Brushing, Scraping, Cutting Or Punching-type Cleaners Patents (Class 166/170)
  • Patent number: 11708745
    Abstract: Provided is a method for deploying a multi-zone completion assembly, as well as a downhole tool and a well system. In one aspect, the method for deploying the multi-zone completion assembly includes coupling a casing scraper assembly to an inner service tool string hanging from a beginning section of a packer assembly suspended from a rig floor, the inner service tool string located within and extending below the beginning section of the packer assembly, and the casing scraper assembly located entirely below the beginning section of the packer assembly string. In one or more other aspects, the method includes completing the packer assembly string from the rig floor as the inner service tool string and casing scraper assembly are hanging therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle Patrick Gravois
  • Patent number: 11549363
    Abstract: A floating drift apparatus for verifying the inner diameter of tubulars as the tubulars are made up into a tubular string being run into a wellbore. A float section provides buoyancy to float the apparatus in fluid within the bore of a tubular, and a drift section has a drift element with a diameter substantially equal to the tubular inner diameter being verified, which may be the drift diameter. When running a tubular string, the apparatus is inserted into the bore of the tubular string, floating in the fluid. As joints of tubular are made up and run into the wellbore, the tubulars move downhole around the apparatus. Preferably, the floating drift apparatus can be visually detected. If an undersize ID is encountered, the floating drift apparatus will be pushed downhole and no longer visible; the operator can remove the undersize ID tubular from the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventors: Dan Todd Bomersbach, Danny Joe Richardson
  • Patent number: 11473404
    Abstract: A well cleaning tool (100) comprising: an elongate body (102) having a longitudinal axis; a central fluid bore (120) aligned with the longitudinal axis; and a cleaning element (110) mounted on the elongate body (102) and being displaceable with respect to the elongate body (102) in a direction inclined to the longitudinal axis, wherein the cleaning element (102) comprises at least one fluid channel (150) in fluid communication with the central fluid bore (120) and extending through the cleaning element (110) in a direction inclined to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: BigMini Ltd
    Inventor: Anthony Allen
  • Patent number: 10718327
    Abstract: Embodiments of a forged flange lubricator and systems incorporating the same are described. In an embodiment, the forged flange lubricator may include a main body configured to receive fluid raised by a plunger lift assembly from a well. Additionally, the lubricator may include a port in the main body configured to conduct fluid as it is received by the main body, wherein the main body and the port are a unitary structure devoid of applied junctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Patriot Artificial Lift, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Roycroft, Darrell Wayne Mitchum
  • Patent number: 10577903
    Abstract: A plunger assembly arranged to minimize uneven wear spots or areas thereon during the plunger assembly's horizontal and vertical travel within a hydrocarbon producing well conduit. The plunger assembly comprises an elongated central mandrel having an elongated central bore extending longitudinally therethrough for transmitting fluids from a well through the plunger assembly, the elongated central mandrel having a generally cylindrically shaped outer surface along portions thereof, and a plurality of arcuately shaped wear pads guidedly supported on the cylindrically shaped outer portions of the central mandrel An array of elongated helically presented protrusions and a corresponding array of elongated helically presented grooves in mating interdigitation are arranged between the outer portions of the mandrel and their radially adjacent wear pads, so as to provide an inducement of rotation to the plunger assembly about its longitudinal axis during the plunger assembly's travel through a well conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Wellmaster Corp
    Inventors: David A. Green, Robert E. Bender, Daniel J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10302196
    Abstract: A technique facilitates tool operation with mobile pistons submitted to differential pressure. The technique utilizes a mobile piston slidably mounted in a corresponding piston passage. The piston passage is defined by a passage wall surface, and the piston may be moved linearly along the piston passage under the influence of an actuating fluid or to pump a fluid. The exterior surface of the piston and/or the passage wall surface have a groove or a plurality of grooves located and arranged to collect particulates from the fluid. Removal of the particulates facilitates actuator piston function by reducing, for example, third body abrasion and jamming of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jacques Orban, Guy James Rushton
  • Patent number: 9993854
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting fluid during flushing of a subsea fluid conduit such as a subsea umbilical. The apparatus comprises a vessel configured to receive fluid from the subsea fluid conduit, and a first connector for fluidly coupling the vessel to the subsea flowline. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a second connector for fluidly coupling the apparatus to a subsea production system and a flow control system. The flow control system is configured to operate in a first mode in which flushing fluid is directed from the subsea fluid conduit into the vessel, and is configured to operate in a second mode of operation in which the fluid is diverted from the subsea flowline to the subsea production system. In another aspect, the apparatus is configured to provide a detectable signal to surface when a pre-determined volume of flushing fluid has been received in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: PARADIGM FLOW SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Angus Macaulay, Hugh Mackenzie
  • Patent number: 9890621
    Abstract: A two-piece well plunger is provided having an upper sleeve and a lower lance member that engages (e.g., unites) and disengages the upper member. The upper and lower member are sized for receipt within production tubing of a well and are configured to move upwardly in the production tubing when united and to fall separately when disengaged (e.g., separated). The upper sleeve is generally cylindrical and has an central bore. The lower lance member includes a dislodging rod that is sized to extend through central bore of the upper sleeve when the two pieces are united. The lance member and rod seal the central bore when the members are united. An upper end of the rod extends beyond a top end of the sleeve when the members are united and is utilized to disengage the members when the united plunger arrives in a well head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: PCS FERGUSON, INC.
    Inventor: Wedith Bob Bishop
  • Patent number: 9157295
    Abstract: A flow restrictor for controlling the flow of cement or other fluid in oil wells comprises a plurality of restrictor elements, each defining first and second apertures, which are assembled in a stacked configuration and slidingly inserted into the well casing or other tubing so that the first apertures define a direct flowpath, preferably including a non-return valve, and the second apertures define a second, indirect flowpath between the elements and the inner surface of the tubing. The elements include seals for fluidly sealing each element in the bore of the tubing which are preferably slidably retractable and resiliently radially outwardly biased so as to adapt conformably to different tubing types having different internal diameters. The restrictor may slide along the tubing in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Patent number: 8973652
    Abstract: The pipe wiper assembly of the present invention assists with wiping the pipe as the pipe is removed from the hole (“tripped out”). The pipe passes through the two pipe apertures of the pipe wiper assembly during the removal. Two upper containment arms adjust between an open position and a closed position within the housing to form the upper pipe aperture. The lower containment lip forms the lower piper aperture. The upper containment arms and lower containment lip partially enclose the housing to prevent the wiper from exiting the wiper storage. The containment arms slideably adjust to eliminate the need for hinges. The removal of the hinges provides for easier storage and transportation of the pipe wiper assembly. The removal of hinges also reduces manufacturing costs of the pipe wiper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Pruitt Tool & Supply Co.
    Inventors: Grant Pruitt, Cris Braun
  • Patent number: 8950478
    Abstract: Two well tools (100, 200) having centrally mounted drive shafts (160, 260) are provided with a mechanism to remove debris from a coupling between them. Thereafter, the tools can be coupled by inserting a first outer sleeve (110) on the first tool into and rotationally lock it to a second outer sleeve (210) on the second tool. The drive shafts (160, 260) are coupled in a similar manner. The mechanism for removing debris can displace the debris and/or a flushing device (170) using well fluid to stir up debris. The coupling has space for debris that is not removed, e.g. in the form of a chamber 264. The female part of the coupling may comprise a spring loaded lid (271) to reduce pollution by debris when the coupling is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: I-Tec AS
    Inventor: Kristoffer Brække
  • Publication number: 20140374087
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for performing operations such as cleaning, inspection or data acquisition on an external surface of a hollow cylindrical tubular. Preferred embodiments include providing a fluid dispenser and an abrasion assembly on a buggy that travels up and down the length of the tubular as the tubular rotates. The fluid dispenser includes nozzles that dispense cleaning fluids onto the tubular's external surface. The abrasion assembly includes a swivel brush and a brush train providing different styles of abrasion cleaning of the tubular's external surface. Preferred embodiments of the buggy also carry a range finding laser generating samples of the distance from the laser to a sampled point on the tubular's external surface. The laser samples are processed in real time into surface contour data. Cleaning and inspection variables such as tubular rotational speed, or buggy speed, may be adjusted responsive to measured surface contour data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: William C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8844622
    Abstract: A method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore includes providing a drill string having a drill bit and a cleaning tool with selectively activatable cleaning members; drilling a wellbore using the drill bit while maintaining the cleaning members in a deactivated position; and pulling the drill string from the wellbore with the cleaning members in an activated position, to thereby clean the wellbore. A corresponding cleaning tool includes a body having a bore running therethrough, a sleeve located within the bore, the sleeve including a ball seat and the sleeve being biased in a first direction, and a plurality of selectively activatable cleaning members mounted for repeated movement relative to the body between activated and deactivated positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited
    Inventor: George Telfer
  • Patent number: 8800575
    Abstract: A remotely operated device for inspecting and/or cleaning a subsea flexible pipe joint comprises a support assembly. In addition, the device comprises a tool positioning assembly coupled to the support assembly. The tool positioning assembly includes a rotating member disposed about a central axis. The tool positioning assembly is rotatable relative to the support assembly about the central axis. Further, the device comprises a cleaning assembly including a cleaning device adapted to clean the flexible pipe joint. The cleaning device is axially moveable relative to the rotating member. Still further, the device comprises a clamping assembly coupled to the support assembly. The clamping assembly has an open position disengaged with the section of the flexible pipe joint and a closed position engaging the section of the flexible pipe joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Eric Angel, Eric Lee Harden, Stuart Douglas Partridge, Andrew J. Guinn
  • Publication number: 20140144644
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning a casing tubular (13??) via a narrower casing tubular (9??) or width restriction, has an elongate tool body 1 with axial throughbore 2, box 3 for a corresponding pin 4 to form a tool joint with a workstring 5. In FIG. 1, the body has a nose 6 with fluid discharge channel 7 to pass circulation fluid. An internal shoulder provides a valve seat 8 for a ball 9 passed through the workstring under gravity or during pumping of fluid. Transverse channels 10 receive fluid diverted when the ball is seated within the tool. A side surface 21 has fluid outlet ports 11, and at least one further working surface 22 has tool elements, e.g. bristle-type cleaning elements 23, or scrapers or wipers. Thus the tool body is asymmetrical offering jetting functionality on one side of the tool and mechanical cleaning on the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: M-I DRILLING FLUIDS U.K. LIMITED
    Inventor: George Telfer
  • Patent number: 8714259
    Abstract: An apparatus for modifying the wall surface of a borehole drilled through an underground formation. The apparatus comprises a tool body that can be introduced into the borehole using a conveyance system so as to be moveable along the borehole, and one or more members arranged so as to be able to be urged against, and moved across at least part of the borehole wall in order to work the surface thereof and modify its properties. A method of modifying the wall surface comprises positioning the tool body in the borehole at a location of interest using the conveyance system, urging the members against the borehole wall with sufficient force to modify the properties of the surface thereof, and moving the members across the surface of the borehole wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jacques Orban, Claude Vercaemer
  • Publication number: 20140116712
    Abstract: A wellbore cleaning tool for removing irregularities along the inner surface of a wellbore tubular may include a top sub, a cutting assembly, and a bottom sub. The tool is operable to remove irregularities, such as debris, burrs, and jagged edges, along the inside of the wellbore tubular, and thereby provide a clean, inner surface finish. The tool may be actuated into a retracted position, an extended position, and/or a deactivated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Ram K. Bansal, Arthur Warren Meeks, Mohammed Aleemul Haq, Bin Xiao, Miroslav Mihalj, David Peter Kippie, Thomas F. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8596348
    Abstract: A tool is run into a liner that holds an electrical or hydraulic connection for a downhole tool which preferably is an electric submersible pump (ESP). It is capable of cleaning the electrical contacts, replacing them, isolating them from well fluid if no ESP or other downhole tool is to be present for a long time or switching from a main to a backup supply cable or hydraulic line among other downhole functions. The liner with the exterior cable or hydraulic line attached remains in position. Applications to other tools that obtain power or hydraulic pressure in a downhole wet connection are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Earl B. Brookbank
  • Patent number: 8572792
    Abstract: A cleaning tool for a pipe, the cleaning tool being moved inside the pipe while rotating in the main about the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and the cleaning tool including, in addition to a mount, at least two cleaning bodies which are rotatable about their respective individual shafts, the cleaning bodies being provided with an uneven surface, at least part of the external active uneven surface of the cleaning bodies facing the internal mantle surface of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Aker Well Service AS
    Inventor: Are Sandkleiva
  • Patent number: 8534957
    Abstract: A method and system for repairing, replacing or installing an underground pipeline using an appropriate tool head. A coolant, preferably a cryogenic liquid, is injected in front of the tool head to embrittle or otherwise reduce the toughness of the material ahead of the tool head. The method and system of this invention are particularly suitable for use in connection with pipe splitting and pipe bursting, where a pig disposed within the underground pipeline is connected with the appropriate tool head forming a space between the pig and the tool head into which the coolant is introduced. The pipe between the pig and the tool head is embrittled by the coolant, reducing the resistance of a pipe to splitting or bursting which, in turn, reduces the force required for the pig to pull the tool head as the pig is motivated through the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: Daniel Allen Ersoy
  • Patent number: 8511375
    Abstract: A wellbore cleaning device having a unitary tool mandrel surrounded by a retaining sleeve that is rotatable with respect to the mandrel. A locking ring is used to secure the retaining sleeve to the mandrel. Cleaning blades are retained within recesses in the retaining sleeve and are biased radially outwardly from the recesses by springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory L. Hern, Lisa L. Posevina, Paul L. Connell
  • Patent number: 8491727
    Abstract: There is described an apparatus device for mechanically loosening scale inside a pipe arranged to convey hydrocarbon fluids from a production zone in a well, in which an actuator arranged in a housing includes an axially movable stem which extends through at least part of the housing and is provided with at least one cam, at least one cutting means is arranged radially movable in a recess in the housing, the cam bearing, by the axial movement of the actuator towards a first extreme position, against the cutting means, applying to it a push force directed radially outwards. There is also described a method of mechanically loosening scale inside a pipe arranged to convey hydrocarbon fluids from a production zone by using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Exai AS
    Inventor: Ann Jeanett Jonassen Ellingsen
  • Patent number: 8408307
    Abstract: This invention relates to well cleaning methods and apparatus. In particular, this invention relates to a method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore (12) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a drill string (10) having a drill bit (28) and a cleaning tool (24) with selectively activatable cleaning members (34); drilling a wellbore using the drill bit while maintaining the cleaning members in a deactivated position; and pulling the drill string from the wellbore with the cleaning members in an activated position, to thereby clean the wellbore. A corresponding cleaning tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Specialized Petroleum Services Group Limited
    Inventor: George Telfer
  • Patent number: 8376055
    Abstract: A shearing tool for shearing, trimming, or reducing objects being pulled through a drill string and methods for retrieving retrievable tools with fins from the drill string, where the retrievable tools must pass through restrictions in the drill string having interior diameters less than the outer diameters of the fins. The fins, affixed to the retrievable tools, provide stability to the tools, while within the drill string, and can be made of rubber, plastic, other shearable materials, or combinations thereof. The apparatuses and methods include inserting a shearing tool with a flange into a box end of a section of drill string, where the flange keeps the shearing tool in place. The shearing tool further comprising a cutting surface for cutting materials pulled through the shearing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: James Edward Chambers, II, Gerald Robert Byrd
  • Patent number: 8376043
    Abstract: An improved and enhanced spring loaded downhole tool for cleaning well casing bores comprising a mandrel, at least a first insert having a passageway therethrough, and at least a second insert, wherein both the first insert and the second insert are selected from at least one of a spring loaded scraper insert and at least one wire brush insert, and further wherein the first insert and the second insert are slidingly received within a slot on a first mounting portion on the mandrel and a slot on a second mounting portion on the mandrel, from the outermost respective ends, and wherein the first insert is secured by a first retaining sleeve and the second insert is secured by a second retaining sleeve. Also disclosed is a unique method for cleaning a section of casing with a downhole tool, as herein disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Benton T. Knobloch, Todd J. Roy, Clint M. Musemeche
  • Publication number: 20130025885
    Abstract: A downhole line tool assembly (200) for use in a wellbore. The downhole line tool assembly (200) includes a downhole power unit (206) having a moveable shaft (240) and a line motivator tool (208) having a drive assembly (246, 247) adapted to contact a line (204) passing through the line motivator tool (200) in the wellbore. The drive assembly (246, 247) is operably associated with the moveable shaft (240) such that rotation of the moveable shaft (240) rotates the drive assembly (246, 247), thereby moving the line (204) relative to the line motivator tool (208).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Mineo, Jerry Clinton Foster
  • Patent number: 8356377
    Abstract: A reinforced cup for use on downhole devices is disclosed. The reinforced cup is comprised of a cylindrical metal sleeve. Surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the metal sleeve is a flexible mesh cage comprised of a plurality of woven wire strands. A resilient cover is formed around the metal sleeve and flexible mesh cage so that the metal sleeve and flexible mesh fabric are encased by the resilient cover. The flexible mesh cage serves to reinforce the resilient cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Full Flow Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M. Harper
  • Patent number: 8347446
    Abstract: A tool for cleaning a drainage structure comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a barrel housing having a proximal opening and a distal opening, the barrel housing having a center longitudinal axis and coupled coaxially to the rod, the barrel housing having an outside dimension that can be accommodated within the drainage structure, the distal opening of the barrel housing having a sinusoidal tearing contour. The tool further comprises a plurality of cutting implements radially coupled to and between the rod and the barrel housing, the cutting implements having a distal cutting edge and being angularly oriented to facilitate sweeping debris in a selected direction, and the barrel housing and cutting implements operable to rotate about the center longitudinal axis of the rod to dislodge and loosen debris inside the drainage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Harr Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Robert E. Harr
  • Publication number: 20120241145
    Abstract: An improved and enhanced spring loaded downhole tool for cleaning well casing bores comprising a mandrel, at least a first insert having a passageway therethrough, and at least a second insert, wherein both the first insert and the second insert are selected from at least one of a spring loaded scraper insert and at least one wire brush insert, and further wherein the first insert and the second insert are slidingly received within a slot on a first mounting portion on the mandrel and a slot on a second mounting portion on the mandrel, from the outermost respective ends, and wherein the first insert is secured by a first retaining sleeve and the second insert is secured by a second retaining sleeve. Also disclosed is a unique method for cleaning a section of casing with a downhole tool, as herein disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Wellbore Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Benton T. Knobloch, Todd J. Roy
  • Publication number: 20120211229
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to cable deployed downhole tubular clean out system. In one embodiment, a method of cleaning a tubular string disposed in a wellbore includes connecting a cable to a BHA. The BHA includes a motor and a cleaner. The method further includes supplying a power signal to the BHA through the cable, thereby operating the motor to rotate the cleaner; deploying the BHA into the tubular string and the wellbore using the cable; and cleaning a deposit from an inner surface of the tubular string using the rotating cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Lance I. Fielder, Evan Sheline, Matthew Crowley, Bruce H. Storm, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120145377
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool head (1) for mounting onto a downhole tool (10) for drilling in a formation downhole or for releasing precipitated solids (2), such as ice, scales or the like, in a cavity fluid in a pipeline, a casing (3), a well or any other cavity downhole. The downhole tool head comprises a hollow cylindrical body (4) with a circumferential wall (5) extending from a base part of the body, the circumferential wall having a circumferential rim (6) in its end opposite the base part. The circumferential rim (6) comprises a plurality of edges (8) for cutting, grinding, drilling and/or milling, and the base part has a plurality of through-going holes (9) for letting cavity fluid comprising precipitated solids pass the holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Welltec A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Sven Karsten Jensen
  • Patent number: 8066060
    Abstract: During the production of crude oil, naturally occurring paraffin can be deposited on the inside surfaces of production tubing. These wax deposits reduce the cross sectional area of the tubing and can reduce or completely halt the flow of oil from the well. Currently there are many different methods employed in oil fields around the world to combat paraffin problems, but none are one hundred percent effective. When the available methods fail completely, costly removal and replacement of the tubing must be performed in order to resume oil production. The hot anti-wax knife tool provides a previously unavailable method of melting a hole through the paraffin deposits in the production tubing in order to restore production. The tool utilizes rechargeable batteries in a novel arrangement which provides sufficient power to melt through paraffin using a uniquely designed heating element and cutting head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Ray Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20110232911
    Abstract: A method and a device for removing sediment or other undesired material (28) from a cavity (24) in a petroleum well (2) in which a tool (30) is moved down into the petroleum well (2). The method including placing a detonable charge (34) in the tool (30) and detonating the charge (34) after the tool (30) has been positioned in the petroleum well (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Espen Osaland, Lasse Haugland
  • Patent number: 8002037
    Abstract: A downhole cleaning tool comprising: a substantially cylindrical body; at least one cleaning member extending from the cylindrical body and being movable between a retracted position and an active position in which the cleaning member is positioned to clean an internal surface of the well bore; and switching means adapted to receive a force applied in a first direction and responsively move the at least one cleaning member from the retracted position to the active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Hamdeen Incorporated Limited
    Inventor: Richard K. Booth
  • Publication number: 20110198075
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an in-pipe work device is inserted into a pipe and remotely controlled by a control device to perform an operation for an inner surface of the pipe. The in-pipe work device has: a main unit; a main-unit support unit; a rotation arm; a process head; a first distance sensor; and a process head position adjustment mechanism that changes a distance from a rotation center of the rotation arm to the process head. The control device makes the process head position adjustment mechanism expand and contract based upon a result of measurement by the first distance sensor and operation condition information that is input in advance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Satoshi Okada, Masataka Tamura, Taiji Kobayashi, Masaki Yoda
  • Publication number: 20110168404
    Abstract: A cleaning tool (1) for use in cleaning ferrous material from a wellbore has a magnetic cleaning element (14) mounted to a tool body (2) within a slot (5) using a releasable concealed interference fit fastener assembly (15) comprising a fastener member having a head (16), and a shank (17) with a configured end (18) and a deformable fastener ring (20) adapted to fit closely over the shank, and a press-fit collar (21) adapted to deform the deformable fastener ring upon the configured end of the shank when assembled, and wherein the respective head and collar are each flanged to permit an interference fit with a corresponding contact surface of the tool body around said slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: SPECIALISED PETROLEUM SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: George Telfer, James Linklater, James Atkins
  • Patent number: 7950450
    Abstract: A method for cleaning and/or altering an inside surface and shape of a tubular is disclosed. The method includes placing a surface finishing tool in the tubular, energizing the surface finishing tool, and causing extendable assemblies therein to extend radially to contact an inside diameter of the tubular. Moving the surface finishing tool axially and/or rotationally while the extended members are in contact with the inside diameter of the tubular cleans debris from the inside surface of the tubular. In another aspect of the invention, the tool burnishes the inside diameter of the tubular, thereby altering the surface characteristics and rounding the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Burt Martin, Simon John Harrall
  • Patent number: 7918283
    Abstract: A system for assuring subsea hydrocarbon production flow in pipelines by chilling the hydrocarbon production flow in a heat exchanger and causing solids to form, periodically removing deposits and placing them in a slurry utilizing a closed loop pig launching and receiving systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Szabolcs Roland Balkanyi, James George Broze, Joseph Oscar Esparza, Gregory John Hatton, Ajay Praful Mehta, Chien Kuei Tsai, Moye Wicks, III, George John Zabaras
  • Publication number: 20110036563
    Abstract: Two well tools (100, 200) having centrally mounted drive shafts (160, 260) is provided with means to remove debris from a coupling between them. Thereafter, the tools can be coupled by inserting a first outer sleeve (110) on the first tool into and rotation lock it to a second outer sleeve (210) on the second tool. The drive shafts (160, 260) are coupled in a similar manner. The means for removing debris can comprise mechanical means to displace the debris and/or a flushing device (170) using well fluid to stir up debris. The coupling has space for debris that is not removed, e.g. in the form of a chamber 264. The female part of the coupling may comprise a spring loaded lid (271) to reduce pollution by debris when the coupling is not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Kristoffer Brække
  • Patent number: 7878238
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning the inner surface of an oil or gas production tubing is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus includes a tubular body, one or more cleaning elements mounted on the outer surface of the body and an elastically deformable stabiliser. The elastically deformable stabiliser is rotatably mounted on the body to centralise the apparatus in the tubing whilst also allowing the body to pass though areas of reduced diameter in the production tubing. Preferably, there are a pair of spaced apart stabilisers having a web arrangement of spars with a flange at each end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rotary Drilling Supplies Europe Limited
    Inventor: Ronald Potter
  • Publication number: 20100314119
    Abstract: An apparatus for modifying the wall surface of a borehole drilled through an underground formation. The apparatus comprises a tool body that can be introduced into the borehole using a conveyance system so as to be moveable along the borehole, and one or more members arranged so as to be able to be urged against, and moved across at least part of the borehole wall in order to work the surface thereof and modify its properties. A method of modifying the wall surface comprises positioning the tool body in the borehole at a location of interest using the conveyance system, urging the members against the borehole wall with sufficient force to modify the properties of the surface thereof, and moving the members across the surface of the borehole wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jacques Orban, Claude Vercaemer
  • Publication number: 20100307738
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing debris from a well is provided. The apparatus comprises a tool body having a head, a chamber, a connector, a conduit, and a filter. The head has an opening and comprises protrusions extending from the outer surface for moving debris. The chamber is in the tool body to store debris. The connector is for attaching the tool body to a drilling system. The conduit is connected to the opening in the head to convey debris and fluid from the well to the chamber. The filter is in the tool body to limit the size of the particles that can pass into the drilling system from the chamber. In use, fluid flow and the protrusions move the debris from the well and through the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Pierre Mouget, Henri Denoix, Slim Hbaieb
  • Patent number: 7836947
    Abstract: A cleaning device connectable to a downhole tool for use within a well bore, the cleaning device comprising: a base member non-rotatably mountable to the downhole tool; and at least one sleeve member rotatably mountable to and around the base member, the sleeve member having a support member and at least one protruding member which protrudes from the support member and which, in use, contacts an inner surface of the well bore, wherein the support member comprises a bearing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Keith Booth
  • Publication number: 20100200219
    Abstract: The frame-less, split pipe disclosed herein includes a fixed actuator assembly with carries a blade-like pipe wiper element and a sliding actuator assembly which carries a similar blade-like pipe wiper element. Each of the pipe wiper elements is disposed between a clamp and the base of their respective actuator assemblies. The sliding actuator assembly is disposed in a pair of channels disposed above the claim of the fixed actuator assembly. A pair of pneumatic cylinders, one on each side of the fixed actuator assembly moves the sliding actuator assembly between open and closed positions. For installation, removal or maintenance on a pipe wiper it may be split into two open-throated components by removing the pins which attach the operating rods of the pneumatic cylinders to clevises of the sliding actuator assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Reddoch, SR.
  • Publication number: 20100186962
    Abstract: An improved and enhanced spring loaded downhole tool for cleaning well casing bores comprising a mandrel, at least a first insert having a passageway therethrough, and at least a second insert, wherein both the first insert and the second insert are selected from at least one of a spring loaded scraper insert and at least one wire brush insert, and further wherein the first insert and the second insert are slidingly received within a slot on a first mounting portion on the mandrel and a slot on a second mounting portion on the mandrel, from the outermost respective ends, and wherein the first insert is secured by a first retaining sleeve and the second insert is secured by a second retaining sleeve. Also disclosed is a unique method for cleaning a section of casing with a downhole tool, as herein disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Benton T. Knobloch, Todd J. Roy
  • Patent number: 7754163
    Abstract: Pseudo-isothermal chemical reactor (1) for catalytic reactions with a vertical axis, comprising a substantially cylindrical shell (2), Closed at the opposite ends by upper (4) and lower (3) bottoms respectively, a reaction zone (8) in which a catalytic bed (11) and a plurality of flat, boxed, plate-shaped heat exchangers (12), having the shape of a parallelepiped and having long sides parallel to said vertical axis and short sides perpendicular to it, situated in said reaction zone and supported in an arrangement on parallel cords at a predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Methanol Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Enrico Rizzi, Mirco Tarozzo
  • Publication number: 20100163239
    Abstract: A remotely operated device for inspecting and/or cleaning a subsea flexible pipe joint comprises a support assembly. In addition, the device comprises a tool positioning assembly coupled to the support assembly. The tool positioning assembly includes a rotating member disposed about a central axis. The tool positioning assembly is rotatable relative to the support assembly about the central axis. Further, the device comprises a cleaning assembly including a cleaning device adapted to clean the flexible pipe joint. The cleaning device is axially moveable relative to the rotating member. Still further, the device comprises a clamping assembly coupled to the support assembly. The clamping assembly has an open position disengaged with the section of the flexible pipe joint and a closed position engaging the section of the flexible pipe joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Eric Angel, Eric Lee Harden, Stuart Douglas Partridge, Andrew J. Guinn
  • Publication number: 20100108331
    Abstract: An embodiment of a clamping, cutting, and wiping assembly assembly may comprise a frame defining a pathway for a cable to pass therethrough, a clamp mechanism, a cutter device, and a wiper mounted to the frame adjacent the pathway for engaging with a cable, wherein the clamp device, the cutter, and the wiper may each be actuatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Michael Ramsey, Matthew E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7681634
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning a drill string of drilling mud during tripping, the apparatus being provided with a mass and a volume such that it is able to float on a surface of the drilling mud in the drill string during the tripping operation. The apparatus includes a wiper device which is bellows-shaped, and a weight which is fastened to the top of the wiper device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: 2K Tech AS
    Inventors: Ketil Botnmark, Kjell Mikalsen
  • Patent number: 7621327
    Abstract: A tool is preferably landed in a downhole profile commonly found adjacent to seal bores. Once landed, preferably with coiled tubing, pressure in the coiled tubing triggers a switch to power a motor to rotate a polishing cylinder that features spirally wound vanes. A reservoir of resin or other repair material is connected to an injection pump to deliver the material as the vanes are rotating. The material exits between the vanes so that the vanes can spread it and work it into surface irregularities. After the material is sufficiently spread into voids and the requisite polishing completed, the seal bore is again ready to accept a tool in a sealed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Darren E. Bane