With Detachable Setting Means Patents (Class 166/181)
  • Patent number: 11339622
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a diverter component for directing fluids in different directions within a wellbore. The diverter component has an outer pipe which forms part of the downhole string. The pipe has a through channel and holes through the wall of the pipe. Within the pipe is a sleeve which can be moved. In one position, the sleeve blocks the wall holes and allows fluid to pass through the channel of the pipe. The diverter component may be used in conjunction with packers to seal off sections of the wellbore. The diverter and packer assembly could be used to introduce acid into particular portions of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Select Energy Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Dubuc, Kelly Jones
  • Patent number: 11203913
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes an expandable sleeve. The expandable sleeve includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The downhole tool also includes a lower cone positioned at least partially within the lower portion of the expandable sleeve. The downhole tool also includes an upper cone positioned at least partially within the upper portion of the expandable sleeve. The lower and upper cones are configured to expand the respective lower and upper portions of the expandable sleeve radially outward when the lower and upper cones are adducted toward one another. The downhole tool also includes an isolation device extending through the bore of the expandable sleeve and positioned radially inward of the lower and upper cones. The isolation device is configured to engage the upper cone so as to block fluid flow therethrough in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: INNOVEX DOWNHOLE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Carl Martin, Mark Reddout
  • Patent number: 10655423
    Abstract: Swellable packer assemblies, and associated systems and methods are described for operation in connection with a subterranean wellbore. The swellable packer assemblies may include a shroud for maintaining a sealing element in a fully inactivated configuration until the packer assemblies reach a predetermined location in the wellbore. The shroud may be formed of a dissolvable metal material such that fluids in the wellbore may remove the shroud, and thereafter the sealing element may be rapidly expanded by exposure to fluids in the wellbore or by exposure to a trigger fluid pumped from the a surface location. The expanded sealing element may establish a seal with an outer tubular structure to isolate adjacent portions of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Taylor Justin Stein, Darrell Adkins
  • Patent number: 10570695
    Abstract: Devices for controlling the flow of fluids past a location in a wellbore and methods for using such devices are disclosed. Embodiment devices are configured such that the throughbore is maximized because of the devices' thin cross sectional length. The devices disclosed may use balls, darts or other plugs to seal against a plug seat and prevent flow therethrough, external seals prevent flow therearound and gripping elements, such as slips, prevent movement of the device within the well. Relatively high pressure rating may be accomplished with such thin cross sections by keeping the length of mandrel wall exposed to such pressures short. Some embodiment devices may have a plug seat that is integral, at least in part, with a setting ring and/or have a setting ring that is of one piece with the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventors: Bryan Fitzhugh, William Sloane Muscroft
  • Patent number: 10487615
    Abstract: A downhole tool is configured on a wireline adapter kit in the run-in position is disclosed. The downhole tool comprises a large open bore when the downhole tool is set and the wireline adapter kit is removed, thereby allowing production to commence without removal of the downhole tool. The large bore diameter may be greater than 2 inches for a 4.5 inch casing, or greater than 2.5 inches for a 5.5 inch casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Nine Downhole Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Roy Greenlee, Donald Jonathan Greenlee
  • Patent number: 10030481
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wellbore assembly. The wellbore assembly may comprise a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline; an accumulator system connected to the conveyance member; and a setting tool connected to the accumulator system. The accumulator system may be configured to supply a fluid pressure to actuate the setting tool. A method of operating a wellbore tool may comprise lowering a wellbore assembly into a wellbore using a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline, wherein the wellbore assembly includes an accumulator system and a setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the accumulator system to provide a fluid pressure to the setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the setting tool using the fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Gary Duron Ingram, Paul James Wilson, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 9752408
    Abstract: A crack and fluid containment collar and system for well casings to prevent micro-annulus crack propagation and fluid flow therethrough. The collar includes an annular wall extending coaxially from a first end thereof to form a trough around a casing on which the collar is disposed. A plurality of circumferential channels is provided in an exterior surface of the collar and an interior surface of the annular wall. Pairs of the collar are coupled to the casing in opposite orientations; one above and one below a containment zone with their annular flanges directed toward the zone. When encased in cement, the collars impede propagation of cracks (and fluid/gas flow therethrough) along the surfaces of the casing and collars. A second end of the collar is tapered to direct crack formation away from the collar and casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen C. Robben
  • Patent number: 9309742
    Abstract: A technique facilitates use of frangible components. The frangible components may comprise components of a gripping tool, e.g. anchor, used in a variety of applications, including well related applications. The tool is provided with a plurality of gripping members which each comprise a frangible structure. The gripping members may be selectively deployed to provide the desired gripping within a tubular structure, e.g. an open wellbore or well casing. The frangible structure in each gripping member is designed to break down into smaller portions after being exposed to a predetermined input, thus facilitating removal of the tool from the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manuel P. Marya, Timothy R. Dunne
  • Patent number: 9092000
    Abstract: A cleaning unit includes a cleaning member eliminating a waste toner from an image carrier, a waste toner conveying body conveying the waste toner in a conveying channel to a waste toner case, a shutter having an ejecting port and a shutter moving mechanism moving the shutter between an opening position and a closing position. Via the ejecting port, the conveying channel and waste toner case are communicated. The shutter contacts with/separates from a seal preventing a leak of the waste toner from the ejecting port. When the shutter is rotated in one direction and moved to the opening position to make an outer end face of the shutter contact with the seal, the ejecting port is opened. When the shutter is rotated in another direction and moved to the closing position to make the outer end face of the shutter separate from the seal, the ejecting port is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroki Morishita
  • Patent number: 9016390
    Abstract: An actuatable wellbore isolation assembly comprising a housing generally defining an axial flowbore and comprising a mandrel portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion, a radially expandable isolating member positioned circumferentially about a portion of the housing, a sliding sleeve circumferentially positioned about a portion of the mandrel of the cylindrical housing, the sliding sleeve being movable from, a first position in which the sliding sleeve retains the expandable isolating member in a narrower non-expanded conformation to a second position in which the sliding sleeve does not retain the expandable isolating member in the narrower non-expanded conformation, and an actuator assemblage configured to selectively allow movement of the sliding sleeve from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Takao Tommy Stewart, Robert Lee Pipkin, Eric Bivens, Fraser McNeil, Michael Brent Bailey, Tim Holiman Hunter
  • Publication number: 20150068730
    Abstract: A down hole pressure isolation tool is placed in a pipe string and includes a pair of pressure discs having one side that is highly resistant to applied pressure and one side that ruptures when much lower pressures are applied to it. The weak sides of the pressure discs face each other. In some embodiments, an upper disc is mounted for movement and restrained by a shearable connection. Upon the application of pressure to the tool, the connection shears allowing the upper disc to move into and collide with the lower disc thereby fracturing both discs and allowing pressure communication across the tool. In another embodiment, spurs carried by a sleeve fracture an upper disc in response to pressure delivered to an upper end of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Publication number: 20150060048
    Abstract: A wireline guide tool having a top section with an inner concave portion and a bottom section designed to attach to a stinger or on/off tool provides advantages for passing a wireline into the stinger. The stinger is attached to a packer within a casing of a well bore, without any tubing present. The inner concave portion of the top section of the wireline guide tool captures the wireline and funnels it into the stinger, effectively eliminating problems with achieving a proper alignment of the wireline for entry into the stinger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jack Henning
  • Patent number: 8955606
    Abstract: Sealing devices for use in a wellbore to seal a leak path through an inner wall surface of the wellbore comprise a mandrel, an expandable element, and a shape deforming sealing element. Expansion or inflation of the expandable element moves the shape deforming sealing element from its run-in shape to its set shape. A stimulus, such as a change in temperature, acts upon the shape deforming sealing element facilitating the shape deforming sealing element changing shape. Removal of the stimulus causes the shape deforming sealing element to remain in the set shape. Thereafter, the mandrel and expandable element can be removed to leave only the shape deforming sealing element within the wellbore to seal the leak path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20150008003
    Abstract: An assembly for assisting performance of an operation involving a hardenable fluid in an axial flowbore of a casing string including a carrier disposed at the casing string. An operative device is carried by the carrier. A channel connects between the operative device and the axial flowbore. A plugging element is positioned in the channel that protects the operative device by preventing the hardenable fluid from entering the channel, and the plugging element is reconfigurable to selectively permit communication between the operative device and the axial flowbore via the channel. A method of protecting and using an operative device disposed at a casing string is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Louis F. Lafleur
  • Patent number: 8919431
    Abstract: A hydraulic wellbore anchoring system for use with whipstocks or other tools in either cased or open hole wellbores. The anchoring system includes an upper slip system and a lower slip system. The anchor system may be set using hydraulic pressure and withdrawn by a predetermined upward force. While the slips of the upper and lower slip systems may be set substantially simultaneously, the anchoring system enables sequential disengagement of the slips to reduce the force required for withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cobra Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Lott
  • Publication number: 20140345874
    Abstract: A retrievable stimulation frac plug for a well casing, having an elongate mandrel having a fluid bore, a valve seat, adapted to receive a sealing member for selectively sealing the fluid bore, a sealing mechanism for releasably sealing between the mandrel and the casing, a slip mechanism for releasably engaging the well casing, and a valve seat bypass, moveable between a closed position and an open position, adapted to provide a bypass past the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Stonecreek Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Sean CAMPBELL
  • Patent number: 8851167
    Abstract: A packer setting tool sets a liner top packer by mechanical rotation of the running tool and set down weight following cementing of a liner. The packer setting tool includes a tubular release body mounted on an end of the running tool. An annular dog sub circumscribes a portion of the release body. The dog sub is linked to the release body with a shear screw. A thread on an outer surface of the release body engages a thread on an inner surface of the dog sub to define a threaded connection between the dog sub and the release body. When the running tool rotates, the thread on the release body rotates with respect to the thread on the dog sub driving the release body in an axial direction fracturing the shear screw and urges an adapter sleeve against the packer assembly to set the packer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Erik Peter Eriksen
  • Patent number: 8839869
    Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well is configurable as a frac plug, a caged ball frac plug or a bridge plug. The tool has a mandrel with a threaded neck. The mandrel has an expandable sealing element disposed thereabout. An adapter, which may be selected from multiple configurations of adapters, is threaded to the neck of the mandrel. The adapter may comprise a sleeve, or a cap with one open end and one closed end. The adapter has threads on an outer surface thereof to which a threaded setting mandrel may be attached. The setting mandrel when actuated will move the tool to a set position in the well and once the tool is moved to the set position the threads on the adapter will shear so that the setting mandrel may be retrieved. The tool will thus remain in the hole and will act as either a frac plug, a caged ball frac plug or a bridge plug depending upon the configuration of the selected adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse C. Porter, Joel L. Barlow
  • Publication number: 20140231069
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a metal slip for a downhole tool, the metal slip having a slip body; an outer surface comprising gripping elements; and an inner surface configured for receiving a mandrel. The slip body may include at least one hole formed therein. The downhole tool may be a plugging or diverter tool, such as a frac plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Duke VanLue
  • Publication number: 20140224478
    Abstract: A tool for locking and releasing a plug in a hydrocarbon well includes a sleeve having at least one pocket for receiving the plug's pin element, and at least one locking element which can be moved between a release position in which the pocket is open, and a locking position in which the pocket is closed. When locking the tool to the plug, the tool is moved in the hydrocarbon well to facilitate positioning of the pin element in abutment with the locking element, further movement bringing the locking element into an open position for receiving the pin element in the pocket, and the locking element is brought into a locking position such that the plug's pin element is locked in the pocket. When releasing the tool from the plug, fluid means are used for movement of the locking element into a release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: ARCHER OIL TOOLS AS
    Inventors: Tor Eivind Hansen, Krzysztof Klimas
  • Patent number: 8794311
    Abstract: A subterranean tool can be actuated with one or more control lines for a hydraulic release. It can further be actuated with a shear release after a lockout feature for the shear release is defeated. The shear release features a lock that limits relative movement so that a shear member can be defeated but without a release. A dog limits relative movement in a wider groove where dog movement in the groove allows a shock absorbing feature to act to cushion the release as the shear member breaks. The relative movement is reversed to let a retaining ring drop out of the way into a groove that comes into alignment with it. The relative movement is reversed again to pull a sleeve out from under gripping collets that have previously failed to release and the tool releases from that point on the same way as the control line actuated release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald P. Lauderdale
  • Patent number: 8783368
    Abstract: A running tool for well drilling operations is carried by a running string into and out of a wellbore. A collet is carried by the running tool, the collet having fingers with a radially expanded position arranged to latch against a wellbore shoulder in the wellbore. The fingers are resiliently and radially contractible. A shear element is carried by the collet, the shear element preventing the fingers from radially contracting to unlatch the running tool while the shear element is intact. If a selected axial force is applied against the shear element, it shears, freeing the collet fingers to retract. The collet may be part of a tool to set and release a liner hanger from engagement with a string of casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Erik P. Eriksen, Barry J. Tate
  • Patent number: 8770278
    Abstract: A subterranean tool can be actuated with one or more control lines for a hydraulic release. It can further be actuated with a shear release after a lockout feature for the shear release is defeated. The shear release features a lock that limits relative movement so that a shear member can be defeated but without a release. A dog limits relative movement in a wider groove where dog movement in the groove allows a shock absorbing feature to act to cushion the release as the shear member breaks. The relative movement is reversed to let a retaining ring drop out of the way into a groove that comes into alignment with it. The relative movement is reversed again to pull a sleeve out from under gripping collets that have previously failed to release and the tool releases from that point on the same way as the control line actuated release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald P. Lauderdale
  • Publication number: 20140151025
    Abstract: A setting tool comprises a slow stroke mandrel configured for engagement with an inner mandrel of a packer; a latching member configured to provide a releasable engagement between the setting tool mandrel and the inner mandrel of the packer; a centralizing member, wherein the centralizing member is slidingly disposed about the setting tool mandrel; a collet coupled to the centralizing member, wherein the collet is configured to engage the slow stroke mandrel; a driving member comprising a piston, wherein the piston is coupled to the centralizing member; a setting sleeve coupled to the centralizing member, wherein the setting sleeve is configured to engage a packer setting sleeve shoulder of the packer. The engagement between the collet and the slow stroke mandrel is configured to control the stroke speed of the setting sleeve when the piston is selectively energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy Edward Harms, William Mark Richards
  • Patent number: 8733458
    Abstract: A hydraulically set packer assembly actuated over an electronic line. The assembly includes a hydraulic packer setting mechanism that serves as an intensifier that is activated by way of an electronic trigger. As such, the trigger may be electronically coupled to an electronic line that is conventionally available for surface communications between surface equipment and a downhole gauge. The gauge generally present for monitoring well conditions such as pressure. Thus, a separate dedicated hydraulic or other powering line need not be outfitted as part of the assembly. Once more, for sake of gauge and well monitoring integrity, communications with the setting mechanism may be severed upon setting of the packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe Gambier, Emmanuel Rioufol, Ashish Chaudhary, Kellen Devuyst
  • Patent number: 8689834
    Abstract: An expandable cap system includes a guide line having a pump at one end and an expandable cap device at the other end. The guide line acts to supply a material capable of creating a plug at one end of the damaged pipe thereby preventing oil or other line contents from entering the pipe at the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Vrej Manoogian
  • Publication number: 20140083677
    Abstract: A setting and retrieval device includes a first connection device connected to a first connection interface of a plugging device and a second connection device connected to a second connection interface of the plugging device. The device includes a charging device having first and second fluid chambers, a displaceable charging piston, a power supplying device included a fluid pump device for pumping fluid between the first and second fluid chambers via first and second fluid channels, and a volume adjusting device including a volume adjusting piston displaceable into the first fluid chamber. The energy storing device is charged with potential energy by the charging piston moving in a first direction by pumping fluid from the first to the second fluid chamber and the energy stored in the energy storing device is discharged by movement in a second, axial, direction between the first and second connection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: INTERWELL TECHNOLOGY AS
    Inventor: Terje Stormo
  • Patent number: 8672037
    Abstract: A method for removing a plug from and setting a plug into a subsea installation is provided. The method for removing the plug includes the steps of deploying an intervention package having at least one valve, pipe rams, and a lubricator into a subsea environment and latching the intervention package to the subsea installation. The method further includes lowering a stroking tool into the intervention package by conveyance from a surface facility, and grabbing the stroking tool with the pipe rams that form a part of the intervention package. Once the stroking tool is held by the pipe rams, the method further includes activating the stroking tool to stroke in an upwards or downwards direction to remove the plug positioned in the subsea installation. Once the plug has been removed by the stroking tool, the method further includes pulling the stroking tool out of the intervention package and retrieving the stroking tool and plug at surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rene Schuurman, Andrea Sbordone
  • Publication number: 20130312982
    Abstract: A release mechanism for use in setting a downhole tool comprises two connectors releasably connected to one other. One of the connectors includes a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from a material included in the second connector. The difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion causes one of the connectors to expand greater than the other connector when heat is applied to one or both of the connectors. As a result of the greater expansion of one of the connectors, the connectors release from each other. Upon release, an actuator within the downhole tool is permitted to move and cause actuation or setting of the downhole tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: KEVEN O'CONNOR, BASIL J. JOSEPH
  • Patent number: 8496052
    Abstract: A flow back plug, a bridge plug, a ball drop plug and plug with a disintegratable check therein are made from a common subassembly including, in some embodiments, a mandrel, a slips/seal section, a setting assembly and a mule shoe. In other embodiments, the common components are a mandrel, a slips/seal section and a mule shoe. To make the flow back plug, a ball check is placed in the mule shoe. To make the bridge plug, an obstruction is inserted in the mule shoe. To make the ball drop plug, the mule shoe is left unobstructed so any ball dropped in a well seats in a tapered inlet to the mandrel. To make a plug with a disintegratable check, a ball dropped in the well is of a type that disintegrated in frac liquids. The setting assembly includes a setting rod connected to a setting device in the mandrel passage. When the plug is expanded into sealing engagement with a production string, the setting rod pulls out of the setting device leaving a passage through the mandrel and through the setting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Magnum Oil Tools International, Ltd.
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 8469106
    Abstract: A technique facilitates actuating a variety of components in a downhole environment. The technique utilizes displacement based activation of an atmospheric actuation chamber. Activation of the atmospheric actuation chamber may be initiated via a variety of mechanisms, including manipulation of a restraining device, translation of a seal, and/or destruction of a seal. The atmospheric actuation chamber is coupled in cooperation with the corresponding downhole component to enable selective activation of the downhole component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Caminari, Arin Basmajian, Brad Swenson, Steven L. Anyan, Grigory Arauz, Mark Penner
  • Patent number: 8403064
    Abstract: A completion assembly of a top packer and zone isolation packers separated by screens has a disconnect in a selected zone to be fractured or gravel packed that is armed before such a procedure starts. Initially when the assembly of the outer completion and the inner string are properly located and all the screens valved off, all the packers are pressure set and the packer set release device associated with each packer is armed. Before starting a fracturing or gravel packing operation from a given zone isolation packer, a disconnect for that zone packer is armed so that if the inner string sticks in that packer, the inner string is sheared and removed and another trip is used to grab the top packer and pick up. Such picking up releases all the packers down to the one armed disconnect. The disconnect releases bringing up the remnant of the inner string stuck in the packer just above the actuated disconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Jason A. Allen
  • Publication number: 20120305237
    Abstract: A tool (10) for installing and removing a valve removal plug (60) from wellhead components, the tool comprising a curved pressure containing housing (11) having a S first and a second end (12, 13), the housing having a bore (20) extending from the first end to the second end, a flexible drive member (21) within the bore and drive means (40, 41) connected to the drive member for causing rotational movement of the drive member within the pressure containing housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Edward T. Thornburrow
  • Patent number: 8307892
    Abstract: A configurable insert for a downhole tool. The configurable insert can have a body having a bore formed therethrough, at least one shear groove disposed on the body, wherein the body separates at the shear groove when exposed to a predetermined force, applied by a threadably engaged component therewith, at least one shoulder disposed within the bore, the shoulder formed by a transition between a larger inner diameter and a smaller inner diameter of the bore, wherein the shoulder is adapted to receive one or more impediments at least partially within the bore, and one or more threads disposed on an outer surface of the body for connecting the body to a downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Publication number: 20120267123
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus include tubing expanded to create a seal in an annulus surrounding the tubing. The tubing includes a sealing material selected to cause forming of undulations in a diameter of the tubing upon expansion of the tubing. Various factors of the sealing material such as deviations in its thickness influence sealing performance of the tubing with the sealing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Varadaraju Gandikota, Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 8276665
    Abstract: A plug release apparatus for use in a well bore, the apparatus having a canister, a liner plug, and a sub. The liner plug may be releasably attached to the canister via a first release mechanism. The sub may be releasably attached to the canister via a second release mechanism. The first release mechanism may be configured to release the liner plug from the canister at a first pressure and the second release mechanism may be configured to release the canister from the sub at a second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Webb, Henry Rogers, Steve Holden, Steve Streich, Brock Watson
  • Publication number: 20120067564
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump ESP is run in to a desired subterranean location with a packer attached. Once at the desired location the packer is set either using the ESP or some other source of force or pressure. After the ESP has completed the task and needs to be removed, the packer stays set and the ESP releases from it. Removal of the ESP assembly allows a valve in the packer mandrel to close to isolate the zone from which the ESP had been pumping. The ESP can be run in on coiled tubing or rigid tubing or wireline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John J. Mack, Brown L. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110308784
    Abstract: A downhole tool for incorporation in a drill pipe for selective operation of the tool from surface level when the tool is in a wellbore. The tool comprises a controller electrically powered by a power source separate from surface level, a first sensor of the controller to detect a dynamic variable of the tool in the wellbore and produce an output signal dependent thereon; a second sensor of the controller to detect a mechanical signal transmitted from an operator at surface level; a motor driven by the power source under the control of the controller when said mechanical signal is received; and an actuator driven by the motor to actuate the tool; wherein the controller switches between at least two states in response to changes in said dynamic variable, only in said second state the controller being receptive to said mechanical signal from the operator to drive the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: INTELLIGENT DRILLING TOOLS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andy Ollerenshaw, Gordon Hunter
  • Publication number: 20110277987
    Abstract: A plug for isolating a wellbore. The plug can include a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is formed from one or more composite materials and adapted to receive a setting tool through the first end thereof, at least one malleable element disposed about the body, at least one slip disposed about the body, at least one conical member disposed about the body, and one or more shearable threads disposed on an inner surface of the body, adjacent the second end thereof, wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to receive at least a portion of a setting tool that enters the body through the first end thereof, and wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to engage the setting tool when disposed through the body and adapted to release the setting tool when exposed to a predetermined axial force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Publication number: 20110277986
    Abstract: A plug for sealing a conduit comprises a body having a first section and a second section, and at least one seal element for creating a seal between the plug and the conduit. The at least one seal element is adapted to be energised by movement in a setting direction of the first body section relative to the second body section. The plug further comprises seal locking means comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein as the at least one seal is energised, the seal locking means first portion is rotatable unidirectionally relative to the seal locking means second portion to take up the movement of the first body section relative to the second body section in the setting direction and prevent movement of the first body section relative to the second body section in a releasing direction, opposite the setting direction. In one embodiment the seal locking means first portion is a locking nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: PETROWELL LIMITED
    Inventor: DANIEL PURKIS
  • Publication number: 20110259611
    Abstract: A mechanism configured for mechanical self-deployment in a well. The mechanism may be primarily an open or closed-cell polymer foam positioned downhole in a pre-compressed state. Subsequently, the mechanism may be released from a housing for self-deployment and engagement with a wall of the well. Such a mechanism may serve the conventional purpose of a downhole packer or other similar restriction devices. Additionally, due to the self-deploying nature of the device, multiple such devices may be linked in series based upon user-determined criteria at the time of application. Thus, a reduction in the number of trips in the well may generally be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: ZAFER ERKOL, Zheng Rong Xu, Ian Crossland
  • Publication number: 20110240295
    Abstract: A downhole tool that is capable of isolating communication pressure from below the set downhole tool, and is capable of being converted to a frac plug is provided. The downhole tool includes a packer with a ball seat defined therein. A plug is disposed at a lower end of the downhole tool to isolate the upper well from the lower well. A sealing ball is carried with the packer into the well by a setting tool. The movement of the sealing ball away from the ball seat is limited by isolation of the sealing ball from the lower well. A rod is disposed through the downhole tool contacting the plug. The rod is partially disposed in the ball seat, preventing the sealing ball from sealing. When the packer is set, flow within the well is isolated, thereby allowing treatment of the well above the packer. With the application of sufficient pressure, the sealing ball applies force to the rod which shears the plug from within the tool. The tool is converted to a standard frac plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Jesse C. Porter, Kevin R. Manke
  • Patent number: 8028752
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for setting a plug in, or retrieving a plug from, a horizontal xmas tree. The apparatus comprises a housing with a throughbore adapted to be releasably connected at a first end to a horizontal xmas tree, the housing including an at least one axially moveable member which also includes an at least one radially moveable element and a tool deployable within the housing throughbore by an elongate support and adapted to be releasably connected to the plug. The tool has an outer surface portion profiled to releasably engage with an engagement surface the at least one radially moveable element whereby, in operation, engagement of the at least one radially moveable element with the tool outer surface portion permits the plug, connected to the tool, to be set in the horizontal xmas tree or retrieved from the horizontal xmas tree by axial movement of the at least one axially moveable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Expro North Sea Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Richards
  • Publication number: 20110232899
    Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well is configurable as a frac plug, a caged ball frac plug or a bridge plug. The tool has a mandrel with a threaded neck. The mandrel has an expandable sealing element disposed thereabout. An adapter, which may be selected from multiple configurations of adapters, is threaded to the neck of the mandrel. The adapter may comprise a sleeve, or a cap with one open end and one closed end. The adapter has threads on an outer surface thereof to which a threaded setting mandrel may be attached. The setting mandrel when actuated will move the tool to a set position in the well and once the tool is moved to the set position the threads on the adapter will shear so that the setting mandrel may be retrieved. The tool will thus remain in the hole and will act as either a frac plug, a caged ball frac plug or a bridge plug depending upon the configuration of the selected adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Jesse C. Porter, Joel L. Barlow
  • Publication number: 20110209867
    Abstract: Parts that need to be retained against relative movement are held with at least one collet that is captured in a groove with sleeve that acts as a piston. The piston is exposed to tubing pressure on opposed ends to be in pressure balance despite variations of pressure in the tubing. When it is desired to allow relative part movement to actuate the tool, one of the ports to the piston is isolated from the other and pressure drives the piston in a downhole direction. This releases the collet and drives a sleeve in an opposite direction to actuate a tool. The parts can be optionally rotationally locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David L. Nevels, Louis M. Gambertoglio
  • Patent number: 7963322
    Abstract: Devices and methods for setting a packer inside a wellbore with little appreciable reduction of the useable area of the wellbore. The outer casing or liner of the wellbore contains one or more integrated casing coupler joints having an increased diameter chamber portion. A large bore packing element is carried within the increased diameter chamber portion. The packing element may be selectively actuated to form a seal against an interior tubular member. Because the packing element is located within the chamber portion of the casing coupler, the packer may be set while saving useable cross-sectional area within the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Edward O'Malley, Yang Xu, Peter Fay, Larry Urban
  • Patent number: 7866406
    Abstract: A method for plugging a downhole wellbore including, running an anchor and swellable seal disposed at a mandrel within the downhole wellbore, setting the anchor within the downhole wellbore, releasing the anchor and the swellable seal, and swelling the swellable seal into contact with another downhole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Gordon R. Mackenzie
  • Patent number: 7757756
    Abstract: A bridge plug comprises an axially compressible cylinder having plural expansion sleeves. A mandrel extends axially through the cylinder, and has a threaded portion engaged with the cylinder, such that rotation of the mandrel causes compression of the cylinder. A setting tool comprises a housing containing a motor and a drive shaft driven by the motor. The setting tool is configured to be removably coupled to a bridge plug with the drive shaft drivingly coupled to the bridge plug's mandrel, such that operation of the setting tool motor causes compression of the bridge plug. The setting tool is used to lower a bridge plug within a well casing, and to compress the bridge plug causing, outward protrusion of sealing members of the bridge plug to set the bridge plug in place. Cement may be applied above the set bridge plug to form an easily drillable seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald Bullard
  • Publication number: 20100175870
    Abstract: A release device includes a first sub, a second sub, and a connector separably connecting the first and the second sub, wherein the connector includes a shear member disposed with the first sub and a collar connected between the second sub and the shear member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jim B. Benton, Dhandayuthapani Kannan
  • Patent number: 7694746
    Abstract: Devices and methods for setting a packer inside a wellbore with little appreciable reduction of the useable area of the wellbore. The outer casing or liner of the wellbore contains one or more integrated casing coupler joints having an increased diameter chamber portion. A large bore packing element is carried within the increased diameter chamber portion. The packing element may be selectively actuated to form a seal against an interior tubular member. Because the packing element is located within the chamber portion of the casing coupler, the packer may be set while saving useable cross-sectional area within the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Edward O'Malley, Yang Xu, Peter Fay, Larry Urban