Devices and methods to impart liquid into a pumping unit are described herein. Specifically, a vertical liquid intake is described which allows for diversion of liquid flow from horizontal to vertical without a loss of capacity or increased risk of cavitation. The liquid intake generally includes a body with separate channels and a removable cover.

There is provided an apparatus for controlling a run of a pig (20) through a tubular object (22), the apparatus comprising: a propulsion device (32) for propelling the pig (20) inside the tubular object (22); a recording device (30) configured to, in real-time, record operating steps and operating parameters of a human-controlled reference run of the pig (20) through the tubular object (22); and a controller (30) programmed to selectively carry out an automatic control mode in which the controller (30) automatically controls a subsequent run of the pig (20) through the tubular object (22) in accordance with the recorded operating steps and operating parameters of the reference run, wherein the automatic control mode includes control of the propulsion device (32) to propel the pig (20) through the tubular object (22).

There is provided an apparatus for controlling a run of a pig (20) through a tubular object (22), the apparatus comprising: a propulsion device (32) for propelling the pig (20) inside the tubular object (22); a recording device (30) configured to, in real-time, record operating steps and operating parameters of a human-controlled reference run of the pig (20) through the tubular object (22); and a controller (30) programmed to selectively carry out an automatic control mode in which the controller (30) automatically controls a subsequent run of the pig (20) through the tubular object (22) in accordance with the recorded operating steps and operating parameters of the reference run, wherein the automatic control mode includes control of the propulsion device (32) to propel the pig (20) through the tubular object (22).

In a method of joining a structure to a water-filled pipeline aboard a reel-lay vessel, a trailing end portion of the pipeline is suspended upright on a reel-lay tower. Water is drained from the trailing end portion while being retained in an inclined portion of the pipeline extending from the tower to a reel of the vessel and in a spooled portion of the pipeline coiled on the reel. The structure is joined to a trailing end of the pipeline after inserting a pig into the trailing end portion through the trailing end. Pumping additional water into a leading end of the pipeline on the reel propels the pig from the trailing end portion into a conduit of the structure while flooding the trailing end portion. This expels air through a port of the structure that was trapped in the trailing end portion between the pig and the structure.

In a method of joining a structure to a water-filled pipeline aboard a reel-lay vessel, a trailing end portion of the pipeline is suspended upright on a reel-lay tower. Water is drained from the trailing end portion while being retained in an inclined portion of the pipeline extending from the tower to a reel of the vessel and in a spooled portion of the pipeline coiled on the reel. The structure is joined to a trailing end of the pipeline after inserting a pig into the trailing end portion through the trailing end. Pumping additional water into a leading end of the pipeline on the reel propels the pig from the trailing end portion into a conduit of the structure while flooding the trailing end portion. This expels air through a port of the structure that was trapped in the trailing end portion between the pig and the structure.

A method to reduce slugging in a pipeline, including flowing a fluid flow through a pipeline having a fluid flow path extending therethrough and determining a presence of a slug within the fluid flow path of the pipeline. Launching a chokeable pig into the fluid flow path, anchoring the chokeable pig at a predetermined location within the fluid flow path, and adjusting the pressure drop through the pipeline.

A method to reduce slugging in a pipeline, including flowing a fluid flow through a pipeline having a fluid flow path extending therethrough and determining a presence of a slug within the fluid flow path of the pipeline. Launching a chokeable pig into the fluid flow path, anchoring the chokeable pig at a predetermined location within the fluid flow path, and adjusting the pressure drop through the pipeline.

The present invention relates to a system for launching robots for use in oil and gas production wells, comprising a supporting structure (2), on which robot-launching tubing (4) is arranged; a dynamic seal (12) attached to the inlet end of the robot-launching tubing (4), which seals off the umbilical cable (8); an annular BOP valve (3) to restrict upward flow; and a ram BOP valve (7) at the other end of the tubing (4), to restrict upward flow and having a large enough opening to allow the robot to pass through, sealing off the umbilical cable (8). The system can be detached from the duct, used for transporting the robot, it can be flexible in terms of different configurations, and it can have a system that allows inertization of blocked lines. The present invention is used for introducing robots that operate internally in flexible and rigid ducts, with it being necessary to connect the tubing system to the equipment developed. Once connected, and by operating the valves of the system, it is possible to introduce the robot into the tubing.

The present invention relates to a system for launching robots for use in oil and gas production wells, comprising a supporting structure (2), on which robot-launching tubing (4) is arranged; a dynamic seal (12) attached to the inlet end of the robot-launching tubing (4), which seals off the umbilical cable (8); an annular BOP valve (3) to restrict upward flow; and a ram BOP valve (7) at the other end of the tubing (4), to restrict upward flow and having a large enough opening to allow the robot to pass through, sealing off the umbilical cable (8). The system can be detached from the duct, used for transporting the robot, it can be flexible in terms of different configurations, and it can have a system that allows inertization of blocked lines. The present invention is used for introducing robots that operate internally in flexible and rigid ducts, with it being necessary to connect the tubing system to the equipment developed. Once connected, and by operating the valves of the system, it is possible to introduce the robot into the tubing.

A pig launch and recovery apparatus independently mountable to and removable from a water supply system including at least one water main and valve. The pig launch and recovery apparatus comprises a flow tube and a launch and recovery tube. The flow tube includes first and second flow ends and a main flow valve located between the first and second flow ends. The first flow end is removably mounted to a recirculating unit including a pump. The second flow end is removably mounted to a first point in the system. A launch and recovery tube further includes first and second launch ends, wherein the first launch end is fluidly connected to the flow tube between the first flow end and the main flow valve, and wherein the second launch end is fluidly connected to the flow tube between the main flow valve and the second flow end.