Cup Type Patents (Class 166/202)
  • Patent number: 7793721
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member. The apparatus includes a support member, an expansion device coupled to the support member and at least one of a cutting device coupled to the support member, an actuator coupled to the support member, a sealing assembly, or a packer assembly coupled to the support member. The apparatus may further include a gripping device for coupling the tubular member to the support member. The expansion device may be used for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member which may be coupled to the support member. The cutting device may be used for cutting the tubular member. The actuator may be used for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member. The sealing assembly may be used for sealing an annulus defined between the support member and the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Eventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Brock Wayne Watson, David Paul Brisco
  • Patent number: 7789163
    Abstract: A straddle packer which, when in place during a fracing or well stimulation service, isolates the fracing zone from zones in the wellbore above and below the fracing zone, and which when run into the wellbore provides an open passageway from below the packer to the tubing string, relieving built up fluid pressure below the tool and permitting insertion at relatively high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Extreme Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kratochvil, Scott Kirk, Dan Schofield, Darko Smolcic
  • Patent number: 7753130
    Abstract: A well bore liner placement method and apparatus, including inserting a liner running assembly carrying a liner into a well bore, the assembly including a liner placement apparatus having an annular seal extending radially to sealingly engage the well bore, and pumping fluid into the annulus above the annular seal until fluid pressure on the upper surface area of the annular seal creates a force exceeding opposing bottomhole forces below the annular seal and thereby driving the liner down the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: BBJ Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley R. Cote
  • Patent number: 7735552
    Abstract: A packer cup for use inside a wellbore. In one embodiment, the packer cup includes a body, a support member disposed inside the body and one or more support layers disposed against an inside diameter of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Zheng Rong Xu
  • Patent number: 7735568
    Abstract: The present invention provides a packer cup system for use inside a wellbore comprising a packer cup and a backup component coupled thereto. In one configuration, the backup component further comprises an angled support member and a rubber ring disposed between the angled support member and the packer cup. The support member is configured to facilitate uniform expansion of the rubber ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Zheng Rong Xu, Chad Lucas, Richard Morrison
  • Patent number: 7708062
    Abstract: A retrievable packer assembly for use in operations into wellbores is provided. The packer assembly comprises a continuous mandrel with a valve body including seal cups to seal against an inner surface of a casing, and a gap defined between the valve body and the mandrel to permit or prevent circulation of fluid between the interior of the mandrel and a section of the casing above the seal cups in response to the movement of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Gustavo Ignacio Carro
  • Patent number: 7708061
    Abstract: A cup tool includes a cup tool tube having a threaded upper end for connection to a high-pressure mandrel, an outer surface over which an elastomeric cup is slidably mounted for reciprocal movement from an unset position for entry into a wellbore to a set position in which an annular gap is obstructed to contain fluid pressure below the elastomeric cup. The outer surface of the cup tool tube has a lower region of a first diameter and an upper region with a second, larger diameter and a tapered region between the upper region and the lower region. The elastomeric cup includes a lip seal that rides against the outer surface of the cup tool tube, and seals against the tapered region of the cup tool tube to provide a high pressure seal between the cup tool tube and the elastomeric cup in the set position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, Danny Lee Artherholt
  • Publication number: 20100101807
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus and for use in a well bore and associated method are disclosed. The downhole apparatus includes a center mandrel. A slip means is disposed on the mandrel. The slip means can include teeth or the like for grippingly engaging the well bore when in a set position. A packer cup is also disposed on the mandrel. The packer cup is provided for sealing an annulus between the mandrel and the well bore. The packer cup is slidable relative to the mandrel, and can be controlled to slide along the mandrel in order to move the slip to the set position. Also disclosed is a downhole assembly that includes a downhole tool and a setting apparatus. The setting apparatus can be used for lowering the downhole apparatus to a desired setting depth and then releasing the downhole apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Donald Roy Greenlee, Donald Jonathan Greenlee
  • Patent number: 7703508
    Abstract: A technique utilizes a well filter with a submersible motor-driven pump. The system comprises an elongated filter housing in which a cylindrical filtering element is installed. A fixture is provided for fastening the elongated filter housing to the pump. The filter housing also comprises at least one fluid intake port positioned to allow entry of fluid into the elongated filter housing. A deformable sealing element is installed along an outer surface of the elongated housing and serves to direct fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Jacques Orban
  • Patent number: 7703512
    Abstract: The present invention provides a packer cup system for use inside a wellbore comprising a packer cup and a backup component coupled thereto. In one configuration, the backup component further comprises a support member and a rubber ring disposed between the support member and the packer cup. The support member is configured to prevent the rubber ring from moving toward the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Zheng R. Xu, Avel Ortiz, Frank Espinosa
  • Patent number: 7694730
    Abstract: A blow out preventer for operating between a spear of a tubular gripping tool and a tubular gripped by the tool includes: an expandable seal carried on the spear and expandable to seal between the spear and the tubular's inner wall, the expandable seal being operable as a back up to a primary seal operable between the spear and the tubular's inner wall. A tubular gripping tool and a method may include the blow out preventer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Per G. Angman
  • Patent number: 7669654
    Abstract: A cup tool for use with a high-pressure mandrel of a wellhead isolation tool has a three-part packoff assembly that slides over a cup tool tube from an unset position to a set position. The three-part packoff assembly includes an elastomeric cup, a rigid alignment ring located above the elastomeric cup and an elastomeric packoff element located above the rigid alignment ring. The rigid alignment ring helps ensure that the elastomeric cup remains correctly aligned in a casing or tubing that is not straight, is out of round or is washed, and helps ensure that the elastomeric packoff achieves a high-pressure seal in the set position, even under adverse downhole conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny Lee Artherholt
  • Publication number: 20100038075
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a seal or barrier comprising strands that are woven or wrapped in an overlapping manner such as, for example, helical or circumferential patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitchell Price, Nathan Kathol, Craig Skeates, Peter Krawiec
  • Patent number: 7562705
    Abstract: A packoff nipple for sealing an annular space in a well pipe has a tubular body, a sealing assembly positioned around the tubular body capable of axial movement along the tubular body and a stop to restrain the sealing assembly from extruding into the annular space. The sealing assembly includes one or more elastomeric sealing rings having a circumferential groove formed in a downhole face. An axially moveable actuator, such as a packer cup, engages the sealing ring assembly to cause at least a portion of the sealing rings to expand radially outwardly to seal the annular space and cause the sealing ring assembly to contact the uphole stop. The sealing rings are axially compressed between the uphole stop and the actuator to further expand the sealing rings. The uphole stop may be concave to urge the sealing rings away from the well pipe to avoid extrusion or permanent deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Isolation Equipment Services Inc.
    Inventor: Boris (Bruce) P. Cherewyk
  • Patent number: 7552778
    Abstract: A seal cup and method is disclosed that can be used on a wellbore tool. The seal cup includes an external circumferential seal land adjacent the cup lip and an outer surface capable of permitting drainage away from the seal land of fluids, which may seep past the seal land. This acts against pressure invasion in the interfacial contacting region between the seal cup and the structure, for example, a wellbore liner against which it is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Maurice William Slack
  • Patent number: 7552769
    Abstract: A packoff nipple for sealing an annular space in a well pipe has a tubular body, a sealing assembly positioned around the tubular body capable of axial movement along the tubular body and a stop to restrain the sealing assembly from extruding in-to the annular space. The sealing assembly includes one or more elastomeric sealing rings having a circumferential groove formed in a downhole face. An axially moveable actuator, such as a packer cup, engages the sealing ring assembly to causes at least a portion of the sealing rings to expand radially outwardly to seal the annular space and cause the sealing ring assembly to contact the uphole stop. The sealing rings are axially compressed between the uphole stop and the actuator to further expand the sealing rings. The uphole stop may be concave to urge the sealing rings away from the well pipe to avoid extrusion or permanent deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Isolation Equipment Services Inc.
    Inventor: Boris (Bruce) P. Cherewyk
  • Publication number: 20090038791
    Abstract: A cup tool for use with a high-pressure mandrel of a wellhead isolation tool has a three-part packoff assembly that slides over a cup tool tube from an unset position to a set position. The three-part packoff assembly includes an elastomeric cup, a rigid alignment ring located above the elastomeric cup and an elastomeric packoff element located above the rigid alignment ring. The rigid alignment ring helps ensure that the elastomeric cup remains correctly aligned in a casing or tubing that is not straight, is out of round or is washed, and helps ensure that the elastomeric packoff achieves a high-pressure seal in the set position, even under adverse downhole conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: STINGER WELLHEAD PROTECTION, INC.
    Inventor: Danny Lee Artherholt
  • Patent number: 7434617
    Abstract: A cup tool for use with a high-pressure mandrel of a wellhead isolation tool has a three-part packoff assembly that slides over a cup tool tube from an unset position to a set position. The three-part pack off assembly includes an elastomeric cup, a rigid alignment ring located above the elastomeric cup and an elastomeric packoff element located above the rigid alignment ring. The rigid alignment ring helps ensure that the elastomeric cup remains correctly aligned in a casing or tubing that is not straight, is out of round or is washed, and helps ensure that the elastomeric packoff achieves a high-pressure seal in the set position, even under adverse downhole conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny Lee Artherholt
  • Patent number: 7380592
    Abstract: A pressure control device for mounting on a mandrel includes a flexible cup member, a rigid support member and an anti extrusion portion of greater hardness than the cup member located at an outer portion of the cup member. The cup member is bonded only to selected areas of the anti extrusion portion and the support member, thereby permitting relative movement between other areas of contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Nicholas Atkins, Phillip Egleton, Craig Spalding
  • Patent number: 7377312
    Abstract: An oil well pumping apparatus for pumping oil from a well to a wellhead provides a tool body that is sized and shaped to be lowered into the production tubing string of the oil well. A working fluid is provided that can be pumped into the production tubing. A prime mover is provided for pumping the working fluid. A flow channel into the well bore enables the working fluid to be circulated from the prime mover via the production tubing to the tool body at a location in the well and then back to the wellhead area. A pumping mechanism is provided on the tool body, the pumping mechanism including first and second gerotors. The first gerotor is driven by the working fluid. The second gerotor is rotated by the first gerotor. The two gerotors are connected with a common shaft. The tool body has flow conveying portions that mix the working fluid and the produced oil as the oil is pumped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond C. Davis
  • Publication number: 20080099209
    Abstract: A technique is provided to temporarily protect well system components during transport, movement downhole and/or initial downhole operations. A sacrificial material is formed as a protective sacrificial element disposed proximate susceptible well system components. The protective sacrificial element is at least partially dissolvable in fluids within a wellbore to facilitate removal of the element after a desired time period. Once the temporary, protective sacrificial element is removed, the protected well system component is fully operable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ives Loretz, Donald Ross
  • Patent number: 7357177
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packer cup 5 having a deformable leading edge 20 which moves away from well bore or casing obstructions as the packer cup 5 is moved into a well bore. The anaxisymmetric deformable leading edge 20 can be formed by an angled leading edge 19 which presents only a portion of the leading edge 18 to a well bore obstruction and allows the edge 19 to move past the obstruction with little or no longitudinal force. Another embodiment provides an anaxisymmetric deformable leading interior edge 72 which is unduloid providing alternatively stiff and deformable sections 74, 76 of the edge 72 to move past the obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Garwood, Mark Oettli, Frank F. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 7328742
    Abstract: A seal cup and method is disclosed that can be used on a wellbore tool. The seal cup includes an external circumferential seal land adjacent the cup lip and an outer surface capable of permitting drainage away from the seal land of fluids, which may seep past the seal land. This acts against pressure invasion in the interfacial contacting region between the seal cup and the structure, for example, a wellbore liner against which it is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Maurice William Slack
  • Patent number: 7322413
    Abstract: A method for controlling a fluid pressure applied to a cementing plug comprises disposing the cementing plug within a casing string to define a trapped volume of fluid within the casing string, isolating a portion of the trapped volume of fluid adjacent the cementing plug to define an isolated volume of fluid, and relieving the fluid pressure within the isolated volume of fluid at a first rate sufficient to prevent damage to or inadvertent release of the cementing plug. An apparatus for relieving fluid pressure within a casing string being run into a well bore comprises at least one equalizer valve connected to a work string extending into the casing string, and a sealing device disposed above the equalizer valve to seal an annular space formed between the work string and the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, David Durward Szarka, Brett A. Fears
  • Patent number: 7296627
    Abstract: A method for cleaning oil wells to increase the flow of oil thereof by use of a unique aqueous cleaning emulsion comprising of water, hydrocarbon solvent, detergent and mineral acid. This one step method provides for the simultaneously cleaning/removal of asphaltine and/or paraffin and scale. This method can be used alone or with the assistance of a wash tool which is a combination pressure and surge wash tool having a nipple assembly. A by-pass port is coupled to the nipple assembly and a diverter cup is coupled to the by-pass port. A plurality of pressure wash cups are positioned on the tool. A pressure wash port is located between the plurality of pressure wash cups and a pump shoe assembly is coupled to a bottom pressure wash cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Richard J. Dyer
  • Patent number: 7278477
    Abstract: A cup tool includes a cup tool tube having a threaded upper end for connection to a high-pressure mandrel, an outer surface over which an elastomeric cup is slidably mounted for reciprocal movement from an unset position for entry into a wellbore to a set position in which an annular gap is obstructed to contain fluid pressure below the elastomeric cup. The outer surface of the cup tool tube has a lower portion of a first diameter and an upper portion with a second, larger diameter and a tapered region between the upper portion and the lower portion. The elastomeric cup includes a lip seal that rides against the outer surface of the cup tool tube, and seals against the tapered region of the cup tool tube to provide a high pressure seal between the cup tool tube and the elastomeric cup in the set position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7275592
    Abstract: An oil well pumping apparatus for pumping oil from a well to a wellhead provides a tool body that is sized and shaped to be lowered into the production tubing string of the oil well. A working fluid is provided that can be pumped into the production tubing. A prime mover is provided for pumping the working fluid. A flow channel into the well bore enables the working fluid to be circulated from the prime mover via the production tubing to the tool body at a location in the well and then back to the wellhead area. A pumping mechanism is provided on the tool body, the pumping mechanism including first and second gerotors. The first gerotor is driven by the working fluid. The second gerotor is rotated by the first gerotor. The two gerotors are connected with a common shaft. The tool body has flow conveying portions that mix the working fluid and the produced oil as the oil is pumped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond C. Davis
  • Patent number: 7264047
    Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Gary P. Funkhouser, Jody R. McGlothen, Thomas W. Ray, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd
  • Patent number: 7261153
    Abstract: A packer cup for use in sealing the interior of a pipe under pressure is described. The cup uses a bell-shaped end which has a lip of softer material which is integral with the body of the cup which is harder material. Under pressure the lip expands against the side of the pipe and as pressure increases the body of the bell also expands against the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Albert E. Plomp
  • Patent number: 7243733
    Abstract: A cup tool includes a cup tool tube having a threaded upper end for connection to a high-pressure mandrel. The cup tool has an outer surface over which an elastomeric cup is slidably mounted for movement from an unset position for entry into a wellbore to a set position in which an annular gap is obstructed to contain fluid pressure below the elastomeric cup. The cup tool tube includes an annular jump step designed to inhibit movement of the cup to the set position during insertion of the cup tool into the wellbore, and a gauge ring located above the jump step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, Danny Lee Artherholt
  • Patent number: 7191833
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (60) that is positionable within a wellbore includes a base pipe (62) having at least one opening (64) that allows fluid flow therethrough and a filter medium (66) positioned exteriorly of the base pipe (62) that selectively allows fluid flow therethrough and prevents particulate flow of a predetermined size therethrough. An isolation member (68) is positioned interiorly of the base pipe (62) forming an annulus (84) therewith. A one-way valve (86) is slidably operable within the annulus (84). The one-way valve (86) controls the flow of fluid through sand control screen assembly (60) such that fluid flow is selectively prevented from the interior to the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (60) but is allowed from the exterior to the interior of the sand control screen assembly (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William Mark Richards
  • Patent number: 7178588
    Abstract: An improved cup and method for making same for use on a “pig” or any other down hole equipment for engaging the wall of a pipe line, which comprises an inner metal sleeve portion; a metal shoulder portion extending outward from the sleeve around its perimeter extending into an angulated arm portion; a strong flexible material, such as polyurethane, molded onto an outer surface of the sleeve, and enveloping the metal shoulder and arm portion, the flexible material defining the outer body and cup portion of the improved cup, so that the metal shoulder and arm portion enveloped by and integral to the cup portion provides additional support to the flexible material to prevent deformation of other damage to the circular cup as it would be positioned on the “pig” body or other down hole device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Tom Harper, James Rick Stewart, David Hutchinson, Terry DeRoche, Jr., Larry J. Kirepel
  • Patent number: 7134488
    Abstract: An isolation assembly for use with coiled tubing is described. The isolation assembly has a check valve for providing selective fluid communication through from the coiled tubing, through the isolation assembly, and into a downhole tool, such a straddle packer. The isolation assembly includes a shuttle moveable within a housing, and plurality of ports to selectively provide fluid communication from within the isolation assembly below the check valve, through the ports, and into the annulus, thus allowing selective surface-controlled equalization of downhole equipment. Also described is a bottom hole assembly including the isolation assembly. An improved method of fracing a formation includes providing a check valve, thus improving the life of the coiled tubing and the safety of the operation, and reducing the time to perform a given downhole operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Eric Hughson Tudor, William George Gavin
  • Patent number: 7028769
    Abstract: Several well bore clean-out apparatus' are disclosed that provides a method of cleaning a well bore while the apparatus' are being deployed into a well forcing well bore fluid into a work string and for moving solids to the surface. A method of cleaning multiple diameters of well casings is also disclosed. A method of circulating or reverse circulating the well at anytime during the deployment of the apparatus' is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Albert Augustus Mullins
  • Patent number: 7011157
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid treatment of a selected interval of a well and then cleaning the selected interval and the apparatus of treatment residue. An straddle tool is run into the well to treatment depth on fluid supplying tubing and has upper and lower packers that establish sealing with the casing and define an annular interval between the packers and between the tool and casing. Fluid, such as fracturing fluid, is pumped through the tubing to the tool and is diverted through an outlet port of the tool into an upper portion of the annular interval. Fluid then flows from a lower portion of the annular interval through an inlet port below the outlet port and at low flow rate is dumped into the casing through a pressure responsive dump valve. The outlet port and inlet port are located to accomplish cleaning of residue from the packers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Costley, David M. Eslinger, Randolph J. Sheffield, L. Michael McKee
  • Patent number: 7004248
    Abstract: The present invention involves a pack-off system for use in packing off an area of interest within a wellbore. The pack-off system comprises at least two packing elements disposed on a tubular body. The packing elements of the present invention comprise overlapping leaves which are pivotally mounted on the tubular body. The present invention further involves a method for using the pack-off system, wherein the packing elements are placed adjacent to an area of interest within a wellbore. The overlapping leaves of the packing elements are extended radially to effectively obstruct fluid flow in the annular space between the outermost portions of the packing elements and the wellbore. The bulk of the fluid introduced into the wellbore is trapped between the packing elements and is thereby forced into the area of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey Hoffman, Paul Wilson
  • Patent number: 6951262
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suppression of wave energy within a fluid-filled borehole using a low pressure acoustic barrier. In one embodiment, a flexible diaphragm type device is configured as an open bottomed tubular structure for disposition in a borehole to be filled with a gas to create a barrier to wave energy, including tube waves. In another embodiment, an expandable umbrella type device is used to define a chamber in which a gas is disposed. In yet another embodiment, a reverse acting bladder type device is suspended in the borehole. Due to its reverse acting properties, the bladder expands when internal pressure is reduced, and the reverse acting bladder device extends across the borehole to provide a low pressure wave energy barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventor: Phillip B. West
  • Patent number: 6918441
    Abstract: A cup tool for use with a mandrel of a wellhead isolation tool has a substantially right-angled stepped shoulder over which an elastomeric sealing element is forced by elevated fluid pressures. A top end of the elastomeric sealing element is inhibited from extrusion past the stepped shoulder during the insertion of the mandrel, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the sealing element before the mandrel is fully inserted through the wellhead. Once the sealing element is exposed to elevated fluid pressures, the top end of the elastomeric sealing element is forced upwardly over the stepped shoulder, and extruded into an annulus between the mandrel and a well casing or production tubing to provide a high-pressure fluid seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 6883605
    Abstract: A wellbore cleanup tool and method are described. In one embodiment, the fluid is displaced with a cup seal into the tubing/drill pipe as the seal is lowered into the wellbore. In another embodiment reverse circulation directs debris into the tubing/drill pipe as it is loosened on the trip into the hole. The returning fluid laden with debris can be directed to either below the cleaning equipment or above it when used with a cup seal and a return port adjacent to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Offshore Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Arceneaux, Albert Augustus Mullins
  • Patent number: 6840328
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method useful for discouraging the extrusion of at least one deformable member of a device into a space adjacent to the deformable member when the device is disposed within a borehole and the deformable member extends from the device to the borehole wall involves at least one expandable member disposed upon the device. The expandable member is expandable into the annulus to reduce the width thereof and retractable therefrom to allow movement of the device within and out of the borehole and redeployment of the expandable member. The apparatus, system, and method are particularly suited for limiting the extrusion of packer elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. Michael McKee, David M. Eslinger, Stephen D. Hill
  • Patent number: 6827150
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for sealing a tubular. In one aspect, the apparatus is sealing apparatus for a downhole tool such as a bridge plug, packer, or frac-plug. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for a sealing apparatus having a body and a sealing system disposed about the body. The sealing apparatus further includes one or more extrusion rings disposed at each end of the sealing system. The sealing apparatus may also have a first cone to support the one or more extrusion rings and a second cone expandable over the first cone. A slip member is disposed adjacent the second cone at each end of the sealing system. Upon actuation, the sealing apparatus expands the sealing system and causes the slip member to fold outward and engage the tubular. The sealing apparatus is functionally expandable to at least 25% diametrically to seal the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike A. Luke
  • Publication number: 20040149429
    Abstract: A through tubing casing plug is disclosed. It features a stack of nested cup shaped elements that initially slope to reduce the run in diameter. The stack is compressed to force the periphery of the nested cups to move outwardly so that the collective outer surfaces of the cups can seal on the casing. The cups have sufficient initial thickness so that they remain intact despite some radial growth resulting from the compression process. In a particular example, the run in dimension is 2.13 inches and the stack expands to seal against casing with an inside diameter of 6.9 inches while holding a differential of 500 pounds per square inch and more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Halit Dilber, Clint E. Mickey
  • Publication number: 20040084187
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid treatment of a selected interval of a well and then cleaning the selected interval and the apparatus of treatment residue. An Out/In straddle tool is run into the well to treatment depth on fluid supplying tubing and has upper and lower packers that establish sealing with the casing and define an annular interval between the packers and between the tool and casing. Fluid, such as fracturing fluid, is pumped through the tubing to the tool and is diverted through an Out port of the tool into an upper portion of the annular interval. Fluid then flows from a lower portion of the annular interval through an In port below the Out port and at low flow rate is dumped into the casing through a pressure responsive dump valve. The Out port and In port are located to accomplish cleaning of residue from the packers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: James M. Costley, David M. Eslinger, Randolph J. Sheffield, L. Michael McKee
  • Patent number: 6668938
    Abstract: An improved cup packer for use on wellbore tools is disclosed. The open end of the cup packer bore is filled with an elastomer to prevent the intrusion of sand and debris into the space between the cup packer and the wellbore tool on which it is mounted. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the packer body includes an angularly protruding section at at least one of its ends, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the packer body is at its maximum at its bore. In an additional alternative embodiment of the invention, the open end of the packer is sealed by a screen to prevent the intrusion of sand and debris into the space between the cup packer and the wellbore tool on which it is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Randolph J. Sheffield, David M. Eslinger, Mark C. Oettli, Jose F. Hurtado
  • Publication number: 20030098153
    Abstract: A packer cup for use in a packer assembly is disclosed. The cup has an outer layer, an intermediate reinforcing layer of meshed metal plies and an inner layer. The intermediate layer acts as a continuous, but flexible reinforcement to allow expansion and contraction of the cup as it is forced into the wellbore and to resist extrusion of the elastomers under pressure. The cup outer layer is preferably abrasion resistant and the inner layer is preferably chemical resistant. The layers are vulcanized into a unitary cup capable of resisting outer wear and tear as a result of insertion into the wellbore and internal chemical deterioration as a result of the harsh downhole environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Witold P. Serafin
  • Patent number: 6554068
    Abstract: A method of downhole fluid displacement and a plug utilized in the method according to which the plug is inserted in a pipe between two fluids for separating and displacing one of the fluids. The plug has a specific gravity of less than the fluid above it, so that, after the displacement operation, the plug floats to the top of the latter fluid for recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Service,s Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, B. Raghava Reddy, Frank Zamora, Roger S Cromwell
  • Publication number: 20030066648
    Abstract: A separation barrier for placement in an open well bore or casing, to prevent migration of cement slurry downwardly into the drilling fluid, facilitating the placement of a cement plug to segregate a well bore into uphole and downhole portions. The barrier has an annular seal which facilitates pumping the barrier downhole through a work string to a desired location. The separation barrier also has a plurality of flexible elongated elements which expand outwardly when the barrier exits the work string. The elongated elements are closely spaced to prevent migration or contamination of cement slurry therebetween. The barrier can also have a shearable landing ring for providing positive indication of placement of the barrier at the desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Michael E. McMahan
  • Publication number: 20030051871
    Abstract: This invention is a packer that is a short pipe designed fit over a well pipe. The bottom of the pipe flares outward to provide a seal between the packer and the adjacent strata of earth or well casing. An annular ring is placed at the top of the flared section to create a more secure seal between the packer and the well casing. The packer is made of plastic and can be cast in a single step process. The packer is designed to easily attach to a well pipe in that the inside of the top of the packer that fits over the well pipe has numerous knurls running parallel to each other and along the pipe. These trenches are designed to allow glue to flow down between the well pipe and the packer to ensure attachment of the packer to the well pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Richard A. Swineford
  • Publication number: 20030000704
    Abstract: A tubular body or mandrel incorporated into a string of tubular pipe, on which first and second swab cups and first and second metal brushes and a casing scraper are mounted, is run into a cased earth borehole to displace a first fluid in the borehole, usually a drilling fluid, with a second fluid, usually either a completion fluid or a workover fluid. In a first embodiment, reverse circulation, in which the second fluid is pumped into the borehole annulus above the swab cups and/or the metal brushes, and in which the first fluid is thereby pumped back towards the earth's surface through the interior of the string of tubular pipe, causes displacement of the first fluid merely by lowering the string of pipe while pumping the second fluid into the borehole annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: J. Scott Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20020153142
    Abstract: A straddle packer tool for treatment of wells has a tool body supporting sealing elements in spaced relation for defining a sealed annulus zone within a wellbore. The tool body defines a treatment fluid passage having treatment ports that open to the sealed annulus zone for formation fracturing or other well treatment. The tool body has a bypass passage therethrough which is isolated from the treatment fluid passage and communicates with the wellbore above and below the sealed annulus zone. A check valve permits downward flow of well fluid from the bypass passage into the wellbore below the tool and prevents upward flow of fluid into the bypass passage. Bypass ports conduct fluid flow to and from the bypass passage and the wellbore above and below the sealed annulus zone. A packer actuated bypass valve is opened or closed to control the flow of well fluid within the bypass passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: David M. Eslinger, Randolph J. Sheffield, Mark C. Oettli