Abstract: Tubing string rotators, safety rod clamps, combination tubing string rotators and safety rod claims, and rotating split tubing hangers are provided. The tubing string rotator can rotate a tubing string suspended in a hydrocarbon well from a rotatable support mandrel. The support mandrel can be positioned at the well head and can be supported against downward axial movement. The tubing string rotator can comprise a motor for producing a rotational force, a drive assembly for applying the rotational force to drive the rotation of the support mandrel, and a controller operatively connected to the motor for intermittently activating the motor, causing rotation of the support mandrel, for selected intervals of time, followed by selected intervals of time of motor inactivation, in which no rotation of the support mandrel occurs. Intermittently or non-continuously rotation of the tubing string can result in more even wear and/or erosion of the tubing string.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly has a tubular wellhead body with a wellhead axial bore and a wellhead radial bore. A hanger has a hanger axial bore and a hanger radial port. A tube moving mechanism moves a tube in the wellhead radial bore between a retracted position, an intermediate position and an extended position. The tube has an inner end that is recessed in the wellhead radial bore while in the retracted position, that protrudes a first distance into the wellhead axial bore while in the intermediate position, and which protrudes a second distance into engagement with the hanger radial port while in the extended position. A landing shoulder on the hanger above the radial port lands on an inner portion of the tube while the tube is in the intermediate position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a wellhead assembly have a tubular body with a removable bottom cap to house a tubing rotator comprising a multi-enveloping worm gear assembly which provides sufficient torque to rotate tubing strings in deep and/or deviated wellbores. The bottom cap is supported on a wellhead having a dognut for supporting a production string therefrom in a wellbore. The bottom cap rotatably supports a mandrel and multi-enveloping worm wheel thereon, the mandrel being connected to the dognut and tubing string for co-rotation therewith. The tubular body supports a multi-enveloping worm for engagement with the worm wheel when the tubular body is lowered axially onto the bottom cap. When the tubular body and worm are lifted axially from the bottom cap, the worm wheel and mandrel are exposed for repair or replacement without need to pull the production string from the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole assembly of an artificial lift system includes: an adapter for connection to production tubing; a receptacle shaft; an up-thrust bearing; a centrifugal pump; and a down-thrust bearing. The receptacle shaft has a latch profile for receiving a latch fastener of a drive coupling and a torsional profile for mating with the coupling to longitudinally and torsionally connect thereto. The up-thrust bearing includes: a thrust driver longitudinally and torsionally connected to the receptacle shaft; and a thrust carrier connected to the adapter. The centrifugal pump includes: a diffuser connected to the adapter; a pump shaft torsionally connected to the receptacle shaft; and an impeller connected to the pump shaft. The down-thrust bearing includes: a thrust driver longitudinally and torsionally connected to the pump shaft; and a thrust carrier connected to the adapter.

Abstract: A petroleum extraction pump deploying a sucker rod has an actuator for rotating the portion of the rod in the stuffing box on every stroke to minimize local wear. The rotor handle or arm of the actuator is triggered by an upright roller supported by a an upright rigid linear member, such as a post or tube, that is spaced apart from the well bore by a clamp attached to the main well pipe or stuffing box. The roller rotates with each stroke as it engages the rotator handle. The roller is supported by a Y-shaped saddle to avoid catching on the upstroke of the pumping unit should these member become laterally separated. The device is capable of retrofitting to an existing sucker rod actuator by eliminating a cable to the arm of the actuator and deploying an arm stop member to support the handle in a horizontal orientation until it contacts the roller.

Abstract: A power tong assembly includes a power tong and a speed limiting system operably coupled to the power tong. The power tong is configured to grip and rotate a tubular segment in a first direction to make-up a threaded connection with the tubular segment and in a second direction to break-out the threaded connection with the tubular segment. The speed limiting system is configured to selectively allow the power tong to rotate the tubular segment in one of the first direction and the second direction at a maximum speed while limiting the power tong to rotate the tubular segment in the other of the first direction and the second direction below the maximum speed.

Abstract: A power tong assembly includes a power tong and an interlock system operably coupled to the power tong. The power tong is configured to grip and rotate a tubular segment in a first direction to make-up a threaded connection with the tubular segment and in a second direction to break-out the threaded connection with the tubular segment. The interlock system is configured to selectively allow the power tong to rotate the tubular segment in one of the first direction and the second direction unrestricted while restricting the power tong to rotate the tubular segment in the other of the first direction and the second direction at a limited speed.

Abstract: An assembly for providing torque to an object in a wellhead. The assembly includes a body attachable to the wellhead and including a bore with a centerline. The body further includes a first set of pistons within cylinders oriented at angles offset from and perpendicular to the centerline of the bore. The pistons are moveable within the cylinders between a retracted position and an extended position where the pistons are extended into the body bore. The movement of the pistons between the retracted and extended positions imparts a linear force capable of rotating the object in the wellhead in a first direction.

Abstract: A rod rotator has a crankshaft with non-aligned crank journals, a first actuating pawl attached to the first crank journal and a second actuating pawl attached to the second crank journal, and a ratchet wheel connected to a polished rod. The first actuating pawl pushes on the ratchet wheel to rotate the ratchet wheel while the second actuating pawl pulls on the ratchet wheel to rotate the ratchet wheel at the same time.

Abstract: A safety valve for a hydrocarbon wellbore includes a valve housing; a tubular valve member having an axially extending tube wall; and an operating mechanism for operating the valve member. The housing has a passage extending from a lower opening to an upper opening. The tube wall has one or more radial inlet apertures therethrough. The lower end part of the tube wall is closed. The valve member is axially movable in the passage between a flow position and a blocking position. In blocking position, the valve member is retracted in the housing such that the inlet apertures lie inside the housing and fluid flow between the lower opening and upper opening is prevented by the closed lower end part of the valve member. In the flow position, the valve member projects below the housing such that the one or more radial inlet apertures lie outside the housing.

Abstract: A polished rod alignment system for correcting the misalignment of a polished rod to the stuffing box which generally includes a first member, a second member, a first alignment member, and a second alignment member. The second member is secured over an oil well, such as to a blowout preventer. The first and second alignment members are secured over the second member, with the alignment members being adapted to rock with respect to each other due to each having inverted sloped portions. The first member is secured over the alignment members and is adapted to receive a stuffing box. A polished rod may extend through the first and second members. By adjusting bolts securing the first and second members together, and by action of the alignment members, the polished rod and stuffing box may be brought back into alignment if misalignment occurs.

Abstract: A direct drive pump employs an on-off tool to attach the drive rod string to a floating pump drive shaft in both torsion and tension. The downward thrust on the drive shaft, as well as the weight of the drive rod string, is born by a thrust bearing in the drivehead at the surface. A floater pump is used with this direct drive pump to permit the free vertical movement of the drive shaft. When a tandem direct drive pump is employed a housing containing a tandem pump drive shaft connector connects the shafts in an upper and lower tandem pump to permit the two to freely move in the tandem direct drive pump.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a rotating casing hanger having a housing configured to abut a casing spool and a casing hanger body disposed within the housing, wherein the casing hanger body is configured to suspend a casing element within a wellbore, and the casing hanger body is configured to rotate within the housing.

Abstract: A drive head for a wellhead, the drive head comprising: a rod drive; a pressure chamber; and a rod receiving part connected to the rod drive and enclosed within the pressure chamber. A method comprising: pressurizing a chamber mounted to a wellhead, in which the chamber encloses an upper end of a rod extending from the wellhead; and driving the rod using a rod receiving part enclosed within the chamber.

Abstract: Spring loaded dogs are attached to the housing to engage the casing internally or externally to facilitate extension or retraction of the slips that selectively grab the topmost of a string of casing. When the tool is suspended from the top drive, its components are rotationally locked to facilitate insertion into the casing stand on top of a string being run in the hole. Some set down weight allows top drive rotation to move a multi-ramped mandrel axially because that mandrel is rotationally locked to the housing that is held fast by the spring loaded dogs bearing on the casing. Once the slips are extended with a specified torque applied from the top drive, further setting down weight locks the components and the housing so that applied rotation with setting down weight will turn the casing string but will not torque up the slips beyond their set position.

Abstract: A lift frame system and method of use including a lift frame capable of being moved from a stowed position to a drill center position and a skidding pallet with at least one personnel access and egress walkway platform. The skidding pallet is capable of moving along a plurality of rails and engaging a multipurpose tower. The lift frame may include levels, a coiled tubing injector, at least one pressure control equipment, stabilizing arms, a top drive, a hook, and a set of bails.

Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.

Abstract: An annular blowout container (ABOC) that may be used in multiples in a stack in conjunction with additional gate and shear valves to protect a wellhead. The ABOC incorporates a cylindrical formed bladder that provides a tight constrictive seal around whatever pipe or tubing may be in the well bore. The bladder is made of top and bottom rotator plates with springs extending between the plates. The springs are encased in Teflon® and held in place by Kevlar® then covered over completely with cured Viton® that is injected to complete the overall bladder in a molded form. Rotation of the top and bottom rotator plates effects a twisting constriction around the drill pipe or tubing. Electrical and hydraulic operational components are housed inside chambers within the ABOC for predominantly self-contained operation. The cylindrical bladder assembly may be removed and replaced after extended use.

Abstract: A system for rotating an element inside a pressure containing housing. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a pressure containing housing having an opening through a wall of the housing into an internal chamber in which, in use, the element to be rotated is located, a bushing located within the opening, and a worm gear rotatably mounted in the bushing. The worm gear is offset from the axial centre of the bushing such that rotation of the bushing moves the worm gear between an extended position, wherein the thread of the worm gear engages an element in the chamber, and a retracted position, wherein the thread is disengaged from the element in the chamber.

Abstract: A rotating breech lock rotates tubing to distribute wear caused by a rotating or reciprocating rod of an artificial lift system. The rotating breech lock has a spool that disposes on a wellhead. A bowl element disposes in the spool's bore, and a hanger fits into the spool and lands on the bowl element with a thrust bearing. Above the hanger, a load ring fits against the hanger with a bearing, and a hold-down sleeve and locking pins hold the load ring against the hanger. The spool has a worm that mates with a wheel defined about the hanger so turning the worm by a ratchet or other mechanism rotates the hanger. Internally, the hanger has a bore with opposing shoulders separated by gaps. A mandrel couples to the tubing and disposes up into the hanger. Protrusions or keys on the hanger can selectively align with the gaps and the shoulders depending on how the mandrel is rotated in the hanger bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (10) for handling bulky articles (such as a PLET or ILT (12)) on a deck (14) of a vessel at sea. The apparatus (10) includes a cradle (16) which supports the bulky article (12?), first translational movement means (32 42, 46) provided between the deck (14) and the cradle (16) and second translational movement means (20, 31, 35, 37) moveable along the deck (14). The first translational movement means allows the bulky article (12) to be moved from a storage area and transferred to the second translational movement means, and the second translational movement means allows the bulky article (12) on its cradle (16) to be moved toward an operational location (F). An actuator (26) is also provided between the deck (14) and the cradle (16), in order to adjust the orientation of the bulky article (12) relative to the deck (14), when in the operational position. A method of handling bulky articles on a deck of a vessel at sea is also provided.

Abstract: A rotary table device is provided with means arranged for suspension of a pipe string. The rotary table comprises a rotary ring arranged rotatably about the central axis of the rotary table. The rotary ring is formed by two or more ring sections, each connected to a system comprising a bearing housing section rotatable relative to a base section, a bearing housing groove being formed in a base contact surface on the bearing housing section and a corresponding base groove being formed in an opposing bearing housing surface in the base section. The grooves form a curve-shaped track for a roller body and the groove has a curvature center coinciding with the central axis of the rotary table. The rolling diameter of the roller body exceeds the collective depth of said grooves, and a channel connecting the end portions of the bearing housing groove is formed in the bearing housing section.

Abstract: A backspin reducing device for reducing an amount or a rate of backspin of a rod string when lifting the rotor apart from the stator of an oil or gas downhole progressive cavity pump. The backspin reducing device includes a substantially cylindrical housing having one or more threaded pin receptacles holding respective threaded pins in threaded engagement around a polished rod portion of the rod string of the progressive cavity pump. Turning threaded pins in their respective threaded pin receptacles causes the interior ends of the threaded pins to move towards or away from the polished rod in the center of the housing. Attached to the interior end of each threaded pin is a friction roller.

Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a rotating casing hanger having a housing configured to abut a casing spool and a casing hanger body disposed within the housing, wherein the casing hanger body is configured to suspend a casing element within a wellbore, and the casing hanger body is configured to rotate within the housing.

Abstract: A positioning tool longitudinally positions a rod string relative to a tubing string while the rod string remains by a drive head. An upper hollow shaft member of the tool is fixed to the rod string by a rod clamp while a lower hollow shaft member is slidably coupled to the upper hollow shaft member such that the upper and lower hollow shaft members are rotatable together and longitudinally adjustable relative to one another. The bottom end of the lower hollow shaft member is arranged to be coupled to the rotatable output of the drive head. A hydraulic lifting assembly is coupled between the upper and lower shaft members to hydraulically control the longitudinal position of the rod string and upper shaft member relative to the tubing string and the lower shaft member.

Abstract: A well drilling head comprises a well drilling head housing, a bearing assembly, a first lubricant manifold and a second lubricant manifold. The well drilling head housing has a sidewall structure defining a central bore. The bearing assembly is configured for being removably seated within the well drilling head housing and for having a stripper rubber assembly attached to a lower end portion thereof. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearings and a bearing lubricant flow path configured for allowing bearing lubricant to be circulated through the bearings. The first lubricant manifold has a bearing lubricant passage coupled to the first end portion of the bearing lubricant flow path. The second lubricant manifold has a bearing lubricant passage coupled to a second end portion of the bearing lubricant flow path.

Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.

Abstract: A break-out assembly includes a slide wrench assembly, and a slide wrench rotator assembly which rotates the slide wrench assembly in response to actuating first and second rotator assembly cylinders. The first and second rotator assembly cylinders are actuated in opposed directions. The break-out assembly includes a clamp assembly having opposed arm assemblies which are rotatable about separate pivot points.

Abstract: A system for rotating an element inside a pressure containing housing. In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a pressure containing housing having an opening through a wall of the housing into an internal chamber in which, in use, the element to be rotated is located, a bushing located within the opening, and a worm gear rotatably mounted in the bushing. The worm gear is offset from the axial center of the bushing such that rotation of the bushing moves the worm gear between an extended position, wherein the thread of the worm gear engages an element in the chamber, and a retracted position, wherein the thread is disengaged from the element in the chamber.

Abstract: A rotary table device is provided with means arranged for suspension of a pipe string. The rotary table comprises a rotary ring arranged rotatably about the central axis of the rotary table. The rotary ring is formed by two or more ring sections, each connected to a system comprising a bearing housing section rotatable relative to a base section, a bearing housing groove being formed in a base contact surface on the bearing housing section and a corresponding base groove being formed in an opposing bearing housing surface in the base section. The grooves form a curve-shaped track for a roller body and the groove has a curvature center coinciding with the central axis of the rotary table. The rolling diameter of the roller body exceeds the collective depth of said grooves, and a channel connecting the end portions of the bearing housing groove is formed in the bearing housing section.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a rotatable tubing string in a well and for tensioning the tubing string includes a tubing head (12) and inner mandrel (34) positioned at least partially within the tubing head and supporting the tubing string. A bushing (32) is supported on the tubing head and engages the inner mandrel, such that the bushing and the inner mandrel rotate together. A tubing rotator (16) is provided for rotating the bushing, with a tubing rotator having a rotator mandrel connected to the bushing. A plurality of circumferentially spaced J-lock mechanisms (56) between the bushing and the inner mandrel are provided for tensioning the tubing string.

Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.

Abstract: A rotating flow head has a lubricated bearing pack for isolating bearing elements from wellbore fluids under pressure. The bearing pack, having a rotating cylindrical sleeve, bearing elements and two seal assemblies, is secured within an assembly bore of a stationary housing by a retainer plate accepting a plurality of lag bolts circumferentially spaced around a top portion of the stationary housing. Each of the seal assemblies have at least one sealing element having a body, an annular cavity, an inner sealing surface, and a flange that distends radially outwardly when axially compressed. A loading ring fit to the annular cavity urges the inner sealing surface radially inwardly to sealingly engage the rotating cylindrical sleeve. The inner sealing surface further comprises a first and second sealing surface and a debris channel therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting or disconnecting a threaded connection of a first tubular member and a second tubular member at a wellhead has a frame movable between a first position adjacent the wellhead and a second position away from the wellhead, a first gripping member connected to the frame and extending outwardly therefrom so as to apply a torque to the first tubular, and a second gripping member movably connected to the frame so as to be movable between a first position away from the wellhead and a second position at the wellhead. The second gripping member is suitable for applying an opposing torque to the second tubular.

Abstract: An RCD can include a housing assembly containing a bearing assembly and a rotating seal which seals an annulus between a tubular string and a body of the RCD, and a remotely operable clamp device which selectively permits and prevents displacement of the housing assembly relative to the body. A method of remotely operating a clamp device can include rotating a threaded member which is secured relative to an RCD body, and displacing a clamp section in response to the threaded member rotation, thereby selectively securing and releasing a bearing assembly and an annular seal relative to the body. Another RCD can include a rotating seal which seals an annulus between a tubular string and a body of the RCD, and a remotely operable clamp device which selectively permits and prevents access to an interior of the body, the clamp device including a motor which rotates a threaded member.

Abstract: A rotating breech lock rotates tubing to distribute wear caused by a rotating or reciprocating rod of an artificial lift system. The rotating breech lock has a spool that disposes on a wellhead. A bowl element disposes in the spool's bore, and a hanger fits into the spool and lands on the bowl element with a thrust bearing. Above the hanger, a load ring fits against the hanger with a bearing, and a hold-down sleeve and locking pins hold the load ring against the hanger. The spool has a worm that mates with a wheel defined about the hanger so turning the worm by a ratchet or other mechanism rotates the hanger. Internally, the hanger has a bore with opposing shoulders separated by gaps. A mandrel couples to the tubing and disposes up into the hanger. Protrusions or keys on the hanger can selectively align with the gaps and the shoulders depending on how the mandrel is rotated in the hanger bore.

Abstract: A double swivel for use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through double sleeves which are sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeves and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeves have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit.

Abstract: A pipe handling assembly includes a pipe engaging apparatus having a pipe gripping mechanism connectable to a top drive such that the top drive transmits rotational movement and axial movement to the pipe gripping mechanism. A pipe handling device is mounted onto the pipe engaging apparatus, the pipe handling device including a link hanger mounted on the pipe engaging apparatus. A link arm has a first end pivotally connectable to the link hanger and an outboard end selected to carry a pipe into a position to be gripped by the pipe engaging apparatus. A bearing isolates rotational movement to the pipe gripping mechanism from the link hanger. A connection rigidly connects the link hanger to the pipe engaging apparatus during operation of the pipe handling assembly. The connection is selected to substantially prevent the link hanger from rotating with the pipe gripping mechanism should the bearing seize.

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: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating down hole pumps has a right angle gear box driving a hollow output shaft. The output shaft is oriented to the vertical and supports and rotates the drive string of a down hole rotary pump. A clamp on the drive string rests on the upper end of the hollow shaft and engages the hollow shaft with a key and keyway arrangement. The hollow shaft of the right angle gearbox is sized to accommodate the drive string, including rod boxes, so that the entire drive string can be pulled through the hollow shaft without dismantling or removing the apparatus.

Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel.

Abstract: A stuffing box (10) is provided for sealing with a rotating rod string (20) extending into a well for powering a pump (22). A sleeve (30) is rotated within the stuffing box housing (24) and receives the sucker rod therein, while one or more bearings (34, 36) guide rotation of the sleeve. A plurality of static seals (50) seal between the sleeve and the sucker rod, while a plurality of dynamic seals (40) seal between the sleeve and the stuffing box housing.

Abstract: A rigless support for a downhole operation, such as cutting of an underwater casing in preparation for plug-and-abandonment. The unit has a movable base that can be positioned on a floating structure, such as a barge or a marine vessel and delivered to the site. A pair of piston rams support a swivel unit therebetween, with the swivel unit being driven by a hydraulic motor and driving a casing cutter.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for improving top drive operations. A method of ensuring safe operation of a top drive includes operating a top drive, thereby exerting torque on a first tubular to makeup or breakout a first threaded connection between the first tubular and a second tubular. The method further includes monitoring for break-out of a second connection between a quill of the top drive and the first tubular; and stopping operation of the top drive and/or notifying an operator of the top drive if break-out of the second connection is detected.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus, subterranean hydrocarbon recovery drilling methods, and subterranean hydrocarbon recovery methods. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus includes an elongated assembly within which a rotatable drill rod is received. The assembly comprises a longitudinal axis, a drill rod entrance end, and a drill rod exit end. The assembly comprises a tailcuttings diverter pipe proximate the drill rod exit end, with the tailcuttings diverter pipe defining an initial fluid flow path of the tailcuttings from the longitudinal axis which is acute from the longitudinal axis. Other apparatus and method aspects are contemplated.

Abstract: A top drive apparatus for a well drilling head comprises a top drive structure, a seal body and a plurality of resilient members. The top drive structure is configured for being fixedly attached to an upper end portion of a bearing assembly and having a seal-carrying portion. The seal body has a mounting portion and a wiper portion extending from the mounting portion. The mounting portion is slideably disposed within a groove of the seal-carrying portion of the top drive structure. The plurality of resilient members are disposed within the groove between the mounting portion of the seal body and the top drive structure such that the entire seal body is resiliently displaceable with respect to the top drive structure.

Abstract: An assembly for providing torque to an object in a wellhead. The assembly includes a body attachable to the wellhead and including a bore with a centerline. The body further includes a first set of pistons within cylinders oriented at angles offset from and perpendicular to the centerline of the bore. The pistons are moveable within the cylinders between a retracted position and an extended position where the pistons are extended into the body bore. The movement of the pistons between the retracted and extended positions imparts a linear force capable of rotating the object in the wellhead in a first direction.

Abstract: A polished rod rotator uses a new method and mechanism to rotate a string of sucker rods relative to a string of oil well tubing to high degrees of rotational angle and achieve large rotator torque. The activation and resulting rotation torque is achieved through axial impact directly by the weight of the sucker rod string at the end of the downward movement of the pumping equipment. The rotator is a two-part assembly, one part is attached to a well-head stuffing box and the other is attached to a polished rod, having a hollow body with spiral slots with rollers. With the downward movement of a beam, the two parts dock through their docking surfaces, while the weight of sucker rods forces the rotator to move down using rollers in spiral slots rotating the polished rod along with the sucker rods until the beam's movement is complete. With the upward movement of the beam, the parts undock rod rotator is static waiting for the completion of pumping cycle.