Abstract:
A mill (M) for wellbore milling operations comprises a body (10) with a bore (100) therethrough, at least one milling surface on the body (10) and flow control apparatus within the body for selectively controlling fluid flow through the mill.
Abstract:
A whipstock (1) comprises a concave (2) which comprises a tapered support member (3) which accommodates a plurality of spacers (7). The spacers (7) can be moved from an inoperative position to an operative position in which they project outwardly from the tapered support member (3) to support the tapered support member (3). The spacers (7) are shaped and disposed so that when they are moved to project outwardly from the support member (3) they project by different distances from the support member (3).
Abstract:
A positioning apparatus for moving a power tong (110) between an operative and an inoperative position in a drilling tower (105) comprises a first arm (102) and a second arm (103). One end of the first arm (102) is pivotally connected to one end of the second arm (103) at pivot (106) whilst the other end of both the first arm (102) and the second arm (103) are pivotally mounted on a beam (104) attached to the drilling tower (105). Both arms (102, 103) can be extended and retracted in unison to move the power tong (110) towards and away from its operation position circumjacent a pipe string.
Abstract:
An elevator (1) is provided with a safety device (13) which ensures that the wedges (3) are applied to a pipe (5) beneath its box (6). In preferred embodiments the slips are automatically released after the wedges (3) are applied. Conversely, the slips are applied before the wedges (3) are released so that the pipe string is at all times supported.
Abstract:
The rotary (2) of a power tong (1) contains a master piston and cylinder (19) which, when actuated, delivers hydraulic fluid to slave hydraulic piston and cylinders (14, 15) which apply active jaws (8, 9) against a pipe (5). The master piston and cylinder (19) can be depressed by a plunger (29) mounted on top the tong housing (45). The active jaws (8, 9) can be released by opening one or both valves (39, 40) mounted on the rotary (2) and actuable by depressing a ring (49) mounted on the top of the tong housing (45).
Abstract:
A Coriolis flow meter for a drilling system measures flow from a wellbore and/or from at least one pump into the wellbore. The meter can be disposed upstream of at least one choke used for controlling backpressure, and/or the meter can be disposed between at least one pump and the wellbore. The meter has at least one flow tube adapted to vibrate and conducts the flow at a first pressure level from an inlet side to an outlet side. A vessel encloses the at least one flow tube at least between the inlet and outlet sides and holds a second pressure level therein about the at least one flow tube. The second pressure level can be equal to or nearly equal to the first pressure level to reduce or nearly eliminate a pressure differential across the at least one flow tube. For example, the second pressure level can be elevated above environmental relative to the first pressure level to reduce a pressure differential across the at least one flow tube. Alternatively, the second pressure level can be less than the first pressure level.
Abstract:
A method for using a Focused Ion Beam and/or Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB/SEM) for etching one or more alignment markers (210, 230) on a rock sample (200), the one or more alignment markers (210, 230) being etched on the rock sample (200) using the FIB/SEM. The one or more alignment markers (210, 230) may further be filled with a platinum alloy or other suitable compositions for increasing alignment marker contrast.
Abstract:
A method of deploying a jointed tubular string into a subsea wellbore includes lowering the tubular string into the subsea wellbore from an offshore drilling unit. The tubular string has a slip joint. The method further includes, after lowering, anchoring a lower portion of the tubular string below the slip joint to a non-heaving structure. The method further includes, while the lower portion is anchored: supporting an upper portion of the tubular string above the slip joint from a rig floor of the offshore drilling unit; after supporting, adding one or more joints to the tubular string, thereby extending the tubular string; and releasing the upper portion of the extended tubular string from the rig floor. The method further includes: releasing the lower portion of the extended tubular string from the non-heaving structure; and lowering the extended tubular string into the subsea wellbore.
Abstract:
Large diameter optical waveguides (cane) may stiffen as diameter increases. The minimum bend radius may become larger than is practical for many applications. Standard-sized optical fibers may be fusion spliced to the ends of a cane segment where the fusion splice area is protected with a high temperature coating such as polyimide. The cane segment is then heated (e.g., using a hot flame torch or arc) and bent to form a U-bend, or other angle, that is free of bending stress. The heated glass may be shaped, while maintaining the waveguide properties of the cane. Once cooled, the cane maintains the new shape. Therefore, light may be propagated around the bend or angle. Thus, many configurations of cane devices may be fabricated. Some examples of cane configurations include coils, U-turns (U-bends), angled inputs/outputs, etc. Bent cane may be useful for loop-back operations, such as double-ended Raman distributed temperate sensing (DTS).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for removing debris from a wellbore using a cleaning tool. The tool may comprise an inner mandrel and a cup member coupled to the inner mandrel. The cup member is moveable between a collapsed position where fluid may flow across the exterior of the cup member, and an extended position where fluid is diverted into a flow path disposed between the inner mandrel and the cup member. The fluid is diverted through a filter member that is coupled to the inner mandrel below the cup member.