Other

Premiere, Inc.

Lee Matherne

John D Jeter

Lee Robichaux

Tommy A Hebert

Radivoj Drecun

A method of conducting seismic evaluation of a subterranean formation wherein a rigid, elongate member having a first end and a second end is positioned such that the first end of the elongate member is at a point on the earth's surface, imparting an impulsive force to the elongate member to urge the member into the earth, the positioning of the rigid member and the impulsive force being sufficient to generate and propagate primary seismic waves into the subterranean formation and positioning one or more seismic wave detectors on the surface of the earth to detect and receive reflected seismic waves from the subterranean formation.

Method of seismic evaluation of subterranean strata

A vertical pipe column assembly procedure involves the simultaneous welding and ultrasonic testing activity by using a plurality of welders progressing peripherally around a joint with the ultrasonic testing work similarly progressing peripherally around the joint between the welders. The temperature rise from welding activity is reduced by only partially completing the weld at a selected joint, then lowering the joint by the usual process of lowering or driving it downward one section length and completing the weld deposit at a lower work station. At the lower work station, ultrasonic testing again proceeds simultaneously between the peripherally progressing welders. An optional step used to improve joint strength, usable at selected joints needing the most strength, involves the application of an axial pull on the section above the finish welding activity. This axial pull places an axial stress in the partially completed weld. When the finishing weld metal cools it shrinks and is itself axially tension stressed. When the last weld metal applied cools, the axial pull on the pipe column is removed and the axially stressed weld is in a lower stressed state. By this external stress application process the outer weld metal places less compressive stress on the inner weld metal with a consequent reduction in the intrinsic stresses induced by the welding process. A stronger joint is the final product.

Vertical pipe column assembly method

A floor standing base supports a work holding manipulator table that is adapted to secure a vertical length of pipe for welding at a prepared juncture in the mounted pipe. The manipulator table is attached to the stand by a gimbal arrangement that allows it to tilt relative to a vertical axis a limited amount in all directions. Actuators also move the table a limited amount in all horizontal directions. The table movement actuators can be interlocked to produce a specific movement of the table and a table mounted workpiece. For certification work, requiring specific movement programs, recordings are provided to control the movement and movement relationships among the actuators. The recordings are, optionally, produced in the field by movement monitoring transducers attached to pipe being assembled in the actual representative environment. The record playback system controls all actuators and permits adjustment of the amplitude and rate of movement of the table for calibration and training purposes.

Simulator for pipe welding

Improved welding method and padeye processing speeds up the connection of individual joints by peripheral fusion welding while the joint to be added stands vertically atop an existing pipe string also standing vertical in the rig floor. A plurality of welders can operate to speed up completion of the weld by removing heat from the pipe during the welding process. Heat is removed by the use of fluid cuffs near the weld area and, optionally, by using a spool within the pipe string to dispense expansion cooled air against the inner pipe wall in the vicinity of the weld. A special improved padeye is provided for welding near the pipe ends for handling. The padeye has a divided profile, a hole for a lifting shackle, and it will be accepted within the skirt of the lead system of the driving hammer. The upper end of the padeye can be cut from the pipe while the pipe is resting, on rig related structure, on the lower surface of the padeye.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Lee Matherne