Vibrator Patents (Class 166/177.6)
  • Patent number: 11668818
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a position sensor system that includes a fluid effector that includes a housing having an inner surface defining a cavity, and a moveable body having a first face and a second face opposite the first face and configured to contact the inner surface and subdivide the cavity to define a first chamber and a second chamber, an acoustic transmitter system configured to emit a first emitted waveform toward the first face, and emit a second emitted waveform toward the second face, and an acoustic receiver system configured to detect a first reflected waveform based on a first reflection of the first emitted waveform based on the moveable body, and detect a second reflected waveform based on a second reflection of the second emitted waveform based on the moveable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan Loren Loos, Gregory Warren Pulley
  • Patent number: 11578581
    Abstract: A method for enhanced depth penetration of energy into a formation may include mechanically stimulating proppant in proppant-containing fractures in the formation at a first frequency to induce mechanical stress in the proppant and directing electromagnetic radiation at a second frequency into the proppant-containing fractures of the formation while mechanically stimulating the proppant, wherein the first frequency and the second frequency are the same or different and wherein the proppant includes silica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventor: John Dean
  • Patent number: 11111769
    Abstract: A method for enhanced depth penetration of energy into a formation may include mechanically stimulating proppant in proppant-containing fractures in the formation at a first frequency to induce mechanical stress in the proppant and directing electromagnetic radiation at a second frequency into the proppant-containing fractures of the formation while mechanically stimulating the proppant, wherein the first frequency and the second frequency are the same or different and wherein the proppant includes silica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: John Dean
  • Patent number: 10934823
    Abstract: The inventive method provides a mechanism for enhancing oil and gas production in shale wells in order to prevent re-Fracking of the wells. The invention discloses the effect that temperature has on creating micro-fractures in the shale and offers opportunities to apply temperature in a way that increases seismic activity, including through the application of low quality steam or by heating the fracturing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: University of Louisiana at Lafayette
    Inventors: Joseph Kravets, Rustam Nizamutdinov, Asadollah Hayatdavoudi
  • Patent number: 10822904
    Abstract: A downhole bypass tool that includes an inlet for receiving fluid into a housing of the bypass tool is described herein. The bypass tool also includes a flow directing apparatus disposed in the housing for directing fluid to flow into an operational flow path of a vibratory tool. The vibratory tool is at least partially disposed within the hosing of the bypass tool. The flow directing apparatus operates to selectively bypass the operational flow path of the vibratory tool such that the fluid bypasses the operational flow path of the vibratory tool and flows out of an outlet of the bypass tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger Schultz, Andy Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10787874
    Abstract: There is provided a process for stimulating hydrocarbon production from a subterranean formation, comprising: conducting stimulation material to the subterranean formation via a wellbore, wherein the stimulation material includes solid particulate material; within the wellbore, agitating the conducted stimulation material with a fluid motion-actuating tool, such as, for example, a coiled tubing agitator tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Cooper
  • Patent number: 10724318
    Abstract: A downhole tool is disclosed herein that has an inlet for receiving fluid into a housing of the downhole tool. The downhole tool further includes a vibratory apparatus at least partially disposed within the housing of the downhole tool, the vibratory apparatus having an operational flow path disposed therein to operate the vibratory apparatus when fluid flowing through the operational flow path is above a predetermined pressure. Furthermore, the downhole tool has a bypass passageway disposed in the housing for providing an additional flow path for fluid through the downhole tool to prevent fluid from reaching the predetermined pressure in the operational flow path of the vibratory apparatus, the bypass passageway selectively blockable such that fluid in the operational flow path is increased above the predetermined pressure to activate the vibratory apparatus when the bypass passageway is blocked. A method of using the downhole tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10718191
    Abstract: The inventive method provides a mechanism for enhancing oil and gas production in shale wells in order to prevent re-Fracking of the wells. The invention discloses the effect that temperature has on creating micro-fractures in the shale and offers opportunities to apply temperature in a way that increases seismic activity, including through the application of low quality steam or by heating the fracturing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: University of Louisana at Lafayette
    Inventors: Joseph Kravets, Rustam Nizamutdinov, Asadollah Hayatdavoudi
  • Patent number: 10557967
    Abstract: The method for enhanced depth penetration of energy into a formation may include mechanically stimulating the formation at a first frequency to induce mechanical stress in the formation and directing electromagnetic radiation towards the formation while mechanically stimulating the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: John Dean
  • Patent number: 10550680
    Abstract: A method for enhanced depth penetration of energy into a formation may include mechanically stimulating proppant in proppant-containing fractures in the formation at a first frequency to induce mechanical stress in the proppant and directing electromagnetic radiation at a second frequency into the proppant-containing fractures of the formation while mechanically stimulating the proppant, wherein the first frequency and the second frequency are the same or different and wherein the proppant includes silica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: John Dean
  • Patent number: 10385639
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for inducing vibrations in an object in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a tubular conveyable in the wellbore and has at its bottom end an engagement tool that is configured to engage with or latch onto the object. A first flow control device, such as a cycling valve, in the tubular cycles (closes and opens) at a selected frequency or rate and generates at each closing a first upward pressure pulse in a fluid flowing through the tubular and a downward pressure pulse in the fluid, which induces a first force in the engagement tool and thus in the fish engaged with the engagement tool. A second flow control device, above the first flow control device in the tubular, closes in response to the first upward pressure pulse during each cycle and generates a second upward pressure pulse in the fluid flowing through the tubular and a second downward pressure in the fluid and a corresponding second force in the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Hered
  • Patent number: 10260315
    Abstract: A downhole bypass tool that includes an inlet for receiving fluid into a housing of the bypass tool is described herein. The bypass tool also includes a flow directing apparatus disposed in the housing for directing fluid to flow into an operational flow path of a vibratory tool. The vibratory tool is at least partially disposed within the hosing of the bypass tool. The flow directing apparatus operates to selectively bypass the operational flow path of the vibratory tool such that the fluid bypasses the operational flow path of the vibratory tool and flows out of an outlet of the bypass tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Schultz, Andy Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10036203
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method of detecting and correcting for spiraling in a downhole carrier includes: deploying the carrier in a borehole in an earth formation as part of a subterranean operation; acquiring time based data from at least one sensor disposed at the carrier; acquiring time and depth data, the time and depth data correlating time values with depths of the carrier; generating a depth based profile based on the time based data and the time and depth data; generating a frequency profile by transforming the depth based profile into the frequency domain; detecting a spiraling event based on an amplitude of the frequency profile; and taking corrective action based on detecting the spiraling event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Herbig, Hanno Reckmann, Wojciech Emmerich, Oliver Hoehn, Christian Linke, Jens-Uwe Bruns, Andreas Hohl, Hatem Oueslati, Ingo Forstner
  • Patent number: 10000992
    Abstract: A downhole bypass tool that includes an inlet for receiving fluid into a housing of the bypass tool is described herein. The bypass tool also includes a flow directing apparatus disposed in the housing for directing fluid to flow into an operational flow path of a vibratory tool. The vibratory tool is at least partially disposed within the hosing of the bypass tool. The flow directing apparatus operates to selectively bypass the operational flow path of the vibratory tool such that the fluid bypasses the operational flow path of the vibratory tool and flows out of an outlet of the bypass tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solution, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Schultz, Andy Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9988877
    Abstract: A device for cleaning water wells comprises a downhole tool composed of an electrohydraulic unit (7) with an oscillatory circuit and an ultrasonic unit (4) with an electroacoustic transducer (3) arranged successively in a single housing, sensors of pressure (10) and flow (11), a hydrophone (12), a pump, an ultrasonic generator (13), a pulse generator (14), monitoring equipment (15) for the sensors, a downhole tool control unit (16) equipped with a synchronizer of operation of the electrohydraulic unit (7) and the ultrasonic unit (4), and also with a device for controlling pulse width, beating frequency and spectrum of the signal of the oscillatory circuit of the electrohydraulic unit in order to change the treatment zone. Furthermore, a discharge chamber (8) and a protective cap (9) are arranged in the bottom part of the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Ventora Technologies AG
    Inventors: Anna Vladimirovna Abramova, Maya Vladimirovna Bayazitova, Sergey Andreevich Volchonkov
  • Patent number: 9951602
    Abstract: A downhole tool having opposing interfaces for incorporation of the downhole tool into a downhole tool string. A housing extends between the opposing interfaces, and a bore extends longitudinally through the housing between the opposing interfaces. An accelerometer is disposed within the bore of the housing for detecting acceleration of the downhole tool in response to a mechanical impact generated elsewhere within the downhole tool string. The accelerometer generates an output signal indicative of the acceleration. The downhole tool also includes a processor for processing the output signal, a memory device for storing the output signal or data generated by the processor, and an electrical energy source powering the processor and the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: IMPACT SELECTOR INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Allen Hradecky
  • Patent number: 9797211
    Abstract: A vibratory tool for use in a tubular string to prevent sticking or to release a stuck string features a fluid operated dart valve working in conjunction with an impact sleeve to deliver continuous axial jarring blows in opposed directions as long as flow is maintained. Movement of one of those components axially in opposed directions opens and closes access to opposed lateral ports so that a lateral vibration is also established as flow cyclically occurs and stops sequentially at opposed lateral outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Yingqing Xu, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 9702192
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for delivering a rod in a cylinder including propagating a rod in a cylinder along the interior of the cylinder, and introducing a motion in an orientation orthogonal to a length of the rod, wherein the motion comprises multiple motion sources along the length of the rod, and wherein the multiple motion sources comprise a control system that controls at least one of the motion sources. An apparatus and method for delivering a rod in a cylinder including a cylinder comprising a deviated portion, a rod comprising a length within the cylinder, multiple motion sources positioned along the length of the rod, and a control system in communication with at least one of the motion sources, wherein the control system controls the location of frictional contact between the rod and cylinder over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nathan Wicks, Jahir Pabon, Francois Auzerais, John David Rowatt, Shunfeng Zheng, Rex Burgos, Robin Mallalieu, Zheng Rong Xu
  • Patent number: 9659113
    Abstract: A method of estimating extended reach for a downhole line traversing a deviated section of a well. The method may include storing line and well architectural and physical data and then performing a static analysis of substantially axial-exclusive estimated friction between the line and well wall during conveyance (which may be thought of as the contact force due to interference therebetween). A one dimensional dynamic analysis may then be performed. Thus, based on these factors, speed of the conveyance, vibration parameters of an incorporated vibration tool, etc., an efficient simulation of the conveyance may be run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nathaniel Wicks, Jahir Pabon, Yong Chang, Shunfeng Zheng
  • Patent number: 9181767
    Abstract: A downhole bypass tool that includes an inlet for receiving fluid into a housing of the bypass tool is described herein. The bypass tool also includes a flow directing apparatus disposed in the housing for directing fluid to flow into an operational flow path of a vibratory tool. The vibratory tool is at least partially disposed within the hosing of the bypass tool. The flow directing apparatus operates to selectively bypass the operational flow path of the vibratory tool such that the fluid bypasses the operational flow path of the vibratory tool and flows out of an outlet of the bypass tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Schultz, Andy Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9027636
    Abstract: Tunable down-hole stimulation systems feature closed-loop control of pumps and tunable down-hole stimulators. Stimulators generate and hydraulically transmit broad vibration spectra tuned for resonance excitation and fracturing of geologic materials adjacent to the wellbore. Feedback data for controlling stimulation includes backscatter vibration originating in stimulated geologic material and detected at the stimulator(s). For initial fracturing with relatively large particle sizes, the power spectral density (PSD) of each stimulator output is down-shifted toward the lower resonant frequencies of large particles. As fracturing proceeds to smaller (proppant-sized) fragments having higher resonant frequencies, backscatter vibration guides progressive up-shifting of stimulator PSD to higher vibration frequencies. Stimulator power requirements are minimized by concentrating vibration energy efficiently in frequency bands to which geologic materials are most sensitive at every stage of stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
  • Patent number: 9004165
    Abstract: A method and assembly for recovering oil using elastic vibration energy involves placing a downhole apparatus in a well, which downhole apparatus is connected to aboveground power supply units and contains an ultrasonic transducer that provides for the generation of high frequency elastic vibrations, exciting elastic vibrations of different frequencies and then repeatedly applying the elastic vibrations to the oil formation, wherein both high and low frequency vibrations are applied to the formation. The low frequency vibrations are generated with the aid of an electric pulse device which is connected to an aboveground power supply and includes the following electrically interconnected components: a charger, a unit of energy storage capacitors, a discharge unit with electrodes, and two switching devices. The method and assembly make it possible to recover oil from depths of over 2000 meters and to act effectively on the formation being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Obschestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostju “Sonovita”
    Inventors: Anna Vladimirovna Abramova, Vadim Muratovich Bayazitov, Andrei Andreevich Pechkov
  • Patent number: 8997855
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body shaped to deform a wellbore tool in a predetermined manner. A vibration device applies a vibration to the body to reduce a frictional force caused when the body deforms the wellbore tool. In one arrangement, the vibration devices imparts a resonant wave motion to a swaging apparatus that is being pushed through a passage of a wellbore tubular. A swaging body vibrates at a resonant frequency along the long axis of the wellbore tubular and/or normal to long axis of the wellbore tubular. The relative motion between the swaging body and the tubular member reduces the force required to expand the wellbore tubular. Optionally, a controller operatively connected to the vibration device adjusts the operation of the vibration device in response to the sensor measurements of the vibrations in the swage body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Steven N. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8944160
    Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a fluid oscillator which discharges pulsating fluid from a tubular string in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string proximate a surface of the earth. A method can include discharging a fluid from the tubular string, thereby applying a reaction force to the tubular string, which reaction force biases the tubular string at least partially into the well. Another method can include discharging a pulsating fluid from a fluid oscillator in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string, and drilling into an earth formation with a drill bit connected at an opposite end of the tubular string in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Timothy H. Hunter, Robert L. Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8939200
    Abstract: Selected designs for reciprocating pumps and down-hole well-stimulation equipment reflect disparate applications of identical technical principles (relating to, e.g., the vibration spectrum of an impulse). In certain of these designs, the vibration spectrum is controlled, suppressed and/or damped using tunable components to limit destructive excitation of resonances; in others the vibration spectrum is tuned at its source for maximum resonance excitation. For example, tunable fluid ends control valve-generated vibration to increase fluid-end reliability. By down-shifting the frequency domain of each valve-closing impulse shock, initial excitation of fluid end resonances is minimized. Subsequent damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration likely to excite one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonances represents further optimal use of fluid end vibration-control resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
  • Patent number: 8936076
    Abstract: A vibratory tool for use in a tubular string to prevent sticking or to release a stuck string features a fluid operated dart valve working in conjunction with an impact sleeve to deliver continuous axial jarring blows in opposed directions as long as flow is maintained. Movement of one of those components axially in opposed directions opens and closes access to opposed lateral ports so that a lateral vibration is also established as flow cyclically occurs and stops sequentially at opposed lateral outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Yingqing Xu, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20140262229
    Abstract: An acoustic artificial lift system and method for deliquification of gas production wells is provided. The artificial lift system comprises a down-hole acoustic tool suspended by a power conductive cable that converts electrical power to acoustic energy, thereby generating an acoustic wave. The acoustic tool is moved within the wellbore such that liquid molecules within the wellbore are vaporized by the acoustic wave. Natural gas produced by a producing zone of the subterranean reservoir transports the vaporized liquid molecules to the well surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis John Harris
  • Patent number: 8746333
    Abstract: A method and system for stimulating production of a natural resource (e.g., Oil, gas or water) producing well using vibrational energy delivered to the geological formation through a downhole type apparatus that maybe permanently installed, and continuously or periodically operated even during recovery of the natural resource. The apparatus is constructed to resist corrosion and provides one or more heat sink chambers for controlling heat dissipation during operation. The system is capable of monitoring production, adapting stimulation parameters based on user input and other pertinent parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Technological Research Ltd
    Inventor: Alfredo Zolezzi-Garreton
  • Patent number: 8726993
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for cementing wells and preventing fluid entry into the wellbore before the cement cures and increasing radial stress in the cured cement. Impacts or vibrations are applied to the casing during the time that the cement is curing. The source or sources of the impacts or vibration are placed in the casing during displacement of the cement slurry or soon after placement and are mechanically coupled to the inside wall of the casing. The sources may later be withdrawn from the casing or expendable sources may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Claude E Cooke, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140110134
    Abstract: A vibrator tool for use in inserting a bottom hole assembly into a wellbore, the vibrator tool including a substantially cylindrical body, a motor within the substantially cylindrical body, a non-linear shaft attached to the motor so that the motor turns the non-linear shaft, the non-linear shaft extending outwardly from the motor within the substantially cylindrical body, and a bearing attached to the shaft a predetermined distance from the motor so that the bearing rotates as the non-linear shaft turns, the bearing contacting portions of the inner surface of the cylindrical body as the non-linear shaft turns, thereby vibrating the substantially cylindrical body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Al-Mulhem
  • Publication number: 20140048283
    Abstract: Implementations described herein are directed to a pressure pulse well tool, which may include an upper valve assembly configured to move between a start position and a stop position in a housing. The pressure pulse well tool may also include an activation valve subassembly disposed within the upper valve assembly. The activation valve subassembly may be configured to restrict a fluid flow through the upper valve assembly and increase a fluid pressure across the upper valve assembly. The pressure pulse well tool may further include a lower valve assembly disposed inside the housing and configured to receive the fluid flow from the upper valve assembly. The lower valve assembly may be configured to separate from the upper valve assembly after the upper valve assembly reaches the stop position, causing the fluid flow to pass through the lower valve assembly and to decrease the fluid pressure across the upper valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Mohon, Robert J. Costo, JR.
  • Patent number: 8651177
    Abstract: A well conveyance apparatus for conveying equipment into a wellbore possessing long-lasting movable and slidable hydraulic seals against the interior of a borehole casing located within a wellbore in a geological formation in the earth that is caused to move by the application of pressurized wellbore fluids against the seals. The seals are allowed to rotate on bearings about the tool mandrel to prevent the build-up of torque on the seals to minimize wear and to extend the life of the seals. Vibratory means are attached to the tool mandrel to vibrate the sealing portion of the seals, so as the extend the life of the seals and to minimize wear of the seals. Sensor arrays provide information to a computer system that is used to control the vibratory means, pressure relief valves, and other parameters to minimize wear of the hydraulic seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Smart Drilling and Completion, Inc.
    Inventors: William Banning Vail, III, Robert L. Dekle, James E. Chitwood, Damir S. Skerl
  • Publication number: 20130306305
    Abstract: A downhole vibration tool for connection with a pipe string, including a housing, an unbalanced turbine assembly contained within the housing, an inlet for introducing a fluid into the unbalanced turbine assembly, and an outlet for discharging the fluid from the unbalanced turbine assembly. The unbalanced turbine assembly includes a sleeve and at least one annular turbine which is located in an annular bore defined between the housing and the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Gary James Bakken
  • Patent number: 8534352
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for controllably mobilizing, flowing and maneuvering the flow of hydrocarbon-containing materials within and about a subterranean reservoir. The system comprises selectively positioning at a ground surface level above a subterranean reservoir containing hydrocarbon-containing materials, at least three seismic apparatus spaced apart in a triangulated configuration. The system is provided with an electronic seismic control device configured to controllably communicate with and cooperate with each of the seismic apparatus to concurrently modulate the amplitudes and frequencies of the vibrational energies produced therefrom. The system is provided with a sensing apparatus configured to detect and monitor changes in the fluidity and movement of the hydrocarbon-containing materials about the subterranean reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: University of Regina
    Inventor: Liming Dai
  • Publication number: 20130168080
    Abstract: A downhole assembly able to generate a vibrational output reliant upon a fluid feed drive to cause relative rotation extending magnetic arrays and thereby a relative longitudinal vibration causing reciprocation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Flexidrill Limited
    Inventors: Peter Evan Powell, Roland Greenwood, Danny Sisson
  • Publication number: 20130160991
    Abstract: A propulsion generator which employs one or more unbalanced rotors, such as a fly wheels or other unbalance rotating members, which can be connected at a lower portion of a downhole coiled tubing string or other downhole tubular string for inducing propulsion of the coiled tubing. The unbalanced rotors may, in one embodiment, be oriented at different positions with respect to each other. The instantaneous fluid flow through the propulsion generator is substantially equivalent to the average fluid flow rate through the tool to provide relatively consistent fluid flow to downhole motors below the propulsion generator for operating the drill bit and/or cutters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Marvin A. Gregory, Robert J. Kletzel
  • Patent number: 8459351
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for producing shock waves in a well wherein a device connected to the bottom of the tubing string in the borehole of the well filled by liquid and containing the upper and lower plungers movably arranged within corresponding cylinders for compressing a liquid inside the compression chamber and discharging the liquid into the borehole on upstroke thereby generating a shock wave. In addition, providing an exit of the lower plunger out of the lower cylinder at the top of upstroke of pumping unit on the distance ? determined by the following formulae: ? ? ( D 1 2 - D 2 2 ) ? A sw ? H Ed r 2 , where D1 and D2 are the outside diameters of the lower and upper plungers, Asw is the amplitude of generated shock wave, H is a depth of the lower plunger at the top of upstroke, E is modulus of elasticity of the sucker rod's material, dr is the diameter of sucker rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventors: Sergey A Kostrov, William O Wooden
  • Patent number: 8453727
    Abstract: A jarring device includes an outer housing which defines an axial flow path therethrough. An impact rotator is retained within the housing and is rotatable therewithin between a first rotational position and a second rotational position to create a jarring impact. A torsional spring biases the impact rotator toward the first rotational position. Fluid flow through the housing rotates the impact rotator from the first to the second rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard Yingqing Xu
  • Patent number: 8424605
    Abstract: A casing string is augmented with one or more variable flow resistance devices or “vibrating tools” to facilitate advancement of the casing and distribution of the cement in the annulus once the casing is properly positioned. The method includes vibrating the casing string while advancing the casing down the wellbore or while the cement is pumped into the annulus, or both. After the cementing operation is completed, the devices may be drilled out to open the casing string for further operations. The casing string assembly may include a vibrating tool at the end in place of a conventional float shoe or float collar. Multiple vibrating tools can be employed in the casing string, and they may be combined with conventional float shoes and collars. Additionally, vibrating tools in the form of plugs can be pumped down and landed inside the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Chad A. Johnson, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20130048274
    Abstract: A well tool can include an oscillator which varies a flow rate of fluid through the oscillator, and another oscillator which varies a frequency of discharge of the fluid received from the first oscillator. A method can include flowing a fluid through an oscillator, thereby repeatedly varying a flow rate of fluid discharged from the oscillator, and receiving the fluid from the first oscillator into a second oscillator. A well tool can include an oscillator including a vortex chamber, and another oscillator which receives fluid flowed through the vortex chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. SCHULTZ, Robert PIPKIN, Tim HUNTER
  • Publication number: 20130043021
    Abstract: A vibratory tool for use in a tubular string to prevent sticking or to release a stuck string features a fluid operated dart valve working in conjunction with an impact sleeve to deliver continuous axial jarring blows in opposed directions as long as flow is maintained. Movement of one of those components axially in opposed directions opens and closes access to opposed lateral ports so that a lateral vibration is also established as flow cyclically occurs and stops sequentially at opposed lateral outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Richard Yingqing Xu, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 8356677
    Abstract: A drill head assembly includes a shaft having a shaft axis, an oscillator assembly operatively associated with the shaft, the oscillator assembly having at least one eccentrically weighted rotor configured to rotate about a pivot point to generate an oscillating vibratory force, wherein an oscillation centerline is defined transverse to the shaft axis and including the pivot point. The drill head assembly also includes a lower bearing coupled to the shaft on a first side of the oscillation centerline and an upper bearing coupled to the shaft on a second side of the oscillation centerline, the second side being opposite the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Longyear TM, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristian S. Drivdahl, Robert Eugene Able, Todd A. Nevenner, Kenneth Carl Altrichter
  • Publication number: 20120247757
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the downhole oscillator includes an outer housing at least partially surrounding a motor and a removably coupled eccentric member. The motor at least partially drives the rotation of the eccentric member thereby producing oscillations or vibrations along the outer diameter of at least a portion of the downhole assembly. The motor's action is at least partly facilitated by expulsion of fluid from the drill string through the motor and onto the outer housing interior such that the force of the fluid produces rotation in the motor. Rotation may be enhanced through similar expulsion of fluid from the eccentric member. Alternatively, the fluid may be expelled from the motor and/or eccentric member against the wellbore thereby providing the desired rotation. A method of use may include providing an outer housing, motor capable of producing rotational movement, and eccentric member and coupling same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry L. Swinford
  • Publication number: 20120168151
    Abstract: A system and method for managing a well site having a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises determining a first spectral attenuation of a first seismic wave measured from a first location, determining a second spectral attenuation of a second seismic wave measured from a second location, determining a reservoir attenuation anisotropy from a comparison of the first spectral attenuation to the second spectral attenuation, and determining at least one fracture parameter of the subterranean formation from a comparison of the first seismic wave to the second seismic wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Stewart Thomas Taylor, Joel Le Calvez
  • Publication number: 20120160476
    Abstract: A downhole vibration tool for connection with a pipe string, including a housing, a sleeve contained within the housing, a sleeve bore defined by the sleeve, an annular bore defined between the sleeve and the housing, an unbalanced annular turbine rotatably contained within the annular bore, an inlet for introducing a fluid into the sleeve bore and the annular bore, and an outlet for discharging the fluid from the sleeve bore and the annular bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Gary James BAKKEN
  • Patent number: 8162078
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for vibrating a downhole drill string operable to have a drilling fluid pumped therethrough. The apparatus comprises a tubular body securable to the drill string and having a central bore therethrough, a valve in the tubular body for venting the drilling fluid out of the drill string and a valve actuator for cyclically opening and closing the valve. The method comprises pumping a drilling fluid down the drill string and cyclically venting the drilling fluid through the valve so as to cyclically reduce the pressure of the drilling fluid in the drill string. The valve may comprise a tubular body port and a corresponding rotor port selectably alignable with the tubular body port as the rotor rotates within the central bore. The valve actuator may comprise at least one vane on the rotor for rotating the rotor as the drilling fluid flows therepast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: CT Energy Ltd.
    Inventor: Charles Abernethy Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120043075
    Abstract: A method and assembly for recovering oil using elastic vibration energy involves placing a downhole apparatus in a well, which downhole apparatus is connected to aboveground power supply units and contains an ultrasonic transducer that provides for the generation of high frequency elastic vibrations, exciting elastic vibrations of different frequencies and then repeatedly applying the elastic vibrations to the oil formation, wherein both high and low frequency vibrations are applied to the formation. The low frequency vibrations are generated with the aid of an electric pulse device which is connected to an aboveground power supply and includes the following electrically interconnected components: a charger, a unit of energy storage capacitors, a discharge unit with electrodes, and two switching devices. The method and assembly make it possible to recover oil from depths of over 2000 meters and to act effectively on the formation being treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: OBSCHESTVO S OGRANICHENNOI OTVETSTVENNOSTJU "SONOVITA"
    Inventors: Anna Vladimirovna Abramova, Vadim Muratovich Bayazitov, Andrei Andreevich Pechkov
  • Patent number: 8109331
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerald D. Lynde, Yang Xu
  • Patent number: 8056622
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald D. Lynde
  • Patent number: 7980301
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for dampening of sudden shocks in the wells filled by liquid wherein the tubing pump is used in which on upstroke of pumping unit the damper plunger and tubing pump plunger are moving in concordance thereby compressing the liquid contained within the damper chamber and allowing the liquid inside the damper chamber to be discharged into the internal volume of tubing string above damper plunger providing a dampening counterforce inside the damper chamber, i.e. when the damper plunger is displaced upwardly in the elongated damper cylinder, the damper plunger having a diameter smaller than diameter of the tubing pump plunger causes the compression of liquid inside the damper chamber thereby creating a dampening force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: Sergey Kostrov, Bill Wooden