Abstract: A remote locking system for a blowout preventer (BOP) includes a locking mechanism configured to move to adjust the remote locking system between an unlocked configuration in which the remote locking system enables movement of a ram of the BOP and a locked configuration in which the remote locking system blocks movement of the ram of the BOP. The remote locking system also includes a gear assembly coupled to the locking mechanism, a motor coupled to the gear assembly, and an electronic controller configured to provide a control signal to activate the motor to drive the locking mechanism to move via the gear assembly.

Abstract: A pipe connector system includes an upper housing forming an upper inner cavity; a lower housing forming a lower inner cavity, the upper inner cavity is coaxially aligned with the lower inner cavity; a piston cavity formed between the upper housing and lower housing; a piston disposed within the piston cavity, the piston is configured to slidingly engage within the piston cavity; a locking device configured to traverse within the upper housing, the locking device having a plurality of locking jaws surrounding a periphery of the inner cavity, the locking device, having a base integral with the plurality of locking jaws, the base is configured to rest on the piston; a first port in fluid communication with an upper chamber positioned at a first end of the piston within the piston chamber; and a second port in fluid communication with a lower chamber positioned at a second end of the piston within the piston chamber.

Abstract: A valve block may be assembled, in a controlled environment, a valve block to be modular and purpose built for a specific application. The specific application may be an operation to be performed at a well site. The modular purpose built valve block may be function tested, in the controlled environment. Additionally, the modular purpose built valve block may be pre-packaged, in the controlled environment, to have a digital system to operate and automate the modular purpose built valve block. Further, the modular pre-packaged purpose built valve block may be deployed to the well site, and the modular pre-packaged purpose built valve block may be fluidly coupled to a wellhead. The modular pre-packaged purpose built valve block may be operated to perform the operation at the well site.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a multi-ball valve assembly that lessens the pressure applied from either uphole or downhole directions by directing a portion of the pressure into a sealed fluid chamber area between two balls that are operatively coupled together by one or more control arms. The multi-ball valve assembly may be a floating design where the balls move axially with respect to each other or fixed designs that use either pressure relief valves or biased travel piston valves to divert a portion of the pressure into the fluid chamber area, thereby lessening the distortion of the face of the ball valve against which fluid pressure is being applied.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a subsea cutting/sealing device to seal a wellbore and cut any drill pipe in the wellbore. The subsea cutting/sealing device locks two pipe cutters in a closed position utilizing locking mechanisms on two position rods. The position rods are part of a visual indicator that an ROV camera or diver may use to determine whether the pipe cutter is closed or open position. The locking mechanism operates according to a sequence of operation for opening/closing the pipe cutters. An ROV tool can be used that is capable of operating the locking mechanism as well as opening and closing the subsea cutting sealing device.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a cone having a tapered outer surface, a slip assembly positioned at least partially around the tapered outer surface of the cone, and a sealing ring positioned at least partially around the tapered outer surface of the cone. The slip assembly directly engages the sealing ring, such that the slip assembly is configured to transmit a setting force directly onto the sealing ring, which moves the sealing ring on the tapered outer surface of the cone and expands the sealing ring radially outward.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and/or collapsing apparatus and a method of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another in the plane of the ring structure, in a direction tangential to a circle concentric with the ring structure. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, including anti-extrusion rings, plugs, packers, locks, patching tools, connection systems, and variable diameter tools run in a wellbore.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and/or collapsing apparatus and a method of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another in the plane of the ring structure, in a direction tangential to a circle concentric with the ring structure. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, including anti-extrusion rings, plugs, packers, locks, patching tools, connection systems, and variable diameter tools run in a wellbore.

Abstract: A connecting assembly for quick and safe securing of equipment or tools to a wellhead or for connection between wellbore equipment such as wireline tools or coiled tubing tools. The connecting assembly has a top sub that includes a latching assembly containing a hydraulically actuated locking ring and a mechanically actuated locking segment that selectively engages within the bottom sub to operatively connect the bottom sub within the top sub in sealing engagement.

Abstract: A replaceable seat seal is used to form a replaceable portion of the ram cavity in a BOP that allows the upper central portion of the ram cavity to be replaced when wear occurs. A method is provided to produce a BOP that with a replaceable portion of the ram cavity. The single piece insert, also referred to as a single insert, utilizes only the single insert to repair the BOP as compared to another design that comprised a top insert, bottom insert, and two side inserts. The top insert of the prior art is comparable in construction and mounting position to the single insert.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and collapsing ring apparatus and method of use. The expanding and collapsing ring comprises a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure oriented in a plane around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure defines an inner ring surface configured to be presented to a surface of an object arranged internally to the ring structure. The ring structure is operable to be moved between a collapsed condition and a first expanded condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another in the plane of the ring structure. Applications of the invention include oilfield devices, connection systems, flow barriers and packers.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a ram in a well pressure control apparatus includes an actuator rod coupled to a ram. The actuator rod is movable within a housing to extend the ram into a through bore in the housing. A drive screw is rotationally coupled to the actuator rod. The drive screw is oriented transversely to the actuator rod. At least one motor is rotationally coupled to the drive screw.

Abstract: A replaceable seat seal assembly is used to form a replaceable portion of the ram cavity in a BOP that allows the central portion of the ram cavity to be replaced when wear occurs. A method is provided to refurbish a BOP that has a worn ram cavity with a replaceable portion of the ram cavity. The replaceable seat seal assembly includes a plurality of inserts such as a top insert, bottom insert, and two side inserts. The inserts of the replaceable seat seal assembly are positioned within one or more pockets or recesses machined into the ram cavity and throughbore. The inserts can be readily replaced for convenient maintenance without the need for heat treatments, welding, and the like that is normally needed to repair a used ram cavity.

Abstract: An annular blowout preventer (BOP) includes a housing comprising a bore extending through the housing, an annular sealing element configured to be displaced inwardly into the housing bore, and an actuating member configured to be actuated radially or perpendicularly with respect to an axis of the annular sealing element to compress the annular sealing element inwardly into the housing bore.

Abstract: A guide assembly for a downhole tool and related method is disclosed. The guide assembly comprises a guide housing, flappers, and a driver. The guide housing has a passage to receive the downhole tool therethrough. The flappers are movably positionable about the passage to selectively reduce an inlet thereto. The driver comprises a translator rotationally coupled to the flappers via the rods and an actuator to rotate the translator. The flappers are rotatable between the closed and the open position by the driver whereby passage of the downhole tool into the passage is selectively permitted. The translator may be a cam, gear, or rotary driver. The actuator may axially or rotationally drive the translator.

Abstract: As compared to a BOP, a compact lightweight cutting system may have two gates with cutters moveable in opposite directions to cut drill pipe. The system utilizes a relatively short stroke and relatively less hydraulic oil for subsea operation. The system utilizes two gates with flat surfaces for sealing with the two corresponding upper and lower seats. The compact cutting system with a gate valve can be used to substitute for a BOP to significantly reduce the size and weight required in an intervention system.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (“BOP”) includes a housing comprising a vertical bore extending through the housing and a shear body rotatable with respect to the vertical bore to shear an object located within the vertical bore.

Abstract: A device and method for selectively closing and opening a flow path through a sealing element. The device includes second and third tubulars positioned within a bore of a first tubular. A sealing element having a bore is positioned between the second and third tubulars within the bore of the first tubular. The sealing element may be connected to one or both of the tubulars. Bores of the second and third tubulars communicate with the bore of the sealing element to provide a flow path. Movement of the third tubular with respect to the second tubular buckles the sealing element inward to selectively close a portion of the flow path. The third tubular may be moved away from the second tubular to reopen the flow path. The sealing element may engage a structure within the bore of the sealing element to selectively close the flow path through the sealing element.

Abstract: A method according to one or more aspects of the disclosure includes actuating a slip device to grip a tubular extending through a bore, the slip device has an upper set of slips spaced axially above a lower set of slips and the actuating includes radially moving in unison the upper and the lower sets of slips from an open position to an extended position gripping the tubular.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a position of a blowout preventer's closure members makes use of an indicator rod connected to a piston of the operator system and an electronic position sensor located entirely outside of a pressurized chamber of the operator system and arranged to detect a linear movement of the indicator rod.

Abstract: An asymmetrical ram button is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a blowout preventer including such a button. Particularly, the blowout preventer may include an actuation assembly having the asymmetric ram button attached to a connecting rod coupled to a piston. The asymmetric body of the button can engage an internal shoulder of the ram such that a retraction force on the actuation assembly causes the asymmetrical ram button to load against the internal shoulder. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Blowout preventers made from plastic infused with graphene, phosphorescent material, and/or other enhancing material. They include a sleeve that is inserted into a well pipe or other opening from which first fluid (such as petroleum or natural gas) is escaping, to stop it from escaping. The large end of a funnel id placed over the well pipe opening. The small end of the funnel is connected to a return pipe. A high pressure pipe (through which a second fluid flows) with a smaller diameter is inserted into the opening. The primary source of power for the apparatus is the pressure from the fluid escaping from the well pipe or other opening, which turns a turbine and propellers that push the device down into the opening to stop the fluid from escaping. If the pressure from the escaping fluid does not provide enough power itself, supplemental power may be used.

Abstract: A blowout preventer includes a housing having a flow path therethrough in fluid communication with a wellbore penetrating a subsurface formation and a sealing assembly positionable in the housing about the flow path. The sealing assembly includes a piston slidably positionable in the housing and a packer element. The packer element includes a plurality of fingers and a packer seal. The fingers include a housing portion and a piston portion. The housing portion is slidably movable along the housing and the piston portion is slidingly movable along the piston. The fingers are engageable by the piston and movable to a sealed position about the flow path, and the packer seal is energized to form a seal about the blowout preventer to seal the wellbore in the subsurface formation.

Abstract: Control valve (5, 5?) for connection units for flexible hoses, comprising a plurality of petals (segments or sectors) (6, 7; 6?, 7?) rotatable between a position of complete opening and a position of complete closing. The aforesaid petals (6, 7; 6?, 7?) are rotatable around pivoting axes defined by spherical pins (70) interposed between laterally adjacent petals and provided with a threaded positioning neck (71) inserted and screwed in a respective radial hole (72) of the body (1, 2) of the connection unit. A locking cap (73) is screwed in said radial hole (72) and tightly abutting against said neck (71) of the spherical pin (70) for keeping said spherical pin (70) in a suitable position to enable a correct and precise pivoting between the two adjacent petals (6, 7; 6?, 7?).

Abstract: A control valve for connection units for flexible hoses comprises a plurality of petals rotatable between a position of complete opening and a position of complete closing, wherein rotatable petals of different shape and sizes alternate in pairs along the circumference of the connection unit. The petals of smaller size have a substantially triangular shape with straight lateral sides and a rounded end which fluid-tightly abut against corresponding straight lateral, sides and curved parts of the petals of larger size when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A control valve for connection units for flexible hoses comprises a plurality of petals rotatable between a position of complete opening and a position of complete closing. The petals consist of pairs of petals with different shape and sizes, alternately arranged along the circumference of the connection unit. The petals of smaller size are controlled to close more slowly than those of larger size. The upstream surface of the petals of smaller size is provided with a pair of fins laterally protruding from the upstream surface so as to rest on the upstream surface of the petals of larger size to oblige the latter to close before the petals of smaller size.

Abstract: The techniques herein relate to a ram assembly for a blowout preventer for receiving a tubular of a wellbore. The ram assembly includes a ram block for engagement with the tubular, a ram shaft for selectively extending and retracting the ram block, and a ram connector for operatively connecting the ram shaft to the ram block. The ram block has at least one block groove. The ram shaft has a ram head with at least one shaft groove. The ram connector includes at least one shear connector correspondingly disposable in the block groove and the shaft groove whereby the ram shaft is releasably securable to the ram block.

Abstract: A blowout preventer control system comprising: a blowout preventer comprising one or more casing shear rams and one or more blind shear rams; a casing shear ram close chamber; a blind shear ram close chamber; a first SPM valve; a second SPM valve; a first solenoid valve; a microprocessor; and a hydraulic fluid source.

Abstract: A Blowout Preventer comprising a housing, one or more magnets and a magnetic fluid is described. More particularly, a Magnetorheological Blowout Preventer with a Magnetorheological Ram Head that conforms to virtually any cross sectional shape is described with ultra-reliable termination of natural gas and/or oil effluent flow resulting.

Abstract: A pump drive head for a progressing cavity pump comprises a top mounted stuffing box rotatably disposed around a compliantly mounted standpipe with a self or manually adjusting pressurization system for the stuffing box. To prevent rotary and vertical motion of the polish rod while servicing the stuffing box, a polished rod lock-out clamp is provided with the pump drive head integral with or adjacent to a blow-out-preventer which can be integrated with the pump drive head to save space and cost. A centrifugal backspin braking system located on the input shaft and actuated only in the backspin direction and a gear drive between the input shaft and output shaft are provided.

Abstract: A packer unit for an annular blowout preventer including an annular elastomer body including an elastomer having a unidirectional grain and a quantity of fiber longitudinally aligned with the grain of the elastomer. A method of forming a packing unit for a blowout preventer including forming a fiber reinforced elastomer by aligning fibers with a grain of an elastomer; cutting a portion from the fiber reinforced elastomer in the direction of the grain; loading the cut portion in a packing unit mold such that the grain of the fiber reinforced elastomer of the cut portion is parallel to a packing unit axis; and heating the loaded packing unit mold.

Abstract: An internal blow out preventer for use in a drill string, comprising a housing having an outer valve closure element and where the outer valve closure element is configured to be moved between an open and a closed position, wherein the outer valve closure element is provided with an inner valve closure element that is configured to be moved between an open and a closed position inside the outer valve closure element.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing a pressure plate against an opening in a blowout preventer body has a seal groove formed in the pressure plate and a seal in the seal groove. The seal groove has a first groove portion adjacent to a sealing face of the blowout preventer, and a second groove portion extending past the sealing face into the opening of the blowout preventer body. The seal has a first seal portion in the first groove portion and a second seal portion in the second groove portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sealing a wellbore are provided. A seal assembly carried by a pair of opposing ram blocks of a blowout preventer is provided. The seal assembly includes a pair of seals carried by the pair of opposing ram blocks and a plurality of inserts carried by the pair of seals. The inserts include an upper body and a lower body with a rib therebetween. The upper and lower bodies each have an extended tip on a seal end thereof and a tip receptacle on a leading face thereof for receiving the extended tip. The extended tips are positionable in the tip receptacle of an adjacent inserts whereby an extrusion of a seal therebetween is restricted.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to seals and sealing arrangements, especially those used in wireline valves. The seal comprises an elastomeric seal body with a sealing surface, a plurality of generally planar inserts embedded within the elastomeric seal body adjacent the sealing surface, and having elastomeric seal material disposed between the plurality of generally planar inserts. The generally planar inserts may have a slightly wedge shape and may be embedded into the elastomeric seal body in a generally fan-shaped orientation. They may be orientated such that upon contacting a substantially tubular shaped body to be sealed around and the subsequent deformation of the seal body about said substantially tubular shaped body, the plurality of generally planar inserts become orientated such that they extend radially from the substantially tubular shaped body.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly includes an enclosure for supporting the ball valve during actuation. In one embodiment, the enclosure can be a split enclosure, and can have trunnion support apertures for engaging trunnions on the ball valve. In one embodiment, a pair of link arms are used to transfer force from a pair of actuation members to the ball valve. The link arms can be located in a recess on the actuation members, such the actuation members and the face of the trunnions define a cavity to enclose and protect the link arms.

Abstract: A valve useable in an undersea apparatus for generating a force for closing a blowout preventer (BOP) based on a pressure difference between a low pressure recipient and ambient pressure, an apparatus including the valve and related methods are provided. The valve includes a valve body enclosing a chamber with an input port selectively connectable to an output port, and a chamber separating assembly configured to separate the chamber from a region of different pressure. The assembly includes (1) a backup plate having a first portion of a first diameter towards the chamber and a second portion of a second diameter larger than the first diameter, towards the region, and (2) an upper seat located between the first portion of the backup plate and the valve body.

Abstract: A tubular closure assembly responsive to speed or velocity of an object. The tubular closure assembly includes at least one sensor in operable communication with an interior of a tubular. The at least one sensor sensing an object passing a first point and then a second point within the tubular. A processor receiving an output from the at least one sensor and calculating speed of the object from the first point to the second point. A control panel receiving information from the processor and a closure system movable between an open condition and a closed condition. Activatable to the closed condition by the control panel in response to the object moving from the first point to the second point at speed faster than a preset value or at a velocity outside a preset range. Also included is a method of closing a tubular of a borehole.

Abstract: A ram assembly of a blowout prevent (BOP) includes a ram shuttle, a ram wedge and a ram seat. The ram shuttle and the ram wedge are slidably positionable in a ram channel of a BOP housing between a retracted and extended position. The ram shuttle has a wedge cavity extending therethrough and an inclined surface thereon. The ram wedge has a tubular cavity therethrough for receiving the tubular. The ram wedge has a corresponding inclined surface engageable with the inclined surface of the ram shuttle, and wedges between the ram shuttle and the housing whereby a force is generated therebetween. The ram seat is positionable in the housing about the passage, and is engageable with the ram wedge and the housing when the ram shuttle and the ram wedge are moved to the extended position whereby a seal is formed therebetween.

Abstract: A floating offshore facility for offshore hydrocarbon production, comprising an upper deck, a lower deck, a well bay comprising a plurality of drilling slots and a plurality of production slots surrounding said drilling slots, a cart supporting a drilling riser and being movable together with said drilling riser inside the opening of the plurality of the drilling slots, and a drilling rig movable above the well bay to drill the well through the drilling riser.

Abstract: A blade assembly of a blowout preventer for shearing a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The blowout preventer has a housing with a hole therethrough for receiving the tubular. The blade assembly includes a ram block movable between a non-engagement position and an engagement position about the tubular, a blade carried by the ram block for cuttingly engaging the tubular, a retractable guide carried by the ram block and slidably movable therealong, and a release mechanism for selectively releasing the guide to move between a guide position for guiding engagement with the tubular and a cutting position a distance behind the blade for permitting the blade to cuttingly engage the tubular.

Abstract: A variable ram assembly for use in a blowout preventer (BOP) stack includes a packer element. The packer element includes an elastomeric body having a contact surface configured with a curved recess for sealing engaging a tubular. At least a portion of the body adjacent the contact surface is reinforced to define a reinforced area. The reinforced area exerts a restraining force to prevent extrusion of the elastomeric body when it is forced against the tubular. The reinforced area is integrally formed with the body using a molding process.

Abstract: A variable ram assembly for use in a blowout preventer (BOP) stack includes a packer element. The packer element includes an elastomeric body having a contact surface configured with a curved recess for sealing engaging a tubular. Fibers are included in the body adjacent the contact surface that exert a restraining force to prevent extrusion of the elastomeric body when it is forced against the tubular. The fibers are integrally formed in the body and may be woven into a fabric, which is disposed into a packer element mold along with uncured elastomer before forming the body. The fabric can be coated with an elastomer to bond with the body during the forming process.

Abstract: An annular blowout preventer assembly has an annular element housing and a central cavity with an elastomeric annular element in the central cavity. An annular element piston is located within the central cavity in engagement with the annular element. A connector housing has an upper end that abuts a lower end of the annular element housing. Bolts extend upward from the connector housing into threaded blind holes in the annular element housing for securing the connector housing to the annular element housing. A locking element is carried within the connector housing for radial inward movement into engagement with a profile on a mandrel of a blowout preventer stack.

Abstract: An internal blowout preventer used in drilling rigs for the discovery and production of hydrocarbons from the earth is disclosed. The internal blowout preventer has two independently and remotely operable blowout preventer valves in the same body, providing for greater service life and higher reliability during drilling operations. The two valves are loaded into the internal blowout preventer housing from a single end, and are operable by an actuator assembly.

Abstract: A ram-type blowout preventer and method of actuating thereof. The ram-type blowout preventer includes a seal carrier disposed about a vertical bore between the body and adjacent to the horizontal bore. The seal carrier is configured to be thrust into sealing engagement with at least one of a pair of ram blocks of the ram-type blowout preventer by fluid pressure above the ram blocks and a sealing device forms a seal between the body and the seal carrier.

Abstract: A variable bore packer used in a blowout preventer to form a seal against different diameter tubular members for oil and gas drilling operations. The variable bore packer includes a packer member molded of elastomeric material with certain mechanical properties and including an inside curved surface. The packer also includes a plurality of packer inserts molded within the packer member to form an insert array. Additionally, the packer includes a protrusion extending from and bonded to the packer member inside curved surface, the protrusion including increased mechanical properties compared to the packer member. The packer member, the insert array, and the protrusion are molded into a unitary structure and sized to form a seal against the different diameter tubular members upon closure of the blowout preventer. Also, the insert array and the protrusion diminishing extrusion of the elastomeric material between the packer inserts and the tubular members.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus log an underbalanced open hole well without killing the well or causing formation damage to maintain well control during the process. The installation of the well logging equipment is accomplished while holding the underbalanced open hole at its optimal pressure, then conveying the logging string on a drill string into the open hole portion to total depth and logging while removing the logging string from the total depth to be logged with a cable side entry sub. The invention also provides a unique configuration of equipment to accomplish the logging using what is normally referred to as tough logging condition techniques.

Abstract: A system for capping a blowout preventer has a capping stack with a connector suitable for connection to the blowout preventer, a flowing stack, and an intervention blowout preventer connected to a connector of the flowing stack. The capping stack has a fluid passage extending from the connector. The capping stack has at least one diverter line in communication with the fluid passage. The flowing stack has an interior passageway extending to the connector at an upper end thereof. The flowing stack has at least one pipe in communication with the interior passageway. The pipe is connected with the diverter line of the capping stack such that a flow fluid passing through the diverter line passes through the pipe into the interior passageway of the flowing stack.

Abstract: Techniques for severing a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation are provided. A blade is extendable by a ram of a blowout preventer positionable about the tubular. The blade includes a blade body having a front face on a side thereof facing the tubular. At least a portion of the front face has a vertical surface and at least a portion of the front face has an inclined surface. The vertical surface is perpendicular to a bottom surface of the blade body. The blade body includes a loading surface on an opposite side of the blade body to the front face. The loading surface is receivable by the ram. The blade also includes a cutting surface along at least a portion of the front face for engagement with the tubular, and a piercing point along the front face for piercing the tubular. The piercing point has a tip extending a distance from the cutting surface.