Patents by Inventor Ralph H. Echols
Ralph H. Echols 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: 10221652Abstract: A downhole ball valve includes a housing that includes a tubular member; a ball seat positioned in the tubular member, the ball seat including a sealing surface; and a ball that includes a first hemispherical portion, a second hemispherical portion, and a bore that extends through the ball between the first and second hemispherical portions. The ball is adjustable between a closed position with the first hemispherical portion sealingly engaged with the sealing surface of the ball seat to close the bore to fluid communication with the tubular member, and an open position with the bore at least partially in fluid communication with the tubular member. The first hemispherical portion includes a first material, and at least a portion of the second hemispherical portion that extends from a surface of the ball towards the bore of the ball includes a second material different than the first material.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Peter Derek Walter Inglis, Gordon Kenneth Scott, Ralph H. Echols
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Patent number: 9909396Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a tubular string with a fluid discharge apparatus, the fluid discharge apparatus including a curved flow path which directs a fluid to flow less toward a structure external to the tubular string. A fluid discharge apparatus can include a generally tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, and at least one curved flow path which directs fluid to flow more parallel to the longitudinal axis from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing. A method of mitigating erosion of a structure external to a discharge port in a well can include directing a fluid to flow through a curved flow path, thereby reducing impingement of the fluid on the structure in the well.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Frosell, Emile E. Sevadjian, Michael L. Fripp, Ralph H. Echols
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Publication number: 20170037709Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a tubular string with a fluid discharge apparatus, the fluid discharge apparatus including a curved flow path which directs a fluid to flow less toward a structure external to the tubular string. A fluid discharge apparatus can include a generally tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, and at least one curved flow path which directs fluid to flow more parallel to the longitudinal axis from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing. A method of mitigating erosion of a structure external to a discharge port in a well can include directing a fluid to flow through a curved flow path, thereby reducing impingement of the fluid on the structure in the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2016Publication date: February 9, 2017Inventors: Thomas J. FROSELL, Emile E. SEVADJIAN, Michael L. FRIPP, Ralph H. ECHOLS
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Publication number: 20160348469Abstract: A downhole ball valve includes a housing that includes a tubular member; a ball seat positioned in the tubular member, the ball seat including a sealing surface; and a ball that includes a first hemispherical portion, a second hemispherical portion, and a bore that extends through the ball between the first and second hemispherical portions. The ball is adjustable between a closed position with the first hemispherical portion sealingly engaged with the sealing surface of the ball seat to close the bore to fluid communication with the tubular member, and an open position with the bore at least partially in fluid communication with the tubular member. The first hemispherical portion includes a first material, and at least a portion of the second hemispherical portion that extends from a surface of the ball towards the bore of the ball includes a second material different than the first material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2014Publication date: December 1, 2016Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Peter Derek Walter Inglis, Gordon Kenneth Scott, Ralph H. Echols
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Patent number: 9476286Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a tubular string with a fluid discharge apparatus, the fluid discharge apparatus including a curved flow path which directs a fluid to flow less toward a structure external to the tubular string. A fluid discharge apparatus can include a generally tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, and at least one curved flow path which directs fluid to flow more parallel to the longitudinal axis from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing. A method of mitigating erosion of a structure external to a discharge port in a well can include directing a fluid to flow through a curved flow path, thereby reducing impingement of the fluid on the structure in the well.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Frosell, Emile E. Sevadjian, Michael L. Fripp, Ralph H. Echols
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Publication number: 20130306318Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a tubular string with a fluid discharge apparatus, the fluid discharge apparatus including a curved flow path which directs a fluid to flow less toward a structure external to the tubular string. A fluid discharge apparatus can include a generally tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, and at least one curved flow path which directs fluid to flow more parallel to the longitudinal axis from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing. A method of mitigating erosion of a structure external to a discharge port in a well can include directing a fluid to flow through a curved flow path, thereby reducing impingement of the fluid on the structure in the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventors: Thomas J. FROSELL, Emile E. SEVADJIAN, Michael L. FRIPP, Ralph H. ECHOLS
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Patent number: 8393389Abstract: A running tool includes subassemblies which release the running tool from the liner hanger in response to application of alternating tensile and compressive forces after application of left-hand torque. A running tool includes subassemblies which set the liner hanger in response to left-hand torque followed by increased pressure, and in response to increased pressure without prior left-hand torque being applied. A running tool includes threaded connections, without torque transmitted through the running tool being transmitted by the threaded connections. A method of setting a liner hanger includes applying a compressive force to the running tool; then applying left-hand torque to the running tool; and then applying a tensile force to the running tool. A method of releasing a liner hanger includes applying left-hand torque to the running tool; and then releasing the running tool from the liner hanger by applying a tensile force to the running tool.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Halliburton Evergy Services, Inc.Inventors: David P. Brisco, Brock W. Watson, Ralph H. Echols
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Patent number: 7828068Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for forming an annular isolator between production tubing and a borehole wall is provided. A section of expandable tubing is installed in a borehole, and a sleeve disposed around a surface of the tubing cooperates with the tubing to form a fluid chamber. The sleeve includes a first portion that is predisposed to expand outwardly under fluid pressure from the fluid chamber, and a second portion that is configured such that, when expanded due to fluid pressure, the second portion stores energy that is biased to sustain the fluid pressure within the chamber, in response to a change in fluid volume. The tubing may be expanded using a tool disposed within the tubing.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: John C. Gano, Ralph H. Echols
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Publication number: 20080257560Abstract: A running tool includes subassemblies which release the running tool from the liner hanger in response to application of alternating tensile and compressive forces after application of left-hand torque. A running tool includes subassemblies which set the liner hanger in response to left-hand torque followed by increased pressure, and in response to increased pressure without prior left-hand torque being applied. A running tool includes threaded connections, without torque transmitted through the running tool being transmitted by the threaded connections. A method of setting a liner hanger includes applying a compressive force to the running tool; then applying left-hand torque to the running tool; and then applying a tensile force to the running tool. A method of releasing a liner hanger includes applying left-hand torque to the running tool; and then releasing the running tool from the liner hanger by applying a tensile force to the running tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: David P. Brisco, Brock W. Watson, Ralph H. Echols
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Publication number: 20080251250Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, John C. Gano, William D. Henderson, Paul I. Herman, Marion D. Kilgore, Jody R. McGlothen, Ronald J. Powell, Alex Procyk, Thomas W. Ray, Michael W. Sanders, Roger L. Schultz, David J. Steele, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd, Cynthia Tuckness
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Patent number: 7434616Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for forming a seal within tubing is provided. A section of tubing is installed in a borehole. The tubing has an inflatable element disposed along an inner surface of the tubing. The inflatable element is predisposed to expand inwardly under fluid pressure. A fluid pressure is applied to the inflatable element using a tool within the tubing, and the inflatable element is expanded to form a seal within the tubing.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Ralph H. Echols
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Patent number: 7404437Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, John C. Gano, Paul I. Herman, Marion D. Kilgore, Ronald J. Powell, Thomas W. Ray, David J. Steele, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd, Cynthia Tuckness
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Patent number: 7363986Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, John C. Gano, William D. Henderson, Marion D. Kilgore, Jody R. McGlothen, Ronald J. Powell, Alex Procyk, Thomas W. Ray, Michael W. Sanders, Roger L. Schultz, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd, Cynthia Tuckness
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Patent number: 7320367Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, William D. Henderson, Marion D. Kilgore, Ronald J. Powell, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd
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Patent number: 7252142Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, John C. Gano, Paul I. Herman, Marion D. Kilgore, Ronald J. Powell, Thomas W. Ray, Michael W. Sanders, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd, Cynthia Tuckness
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Patent number: 7216706Abstract: The present disclosure addresses apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. A first deployable annular isolator is carried on tubing as it is positioned in a borehole. An annular isolator forming material is placed in the annulus around the first deployable isolator. The first isolator is then deployed into the material in the annulus to form a combined isolator. The annular isolator forming material is carried in a compartment in the tubing and forced from the compartment into the annulus. A second deployable isolator may be deployed before placing the material in the annulus to resist annular flow of the material before the first isolator is deployed. The second isolator may be deployed by material from the compartment. A second compartment may be provided to deploy the first isolator.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ralph H. Echols, John C. Gano, Joshua M. Hornsby
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Patent number: 7108062Abstract: An expandable well screen provides increased collapse, torsional and tensile strength. In a described embodiment, an expandable well screen includes a generally tubular base pipe and an external filtering media. The well screen is configured to have sufficient torsional and tensile strength for conveyance and positioning in a wellbore, while also having sufficient strength to prevent collapse when the screen is radially expanded.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ana M. Castano-Mears, John C. Gano, Ralph H. Echols
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Patent number: 7096945Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (200) positionable within a production interval of a wellbore that traverses a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation comprises a base pipe (202) having openings (204) in a sidewall section thereof that allow fluid flow therethrough. A filter medium (210) is positioned about the exterior of at least a portion of the base pipe (202). The filter medium (210) selectively allows fluid flow therethrough but prevents the flow of particulate of a predetermined size therethrough. A seal member (218, 220, 222) is operably associated with the base pipe (202). The seal member (218, 220, 222) has a one-way valve configuration and a valve open configuration such that the seal member (218, 220, 222) controls fluid flow through the openings (204) of the base pipe (202).Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: William Mark Richards, Travis T. Hailey, Jr., Thomas O. Roane, Ralph H. Echols
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Patent number: 7055598Abstract: A fluid flow control device (60) for use in a wellbore to control the inflow of production fluids comprises a sand control screen (62) having a base pipe (64) with a first set of openings (66) that allows the production fluids to flow therethrough and a sleeve (74) coaxially disposed adjacent to the base pipe (64). The sleeve (74) has a second set of openings (76) that allows the production fluids to flow therethrough. The sleeve (74) is selectively positionable relative to the base pipe (64) such that a pressure drop in the production fluids is selectively controllable by adjusting an alignment of the first set of openings (66) relative to the second set of openings (76).Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Colby M. Ross, Ralph H. Echols, Brock W. Watson
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Patent number: RE41118Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, John C. Gano, William D. Henderson, Paul I. Herman, Marion D. Kilgore, Ronald J. Powell, Thomas W. Ray, Roger L. Schultz, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd, Cynthia Tuckness