Cementing Device Patents (Class 166/177.4)
  • Patent number: 11619116
    Abstract: Resonant sweeping frequencies are estimated for specific rock types, saturated with various formation fluids at reservoir conditions. A sequence and duration of resonant frequency sweeps and high amplitude low frequency vibration/agitation at each station is designed based on petrophysical and geomechanical properties, and in-situ stress conditions. Resonant sweeping and agitation is conducted as a multiple resonant frequency (fixed or variable) tool passes at optimal speed, which will be determined for specific reservoir type and downhole conditions. Resonant stimulation tool type, or combination of tools, is selected based on borehole size, reservoir parameters and resonant frequency requirements to maximize the efficiency of stimulation. Broad range of operating frequencies will allow to tune to resonant frequencies of various formation types (sandstones, limestones, shales, dolomites, and heterogeneous reservoirs comprised of the mixture of above lithologies).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventors: Natalya Ionkina, Valeriy Ionkin
  • Patent number: 11459874
    Abstract: A shoe track assembly system includes an elongated casing body extending from a first end to a second end and having a guide nose engaged with the second end; a first valve secured within the elongated casing body and at a position directly above the guide nose; a bottom plug landing seat extending into the elongated casing body at a position above the first valve; and a top plug landing seat extending into the elongated casing body at a position above the bottom plug landing seat; the system is to receive casing pressure test and act as a wall barrier system preventing cement or formation fluid from entering the casing without relying on shoe track cement integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventors: Todd Stair, Henry E. Rogers, Jimmy Venizelos, Carlos Valdez
  • Patent number: 11203911
    Abstract: A wellbore tool system for use within a wellbore includes a stage packer shoe, having a lower body extending from a first end to a second end; an upper body attached to the lower body at the second end; and circulation ports extending through a thickness of the upper body; a metal cup having a predetermined diameter as determined by a diameter of the wellbore; the metal cup secured around a periphery of the lower body of the stage packer shoe such that the metal cup extends away from the periphery; the metal cup is to engage with the wellbore enough to have differential pressure holding capability between the stage packer shoe and the wellbore; and the differential pressure of the metal cup is dependent on a strength of the cup and the wellbore with which the metal cup is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Nicolas Rogozinski
  • Patent number: 10808518
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and systems structured to provide an indication of the status of a cementing operation in a wellbore. Electromagnetic radiation from a source can be directed to a fluid region in or around a casing in a wellbore, where an electromagnetic response can be detected from interaction of the electromagnetic radiation in the fluid region. Presence or absence of cement in the fluid region can be determined based the electromagnetic response. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods can be implemented in a variety of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Gao, Yuzhu Hu, John P. Singh, Walmy Cuello Jimenez
  • Patent number: 10760382
    Abstract: Systems and methods to perform a downhole operations in a borehole comprising moving, using surface equipment, an inner structure and an outer structure within the borehole, the outer structure equipped with an interaction device and the inner structure configured to be moved relative to the outer structure in a direction parallel to the borehole by the surface equipment, transmitting, by a transmitter, a downlink instruction to the inner structure, and performing an interaction routine with the interaction device in response to the downlink instruction, wherein the interaction routine comprises an interaction at least partially outside of the outer structure to perform the downhole operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Fabian Mau, Heiko Eggers, Henning Melles, Thorsten Regener, Ingo Roders, Matthias Wauer
  • Patent number: 10689944
    Abstract: A method of isolating an open-hole section of a wellbore includes positioning, a liner, a valve, and a liner hanger that are attached to a working string adjacent an interface between the open-hole section and a cased section of the wellbore. The method includes injecting cement through the liner and the valve to form a first balanced cement plug within the open-hole section of the wellbore. Generally, the liner, the valve, and the liner hanger are secured within the balanced cement plug. After the balanced cement plug is set, the liner hanger is actuated and the liner, the valve, and the liner hanger are detached from the working string, which causes the valve to close and creates a mechanical barrier between the balanced cement plug and the working string. Additionally, the mechanical barrier is covered in cement to form another balanced cement plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Roberto Francisco Schuldes, Kevin Wendell Ardoin
  • Patent number: 10619452
    Abstract: A toe sleeve that is configured to disconnect from casing. More specifically, a toe sleeve that is configured to shear from casing creating a dynamic opening that does not get plugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Vertice Oil Tools
    Inventors: Mohamed Ibrahim Saraya, Stephen Parks, Michael Lo
  • Patent number: 10520617
    Abstract: A biodegradable ground contact sleeve for a seismic data acquisition node includes a ground contact sleeve having a substantially tubular shaped body insertable into the surface of the earth and having an internal opening at one longitudinal end for receiving a seismic data acquisition node and making acoustic coupling thereto. The ground contact sleeve is formed of biodegradable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Geophysical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Nicholas Farrelly, Richard A. Degner
  • Patent number: 10385653
    Abstract: A method of isolating an open-hole section of a wellbore includes positioning, a liner, a valve, and a liner hanger that are attached to a working string adjacent an interface between the open-hole section and a cased section of the wellbore. The method includes injecting cement through the liner and the valve to form a first balanced cement plug within the open-hole section of the wellbore. Generally, the liner, the valve, and the liner hanger are secured within the balanced cement plug. After the balanced cement plug is set, the liner hanger is actuated and the liner, the valve, and the liner hanger are detached from the working string, which causes the valve to close and creates a mechanical barrier between the balanced cement plug and the working string. Additionally, the mechanical barrier is covered in cement to form another balanced cement plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Roberto Francisco Schuldes, Kevin Wendell Ardoin
  • Patent number: 10294748
    Abstract: A wellbore dart or pill is provided such that each time the dart passes through a downhole tool having a seat, an externally extending finger is forced radially inward into the dart. As the finger moves inward to its depressed position, the finger moves a ball or other placeholder from a first position to a second position. When the ball is moved to the second position it may be released into the interior of the well bore or into a chamber in the tool. Once each of the balls have been released from the second position the finger is locked radially outward causing the dart to land and be locked in place at the next seat that is encountered by the dart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Dreco Energy Services ULC
    Inventors: Vincenzo Barbato, Richard Westgarth
  • Patent number: 10287474
    Abstract: A downhole treatment composition comprises a rare earth-containing compound comprising one or more of the following: scandium; yttrium; lanthanum; cerium; praseodymium; neodymium; promethium; samarium; lutetium; europium; gadolinium; terbium; dysprosium; holmium; erbium; thulium; or ytterbium, wherein the downhole treatment composition is a cement slurry, a drilling fluid, or a spacer fluid. Also disclosed are methods of cementing a wellbore, methods of displacing a first fluid, and methods of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation using the cement slurry, the spacer fluid, or the drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Shannon E. Bryant, Sumit Bhaduri, Terry D. Monroe
  • Patent number: 10125572
    Abstract: A tubular string is run into a wellbore with a remotely actuated valve near a lower end adjacent a cementing shoe. The valve is triggered to operate without intervention such as by mud pulses generated at the surface and recognized by a sensor linked to a processor adjacent the valve to trigger the valve to close. Alternative actuation systems are envisioned for the valve that is located near the cementing shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventors: Edward T. Wood, Ray P. Vincent, Yang Xu
  • Patent number: 10087354
    Abstract: A downhole treatment composition comprises a rare earth-containing compound comprising one or more of the following: scandium; yttrium; lanthanum; cerium; praseodymium; neodymium; promethium; samarium; lutetium; europium; gadolinium; terbium; dysprosium; holmium; erbium; thulium; or ytterbium, wherein the downhole treatment composition is a cement slurry, a drilling fluid, or a spacer fluid. Also disclosed are methods of cementing a wellbore, methods of displacing a first fluid, and methods of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation using the cement slurry, the spacer fluid, or the drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Shannon E. Bryant, Sumit Bhaduri, Terry D. Monroe
  • Patent number: 9938783
    Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet
  • Patent number: 9909390
    Abstract: A stage tool includes an isolation mechanism for isolating the lower bore of a completion string. The isolation mechanism is initially in a deactivated configuration until sufficient hydraulic pressure is applied, at which time, the isolating mechanism is activated to isolate the lower bore from cement ingress. Concurrently or subsequently, a stage tool may be opened to facilitate cementing of an annulus between the completion string and the wellbore. After cementing, the isolation mechanism, or portions thereof, may be drilled out to re-establish flow through the stage tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bryce McNabb, Jozeph Robert Marcin, Andrew J. Hanson, James MacTavish, Corey Kshyk
  • Patent number: 9771774
    Abstract: A zone isolation cementing system includes a tubular having a longitudinal axis and a first flow-controlled port, a first conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end fluidically connected to the first flow-controlled port, a first distributor manifold arranged to deliver cement slurry exteriorly of the tubular, the second end of the first conduit fluidically connected to the first distributor manifold, and a first settable packer disposed exteriorly of the tubular and arranged longitudinally between the first flow-controlled port and the first distributor manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shailesh Shashank Dighe, Antonio Bottiglieri
  • Patent number: 9725971
    Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a circulation system including a circulation management system. A housing of a coupling feature of the circulation management system is configured to extend over a box end of a pipe element. A seal disposed within the housing is configured to engage with a face of the box end. A force-application feature is configured to force the seal against the face of the box end to establish a sealed engagement between the circulation management system and the pipe element. A flow path of the circulation management system extends through the housing and the seal, wherein the flow path facilitates fluid flow into the pipe element from the circulation management system when the sealed engagement is established. A port to the flow path is configured to couple with a fluid flow supply feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: TESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edgar Fernando Yajure, Ryan Thomas Bowley
  • Patent number: 9567805
    Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet
  • Patent number: 9567810
    Abstract: A double swivel for use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through double sleeves which are sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeves and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeves have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system, clamp, and novel packing configuration. In an alternative embodiment the unit can include a plug or ball insertion tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Donny Logan
  • Patent number: 9523258
    Abstract: A plug release system for cementing a tubular string into a wellbore includes: a wiper plug; a tubular housing; a latch for releasably connecting the wiper plug to the housing. The latch includes: a fastener engageable with one of the wiper plug and the housing; a lock movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock keeping the fastener engaged in the locked position; and an actuator connected to the lock and operable to at least move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position. The plug release system further includes an electronics package disposed in the housing and in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Robin L. Campbell, Richard Lee Giroux
  • Patent number: 9506318
    Abstract: A method and system of cementing a well bore with vibration of a casing string as a fluid cement mixture is forced into the annulus between the casing string and the well bore as a curable fluid cement mixture is pumped through the casing string. A casing shoe and/or a casing collar have a vibration-inducing mechanism for vibrating the shoe casing radially in response to the flow of fluid through the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Solid Completion Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Gerard Brunet
  • Patent number: 9376909
    Abstract: An indicator includes a body configured to be run within a tubular from a first portion to a second portion of the tubular, a sensor disposed at the body configured to detect when a tool run through the tubular has reached the body, and a signal generator configured to send notification that the tool has reached the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Holger Mathiszik
  • Patent number: 9366117
    Abstract: A system and method for lining a section of a wellbore with an expandable tubular element. The system comprises an elongate drill string having a force multiplier near a lower end thereof, which is housed within the expandable tubular element. An expander for expanding the tubular element is arranged at a lower end of the force multiplier. Anchoring means are provided at the exterior of the tubular element for anchoring the tubular element in the wellbore. Pulling the expander through the expandable tubular using the force multiplier may be combined with pulling the drill string upwards. A sudden drop of the hydraulic pressure in the force multiplier drops will confirm fixation of the anchoring means in the wellbore wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Egbert Jan Van Riet, Feitze Veenstra, Jan Harm Van Der Wal, Antonius Leonardus Maria Wubben, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Patent number: 9217310
    Abstract: A cementing adaptor includes a cylindrical carrier carrying a casing seal, a middle interval and a lower end separated by an annular rib, and a cylindrical swivel element disposed around and coaxially rotatable relative to the middle interval. A cylindrical connector has an upper end rotatably disposed around the carrier's lower end and non-rotatably connected to the swivel element, plus a lower end connectable to an inner tubular string. With the carrier's upper end connected to a casing running tool (CRT), this assembly can be disposed within a casing string with the casing seal engaging the casing and preventing fluid flow into the casing annulus below the seal when cement is pumped down the inner string, such that the cement is urged into the wellbore annulus. The swivel connection limits torque transfer that might otherwise overload the CRT or its connection to the cementing adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: NOETIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Mark Shute, Maurice William Slack
  • Patent number: 9038720
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in stage-cementing an oil well in the region of a lost-circulation zone that is proximate an annular space defined by the lower end of an outer casing surrounding an inner casing include a load-bearing annular steel plate of substantial thickness that is positioned on, and maintained stationary relative to the inner casing by supporting and retaining means secured to the inner casing, the outer diameter of the plate being less than the inside diameter of the outer casing so that the plate can be lowered with the inner casing string to the desired location inside of the outer casing and, with a layer of gravel, to provide a seal and support the cement poured into the annulus between the inner and outer casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Omar Jubran Esmail
  • Publication number: 20150101809
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a valve assembly for use during a cementing operation. In one embodiment, a valve includes a housing having a bore. The valve further includes a piston member movable between a first position permitting fluid passage through the bore and a second position obstructing the bore through the housing. Additionally, the valve includes a biasing member configured to bias the piston member toward the second position. In another aspect, a method of using a valve in a cementing operation is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffery MORRISON
  • Patent number: 9004195
    Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore is disclosed. An inner string and an outer string are conveyed downhole. The inner string is attached to the outer string at a first location and the wellbore is formed. The inner stringy is attached to the outer string at a second location us hole of the first location and an annulus between the outer string and the wellbore is cemented without retrieving the inner string from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thorsten Regener, Ingo Roders, Carl C. Clemmensen, Sascha Schwartze, Trond R. Skar, Tore Sorheim, Morten Eidem, Gaute Grindhaug
  • Patent number: 8997850
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Publication number: 20150083422
    Abstract: A method of encasing a wellbore is provided comprising the application of 3D printing technology to apply a series of layers of lining material to the interior surface of a wellbore. The layers may be of different materials to make best use of their different material properties, to provide structural integrity and good sealing properties, for example. Through suitable printhead control, specific structural features such as channels for receiving measurement, power or communications equipment may be incorporated into the lining structure. Associated devices for depositing the layers of lining material are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Michael PRITCHARD
  • Patent number: 8944186
    Abstract: Device for performing deep drillings, especially geothermal, may include a surface base, a borehole in a geological formation, filled with fluid, and a robotic multi-functional underground drilling platform, which contains especially a block (2) for crushing rock (1), a block for continuous formation of casing profile, a block of casing as transfer and transport infrastructure, a block (16) of transport container, a control and communication block (39), an energy block (4), a block of operating transport containers, and a block of removing and loading rock (1) from the place of crushing. The block (2) for rock crushing may be interconnected with block of removing and loading rock (1) from the place of crushing by means of water channels, ensuring removal of the crushed rock—107—. The block of removing and loading rock (1) from the place of crushing may be interconnected with block (16) of transport container by means of water channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: GA Drilling, A.S.
    Inventors: Igor Ko{hacek over (c)}i{hacek over (s)}, Ivan Ko{hacek over (c)}i{hacek over (s)}, Tomá{hacek over (s)} Kri{hacek over (s)}tofi{hacek over (c)}, Du{hacek over (s)}an Ko{hacek over (c)}i{hacek over (s)}
  • Patent number: 8939209
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Phil Barbee
  • Publication number: 20150021026
    Abstract: A stage tool operable with a plug is used for cementing a tubing string in a wellbore annulus. The tool can have a housing with a closure sleeve movably disposed in the internal bore of the housing. When pressure is applied downhole to the tool, a breachable obstruction on an exit port of the tool's bore opens and allows fluid such as cement slurry to communicate to the wellbore annulus. When cementing through the open tool finished, a plug deployed downhole lands on a seat in the closure sleeve, and applied fluid pressure in the tool's bore against the seated plug closes the closure sleeve relative to the housing's exit port. Rotational catches between the housing's bore and the closure sleeve prevent the closure sleeve from rotating. Preferably, an intermediate sleeve is used in the housing's bore and has rotational catches on each end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Richard L. Giroux
  • Patent number: 8910708
    Abstract: Systems for remedial cementing are provided that utilize pumice and various additives. One of the systems for remedial cementing embodiments comprises a lightweight settable composition comprising pumice, a calcium activator, and water, wherein the lightweight settable composition has a density of less than about 13.5 pounds per gallon; mixing equipment for mixing the lightweight settable composition; and pumping equipment for delivering the lightweight settable composition to a well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, James R. Benkley
  • Patent number: 8893773
    Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet
  • Patent number: 8881814
    Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to coupling a cementation assembly with a hung or set liner string in a well and moving the liner string during a cementation operation. Specifically, for example, a process in accordance with present techniques includes running a cementation assembly into a well on drill pipe and engaging, with a distal end of the cementation assembly, a liner top assembly of a liner string that is positioned downhole in the well, wherein the liner string was previously positioned downhole in the well without being cemented into the well. Further, the process includes latching the cementation assembly with the liner string such that movement of the cementation assembly is translated to the liner string, and flowing cement through the drill pipe and into the liner string while moving the cementation assembly and the liner string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Eric Moffitt
  • Publication number: 20140318782
    Abstract: A dump bailer assembly includes a downhole power unit and a dump bailer body. A piston is disposed within the dump bailer body and is releasably coupled to a moveable shaft of the downhole power unit. An actuation assembly is disposed proximate a first end of the dump bailer body and a barrier is positioned proximate a second end of the dump bailer body. A wellbore agent is disposed within the dump bailer body between the barrier and the piston. In operation, the downhole power unit retracts the moveable shaft shifting the piston toward the first end and energizing the actuation assembly. Further operation of the downhole power unit releases the moveable shaft from the piston such that the energized actuation assembly shifts the piston toward the second end such that interaction between the piston and the wellbore agent opens the barrier and dispenses the wellbore agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Cody Paul Bourque
  • Publication number: 20140318764
    Abstract: Systems for remedial cementing are provided that utilize pumice and various additives. One of the systems for remedial cementing embodiments comprises a lightweight settable composition comprising pumice, a calcium activator, and water, wherein the lightweight settable composition has a density of less than about 13.5 pounds per gallon; mixing equipment for mixing the lightweight settable composition; and pumping equipment for delivering the lightweight settable composition to a well bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, James R. Benkley
  • Publication number: 20140311741
    Abstract: Method and system of providing or enabling cap rock restoration of at least a portion of a producible zone of a subterranean well by placing and supporting at least one cement equivalent well barrier member within an operable usable space, formed by at least one cable operable and rig-less string operable, annulus engagable member, comprising cable and rig-less string conveyable components that are conveyed through an innermost passageway and downward from a wellhead and using energy, conductible through said rig-less string or through movable fluid of a circulatable fluid column, to operate or access at least one annulus from said innermost passageway and displace at least one portion of a wall of at least one conduit about said innermost passageway, to provide at least one cement equivalent well barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce A. Tunget
  • Publication number: 20140299320
    Abstract: A wave-inducing device for cementing a casing in a borehole. The wave-inducing device is designed for arrangement in the casing and includes a movable element which, when the wave-inducing device is arranged in the casing, is designed to be moved by cement and/or another fluid flowing through the casing so that wave motions and/or vibrations are provided in the cement during the cementing of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: PERIGON HANDEL AS
    Inventors: Erling Kleppa, Kristian Harestad
  • Publication number: 20140262266
    Abstract: A secondary cementing apparatus includes a drill string, a coupling coupled to a distal end of the drill string, and a tool coupled to a distal end of the coupling, the tool having a distal portion offset from a central axis of the drill string, and the coupling configured to allow selective rotation of the tool with respect to the drill string. A method for plugging a hole includes rotating a drill string about a central axis of the drill string, wherein a distal end of the drill string is coupled to a tool, the tool having an offset distal portion from a central axis of the drill string; and flowing a fluid down the drill string and out of the offset distal portion of the tool as the drill string is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Ingold
  • Patent number: 8833471
    Abstract: A fill up tool includes a mandrel; a primary sealing member disposed around the mandrel; and a selectively operable secondary sealing member activated by rotation of the mandrel. In another embodiment, the selectively operable secondary sealing member is activated using hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy Duane Wiens, Yury P. Gutsu, Benson Thomas, Karsten Heidecke, Jim Hollingsworth, Doyle Fredric Boutwell, Jr., Rodney Stephens, Russell W. Thompson, Patrick James Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8826979
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making real-time measurements of downhole properties during cement plug placement. A wired placement conduit (14) is lowered downhole releasing a sensor package (20). The sensor package is capable of measuring downhole properties in real-time in the period while the cement plug sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Simon James, Bernard Piot, Joel Rondeau, Michael Montgomery, Gérard Daccord, Radovan Rolovic, Mathew Samuel
  • Patent number: 8813838
    Abstract: A well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be used to excite a formation with acoustic waves transmitted from the acoustic generator. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can transmit acoustic waves into cement surrounding a casing. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be used to transmit acoustic waves into an annulus surrounding a well screen during or after a gravel packing operation. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be connected in a drill string in close proximity to a drill bit, with the acoustic generator transmitting acoustic waves into a formation ahead of the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, Daniel D. Gleitman
  • Patent number: 8807227
    Abstract: An apparatus for pressure-testing a tubular body may be installed in the tubular-body interior. The apparatus comprises an activation-device seat, one or more bypass ports, a J-slot with an indexing pin and a spring. When an activation device, for example a ball, lands in the activation-device seat, fluid communication through the tubular body is blocked, allowing pressurization. During pressurization, the activation-device seat moves downward, causing the spring to compress and the indexing pin in the J-slot to move to the bottom position. Upon depressurization after the test, the activation-device seat moves upward, causing to spring to decompress and the indexing pin the J-slot to move to the top position. Upward movement of the activation-device seat unblocks the bypass ports, thereby reestablishing fluid communication through the tubular body. The tubular body may be drillpipe, casing or coiled tubing that is installed in the borehole of a subterranean well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremie Fould, Joel Rondeau
  • Patent number: 8800655
    Abstract: A mechanical stage cementing tool that includes a mechanical opening and closing seat sleeve and a pin sub. The mechanical stage cementing tool may be converted to a hydraulic stage cementing tool by inserting a hydraulic tube assembly into the mechanical opening and closing seat sleeve at a hydraulic modification area and by adding a hydraulic seat to the pin sub. The stage cementing tool has a running-in-hole position, an open position, and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Michael E. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20140202697
    Abstract: Methods for improving the bonding of a cement sheath to a tubular body in a subterranean well involve anchoring elements mounted on the outside surface of the tubular body—in the annular space between the tubular body and the borehole wall. The cement contains an expansive agent that causes the cement to expand after it sets. The anchoring elements are mounted such that an angle exists between the elements and the tubular-body surface, thereby providing resistance to cement sheath movement away from the tubular-body surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Simon Gareth James, Alice Chougnet-Sirapian
  • Patent number: 8783351
    Abstract: A cementing tool (20) capable of being installed in a casing string (10) and configured to selectively permit the flow of cement through one or more ports (34) in the tool is provided. The ports (34) are normally sealed by rupture disc assemblies (36) comprising a rupture disc (62) that can be opened to permit flow of cement through the casing string central bore (32) and into the annulus (14) defined by the casing string (10) and the downhole formation (16). The cementing tool (20) is particularly useful during cementing operations in which the annulus (14) has become blocked by a collapsed portion of the formation by allowing the obstruction (104) to be bypassed and the flow of cement (100) into the annulus to be continued without substantial interruption. Tool (20) may also be used in multistage cementing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Lindsey Lee, Gene Hill, Eddie Malcolm, Jeffrey A. Stokes
  • Patent number: 8776875
    Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet
  • Patent number: 8739873
    Abstract: A method of cementing a wellbore, comprising delivering a diversion and movable isolation tool into the wellbore and thereby at least partially isolating a first wellbore volume from a second wellbore volume, the second wellbore volume being uphole relative to the first wellbore volume, passing fluid through the diversion and movable isolation tool into the first wellbore volume, substantially discontinuing the passing of fluid through the diversion and movable isolation tool into the first wellbore volume, passing fluid through the diversion and movable isolation tool into the second wellbore volume. A diversion and movable isolation tool for a wellbore, comprising a body comprising selectively actuated radial flow ports, and a fluid isolation assembly, comprising one or more segments, each segment comprising a central ring and at least one tab extending from the central ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Steve L. Holden
  • Publication number: 20140138089
    Abstract: The current application discloses methods and systems for generating high pressure dual phase mixture. In some embodiments, the methods and systems involve mounting a dual phase mixture generator on a transportable platform wherein the dual phase mixture generator comprises a mixing chamber connected with at least a first inlet, a second inlet, and a first outlet. A first container and a first pump are also mounted on the transportable platform wherein the first pump is operably connected with the first container. The transportable platform and the mounted equipments are then deployed at a wellsite. A base fluid is pumped into the first inlet under high pressure, and a gas is pumped into the second inlet under high pressure. The base fluid and the gas is combined in the mixing chamber to generate a high pressure dual phase mixture, which is then discharged via the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Goddard, Roger Keese