Having Sediment Trap Or Deflector Patents (Class 166/105.1)
  • Patent number: 11746640
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a solid fluidization tubular separator for marine natural gas hydrate, which includes a first separator and a second separator, wherein the first separator includes the first separation sleeve, the power liquid pipe, the swirl baffle, the recovery mechanism and the sand discharge mechanism. After the hydrate is sucked into the first separation sleeve to generate a circumferential velocity, so that the mud and sand with high density are separated to the pipe wall of the first separation sleeve, and the mud and sand separated to the pipe wall are settled down from the gap between the swirl baffle and the pipe wall along the pipe wall. The hydrate swirl flows into the recovery mechanism, and then leaves the first separation sleeve and enters the second separator, so as to realize the separation of mud and sand and natural gas hydrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignees: Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong, Southwest Petroleum University
    Inventors: Yang Tang, Zeliang Li, Xushen Li, Jiang Lu, Xiaoyu Fang, Guorong Wang, Pu Yang, Jinhai Zhao, Xiaolong Ma, Dongqing Xia, Lin Zhong, Yufa He, Qingping Li, Yanjun Li, Hexing Liu, Peng Zhao
  • Patent number: 11708746
    Abstract: A system includes a solids catcher that is centered with respect to a central axis of a tubing. The system includes an inner annulus, an outer annulus, and a chamber between the inner annulus and the outer annulus. A solids accumulation zone is formed in the chamber. A pump disposed offset from the central axis of the tubing. The pump is fluidly connected to the solids catcher through the outer annulus. A fluid stream carrying solids flowing from the pump. The fluid stream carrying solids is configured to follow a path delimited by the outer annulus and the chamber until the fluid stream deposits the solids in the solids accumulation zone and departs the solids catcher via the inner annulus into a tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Jinjiang Xiao, Hattan M. Banjar
  • Patent number: 11619111
    Abstract: A vortex de-sanding system can include a packer having an annular seal element, a flow passage extending longitudinally through the packer, and at least one opening formed through a wall of the packer, the opening permitting fluid communication between the flow passage and an exterior of the packer, and a vortex de-sanding tool connected to the packer. The vortex de-sanding tool can include an inner production flow tube, an outer sleeve surrounding the flow tube and having at least one port formed through a wall of the outer sleeve, an abrasion resistant housing surrounding the flow tube, and a helical vane positioned in an annulus formed between the flow tube and the housing. The flow passage extends longitudinally through the flow tube, and the housing has a surface abrasion resistance greater than a surface abrasion resistance of the inner production flow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: ODESSA SEPARATOR, INC.
    Inventors: Cavin Bert Frost, Daniel L. Culbertson, Richard M. Burden, Abram Rubalcado, Gustavo A. Gonzalez-Cabrera
  • Patent number: 11459859
    Abstract: Horizontal wells and multi-completion vertical wells generally have a greater performance requirement on downhole gas separators to separate a gas portion from a liquid portion of the well fluid prior to entering an artificial lifting system (or pump). Implementations described and claimed herein provide a downhole gas separator comprising a dip tube extending from a tubing inlet to an open end, a tubing section extending around the dip tube, and a separator sleeve extending around the tubing section. A liquid component of the fluid stream makes a first u-turn at the open end of the separator sleeve, an s-turn at the openings in the tubing section, and second u-turn at the open end of the dip tube. A gaseous component of the fluid stream continues upwards at the open end of the separator sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: PRODUCTION PROS LLC
    Inventor: Russell Branting
  • Patent number: 11408265
    Abstract: A pumping system is configured to be deployed in a well that has a vertical portion and a lateral portion. The pumping system includes a pump positioned in the vertical portion, a velocity tube assembly that extends from the vertical portion into the lateral portion and a multiphase diverter connected between the pump and the velocity tube assembly. The multiphase diverter includes a housing and a plurality of ejection ports that extend through the housing at a downward angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Reda El Mahbes, Leslie Reid, Partha Ganguly, Ronald McPhearson
  • Patent number: 11274541
    Abstract: A separator for separating gas from a liquid mixture in a production stream of a well. The separator includes an outer tube and an inner tube positioned concentrically with the outer tube. The production stream is directed through the outer tube where gas in the production stream can separate from liquid in the production stream. The separated liquid is then directed through the inner tube to a pump. The separated gas is directed through a gas bypass to an area above a fluid intake for the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Well Worx Energy Solutions LLC
    Inventor: John M. Raglin
  • Patent number: 11261883
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flow turning system for imparting a rotational, swirling motion to a fluid flowing through the flow turning system. The system may comprise a housing and a flow turning element supported within the housing. The flow turning element may have a plurality of circumferentially spaced vanes projecting into a flow path of the fluid as the fluid flows through the flow turning system. The vanes impart a swirling, circumferential flow to the fluid to help prevent contaminants in the fluid from adhering to downstream components in communication with the flow turning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Q.E.D. Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Schaupp, Donald Lee Schultz, Bradley Peake
  • Patent number: 11180980
    Abstract: A downhole oil, gas, water and sand separation method and separator (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignees: PetroChina Company Limited, Daqing Oilfield Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yan Wang, Demin Wang, Rong Zhong, Quan Liu, Jintang Liu
  • Patent number: 11136875
    Abstract: This document relates to systems and techniques for downhole separation of water and oil in oil well operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Muhammad Ayub
  • Patent number: 11035216
    Abstract: Apparatus and method disclosed herein related to first stage gravity separation of liquid and sand from a gaseous fluid stream in an upper portion of a desanding vessel, sand separating from gas along an annular path about a shell, the sand-free gas directed back down into the shell to a fluid outlet for removal as a product stream. A second stage gravity separation of sand from accumulated liquid occurs in a lower section of the vessel. An optional final or polishing stage of the liquid is conduct using a filter. A stacked-plate filter can extend an intake opening of the fluid outlet into the accumulated liquid. Further, the filter plates can be configured with parallel filtering of gas/liquid separation for gas intake above, and with liquid/sand separation below including pressure management of the filter operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED DESANDERS INC.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Hemstock
  • Patent number: 11021931
    Abstract: A sand fallback tool having an outer tubular body with proximal end, a distal end, a chamber therebetween surrounding an axis extending from the proximal end through the distal end, a tubular flow divider supported within the chamber to divide at least a portion of the chamber of the outer tubular body into a central passage along the axis and an annular passage radially intermediate an exterior of the tubular flow divider and an interior of the outer tubular body, and an unobstructed axial settling path from the proximal connector into the central passage. One embodiment further includes a tubular extension coupled to the proximal connector and extending along the axis to terminate at a distal end of the tubular extension received within a proximal end of the tubular flow divider to provide an ā€œSā€-shaped flow pathway intermediate the annular passage and the proximal connector of the outer tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: THE CAVINS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roy Spence Arterbury, Michael Edwin Pollard
  • Patent number: 10934829
    Abstract: This document relates to systems and techniques for downhole separation of water and oil in oil well operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Muhammad Ayub
  • Patent number: 10760398
    Abstract: A sand and gas separation system for use with a rod pump. The system comprises an upper separator configured to separate out gas from wellbore fluids prior to flowing into the rod pump. The system further comprises a lower separator configured to separate out sand from wellbore fluids prior to flowing into the upper separator. The upper and lower separators are coupled together by a mechanical coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Webber, Matthew Tully
  • Patent number: 10655446
    Abstract: This document relates to systems and techniques for downhole separation of water and oil in oil well operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Muhammad Ayub
  • Patent number: 10344762
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning system for submersible motor pumps (3) covered with suction sleeves and disposed horizontally or vertically. The system comprises sensors and a series of ducts for injecting water and cleaning compounds, disposed in the suction sleeve (4) of the pump in three zones, namely: an impeller zone A, a motor zone B and a central suction filter (16) zone C. The system can be applied to two submersible pumps in parallel, each pump driving the injection liquids of the other. The used method comprises five steps: a first step comprising the consecutive washing of zones A, B and C; a second step comprising the injection of cleaning compounds; a third soaking step; a fourth step comprising the consecutive heavy-duty washing of zones A, B and C; and a fifth step corresponding to the end of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: Gino Rocco Abbruzzese Permutt
  • Patent number: 10107088
    Abstract: A separator removes solids from downhole fluid of a wellbore for intake of a downhole pump and allows the removed solids to pass out an outlet downhole of the separator. The separator handles erosion that may occur by having first and second inner bodies disposed in an outer body. The first inner body and extends from intake to a first distal end in the interior, whereas the second inner extends from adjacent an outlet to a second distal end in the interior. A space between the second distal end disposed about the first distal end allows for fluid entering an inlet of the outer housing to pass into the second inner body. A flow body disposed in the space can then produce flow in the downhole fluid separating particulate from the downhole fluid passing from the inlet, to the interior, through the defined space, and to the second passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John E. Stachowiak, Santhosh Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 10087713
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve and method for sealing an annulus within a tubular, including a valve housing having a first section having a hollow cylinder for receiving a piston, the hollow cylinder having a first portion, a second portion and a first circumferential ledge; a piston positioned within the hollow cylinder, the piston having a first end, a second end, a first radially extending circumferential land positioned therebetween, and a first reservoir for receiving a first fluid; a biasing element to assist in placing the valve in a sealed condition, the biasing element positioned between the first circumferential ledge of the hollow cylinder and the first radially extending circumferential land; and a flexible sealing member for selectively sealing the annular space when a hydraulic force is exerted thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Marcel A. Grubert
  • Patent number: 9915257
    Abstract: A well pump assembly has an upper plunger and a lower plunger. A working fluid conduit extends between the upper and lower plunger. An upper piston in the working fluid conduit is connected with the upper plunger. A lower piston in the working fluid conduit is connected with the lower plunger. A downstroke working fluid is located between the upper and lower pistons in the working fluid conduit. An upstroke conduit extends between an upper port in the working fluid conduit above the upper piston and a lower port in working fluid conduit below the lower piston. An upstroke working fluid fills the upstroke conduit and the working fluid conduit above the upper piston and below the lower piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE Company, LLC
    Inventors: David Garrett, Shawn N. Gunter
  • Patent number: 9771786
    Abstract: A particulate separator system and method for petroleum wells are described. An embodiment comprises a two stage separator. A fluid mixture flows into an outer casing that surrounds an inner tube. The first stage comprises a number of baffles that help to separate gas from fluid as the fluid mixture falls downward within the casing. A second stage comprises a widened inner tube and a fin causing the fluid mixture to fall radially around the inner tube and downward. As the mixture gains speed the particulate matter is forced to the periphery of the mixture by centrifugal force. A pump intake on the bottom of the inner tube pulls in the fluid while the particulate matter falls away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: SPIRIT GLOBAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: John M. Raglin
  • Patent number: 9366127
    Abstract: An oil well gas separator that includes a seating nipple for a downhole pump. An inner and outer barrel define a fluid passage and a separation annulus with the well casing. A separated well liquid passage is directly connected to the pump inlet to reduce dissolution of gas from the separated liquid. An isolation means is provided to isolate the separation annulus from the well casing fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: James N. McCoy
  • Patent number: 9175554
    Abstract: An artificial lift fluid system for use in a wellbore with a casing engaging a well head can include a prime mover in communication with a variable frequency drive controller, or connected with a throttle, sensors, and a programmable logic controller for optimizing production from the wellbore by comparing data with preset production parameters. The artificial lift fluid system can include upper bearings connected to the prime mover, and an on-off tool connected with a shaft. The shaft can be engaged with the upper bearings, prime mover, and the on-off tool. The on-off tool can be connected with the centrifugal pump. A seal can be engaged with the shaft, a bottom bearing can be connected with the centrifugal pump to support loads, and bushings can separate the on-off tool and shaft from tubing in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Alvin Watson
  • Patent number: 8973662
    Abstract: A downhole tool for removing debris from a wellbore comprises a body having a bore, a collection member, and a means for creating a hydraulic barrier within a wellbore annulus. The hydraulic barrier within the wellbore annulus restricts upward movement of a debris laden fluid within the wellbore annulus causing the debris laden fluid to be directed toward the collection member. Thus, the hydraulic barrier facilitates removal of debris from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Yang Xu, Ying Qing Xu, Gregory L. Hern
  • Publication number: 20150053394
    Abstract: A well pump assembly includes rotary pump and a submersible motor. A shroud surrounds the pump intake and the motor. The shroud has an open upper end in fluid communication with the pump intake. A tubular member of smaller diameter is secured to and extends downward from a lower end of the shroud. The tubular member may have an open lower end for drawing well fluid along a lower flow path up the tubular member to the pump intake. An upper flow path at the upper end of the shroud may have a minimum flow area that is smaller than a minimum flow area of the lower flow path. The tubular member has a smaller outer diameter than an outer diameter of the shroud. The tubular member may have a closed lower end to define a debris collection chamber with a drain valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Leslie C. Reid, Jeffrey S. Bridges, Brent D. Storts
  • Patent number: 8960282
    Abstract: A subterranean debris catcher takes in debris laden fluid at a lower end. The inlet flow is induced with an eductor whose discharge goes around the housing to the lower end inlet for the debris. The eductor suction induces flow into the lower end of the housing as well. Incoming debris goes up an annular space around the collection receptacle and turns to pass through a bladed wheel that imparts a spin to the flowing stream. The flow direction reverses from up before the wheel to down through a tube after the wheel. The solids are flung to the tube periphery and the fluid reverses direction to go back up to a screen before reaching the eductor suction connection. The debris swirls down an open bottom tube and is collected in a housing surrounding the down tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Hong Zhu
  • Patent number: 8881803
    Abstract: A desander system for a wellbore for separating wellbore fluid from particulate. The system having a dip tube nipple, a dip tube, base tubing connecting around the dip tube having base tubing perforations, two collars affixed to the base tubing, two weld rings affixed to the base tubing, a screen jacket mounted over the base tubing perforations, and a Venturi centrifugal helical desander having a Venturi tube with a bore connected to the base tubing. The Venturi tube having a plurality of spiral fins configured to flow particulate around the tube and a desander tube connected to the Venturi tube for flowing wellbore fluid over the outside of the Venturi tube causing a vortex while simultaneously allowing particulate to fall out while simultaneously allowing cleaned fluid to flow up the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Cavin B. Frost
  • Publication number: 20140262206
    Abstract: A barrier assembly for use with a downhole pump includes a first tubular adapter; a second tubular adapter; a braided sleeve disposed between the first tubular adapter and the second tubular adapter, wherein the sleeve is configured to block passage of a particulate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick David FERGUSON, Mark Gerald MILLER, John Edward STACHOWIAK, JR.
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8757257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crown-shaped separation device for separating oil and water in a well. Separator joints are sleeved on a central tube, and a separator is arranged between adjacent separator joints. Settlement cups are sleeved on the central tube, and two adjacent settlement cups are inserted together. A multi-rib separating bowl is embedded in the settlement cup. The settlement cup is crown shape. The bottom of the settlement cup is formed with multiple ribs. An angle is formed between the convex rib of the bottom of the settlement cup and the horizontal line. The top edge of the settlement cup is sawtooth shape corresponding to the shape of the cup bottom. An annular space is formed between the cup base of the settlement cup and the central tube. The central tube corresponding to the annular space is provided with a fluid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: PetroChina Company Limited, Daqing Oilfield Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yan Wang, Demin Wang, Rongjie Zhu, Long Ren, Rong Zhong, Hongyan Wang
  • Patent number: 8689878
    Abstract: A downhole tool for removing debris from fluid flowing through the downhole tool uses a screen member and wiper member, the wiper member having at least one window disposed through the inner and outer wall surfaces of the wiper member. Either the screen member or the wiper member is rotatable such that rotation of the screen member or the wiper member causes debris disposed on the outer wall surface of the screen member to fall-off the screen member. At least one directional port disposed at either the upper end of the screen member or the upper end of the wiper member causes rotation of the screen member or wiper member when fluid flows through the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ying Qing Xu, Yang Xu
  • Publication number: 20130299181
    Abstract: A deliquification pump for deliquifying a well comprises a fluid end pump adapted to pump a fluid from a wellbore. In addition, the deliquification pump comprises a hydraulic pump adapted to drive the fluid end pump. The hydraulic pump includes a first internal pump chamber and a first pump assembly disposed in the first chamber. The first pump assembly includes a piston having a first end, a second end, and a throughbore extending between the first end and the second end. In addition, the first pump assembly includes a first wobble plate including a planar end face axially adjacent the second end of the piston and a slot extending axially through the first wobble plate. The first wobble plate is adapted to rotate about the central axis relative to the housing to axially reciprocate the piston and cyclically place the throughbore of the piston in fluid communication with the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Coyle, William Michel, Louis-Claude Porel, Alistair Gill, Paul Ellerton, David Fielding
  • Patent number: 8561813
    Abstract: A cyclonic debris evacuation apparatus and method for removing debris in a pumping system. The apparatus includes a valve rod, a cyclone component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The cup component is composed of a high density poly-fiber material that helps in creating a positive seal between the cup component and barrel interior during pumping operations, helping to direct solids into the cup component and thereby preventing them from travelling southward in the direction of the barrel and causing damage. The cup component can include a specialized leading edge adapted to direct solids into the cup component. The apparatus can include a carbide ring that prevents solids from traveling further down onto the pump plunger section. The carbide ring can incorporate ports that feed into a main channel flow. The apparatus can include a top plunger adapter capable of connecting with a sucker rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Brent Ford
  • Patent number: 8517700
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a submersible pump and a submersible pump system for pumping liquid to a marine structure, the pump being adapted to be located in a tube. The pump comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is adapted to be connected to means for suspending the pump in the tube. The pump has a vertical direction extending from the lower portion to the upper portion. The pump further comprises an inlet for allowing the liquid into the pump and an outlet for allowing the liquid out of the pump. The pump further comprises a sealing means located downstream of the inlet and the outlet in the vertical direction, the sealing means being adapted to seal against an inner surface of the tube. The invention further relates to an arrangement for hydraulic drive of the submersible pump and to a semi-submersible unit comprising the submersible pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: GVA Consultants AB
    Inventor: Lars-Olof Liberg
  • Patent number: 8505747
    Abstract: A cyclonic debris evacuation apparatus and method for evacuating debris in a pumping system that forms between the plunger exterior and barrel interior. The apparatus is configured for use with a valve rod and has a cyclone component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The apparatus is also configured for use with a hollow valve rod and has a hollow valve rod coupler component, cup component, ring component, and ring coupler component. The cup component can be composed of a high density poly-fiber material that helps in creating a positive seal between the cup component and barrel interior during pumping operations, helping to direct solids into the cup component and thereby preventing them from travelling southward in the direction of the barrel and causing damage. In another embodiment, the cup component can include a specialized leading edge adapted to direct solids into the cup component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Brent Ford
  • Patent number: 8479815
    Abstract: A system for supplying water to a desalination plant from a subsurface feedwater supply using one or more slant or horizontally directionally drilled (ā€œHDDā€) wells, and for concentrate disposal (e.g., injection of brine). A method for constructing a slant or HDD well feedwater supply system for supplying water from a subsurface feedwater supply or to inject concentrate into a subsea aquifer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GEOSCIENCE Support Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Williams
  • Patent number: 8413725
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a subsea separator. The subsea separator suitably comprises (a) a housing having an inlet for receiving a fluid mixture, a non-gaseous fluid outlet located along the housing at a point lower than the inlet, and a gas outlet located along the housing at a point higher than the inlet; (b) a deflector means located within the housing for acting on fluid entering the housing; and (c) a sealing means in communication with the gas outlet for preventing non-gaseous fluid from exiting the housing through the gas outlet, the sealing means being operationally configured to open and seal the gas outlet based on the volume of non-gaseous fluid within the separator; wherein the separator is operationally configured to operate under a differential pressure including a greater external hydrostatic pressure than internal pressure and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventors: David C Wright, Jeffery Wilbert Dufrene
  • Publication number: 20130032352
    Abstract: A new method separating sand, solids, and produced particulates down-hole in a well producing hydrocarbons. The separation assembly can include ether one, two, or more segments or stages of varying lengths depending upon the individual application. The assembly is installed into the tubing string or delivery conduit of a well producing hydrocarbons. One stage can consist of a velocity chamber whereby separation of particulates occurs by increasing the downward velocity of particulates and reducing the upward velocity of hydrocarbons thereby allowing the particulates to ā€œfall-outā€ into a lower chamber where the particulates are captured. Another stage can consist of a filter whereby particulates are captured in a chamber that can consist of filtering materials such as gravel, rock, sand, wood, or manmade materials. Each of the stages can be employed individually or in combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: John M. Raglin
  • Publication number: 20130020070
    Abstract: An oil well pumping apparatus for pumping oil from a well to a wellhead provides a tool body sized and shaped to be lowered into the production tubing string. A working fluid is provided that can be pumped into the production tubing, by a prime mover. A flow channel into the well bore enables the working fluid to be circulated from the prime mover via the production tubing to the tool body at a location in the well and then back to the wellhead area. A pumping mechanism is provided on the tool body, including upper and lower spur gear or gears connected with a common shaft. The upper spur gear is driven by the working fluid. The lower spur gear is rotated by the first spur gear. The tool body has flow conveying portions that mix the working fluid and the produced oil as the oil is pumped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Raymond C. Davis
  • Patent number: 8225859
    Abstract: A debris cleanup tool uses a movable eductor to reconfigure the flow scheme through the tool. During the debris pickup mode, pressurized fluid is delivered to through the tubing to the eductor inlet. The outlet of the eductor is into the surrounding annulus where the flow splits with most going to the surface and the rest down and into a mill making cuttings. The flow into the mill takes the cuttings to a collection volume and then screens the internal flow stream before directing it into the eductor inlet. The eductor body can be repositioned to close the eductor outlet to the annulus and open the outlet into the housing to allow reverse flow. In one embodiment a ball is dropped and pressure is built to break a shear pin to shift the eductor body and to open a bypass around the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Joe P. Moidel, Lee Brousasard, Gerald P. Comeaux, Ronald E. Burger, Ronald A. Moore
  • Patent number: 8132625
    Abstract: An eductor sub is used as a portion of a downhole debris removal apparatus. It features an eductor outlet port that is selectively closed for run in to allow flow pumped through a tubing string to all go to the lower end of the debris removal tool to fluidize the debris and help prevent the tool from getting stuck on the way to the desired depth. When the desired depth is reached a ball lands on a seat that is connected to a sleeve that is displaced to move the sleeve away from the eductor outlet so that future flow coming down the casing string will create a reduced pressure within the tool to draw some of the exiting flow after the eductor exit in a downhole direction along an annular space to the debris removal tool entrance for debris removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Neil A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8056629
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for supplying water to a desalination plant from a subsurface feedwater supply using one or more slant wells. A method is disclosed for constructing a slant well feedwater supply system for supplying water from a subsurface feedwater supply. A system of angled wells (slant wells) is constructed. The slant wells obtain a desalination feedwater supply from permeable aquifer systems near and/or beneath a saline water source (i.e., an ocean, sea, or salty inland lake). The slant wells induce recharge of the aquifer system through the floor of the ocean, sea, or inland lake due to the hydraulic head difference between the slant well pumping level and the level of the ocean, sea, or lake. As the supply source is relatively constant, the water supply to such a slant well system generally provides a long-term, sustainable water source for a desalination plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GEOSCIENCE Support Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Williams
  • Patent number: 8051907
    Abstract: The desander (10) for positioning downhole includes a generally tubular desander body (16) and a generally sleeve-shaped vortex body (39, 94). The desander with a seal or packer may be positioned in a well below the casing perforations. The desander with an ESP may be used with gas separator (60), which may include a seal (24) for positioning above the producing formation. The separator (60) may be used independent of the desander for some applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Delwin E. Cobb
  • Patent number: 7909092
    Abstract: The desander (10) for positioning downhole includes a generally tubular desander body (16) and a generally sleeve-shaped vortex body (39, 94). The desander with a seal or packer may be positioned in a well below the casing perforations. The desander with an ESP may be used with gas separator (60), which may include a seal (24) for positioning above the producing formation. The separator (60) may be used independent of the desander for some applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sepaco LLC
    Inventor: Delwin E. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20100258296
    Abstract: A wellbore cleanup tool is run on slickline. It has an onboard power supply and circulation pump. Inlet flow is at the lower end into an inlet pipe that keeps up fluid velocity. The inlet pipe opens to a surrounding annular volume for sand containment and the fluid continues through a screen and into the pump for eventual exhaust back into the water in the wellbore. A modular structure is envisioned to add debris carrying capacity. Various ways to energize the device are possible. Other tools run on slickline are described such as a cutter, a scraper and a shifting tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Gerald D. Lynde, Yang Xu
  • Publication number: 20100258297
    Abstract: A wellbore cleanup tool is run on slickline. It has an onboard power supply and circulation pump. Inlet flow is at the lower end into an inlet pipe that keeps up fluid velocity. The inlet pipe opens to a surrounding annular volume for sand containment and the fluid continues through a screen and into the pump for eventual exhaust back into the water in the wellbore. A modular structure is envisioned to add debris carrying capacity. Various ways to energize the device are possible. Other tools run on slickline are described such as a cutter, a scraper and a shifting tool. A motor driven by an onboard power supply operates the circulation pump as well as a vibration device to agitate the debris and prevent coring into the debris if compacted. A shroud presents an alternate flow path if the housing lower end is embedded in debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Gerald D. Lynde
  • Publication number: 20100243258
    Abstract: A downhole debris recovery tool including a ported sub coupled to a debris sub, a suction tube disposed in the debris sub, at least one magnet disposed in the debris removal tool, and an annular jet pump sub disposed in the ported sub and fluidly connected to the suction tube. A method of removing debris from a wellbore including the steps of lowering a downhole debris removal tool into the wellbore, flowing a fluid through a bore of an annular jet pump sub, jetting the fluid from the annular jet pump sub into a mixing tube, displacing an initially static fluid in the mixing tube through a diffuser, thereby creating a vacuum effect in a suction tube to draw a debris-laden fluid into the tool, flowing the debris-laden fluid past at least one magnet disposed in a debris housing, and removing the tool from the wellbore is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Fishbeck, John C. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20100236787
    Abstract: An improvement to a prior art sand release apparatus and method uses a pair of telescoped tubular members. In the improved system and method, the telescoped members are prevented from completely telescoping by a J-hook latch. Also in the improved system and method, a wear resistant seal prevents leakage when the telescoped members are not extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: L. D. Hall
  • Publication number: 20100175869
    Abstract: The desander (10) for positioning downhole includes a generally tubular desander body (16) and a generally sleeve-shaped vortex body (39, 94). The desander with a seal or packer may be positioned in a well below the casing perforations. The desander with an ESP may be used with gas separator (60), which may include a seal (24) for positioning above the producing formation. The separator (60) may be used independent of the desander for some applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Delwin E. Cobb
  • Patent number: 7703508
    Abstract: A technique utilizes a well filter with a submersible motor-driven pump. The system comprises an elongated filter housing in which a cylindrical filtering element is installed. A fixture is provided for fastening the elongated filter housing to the pump. The filter housing also comprises at least one fluid intake port positioned to allow entry of fluid into the elongated filter housing. A deformable sealing element is installed along an outer surface of the elongated housing and serves to direct fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Jacques Orban
  • Publication number: 20100089568
    Abstract: A submersible water pump and a dewatering system comprising the submersible pump. The submersible water pump includes a housing and an outer tube. The housing includes a housing dividing wall and a cylinder head having a bore therethrough through which the outer tube fits. The housing is in slidable engagement with the outer tube and the housing dividing wall. The dewatering system with the submersible pump is used to pump water from vertical coal bed methane wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Richard E. Scallen
  • Patent number: 7673684
    Abstract: An ESP/separator assembly (10) is positioned downhole in a well on a tubular string (18) to pump downhole fluids to the surface. The assembly includes an electric submersible pump (12) and an electrically powered motor (20) positioned below the pump. An electrical cable (22) extends downhole past the motor and to the pump. A generally cylindrical shroud (26) is positioned circumferentially about the pump, the motor, and a portion (24) of the cable extending past the pump and to the motor. A separator (60) is provided at the lower end of the shroud, such that the shroud supports substantially the weight of the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Delwin E. Cobb