechanism 51 for axially connecting the running tool to the subsea wellhead housing, a tool force applicator 64 for exerting a downward setting force, and a sleeve latching mechanism 73 for securing the lockdown sleeve to the subsea wellhead housing 20. The seal 24 is provided between the lockdown sleeve and one of the tubular hanger and the wellhead housing. The method of the invention includes running the tool and sleeve in open water to the subsea wellhead housing, locking the tool to the housing, setting the seal, locking the sleeve to the housing, then retrieving the tool in open water.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a string of casing from a well bore. The method and apparatus include a plurality of drill bits substantially aligned with each other for drilling a plurality of holes in the string of casing. The plurality of holes can be used to lift the string in casing from the well bore via a series of incremental casing sections.

Abstract: A method for constructing a power tong jaw, including the steps of: (1) providing a substantially flat upper plate and a substantially flat lower plate; (2) providing at least two separately formed substantially elongated column members, at least one of the column members having a die insert groove formed therein; and (3) connecting the upper plate to the lower plate using the column members.

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

Abstract: A clamp for supporting a subsea wellhead and attached casing string preparatory to installing same in a well, and slip bowl assembly for running a drill pipe cementing string inside the casing string. The clamp comprises two hinged together clamp halves with a connector to permit the clamp to be locked about a subsea wellhead. Half-circle cutouts in each clamp half form a clamp bore when the clamp is closed. The clamp bore has a grooved profile to mate with a grooved profile on the exterior of the subsea wellhead. When the subsea wellhead is clamped in place, with the clamp resting on the rig floor, a slip bowl assembly having a grooved base plate is placed atop the clamp.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods can be used to for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.

Abstract: A safety sleeve used with a wireline connection where the safety sleeve comprises an elongated body with an axial aperture formed along its axis. The wireline connection connects a severed wireline and can be comprised of a fishing spear and a fishing overshot. The safety sleeve axially encompasses the wireline connection assembly with its elongated body. The bending moment required to yield said safety sleeve is greater than the maximum bending moment experienced by the combination of the safety sleeve and the wireline connection during operation. The safety sleeve can also include a collar threadedly connectable to one side of the elongated body, a window formed along the elongated body, and a raised portion formed on the inner radius of the elongated body. The invention further includes a method of using the safety sleeve in conjunction with a wireline connection assembly.

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: The invention is a method for drilling a well and for well intervention using a multipurpose system on a pivoting, slidable cantilever on a platform to drill a well and to perform well intervention operations, wherein the method involves pulling a completion tubing out of the well; forming completion tubing segments pulled from the well; setting back the segments into a storage area; running the coiled tubulars into the well; removing used completion equipment from the well; preparing the well for new completion equipment with the coiled tubulars; pulling segments of new completion tubing from the storage area and breaking segments of new completion tubing into individual joints and removing the individual joints from the cantilever; running into the well with coiled tubulars and installing the new completion equipment; building segments from individual joints and setting the segments in the storage area; and running segments and new completion equipment into the well.

Abstract: Drill rod holder (10) for clamping a pair of jaws against a drill rod (40), by a piston-cylinder arrangement (22). A first of the jaws is fixed and a second jaw (36) is movable by the piston-cylinder arrangement. A medium under pressure is introduced into the cylinder to urge the piston (26) and the second jaw attached thereto to release the second jaw from the drill rod. The cylinder (2) is pre-filled with a pressurized gas (46) acting on the piston (26) to urge the second jaw (36) against the drill rod to clamp the drill rod (40) between the jaws when the gas pressure exceeds the medium pressure. The second jaw (36) is arranged to move away from the first jaw (34) when the medium pressure exceeds the gas pressure.

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

Abstract: The invention is directed to breechblock connections to and between oil field equipment and oil field lines for use with oil field equipment associated with oil and gas exploration, drilling, and production. The oil field lines and oil field equipment of the invention include a breechblock connection for quick and easy removal and installation of the oil field lines to oil field equipment and to other oil field lines, and connections between different pieces of oil field equipment. Methods of connecting lines to oil field equipment and connecting one piece of oil field equipment to a second piece of oil field equipment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drilling system is provided that includes first and second tubular connectors and a washpipe assembly including at least one dynamic seal and defining a fluid conduit having a first mating connector and a second mating connector. The drilling system also includes a controllable torque driver arranged to mechanically engage the washpipe assembly such that fluid connections are made between the first mating connector and the first tubular connector, and the second mating connector and the second tubular connector.

Abstract: The invention provides a casing adapter tool which connects and seals to a casing pipe at its lower end and to production or service equipment at its upper end, and is used with well servicing equipment, such as is involved in fracturing. The casing adapter tool includes a generally tubular casing adapter body having an upper end and a lower end, and is formed with a central bore extending therethrough. The central bore provides a profile which forms a casing seal chamber at the lower end, and a barrier seal chamber located thereabove. The barrier seal chamber is formed with a profile to accommodate and seal to a first removable pressure barrier on removal of any well servicing equipment. Most preferably, the barrier seal chamber has a profile sized to provide full bore access to the casing pipe and to accommodate and seal to the first removable pressure barrier which is of a threaded, latched or snap ring type check valve or plug.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring pipe according to which a pipe joint is positioned in a pipe lift in a first position and moved to a second position before being transferred from the pipe lift to a pipe shuttle and moved to a third position.

Abstract: A well stimulation tool is connected to a top of a tubing hanger in a well to be stimulated. The well stimulation tool includes an adapter pin that connects to the tubing hanger. The adapter pin is connected to a mandrel that reciprocates through a top end of an adapter spool, which is mounted to a tubing head spool that supports the tubing hanger. A high-pressure valve is mounted to a top end of the mandrel. High-pressure fluids are pumped through the high-pressure valve, the mandrel, the adapter pin, the tubing hanger, and a production tubing into the well.

Abstract: A process to transport a blow out preventer for a drilling rig having a drawworks wherein the blow out preventer is transported between a storage area and a use position over a wellbore. The process includes the steps of connecting an upper connector end of an elongated running tool to the drawworks of the drilling rig. The elongated running tool is moved in position parallel to the wellbore using the drawworks of the drilling rig. The running tool is lowered so that a stab connection is made between a lower connector end of the running tool and the blow out preventer. The blow out preventer is thereafter moved over and in alignment with the wellbore.

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: An apparatus and methods to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods can be used for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.

Abstract: A device for use in removing and installing an inline component from a drill string that is depending downward over a deck. The device has an elongate member with a flange adapted to abut the deck and support the elongate member in a substantially upright orientation, and an engagement member on the elongate member adapted to rotably engage the inline component.

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 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: Devices and methods for selectively emplacing a wear bushing in a wellhead housing and removing it therefrom. A drill string-mounted running tool is used to selectively engage the wear bushing during emplacement and removal. The wear bushing need not be removed each time the drill string is tripped into or out of the well. In addition, the drill string may continue to be lowered after the wear bushing is landed since the running tools described can easily pass through the bushing.

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

Abstract: A remotely controlled apparatus for positioning and stabbing pipe within a drilling rig derrick is provided. A support base assembly is mounted to a structural member of a drilling rig derrick. A jointed articulating boom having a boom base member and a boom arm member is attached to the support base assembly and can be pivoted about vertical and horizontal axes. The jointed articulating boom extends and retracts by cooperative motion between the boom base member and the boom arm member. A pipe gripper assembly having opposing arcuate jaws is mounted at the outer extent of the jointed articulating boom and can be pivoted about a horizontal axis. A remote control panel subassembly is used to control the movement of jointed articulating boom and pipe gripper assembly.

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: After an existing lower rod lock is tightened to keep a pump rod, which extends from a stuck pump rotor, from sliding down into a well, an existing upper rod lock/drive is loosened to allow the rod to slide through the upper rod drive.

Abstract: A self-erecting rig is adapted for deployment on a platform and includes hydraulic jacks and rails. The rig structure is made up of stacked, interlocking modules having open areas pre-fitted with well equipment such as mud pumps, mud tanks, and power packs. The rails are disposed on a platform and guide the modules to the hydraulic jacks. Hydraulic jacks, also fixed onto the platform, are configured to releasably engage and elevate the modules. During deployment, the jacks engage a module and hoist it to a pre-determined height. While the engaged module is suspended, another module is slid immediately below. After the two modules interlock, the jacks repeat the process.

Abstract: A reciprocating lubricator includes a lubricator base, a lubricator tube connected at the top to a lubricator head and inserted through a packing in the lubricator base to provide a sealable chamber adapted to accommodate a downhole tool to be inserted into a wellbore against well fluid pressure. The chamber in the lubricator tube is sealed using equipment mounted to the lubricator head. Injectors interconnecting the lubricator base and the lubricator head reciprocate the lubricator tube through the lubricator base. When a downhole tool is inserted into the wellbore, the lubricator head rests against the lubricator base to provide a low, safe and stable position for operation of the equipment mounted to the top of the lubricator head.

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 wellbore casing is formed simultaneously with the drilling out of the wellbore.

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 torque head for gripping tubular members, in at least some aspects, has a housing, grip mechanism secured within the housing, the grip mechanism for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.

Abstract: A pipe spinning apparatus connected in a drilling string for threadably connecting or disconnecting joints of pipes is provided. The pipe spinning apparatus includes a rotatable stem for connecting and disconnecting members, at least one pneumatic, turbine motor rotatably connected to the stem and a throttle control functionally connected to the turbine motor for variably controlling the speed of rotation of the stem. The rotational speed of the stem can be controlled through a range of revolutions per minute (rpm) depending on the air pressure and flow rate provided. The speed may be varied from 0 rpms to at least 500 rpms. A desirable range of operation is from 0 to 200 rpms. This ability to control and vary the speed of the stem greatly increases the safe operation of present kelly spinner over the prior art kelly spinners.