Abstract: Pipe handling apparatus with an insert (4) configured to be inserted into a pipe to be handled (23). One or more clamping members (19) are moveably mounted relative to the insert. One or more actuators (17) are operable to urge the clamping members (19) towards the insert (4) thereby to grip the wall of the pipe to be handled (23). The insert (4) may be cylindrical. Multiple clamping members (19) may be spaced around the insert (4). The clamping members (19) may extend axially along the insert (4). The apparatus is suitable for handling flexible pipes (23) formed from multiple layers of helically wound metal strands.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a friction-pin unit. The friction-pin unit includes a sleeve and a guide cone formed at a first end of the sleeve. A shaft is disposed coaxially within the sleeve and a plurality of friction pins extend radially outward from the shaft. The plurality of friction pins are adapted for interference-fit engagement with an inner surface of the pipe. A ring seal is circumferentially disposed around an inner surface of the sleeve. The ring seal adapted to circumferentially seal an outer surface of the pipe.

Abstract: An overshot has an articulated seal that can be set against the fish when the fish is engaged by the tool. The seal can be actuated from swelling due to exposure to well fluid or mechanically or hydraulically from the string that supports it. The use of spears or overshots with the articulated seal feature is contemplated. If a swelling design is used it can respond to water or hydrocarbons that are found at the subterranean location.

Abstract: A hydraulic overshot apparatus designed to slide over plain end tubing and set by applying hydraulic fluid, under pressure, via a hydraulic setting port, into a center chamber which allows pressure to direct to two different piston areas. The setting piston compresses packer elements and tubing slips against the outer diameter (O.D.) of the tubing. The test piston compresses tubing test elements against the inner diameter (I.D.) of the tubing. The setting pressure is ported through the upper setting and test portion to allow pressure to move from the center chamber to the lower outer portion. The lower outer portion includes a body lock ring and a setting piston for setting the packer elements. Setting pressure moves the setting piston down through the body lock ring. As the setting piston moves down, it ratchets down through the body lock ring.

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: 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: A rotating inner member is used to drive operation of a retrieval tool connected to a dual-member drill string. The retrieval tool preferably has a gripping assembly adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member. In a preferred embodiment, an electric actuator assembly operates the gripping assembly of the retrieval tool. In another preferred embodiment, the gripping assembly of the retrieval tool is mechanically operated by a screw driven cam assembly. In yet another embodiment, the retrieval tool is adapted to grip both the inside and outside of the object to be retrieved.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a whipstock retrieval assembly for use in a wellbore to retrieve a downhole tool such as a whipstock from a borehole. In one aspect, the retriever includes a threaded barrel which is received over the tray end of the whipstock, and a securing member, preferably a conical member, pinches the whipstock tray portion received in the retriever against the barrel to prevent loss of the whipstock from the retriever as it is pulled from the borehole. In a second aspect, the retriever assembly includes a hook which is placed in a pre-supplied slot in the whipstock, and a shroud is deployed over the extending end of the whipstock to provide a smooth surface to pull the retriever and whipstock from the borehole.

Abstract: A method of removing a gravel packed screen to reach another zone is described. The method involves a bottom hole assembly comprising an isolation device for the screen and a tool to latch on to it. A perforating gun is shot off to put holes in the screen to allow gravel to come through. A flow through a reversing valve is initiated to urge the gravel into the newly perforated screen while a vibrator shakes the screen and stimulates gravel flow through the screen. Alternatively, the screen is not isolated and a reverse circulation from the surface in conjunction with vibration urges the gravel to flow through the screen and out through the tubing supporting the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A method of removing lining from a tubing in a well includes: reaming at least a portion of the lining material; cutting at least a segment of the lining along a spiral path; engaging the lining for applying a pulling force to the lining; and applying a pulling force to lift the engaged lining out of the tubing. Individual aspects of this also form parts of the present invention, such as a lining reamer, a method of excavating material of a lining in tubing in a well, a spiral-cut cutting tool, a method of spiral cutting lining in a tubing in a well, various inner engagement members to navigate through a bent lining segment in a lining in tubing in a well, a lining removal tool in which the components are rotationally fixed so that all rotate together, a lining removal tool in which an inner engagement member (such as a flat cutting blade or a plurality of resilient but stiff wires) is connected to an inner surface of the outer engagement member, and lining removal methods.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for inspecting welds in a nuclear reactor jet pump includes a probe subassembly rotatably and linearly movably coupled to a frame structure configured to attach to a top flange of the reactor pressure vessel. The probe subassembly includes a plurality of probe arms pivotably coupled to a housing, with each probe arm including a sensor. The probe arms are pivotably movable between a first position where the probe arms are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the probe subassembly, and a second position where the probe arms are at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the probe subassembly. An insertion subassembly couples to the jet pump suction inlet. The insertion subassembly is sized to receive the probe subassembly and guide the probe subassembly into the jet pump through the jet pump suction inlet.

Abstract: A cutting tool and a rotatable removal tool can be used together in a system and method for removing lining from tubing in a well. A particular cutting tool includes a mandrel, a sleeve mounted on the mandrel, and a cutting member connected to the sleeve. The cutting member has a width and a cutting edge of angular disposition to form a beveled cut through the lining. Setoff members can be used to space the sleeve from the lining and to engage the lining to enable relative rotation between the mandrel and the sleeve when the cutting tool is in the lining. A particular removal tool includes an inner engagement member and an outer engagement member. The two engagement members are connected such that lining is drawn into and held between them in response to rotating at least the inner engagement member within the lining. A particular engagement member includes a bulbous body adapted to twist into lining in response to rotating the bulbous body in the lining.