Patents by Inventor Kelly D. Ireland
Kelly D. Ireland has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10087683Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLCInventors: Robert A. Laing, Kelly D. Ireland, Anurag Gautam, Steven R. Radford
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Patent number: 9970268Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for treating a formation is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a first string for placement in the wellbore that includes a first flow port that enables a treatment fluid to flow from inside the first string to the formation via an annulus between the first string and the formation, a second string for placement in the first string, wherein the second string includes a second flow port that supplies the treatment fluid to the first flow port along a selected radial orientation to direct the treatment fluid in the selected radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Kelly D. Ireland, Robert A. Estes
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Patent number: 9915125Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore contains a flow control device for use in a wellbore that includes a bore that provides a first flow path and a second flow path via an annulus around the first flow path. The apparatus further includes a closing device that closes the second flow path when the closing device is mechanically moved in a first direction and an opening device that opens the second flow path when a fluid under pressure is supplied to the annulus when a valve is closed.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Rockni Van Clief, Kelly D. Ireland, Christian F. Bayne, David A. Bilberry, David S. Bishop, Kirby Glen Schrader
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Patent number: 9863224Abstract: An isolation system is disclosed that contains: a lower wet connect portion, a central production tubing, an isolation device associated with the central production tubing, and at least one communication line, wherein the at least one communication line is associated with the lower wet connect portion and is disposed through an inside diameter of the isolation device. Further, a method for isolating a lower completion is disclosed that includes: conveying an isolation assembly to the lower completion, the isolation assembly including: a lower wet isolation device; and routing the at least one communication line through an inside diameter of the isolation device. Further a completion system is disclosed that contains a lower completion system and an isolation system associated with the lower completion system.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: David S. Bishop, John E. Britt, Kim Tijerina, Kirby G. Schrader, Connor S. George, Marc N. Samuelson, Kelly D. Ireland, Rockni Van Clief, Christian F. Bayne, David A. Bilberry
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Patent number: 9828826Abstract: An isolation system is disclosed that contains a lower wet connect portion; a central production tubing; an isolation device associated with the central production tubing, and at least one control line. Further at least one control line is associated with the lower wet connect portion and is disposed through an inside diameter of the isolation device. Further method for isolating a lower completion is disclosed that includes conveying an isolation assembly to the lower completion, the isolation assembly including a lower wet connect portion, at least one control line, a central production tubing, and an isolation device, and routing the at least one control line through an inside diameter of the isolation device. Further completion system is disclosed that contains a lower completion system and an isolation system associated with the lower completion system.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: David S. Bishop, John E. Britt, Kim Tijerina, Kirby Glen Schrader, Conner S. George, Marc N. Samuelson, Kelly D. Ireland, Rockni Van Clief, Christian F. Bayne, David A. Bilberry
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Patent number: 9828839Abstract: In one aspect, a device for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body; a barrier member associated with an outer surface of the tubular body configured to retain a proppant; an actuating member associated with the barrier member configured to expand the barrier member in an annular direction; and a fluid channel associated with an upper extent and a lower extent of the barrier member, configured to allow a fluid flow therethrough. In another aspect, a method for completing a multi-zone wellbore, includes deploying a barrier device at a downhole location within the wellbore; expanding a barrier member in an annulus of the wellbore; providing proppant in the annulus of the wellbore; retaining the proppant in the annulus via the barrier member; and providing a fluid flow between an upper extent and a lower extent of the barrier member.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Geoffrey York Powers, Kelly D. Ireland
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Publication number: 20170204671Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2017Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: Robert A. Laing, Kelly D. Ireland, Anurag Gautam, Steven R. Radford
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Patent number: 9677349Abstract: Entry guides for use on a tubing string comprise one or more dissolvable materials. A profile disposed on the entry guide facilitates aligning the tubing string in a desired orientation within a wellbore. For example, the profile can align the tubing string with a bore of a component disposed within the wellbore so that the tubing string can be inserted into a bore of the downhole component. After proper alignment has been achieved, the one or more dissolvable materials can be activated to disappear leaving behind the tubing string and the downhole component in their desired arrangement. One or more portion of the entry guides, including the profile, can be formed out of the dissolvable material.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Kelly D. Ireland, Timothy L. Cragin
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Publication number: 20160305214Abstract: In one aspect, an isolation system is disclosed that in one embodiment contains a lower wet connect portion; a central production tubing; an isolation device associated with the central production tubing, and at least one control line, wherein the at least one control line is associated with the lower wet connect portion and is disposed through an inside diameter of the isolation device. In another aspect, a method for isolating a lower completion is disclosed that includes conveying an isolation assembly to the lower completion, the isolation assembly including a lower wet connect portion, at least one control line, a central production tubing, and an isolation device, and routing the at least one control line through an inside diameter of the isolation device. In another aspect, a completion system is disclosed that in one embodiment contains a lower completion system and an isolation system associated with the lower completion system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: October 20, 2016Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: David S. Bishop, John E. Britt, Kim Tijerina, Kirby Glen Schrader, Conner S. George, Marc N. Samuelson, Kelly D. Ireland, Rockni Van Clief, Christian F. Bayne, David A. Bilberry
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Publication number: 20160061011Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for treating a formation is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a first string for placement in the wellbore that includes a first flow port that enables a treatment fluid to flow from inside the first string to the formation via an annulus between the first string and the formation, a second string for placement in the first string, wherein the second string includes a second flow port that supplies the treatment fluid to the first flow port along a selected radial orientation to direct the treatment fluid in the selected radial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2014Publication date: March 3, 2016Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Kelly D. Ireland, Robert A. Estes
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Publication number: 20160047190Abstract: In one aspect, a device for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body; a barrier member associated with an outer surface of the tubular body configured to retain a proppant; an actuating member associated with the barrier member configured to expand the barrier member in an annular direction; and a fluid channel associated with an upper extent and a lower extent of the barrier member, configured to allow a fluid flow therethrough. In another aspect, a method for completing a multi-zone wellbore, includes deploying a barrier device at a downhole location within the wellbore; expanding a barrier member in an annulus of the wellbore; providing proppant in the annulus of the wellbore; retaining the proppant in the annulus via the barrier member; and providing a fluid flow between an upper extent and a lower extent of the barrier member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2014Publication date: February 18, 2016Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Geoffrey York Powers, Kelly D. Ireland
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Publication number: 20160010420Abstract: In one aspect, an isolation system is disclosed that contains: a lower wet connect portion, a central production tubing, an isolation device associated with the central production tubing, and at least one communication line, wherein the at least one communication line is associated with the lower wet connect portion and is disposed through an inside diameter of the isolation device. In another aspect, a method for isolating a lower completion is disclosed that in one embodiment includes: conveying an isolation assembly to the lower completion, the isolation assembly including: a lower wet connect portion, at least one communication line, a central production tubing, and an isolation device; and routing the at least one communication line through an inside diameter of the isolation device. In another aspect, a completion system is disclosed that in one embodiment contains a lower completion system and an isolation system associated with the lower completion system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2014Publication date: January 14, 2016Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: David S. Bishop, John E. Britt, Kim Tijerina, Kirby G. Schrader, Conner S. George, Marc N. Samuelson, Kelly D. Ireland, Rockni Van Clief, Christian F. Bayne, David A. Bilberry
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Publication number: 20150354317Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment contains a flow control device for use in a wellbore that includes a bore that provides a first flow path, a second flow path via an annulus around the first flow path, a closing device that closes the second flow path when the closing device is mechanically moved in a first direction and an opening device that opens the second flow path when a fluid under pressure is supplied to the annulus when the valve is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: December 10, 2015Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Rockni Van Clief, Kelly D. Ireland, Christian F. Bayne, David A. Bilberry, David S. Bishop, Kirby Glen Schrader
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Publication number: 20140374121Abstract: Entry guides for use on a tubing string comprise one or more dissolvable materials. A profile disposed on the entry guide facilitates aligning the tubing string in a desired orientation within a wellbore. For example, the profile can align the tubing string with a bore of a component disposed within the wellbore so that the tubing string can be inserted into a bore of the downhole component. After proper alignment has been achieved, the one or more dissolvable materials can be activated to disappear leaving behind the tubing string and the downhole component in their desired arrangement. One or more portion of the entry guides, including the profile, can be formed out of the dissolvable material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Kelly D. Ireland, Timothy L. Cragin
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Publication number: 20130087386Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Steven R. Radford, Kelly D. Ireland, Anurag Gautam, Robert A. Laing, Matthew D. Mumma, Daryl L. Pritchard
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Patent number: 7594552Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Steven R. Radford, Kelly D. Ireland, Daryl L. Pritchard
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Patent number: 7549485Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole are disclosed, including at least one laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The at least one laterally movable blade, held inwardly by at least one blade-biasing element, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith or by at least one intermediate piston element. For example, an actuation sleeve may allow communication of drilling fluid with the at least one laterally movable blade in response to an actuation device being deployed within the drilling fluid. Alternatively, a chamber in communication with an intermediate piston element in structural communication with the at least one laterally movable blade may be pressurized by way of a movable sleeve, a downhole turbine, or a pump.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Steven R. Radford, Kelly D. Ireland, Robert A. Laing, Daryl L. Pritchard, James L. Overstreet, Greg W. Presley, Scott S. Shu, Mark E. Anderson, Mathias Mueller
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Publication number: 20080110678Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Steven R. Radford, Kelly D. Ireland, Daryl L. Pritchard
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Patent number: 7308937Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Steven R. Radford, Kelly D. Ireland, Anurag Gautam, Robert A. Laing, Matthew D. Mumma, Daryl L. Pritchard
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Patent number: 7036611Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or an adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Steven R. Radford, Kelly D. Ireland, Anurag Gautam, Robert A. Laing, Matthew D. Mumma, Daryl L. Pritchard