Patents Assigned to Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140305633
    Abstract: A capillary injection system delivers chemical with a capillary string to a targeted area in a wellbore such as adjacent a rod pump of a reciprocating pump system. The capillary string is disposed along the production string and delivers the chemical downhole. A tubing anchor disposed on the production string anchors the production string in tension in the casing. The tubing anchor has a mandrel coupled to the production string and has a housing disposed on the mandrel. The mandrel accommodates the capillary string outside thereof and defines a guide slot for controlling relative movement of the mandrel and the housing engaged with the guide slot. The housing has a slip movable outward from the mandrel. The mandrel is in a set condition is moved axially in the guide slot, and the slip is moved outward from the mandrel against the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: James Bracken
  • Publication number: 20140306711
    Abstract: A method of quantifying borehole properties, comprising: injecting an electric current from an outer button and an inner button disposed on an equipotential pad into a subterranean formation surround by the borehole, measuring an apparent conductivity or a scaled current for each button, modeling the measurements at a sequence of standoff locations, and, using an inversion technique to determine at least one of the following borehole properties: mudcake thickness, mudcake resistivity, diameter of invasion, flushed zone resistivity and true formation resistivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: David Guoyu Hu
  • Patent number: 8858187
    Abstract: A downhole pump has a barrel and a plunger movably disposed therein. The gap between the barrel and plunger has first and second seals. The barrel and plunger each have a one-way valve restricting fluid passage out of it. A filter or screen is disposed on the plunger between the first and second seals. In a downstroke, fluid and particulate in the barrel transfers into the plunger. In an upstroke, fluid and particulate in the plunger lifts uphole. At the same time, a volume in the barrel fills with fluid and particulate. During either stroke, the first seal prevents particulate uphole of the plunger from passing into the gap. The filter or screen, however, prevents at least some particulate (i.e., most or larger particulate) inside the plunger from passing out of the plunger with fluid flowing into the gap between the first and second seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Lane
  • Patent number: 8851166
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a throughbore is disclosed for use in a tubular located in a wellbore. The downhole tool has a sealing element configured to seal an annulus between the downhole tool and an inner wall of the tubular; at least one flow path formed in the downhole tool, wherein the flow path is configured to allow fluids in the annulus to flow past the sealing element when the sealing element is in a sealed position; and at least one valve in fluid communication with the flow path and configured to allow the fluids to flow through the flow path in a first direction while preventing the fluids from flowing through the flow path in a second direction. A guard may be installed proximate anchor elements. The guard extends radially beyond an outer diameter of the anchor elements when the anchor elements are in a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Graeme Foubister, Graeme K. Smith, Andrew Thomson, Kannan Devarajan, Andres Fuenmayor
  • Publication number: 20140290946
    Abstract: A sealing system includes a packing element having a groove in a surface thereof. The packing element is adapted to form a double hump configuration upon compression. The sealing system may include a first ring member disposed a first end of the packing element, a second ring member is disposed at a second end of the packing element, a first seal ring is disposed laterally outward of the first ring member, and a second seal ring is disposed laterally outward of the second ring member. A first inner back-up ring is disposed laterally outward of the first seal ring. The first inner back-up ring includes slots. A first outer back-up ring is disposed adjacent the first inner back-up ring and includes slots, wherein that slots in the first outer back-up ring are offset from the slots in the first inner back-up ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Thom T. NGUYEN, Rocky A. TURLEY
  • Patent number: 8844652
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Sokol, Danny W. Wagoner, Thomas F. Bailey, Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Don M. Hannegan
  • Patent number: 8848485
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing sonic well logging within a wellbore based on optical Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) are provided. A sonic well logging system based on DAS may be capable of producing the functional equivalent of tens, hundreds, or even thousands of acoustic sensors. In this manner, the emplacement of the sonic well logging system based on DAS may not be nearly as complex or expensive as emplacing a sonic well logging system based on traditional methods. Furthermore, multiplexing may be simpler, downhole electronics need not be used, and the sonic well logging system may be used in extreme, high temperature environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis X. Bostick, III
  • Patent number: 8839870
    Abstract: A method of lining a wellbore includes deploying the liner into the wellbore using a workstring and a setting tool. The method further includes engaging the setting tool with a casing or liner previously installed in the wellbore. The method further includes pressurizing a chamber formed between a seal of the setting tool and a shoe of the liner, thereby driving the liner further into the wellbore, wherein reactionary force is transferred to the previously installed casing or liner by the engaged setting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 8839880
    Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose A. Trevino, Albert C. Odell, II, Eric M. Twardowski, Tuong Thanh Le, Wei Jake Xu, Guy F. Feasey
  • Publication number: 20140262352
    Abstract: A downhole tool with a swellable mantle is configured for insertion of a cable into a longitudinal slit in the mantle. An arcuate groove is formed in an outer surface of the mantle corresponding to a displacement caused by the inserted cable, so that the displacement is counteracted and the outer surface of the mantle remains smooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Lembcke
  • Publication number: 20140262332
    Abstract: A well screen assembly has a base pipe and one or more screen sections attached to the outer surface of the base pipe. The assembly also has one or more shunt tubes attached to the base pipe via top and bottom rings. The shunt tubes can be attached to the screen sections via B-rings and may be transport tubes or packing tubes. Connections are used for securing a jumper tube to adjoining shunt tubes of adjoining screen sections of the wellscreen assembly, which may be used in open or cased holes. At a well site, the joints of the wellscreens have timed threads so that the various shunt tubes can be aligned with one another along the assembly as the joints are made up. The connections of the present disclosure allow operators to install a jumper tubes between shunt tubes at the joint without needing to tighten fasteners or assembly components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen McNamee, Michael J. Rodrigue, Floyd R. Simonds
  • Publication number: 20140262345
    Abstract: An expandable tubular system that includes a launcher section coupled to a tubular string and that houses an expansion device. A shoulder section that is formed at a transition point between the launcher section and the tubular string has a wall thickness greater than the wall thicknesses of the tubular string and the launcher section. The shoulder section has an inner diameter less than inner diameters of the launcher section and the tubular string. The shoulder section is arranged to increase the force required to begin expansion of the tubular string and increase the contact area between the inner surface of the shoulder section the expansion device when supporting the weight of the tubular string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: Darren Richard SANTELER
  • Publication number: 20140262277
    Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a wellbore having a tool body with a blade assembly slidably mounted thereon and movable between a retracted and an outwardly extended position. The blade assembly is biased towards the retracted position and movable with an actuating force to the extended position. The tool includes an indexer constructed and arranged to facilitate movement of the blade assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Warren MEEKS
  • Publication number: 20140262349
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a weight setting indicator which is used to indicate that an applied force to a tool achieved or exceeded a predetermined amount. In one aspect, a packer actuator for use with a packer is provided. The packer actuator includes a body with a recess. The packer actuator further includes a dog assembly disposed in the recess of the body. The dog assembly is configured to set the packer when a force is applied to the packer actuator. The packer actuator also includes a setting indicator disposed in the recess adjacent an end of the dog assembly. The setting indicator is configured to move from a pre-set position to a post-set position when the force is applied to the packer actuator, wherein the setting indicator is plastically deformed in the post-set position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Kathleen C. Cassard
  • Publication number: 20140262326
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to purging a RCD including a bearing of contaminants with a fluid circuit, the fluid circuit having at least one housing adjacent to the RCD, a first plurality of valves within the bearing, a second plurality of valves within the housing, at least one inlet port located on the RCD, each inlet port being connected to the housing, at least one outlet port located on the RCD, each outlet port being connected to the housing, and a purge outlet in fluid communication with the fluid circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Gray, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20140262213
    Abstract: An expandable tubular for use in a wellbore includes: a pin formed at a first longitudinal end of the expandable tubular; a box formed at a second longitudinal end of the expandable tubular; a tubular body connecting the pin and the box; and an elastomeric seal disposed in a groove of the box. Each of the pin and box has: a torque shoulder; and a thread. The pin has an asymmetric protrusion formed on an inner surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Richard W. DELANGE, Scott H. OSBURN, Syed HOSSAIN
  • Publication number: 20140260732
    Abstract: A holding device having release mechanisms for securing and releasing one or more ball, dart, and/or plug members from the holding device into a tubular string disposed in a wellbore. The release mechanisms may include a planetary gear arrangement for extending and retracting a plunger member disposed below the ball, dart, and/or plug members. The release mechanisms may include a bevel gear arrangement for extending and retracting a finger support member disposed below the ball, dart, and/or plug members. The release mechanisms may include a pivotable, spring type arrangement for extending and retracting a finger support member disposed below the ball, dart, and/or plug members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin WOOD, Richard Lee GIROUX
  • Publication number: 20140269144
    Abstract: A slurry mixing system calculates a density of a slurry using measured pressure differential and bulk velocity of the slurry. Slurry from mixing of dry blend and mix fluid enters a one or more tanks having agitators. A pump then pumps the slurry from the tank(s) to the well, and a portion of the slurry is recirculating back to a mixer. From the recirculated path, a direct slurry weight sensor measures a pressure differential of the slurry between two vertical measurement points of a known volume, and the sensor measures a velocity of the recirculated slurry. Based on these measures, the controller calculates a density of the slurry, monitors a ratio of the dry blend and the mix fluid, and adjusts the ratio based on the calculated density of the slurry if there is a discrepancy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant W. Ayo, Billy Williams
  • Publication number: 20140262214
    Abstract: A slip assembly for a downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, has a slip body composed of independent segments. The segments are affixed together along their longitudinal sides by a bond, which can be composed of thermoplastic or thermoset resins, an elastomer, epoxy adhesives, bonding agent manufactured using ceramic, metallic agent, or a combination of these. The surface area over which the bonding agent is applied can be controlled for a particular implementation. Thus, more or less of the longitudinal sides of the segments can be bonded to other segments. This provides greater control of the required force to break the bond itself, which can be tailored as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Nauman Mhaskar, Shawn J. Treadaway, Matthew Stage, Jonathan A. Young
  • Publication number: 20140262317
    Abstract: A surface drivehead drives a downhole pump by rotating a rod string at the surface. The downhole pump can be connected downhole to the rod string via a downhole latching mechanism. The surface drivehead has an assembly that can move the rod string upwards or downwards along an axis to either increase or decrease rod string tension. During rod string rotation, rod tension is monitored. If rod string tension changes during rotation, the surface drivehead can automatically compensate by moving the rod string upwards or downwards along the axis to either recapture or eliminate tension. In this way, the surface drivehead can maintain a substantially constant rod string tension to drive the downhole pump at high speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb Inc.
    Inventor: Weatherford/Lamb Inc.