A system for operation on a subsea well, the system comprising at least one storage unit configured to store tubulars; a subsea mast unit comprising at least two string handling devices configured to handle a tubular string of a plurality of connected tubulars, wherein at least one of the string handling devices is configured to move vertically relative to the other of the string handling devices, and is configured to add a vertical downforce to the tubular string; and at least one handling arrangement for moving tubulars between the at least one storage unit and one of the string handling devices simultaneously with handling of the tubular string by at least one of the string handling devices. A method of lowering a tubular string into a subsea well is also provided.

A system includes a crate and a deployer. The crate is configured to contain a plurality of elongated rods; the crate has a length, width and height. The deployer includes a bed frame upper surface, a crate support frame, a tilt mechanism and a scope mechanism. The crate support frame includes an attachment mechanism configured for removable attachment of the crate, wherein the crate support frame has a longitudinal extent aligned with the length of an attached crate. The tilt mechanism is configured to move the crate support frame between a horizontal position parallel to the bed frame upper surface and a vertical position normal to the bed frame upper surface. The scope mechanism is configured to move the crate support frame linearly along its longitudinal extent. A method of deploying a plurality of rods to a selected location is also described.

A horizontal directional drilling machine includes a drill string rotational drive unit having an output member configured to connect with and selectively drive rotation of a drill string, the rotational drive unit including a hydraulic motor. A hydraulic circuit has a configuration that puts the motor in a drive mode to apply torque and a second configuration that puts the motor in a freewheel mode disabled from applying torque. The hydraulic circuit includes a first fluid flow path for connecting the hydraulic motor through a first rotary ball valve to one of an inlet side and an outlet side of a drive pump, and a second fluid flow path for selectively connecting the hydraulic motor through a second rotary ball valve to the other side of the drive pump. In the first configuration, there is no pressure drop across the first and second rotary ball valves.

A horizontal directional drilling machine includes a drill string rotational drive unit having an output member configured to connect with and selectively drive rotation of a drill string, the rotational drive unit including a hydraulic motor. A hydraulic circuit has a configuration that puts the motor in a drive mode to apply torque and a second configuration that puts the motor in a freewheel mode disabled from applying torque. The hydraulic circuit includes a first fluid flow path for connecting the hydraulic motor through a first rotary ball valve to one of an inlet side and an outlet side of a drive pump, and a second fluid flow path for selectively connecting the hydraulic motor through a second rotary ball valve to the other side of the drive pump. In the first configuration, there is no pressure drop across the first and second rotary ball valves.

An automated rig apparatus for drilling or servicing a well is provided. The apparatus can include a motor vehicle having a frame, and a hinged derrick mast pivotally attached to the frame. The apparatus can further include a rack disposed in the mast and a carriage assembly with pinion motors configured to travel up and down the rack when the mast is raised to a vertical position. A tool carrier configured to receive a top drive unit or a power swivel unit can be attached to the carriage assembly. The apparatus can further include a movable platform and an operators cab configured to be moved to a desired position relative to the derrick mast when the mast is raised to a vertical position. The apparatus can further include a hydraulic drive assembly to operate the apparatus, and a mud pump and manifold for pumping drilling mud.

An automated rig apparatus for drilling or servicing a well is provided. The apparatus can include a motor vehicle having a frame, and a hinged derrick mast pivotally attached to the frame. The apparatus can further include a rack disposed in the mast and a carriage assembly with pinion motors configured to travel up and down the rack when the mast is raised to a vertical position. A tool carrier configured to receive a top drive unit or a power swivel unit can be attached to the carriage assembly. The apparatus can further include a movable platform and an operators cab configured to be moved to a desired position relative to the derrick mast when the mast is raised to a vertical position. The apparatus can further include a hydraulic drive assembly to operate the apparatus, and a mud pump and manifold for pumping drilling mud.

A drilling machine has a hybrid thrust/pull back system. The hybrid thrust/pull-back system includes at least two different types of drive mechanisms that can be operated concurrently or independently depending upon an operating state of the drilling machine.

A drilling machine has a hybrid thrust/pull back system. The hybrid thrust/pull-back system includes at least two different types of drive mechanisms that can be operated concurrently or independently depending upon an operating state of the drilling machine.

A mast assembly for a drilling rig includes a mast formed from a plurality of mast subunits. The mast assembly includes a lower drilling machine, upper drilling machine, and upper mud assembly, each of which is coupled to and movable vertically relative to the mast. The mast subunits are separable when the mast is in a transport configuration such that the LDM is positioned in a first subunit and the UDM is in a second subunit of the mast when the mast is in the transport configuration. The mast assembly may be used during a continuous drilling operation.

A mast assembly for a drilling rig includes a mast formed from a plurality of mast subunits. The mast assembly includes a lower drilling machine, upper drilling machine, and upper mud assembly, each of which is coupled to and movable vertically relative to the mast. The mast subunits are separable when the mast is in a transport configuration such that the LDM is positioned in a first subunit and the UDM is in a second subunit of the mast when the mast is in the transport configuration. The mast assembly may be used during a continuous drilling operation.