Patents Examined by James G Sayre
  • Patent number: 11959666
    Abstract: A system and method of harvesting geothermal energy in a subterranean formation includes providing an injection wellbore that extends into the subterranean formation, positioning a plurality of selectively opening sleeves in the injection wellbore spaced apart the subterranean formation, providing at least one producing wellbore that extends into the subterranean formation in a predetermined location proximate to the injection wellbore, and fracturing the subterranean formation in a plurality of locations proximate to the plurality of selectively opening sleeves to enhance a fluid pathway between the injection wellbore and the at least one producing wellbore. Fluid is injected down the injection wellbore at a first temperature, and the fluid is produced from the at least one producing wellbore at a second temperature higher than said first temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Colorado School of Mines
    Inventor: William W. Fleckenstein
  • Patent number: 11952879
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for connecting a hydraulic fracturing fluid source to various wells at a given well site. In general, use of disclosed systems and methods provide for repositioning (refocusing) the hydraulic fracturing operation amongst multiple wells may be achieved. In one example, a system to reroute fracturing fluid from a source to various wells at a well site may be provided. The use of adapters and quick clamp connections allow hydraulic fracturing fluid to be rerouted between various wells in a manner to decrease the cost and reduce hazards associated with changing hydraulic fracturing locations. Modular components of the system (and an overall modular design of the system itself) may allow a centralized manifold to be relocated to various locations at one or more well sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: MCCLINTON ENERGY GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Perkins, Aaron Ladwig, Tommy McClinton
  • Patent number: 11955782
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing electrical power from a utility electric grid to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. A mobile substation includes at least two transformer units that are operatively coupled to the utility electric grid in a parallel orientation, wherein the transformer units are capable of receiving power from the utility electric grid and stepping down the power for delivery to a switchgear. An electric motor is operatively coupled to a hydraulic fracturing pump and operatively controlled by a variable frequency drive. At least one open air relay cable is operatively coupled between the switchgear and the electric motor and capable of delivering power to the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: TYPHON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS (U.S.), LLC
    Inventors: Johnny Martin, David Loyd, Theron South
  • Patent number: 11946324
    Abstract: The present invention addresses to a system for supporting the tension load of the riser, this component with the primary function of supporting the risers, where the riser support mechanism is an integral part of the upper cone, thus eliminating the need to install slips by the shallow dive, and, also avoiding that the locking mechanism is an integral part of the Top Termination of the Riser (L). There is a minimal number of moving parts, which favors the maintainability of the system. In addition, if maintenance is required, the size and weight of the components are compatible with diving operations. For pull-in operations, it is anticipated that the slips will return to their working position only by the action of the force of gravity. In the case of pull-out, the concept of automated slip retraction mechanism was developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Petróbras Brasileiro S. A.—Petrobras
    Inventors: Claudio Violante Ferreira, Bruno Pinho Dos Reis, Flavio Barroso De Mello
  • Patent number: 11946352
    Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein enable coordinated pumping operations. An example system may include a treatment fluid system configured to pump a treatment fluid into a wellbore, a pump-down system configured to pump a pump-down fluid into the wellbore to convey a perforating tool, a fluid valve system configured to selectively fluidly connect and disconnect the treatment fluid system and the pump-down system to and from the wellbore, and a controller communicatively connected to the treatment fluid system, the pump-down system, and the fluid valve system. The controller may be configured to monitor operational status of the treatment fluid system, the pump-down system, and the fluid valve system, and control operations of the treatment fluid system, the pump-down system, and the fluid valve system based at least in part on the operational status of the treatment fluid system, the pump-down system, and the fluid valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Christie, Florence Binet
  • Patent number: 11939852
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: TYPHON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS (U.S.), LLC
    Inventors: Todd Coli, Eldon Schelske
  • Patent number: 11939854
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and controllers for detecting and mitigating well screen outs may include a controller configured to operate a fracturing pump to supply fluid at a discharge rate to a wellhead at a fracturing well site. The controller may also operate a blender positioned to deliver a blend of proppant and fluid to the fracturing pump. The controller may compare a fluid pressure increase rate to a preselected increase rate indicative of a potential well screen out. The controller may incrementally decrease the discharge rate of the fracturing pump and a flow rate of a blender when the fluid pressure increase rate of the wellhead exceeds the preselected increase rate and the fluid pressure is within a preselected percentage of a maximum wellhead pressure until the fluid pressure of the fluid supplied to the wellhead is stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 11933128
    Abstract: Systems and processes for subsea marine managed pressure operations. One system includes a modified riser joint configured to fluidly connect inline with one or more riser joints. The modified riser joint and the one or more riser joints are connected to form a riser connecting a floating vessel with a wellhead. The system further includes a subsea pressure management sub-system configured to be operatively and fluidly connected to the modified riser joint at a subsea location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: BLADE ENERGY PARTNERS LTD.
    Inventors: Oscar R. Gabaldon, Patrick R. Brand
  • Patent number: 11933138
    Abstract: A sliding sleeve device has an outer cylinder, a circulation hole being provided in the wall of the outer cylinder; and an inner cylinder provided in an inner cavity of the outer cylinder. In an initial state, the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder are fixed to each other to seal the circulation hole. In a first state, the inner cylinder is movable relative to the outer cylinder, thereby unsealing the circulation hole. A protection mechanism is provided in the circulation hole, which has an inner member located on the radially inner side and an outer member located on the radially outer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignees: CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORPORATION, SINOPEC SOUTHWEST OIL & GAS COMPANY
    Inventors: Zhimin Hou, Dan Hu, Qiang Wang, Yijun Zhou, Jiang Qian, Chen Chen, Tao Liu, Jianfa Ci, Wenfeng Pang, Wenjiang Teng
  • Patent number: 11927093
    Abstract: A system and method for deploying a fiber optic sensing (FOS) system. The system may include a deployment package that is marinized. The deployment package may include a connection housing for connecting the deployment package to a subsea tree, a valve disposed on the connection housing, and a chamber connected to the valve. The deployment package may also include a cap attached to an end of the chamber opposite the valve and one or more optical connections disposed within the cap. Additionally, the deployment package may include a self-propelling vehicle that is disposed within the chamber and a downhole sensing fiber connected to the self-propelling vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikko K. Jaaskelainen, Faraaz Adil
  • Patent number: 11927088
    Abstract: A pumping system for pumping a fluid for a wellsite. The pumping system includes a manifold assembly and pumping systems in fluid communication with the manifold header. The manifold assembly includes a manifold header that includes a manifold header body and outlets. The manifold header body includes an inlet to receive the fluid and an interior bore. Each outlet includes an entrance section shaped to have a profile that is approximately the same as a profile of an inner surface of the manifold header body, an outlet port shaped to flow the fluid approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the manifold header body, and a transition section shaped to have a radius of curvature that transitions from the profile of the entrance section to the outlet port and reduces internal erosion of the outlet due to the fluid flowing from the manifold header and through the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: LWF Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Lawson, Christopher James Lawson
  • Patent number: 11920451
    Abstract: A plug valve for controlling flow through high-pressure fluid flow lines has a valve chamber and a rotatable valve body. The chamber has an undercut. First and second valve seat inserts are mounted in the chamber undercut. The valve body has a midsection, a flow port extending through the midsection, a passage extending between an upper surface and a lower surface of the midsection, an upper valve stem extending from the midsection upper surface, and a lower valve stem extending from the midsection lower surface. The upper surfaces of the valve body exposed to internal fluid pressure and lower surfaces of the valve body exposed to internal fluid pressure have substantially equal surface areas. First and second plug seal rings having substantially equal diameters are mounted, respectively around the upper valve stem and the lower valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Cantex International, Inc.
    Inventor: Duy D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11920445
    Abstract: A method and system for enhancing petroleum production are provided, in which a fracturing operation can be conducted in a formation through a string and then petroleum is displaced from the fractured formation by selectively injecting fluid into selected fractures in the formation while other non-selected fractures remain without fluid injection. The injected fluid flows out into the fractured formation and enhances recovery from the non-selected fractures. Petroleum is selectively collected from the non-selected fractures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE, LLC.
    Inventors: Warren Foster Peter MacPhail, Wolfgang Friedrich Johann Deeg
  • Patent number: 11913318
    Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for continuous fracturing operations across a multichannel fracturing configuration. To swap a first well for a second well while continuously pumping water and/or frac fluid through the fracturing system, the second well may be initially prepared through a pressure equalization process. Once the second well is equalized and open, the first well may be sequentially closed and depressurized. Thus, the first well is swapped for the second well while the water and/or frac fluid continuously flows through the system. A conditional flow control valve may be used to sequentially open and/or close the flow of frac fluid through the frac manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Force Pressure Control, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob Startz, Dustin Nesloney
  • Patent number: 11913328
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a choke, a controller, a communication and power element, instrumentation, and a stabilizer. The choke is configured to vary an annular well pressure. The choke includes an expandable element having an expanded position, an expanding position, and an unexpanded position. The controller is connected to the choke and is configured to place the choke in the expanded position, the expanding position, and the unexpanded position. The communication and power element is electronically connected to the controller. Power and instructions are sent to the controller from the communication and power element. The instrumentation is electronically connected to the communication and power element. The instrumentation comprises sensors configured to obtain downhole data and the downhole data is sent to the communication and power element. The stabilizer is configured to centralize the choke within the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Affleck, Krzysztof Karol Machocki
  • Patent number: 11913315
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems. The treatment fluid can comprise a water-based fracturing fluid or a waterless liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fracturing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: TYPHON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS (U.S.), LLC
    Inventors: Todd Coli, Eldon Schelske
  • Patent number: 11905782
    Abstract: A regulator valve has a check valve manifold for use in subsea control circuits. For example, the regulator valve having the check valve manifold can be used in a circuit between a directional control valve and an actuator for a gate valve. The check valve manifold can be a flange that attaches to the regulator valve to communicate with the supply and outlet of the regulator valve. Internal communication inside the manifold includes a check valve. If the pressure in the circuit downstream of the regulator valve needs to be vented, the check valve can open to allow the pressure to bleed from the outlet back to the supply without needing to pass through the internal pressure control valve of the regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Roy, Frank Harold Hollister, Nathan Zepeda, Robert E. Smith, III, Josh Williams
  • Patent number: 11905770
    Abstract: A latch assembly having a first portion movably coupled with a second portion. The first portion has a roller housing, a latch panel, and handle, and the second portion has a respective roller housing, a respective latch panel, and a respective handle. In a closed position, the latch panel engages with the respective roller housing, and the respective latch panel engages with the roller housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • Patent number: 11905771
    Abstract: A crusher includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet at opposite axial sides, an impeller positioned proximate the inlet of the housing, and a shaft connected to the impeller and extending axially through the housing between the inlet and the outlet. At least two spaced apart support structures hold the shaft in the housing, where a plurality of dynamic blades extending outwardly from the shaft are alternatingly positioned between a plurality of fixed blades extending radially inward from an inner wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Sajid Hussain, Syed Muhammad Ali
  • Patent number: 11891883
    Abstract: Methods for electrohydraulic fracture stimulation of formations may include producing an acoustic shock wave having a compressive wave character in a wellbore penetrating a formation and manipulating the acoustic shock wave. The acoustic shock wave may be manipulated in one or more of the following steps: channeling the acoustic shock wave down the wellbore to change a shape of the acoustic shock wave to less spherical; converting the compressive wave character to an expansion wave character; and changing an acoustic impedance of the acoustic shock wave. The acoustic shock wave having the changed shape, the expansion wave character, and the changed acoustic impedance is distributed into the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Rainer N. Dahms