Machines, systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer program products to test and certify oil and gas equipment

Abstract

Embodiments of machines, systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer program products certify oil and gas well equipment. Embodiments identify a selected well equipment device, a device test specification, and testing sequences to be performed by a corresponding testing apparatus. Embodiments select a testing sequence responsive to the selected device. Embodiments control the testing apparatus for the selected testing sequence so that the corresponding testing apparatus performs the sequence responsive to the device test specification. Embodiments generate testing data for the selected testing sequence and link the testing data for the selected testing sequence to the device identifier for the device so that a certificate can be generated. Embodiments generate a certificate for the selected device responsive to the testing sequences having been performed upon the selected device and link the certificate for the selected device to the device identifier so that the certificate can be readily recalled.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority and is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 330,248 filed Apr. 30, 2010 titled “Machines, Systems, Computer-Implemented Methods, And Computer Program Products To Test And Certify Oil And Gas Equipment,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to oil and gas production. In more particular aspects, the present invention relates to testing and certification of equipment used in oil and gas production.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The production of oil and gas requires specialized well equipment, such as pipes, valves, joints, and fittings that operate in extreme conditions, including, for example, high pressure, temperature, volatility, and corrosivity. Such conditions promote the rapid wear of well equipment and increase the potential for failure. Moreover, when well equipment does fail, the impact of the failure is typically catast...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and machines for testing and certifying well equipment that enhance testing management, certification management, field operations management, and asset management. For example, embodiments of the present invention increase efficiency in testing and certifying well equipment by providing a systematic solution to control testing operations. Also, embodiments of the present invention increase efficiency in testing and certifying well equipment by seamlessly generating, storing, and processing testing data immediately upon performance of the testing operations, allowing a user to view the testing data in real time. Also, embodiments of the present invention increase efficiency in testing and certifying well equipment by dynamically generating certificates and reports responsive to the testing data according to multiple formats or user criteria.

Problems solved by technology

Such conditions promote the rapid wear of well equipment and increase the potential for failure.

Moreover, when well equipment does fail, the impact of the failure is typically catastrophic.

For example, the failure of well equipment can result in massive explosions that hurt workers, destroy property, and halt operations for a significant time—potentially costing millions of dollars in liabilities, repairs, and lost revenue.

Well equipment particularly susceptible to catastrophic failure includes, for example, the equipment used in the process of hydraulic fracturing known as “fracing” or “fracking.” The process of fracing creates or extends fractures in subterranean rock formations by pumping fluid into the formation at high pressure.

Previously known methods to certify frac iron were lengthy and laborious, often lasting one to three weeks and requiring a human tester to control all testing, to record the results manually, and later to enter the results into a database—costing valuable production capacity due to downtime.

Also, previously known methods to certify frac iron were susceptible to inconsistencies due to the manually intensive nature of the certification, such as inconsistent performance of testing operations and inconsistent adherence to prescribed test specifications.

Also, for example, certification records were created by manual input, introducing human error and recording and measurement variances into the certification records.

Also, previously known methods to certify frac iron were susceptible to operational inefficiencies.

For example, certification records were kept in hard copy, which did not allow on-site operators to readily access certifications while in the field, which may be a remote location such as an offshore rig.

Furthermore, certification records and the test results associated therewith could not be tracked, updated, or reported on from a central control center.

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