Methods, systems, and techniques for controlling the rate of penetration of a drill bit are described. In particular, an operate control loop is evaluated by: determining a travelling block acceleration of a travelling block; determining an acceleration error measurement between the travelling block acceleration and a target travelling block acceleration; determining, based on the acceleration error measurement, a brake control signal; and using the brake control signal to control a braking mechanism configured to apply a variable braking force to the travelling block.

A drum assembly includes a support bar, expandable spokes extending away from the support bar, drum segments mounted to the expandable spokes, support brackets disposed on the support bar, a primary mechanical actuator extending between the support brackets, and secondary mechanical actuators extending from the support brackets.

A system and method of automating a slide drilling operation comprising a plurality of tasks is described, in particular, reducing stored torque within a drill string that extends within a wellbore that includes storing, using a computing system, a first predetermined workflow to reduce stored torque within the drill string, and a second predetermined workflow to reduce stored torque within the drill string, wherein the first predetermined workflow comprises instructions to vertically move the drill string in first and opposing second directions; and wherein the second predetermined workflow comprises instructions to rotate the drill string in a first direction. Further included are a graphical user interface operably coupled to the computing system, a controller of the computing system receives a selection command selecting the first predetermined workflow or the second predetermined workflow, and a specific parameter is selected and one of the first and second predetermined workflows is automatically executed.

A system for operating a brake lever includes a handle and a lock having a first position that prevents pivotal movement of the handle with respect to the lever and a second position that allows pivotal movement of the handle with respect to the lever. A method for operating a brake lever includes locking a handle to the lever to prevent pivotal movement between the handle and the lever and manually positioning the lever to apply and release the brake. The method further includes unlocking the handle from the lever to permit pivotal movement between the handle and the lever and automatically positioning the lever to apply the brake.

A process for forming a coil of scrap tubing includes the steps of forming a turntable having at least one longitudinal member extending upwardly therefrom, extending a length of the tubing to the turntable, rotating the turntable such that the tubing wraps around the longitudinal member so as to form the coil, and lifting the coil from the turntable that above the longitudinal member. An end of the scrap tubing from the reel is fixed to the turntable prior to the step of rotating. The longitudinal member includes a panel extending upwardly from the turntable and an arm pivotally mounted adjacent an end of the panel opposite the turntable. A forklift is used to lift the coil from the turntable.

A system for controlling drilling unit apparatus includes a plurality of drilling unit apparatus each operated by a corresponding controller. Any one or more of the controllers is in signal communication with either or both of (i) at least one sensor that generates a signal related to an operating condition of the drilling unit apparatus and (ii) at least one other of the controllers to accept as input therefrom a signal related to an operating state of the corresponding drilling unit apparatus. A plurality of time reference signal receivers is each in signal communication with a corresponding controller. An absolute time reference signal transmitter is in signal communication with each time reference signal receiver such that any one or more of the controllers operates its respective drilling apparatus in response to either or both of (i) the sensor signal and (ii) the signal from the at least one other controller.

A depth monitoring and valve lockout automatically resists operation of a valve when a wireline is being used within a well. The system utilizes components which can be attached to presently available wellheads, wireline lubricators, and accumulators without modification. A wellhead unit detects a beacon secured to a wireline lubricator to determine the wellhead for which the lubricator is being used. Proximity sensors detect proximity indicators secured to the wireline reel to detect rotation of the reel. Rotation of the reel is used to determine the presence of wireline within the wellhead having the wireline lubricator. An accumulator unit actuates linear actuators to move the presently existing lockout controls in response to the presence or removal of the wireline.

A system includes a data interface that receives data associated with a plurality of wells; an inference engine that receives and analyzes at least a portion of the data to generate results; and a communication engine that outputs information based at least in part on the results.

A main winch system of a rotary drilling rig includes a main action loop, a pilot control loop, and a feedback control loop. The main action loop includes an engine, a hydraulic pump, a main control valve, a balance valve, a main winch motor, and an oil tank. The pilot control loop includes a pilot handle, a solenoid valve I, a pressure relay, and the main control valve in the main action loop. The feedback control loop includes a solenoid valve II and the hydraulic pump and the main control valve in the main action loop. In response to a lifting action of the pilot handle for the main winch, under the control of a button, the solenoid valve II is energized continuously, and the solenoid valve I is energized and de-energized according to a given rule.

The present disclosure provides a system, an apparatus and a method for detecting line-attached tools in an above-surface portion of a well for use during well-work overs and/or interventions. The system includes the apparatus which comprises: a body for housing at least one magnetic-field generator and at least one magnetic-field sensor; and a tubular portion that is configured to be housed within the body. The tubular portion has a bore for receiving the line-attached tools and the at least one magnetic-field sensor is configured for detecting changes in the magnetic field caused by the line-attached tool approaching, moving through and/or moving away from the body. The system may further include a processor unit for receiving one or more signals from the at least one magnetic-field sensor and for determining the location and/or one or more dimensions of the line-attached tool while approaching, moving through or moving away from the body.