Screens Patents (Class 166/227)
  • Patent number: 8881804
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly selectively positionable within a wellbore. The sand control screen assembly comprises a pipe having an internal flow path, an external fluid collection subassembly in fluid communication with the internal flow path, a filter medium disposed in a fluid path between the exterior of the sand control screen assembly and the internal flow path, a biasing mechanism, configured to bias the fluid collection subassembly towards a wall of the wellbore, disposed between the fluid collection subassembly and the pipe, and a retaining mechanism configured to release the biasing mechanism in response to a trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James Jun Kang, Aaron James Bonner, Michael Fripp
  • Publication number: 20140326447
    Abstract: A pipe and system for forming perforations in a pipe are provided. The pipe is for a well bore for filtering materials transported through the pipe and comprises: a wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the wall forming the pipe and shaped in a cylinder; and a perforation located in the wall, the perforation for receiving sediment in the materials and forming an aperture in the wall from the exterior surface to the interior surface with a first opening on the exterior surface having a first dimension across a first major axis of the first opening and a second opening on the interior surface having a second dimension across a second major axis of the second opening. The first opening is shaped to be either round, oval, elliptical or racetrack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Regent Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Brent Fermaniuk
  • Patent number: 8875784
    Abstract: A well screen for use in a subterranean well can include a loose filter media, a sandstone, a square weave mesh material, a foam, and/or a nonmetal mesh material. A method of installing a well screen in a subterranean well can include dispersing a material in a filter media of the well screen, after the well screen has been installed in the well, thereby permitting a fluid to flow through the filter media. A method of constructing a well screen can include positioning a loose filter media in an annular space between a base pipe and a shroud, so that the filter media filters fluid which flows through a wall of the base pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Kuo, Gregory S. Cunningham, Caleb T. Warren, Brandon T. Least, Michael L. Fripp, Matthew E. Franklin, Stephen M. Greci, Aaron J. Bonner
  • Publication number: 20140318762
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a wellbore servicing apparatus into a wellbore, wherein the wellbore servicing apparatus contains a plurality of mobilized template-assisted crystallization beads and contacting a fluid comprising scale-forming ions with at least a portion of the template-assisted crystallization beads. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising contacting a fluid comprising scale-forming ions with a quantity of template-assisted crystallization beads in a vessel to form a treated fluid, wherein the template-assisted crystallization beds are mobile within the vessel and placing the treated fluid into a wellbore, a subterranean formation, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucas Kurtis FONTENELLE, Eli Allen SCHNOOR, Holly Ann Grider, Nathan Carl SCHULTHEISS, Todd Anthony STAIR
  • Patent number: 8863854
    Abstract: An apparatus for isolating at least a portion of a tubular for use in a wellbore comprising a first, inner tubular in the form of carrier tube and a second, outer tubular in the form of protective shroud, coupled to the carrier tube. One or more aperture is provided in a wall of the carrier tube for permitting fluid transfer through the tube and one or more aperture is provided to permit fluid transfer through the shroud. A sealing layer is disposed on a surface of the shroud, the sealing layer defining a first configuration permitting fluid flow through the apertures and, on exposure to a selected reactant, adopting a second configuration to restrict fluid flow through the apertures, the sealing layer adapted to return from the second configuration to the first configuration where concentration of the selected reactant falls below a selected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Jones, John Alasdair MacDonald Cameron, Gary John Smart, David S. Grant
  • Patent number: 8850706
    Abstract: An expanded non-bonded mesh well screen. A method of manufacturing a well screen includes the steps of: expanding at least a portion of a screen jacket; and then securing the screen jacket onto a base pipe. A well screen system includes a base pipe and an at least partially expanded screen jacket surrounding the base pipe. The screen jacket is expanded prior to being positioned on the base pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron J. Bonner, Jean-Marc Lopez, Stephen M. Greci
  • Publication number: 20140262332
    Abstract: A well screen assembly has a base pipe and one or more screen sections attached to the outer surface of the base pipe. The assembly also has one or more shunt tubes attached to the base pipe via top and bottom rings. The shunt tubes can be attached to the screen sections via B-rings and may be transport tubes or packing tubes. Connections are used for securing a jumper tube to adjoining shunt tubes of adjoining screen sections of the wellscreen assembly, which may be used in open or cased holes. At a well site, the joints of the wellscreens have timed threads so that the various shunt tubes can be aligned with one another along the assembly as the joints are made up. The connections of the present disclosure allow operators to install a jumper tubes between shunt tubes at the joint without needing to tighten fasteners or assembly components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen McNamee, Michael J. Rodrigue, Floyd R. Simonds
  • Patent number: 8833445
    Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and methods to facilitate gravel packing of a wellbore having a flow restricting device are described. The assemblies, systems, and methods can include a flow restricting device and an alternative-path gravel packing system to provide a gravel pack about the flow restricting device. The assemblies, systems, and methods can allow uniform and complete annular sand control pack placement together with reduced flow of unwanted fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Wallace Techentien, Harvey Joseph Fitzpatrick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8807205
    Abstract: A gravel packing assembly has first and second joints each including a sand control screen assembly having a filter medium positioned exteriorly of a base pipe and a slurry delivery subassembly rotatably mounted exteriorly on the sand control screen assembly. The slurry delivery subassembly includes at least one transport tube extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the sand control screen assembly. At least one jumper tube is coupled to and extends between the at least one transport tube of the first joint and the at least one transport tube of the second joint. The at least one transport tube of the first joint is axially aligned with the at least one transport tube of the second joint by rotating the slurry delivery subassembly of the first joint relative to the sand control screen of the first joint after the two joints are coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Scott Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8763689
    Abstract: A screen assembly for removing particulates from a fluid in a well bore said well bore being provided with a tubing for transport of fluids inside the tube, said tube being provided with sliding sleeve doors through which the fluids flow from the well bore external the tube and into the tube. The screen assembly comprises a filter arranged external the tubing and covering the sliding sleeve doors, such that the filter prevents particles above a predefined size from entering through the sliding sleeve doors: The screen assembly further comprises a supportive tube having apertures allowing well bore fluids to pass. Furthermore said filter is arranged on the inner side of said supportive tube, such that the filter is placed between the supportive tube and the tube with the sliding sleeve doors. The filter is made from ceramic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Maersk Olie Og Gas A/S
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
  • Publication number: 20140166307
    Abstract: A screen frame assembly, including a frame having a first end, a second end, a top surface, a first side disposed between the first end and the second end, and a second side disposed opposite the first side and disposed between the first end and the second end, in which at least one of the first end and the second end is sloped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Eric Cady
  • Publication number: 20140166284
    Abstract: A completion system, including a tubular string initially having an substantially constant first dimension and configured to include at least one unexpanded portion having the first dimension and at least one expanded portion having a second dimension larger than the first dimension. The tubular string has at least one opening therein formed at the at least one expanded portion. At least one screen assembly is included having a third dimension and positioned radially adjacent the at least one expanded portion. A radial clearance is formed between the outer dimension of the at least one screen assembly and the second internal dimension of the at least one second portion of the outer tubular string. A method of completing a borehole is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jason Allen, Robert O'Brien, Mark Adam
  • Patent number: 8746340
    Abstract: A down hole apparatus for filtering debris from a fluid in a well bore including a screen sub, a diverter assembly connected to the screen sub, a screen section extending from the diverter assembly and connected to the screen sub. The screen section includes a plurality of openings for filtering debris from the fluid. The debris collects in an annulus between the screen section and the screen sub. The diverter assembly includes a detachable plug having a fishing portion capable of engaging a fishing tool. Removal of the detachable plug with a fishing tool opens a central passage through the diverter assembly and the screen section. The diverter assembly may include an outer and an inner body and one or more passages between the outer and inner bodies. The detachable plug may include one or more dog members capable of engaging the inner body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Benny Donald Mashburn, Douglas A. Beynon
  • Patent number: 8739870
    Abstract: A system having a sealing assembly for a gravel port in a gravel pack apparatus. The sealing assembly includes a sealing element around an outer circumference of the gravel pack assembly above the gravel pack and below the gravel port. The sealing element is on the outside housing of the gravel pack apparatus or on a separate piece of equipment located above the gravel pack and below the gravel port, permitting a larger flow bore through the gravel pack apparatus. The sealing element may be selectively actuated after the gravel pack operation has concluded, thus maintaining the gravel pack in the desired location. The removal of a gravel pack tool may permit the sealing element to be actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Superior Energy Services, LLC
    Inventor: John Barton Weirich
  • Publication number: 20140116727
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole well screen, having a base pipe with a filter mounted thereon with the filter comprising plurality of spaced layers including a screen layer. A longitudinally extending channel is formed in the well screen by plastically deforming the filter. The channel is selected to be of a size and shape to accommodate well control lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Cunningham, Stephen Michael Greci, Jean Marc Lopez
  • Publication number: 20140116681
    Abstract: A retrievable filter screen assembly is provided, comprising a nonmagnetic carrier sub suspended from a first pulling tool connected to a wireline; a nonmagnetic filter screen disposed within the carrier sub, and having a first end supported by a bell housing operatively positioned within the carrier sub, and wherein the first end of the filter screen can be disconnected from the bell housing via shear pins; wherein the filter screen further includes a second end adapted to receive a second pulling tool positionable within the carrier sub, and wherein the pulling tool is connectable to an MWD source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: John Ray Broussard
  • Patent number: 8701757
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (300) includes a base pipe (302) having at least one opening in a sidewall thereof and a screen jacket positioned about the base pipe (302). The screen jacket includes a drainage layer (304) and a filter medium positioned about the drainage layer (304). The drainage layer (304) includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed axially extending ribs (306) and a wrap wire (308) positioned around the ribs (306) forming a plurality of turns having gaps therebetween. The ribs (306) includes a plurality of first ribs (310) having a first cross-sectional rib profile, shaped and sized to maintain an annular space between the wrap wire (308) and the base pipe (302) and a plurality of second ribs (312) having a second cross-sectional rib profile, shaped and sized to provide for a gap between the second ribs (312) and the base pipe (302).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Greci
  • Patent number: 8689878
    Abstract: A downhole tool for removing debris from fluid flowing through the downhole tool uses a screen member and wiper member, the wiper member having at least one window disposed through the inner and outer wall surfaces of the wiper member. Either the screen member or the wiper member is rotatable such that rotation of the screen member or the wiper member causes debris disposed on the outer wall surface of the screen member to fall-off the screen member. At least one directional port disposed at either the upper end of the screen member or the upper end of the wiper member causes rotation of the screen member or wiper member when fluid flows through the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ying Qing Xu, Yang Xu
  • Publication number: 20140083720
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly selectively positionable within a wellbore. The sand control screen assembly comprises a pipe having an internal flow path, an external fluid collection subassembly in fluid communication with the internal flow path, a filter medium disposed in a fluid path between the exterior of the sand control screen assembly and the internal flow path, a biasing mechanism, configured to bias the fluid collection subassembly towards a wall of the wellbore, disposed between the fluid collection subassembly and the pipe, and a retaining mechanism configured to release the biasing mechanism in response to a trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: James Jun Kang, Aaron James Bonner, Michael Fripp
  • Publication number: 20140076540
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly selectively positionable within a wellbore. The sand control screen assembly comprises a pipe having an internal flow path, an external fluid collection subassembly in fluid communication with the internal flow path, a filter medium disposed in a fluid path between the exterior of the sand control screen assembly and the internal flow path, a biasing mechanism, configured to bias the fluid collection subassembly towards a wall of the wellbore, disposed between the fluid collection subassembly and the pipe, and a retaining mechanism configured to release the biasing mechanism in response to a trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc
    Inventors: James Jun Kang, Aaron James Bonner, Michael Fripp
  • Publication number: 20140060846
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a casing module for being part of a downhole casing system, comprising a base pipe extending in a longitudinal direction and having a circumference, a functional assembly mounted over the base pipe to define a casing module flow path between the functional assembly and the base pipe, and a main flow path arranged substantially in a centre of the base pipe and extending in a longitudinal direction of the casing system, wherein at least a part of the casing module flow path is an annular flow path extending both in the longitudinal direction of the base pipe and continuously around the entire circumference of the base pipe, and the base pipe has end sections at which a plurality of supporting structures protrude from an outer surface to provide support for the functional assembly, the supporting structures defining a plurality of casing module flow paths extending in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Tomas Sune Andersen
  • Patent number: 8662165
    Abstract: A fiber support arrangement for a downhole tool includes at least one tubular and at least one bracket positioning the at least one tubular spaced radially from a downhole tool and lacking contact therewith. At least two fibers are supported at the at least one tubular with at least two of the at least two fibers having a different helical angle from one another relative to an axis of the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Denise M. Earles, Carl W. Stoesz
  • Patent number: 8651181
    Abstract: Apparatus for downhole filtration of fluids in a wellbore. The apparatus has a diverter and a filter slidably mounted on a mandrel. The diverter has a circumferential wiper element between the mandrel and the casing within which the apparatus is run. When fluids are reverse circulated, or the tool is being pulled out, the diverter shifts to a downward position, wherein it seals against an upper end of the filter, filtering out solids in the fluids and retaining them in a chamber between the sleeve and mandrel. When running the tool into a wellbore, the diverter shifts to an upper position to permit fluids to bypass the filter sleeve. The filter sleeve bears against a spring loaded seat, which permits creating a gap between the diverter and an upper end of the filter sleeve to allow fluids to bypass the filter sleeve should the filter sleeve slots become plugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Benton T. Knobloch, Todd Roy, David J. Tilley
  • Patent number: 8646528
    Abstract: Of the methods provided herein, one example of a method that is disclosed includes the steps of placing a stand-alone-screen that does not comprise a concentric washpipe in a well bore, and forming an in situ coated stand-alone-screen in the well bore by placing a screen-plugging filter cake on the interior surface of the stand-alone-screen, the screen-plugging filter cake comprising particulate plugging agents deposited by a packing slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley L. Todd
  • Publication number: 20140014357
    Abstract: A system and methodology utilizes a technique for filtering sand. For example, a sand control system may be provided with a base pipe having a non-permeable section and a permeable section in which the permeable section is created via at least one opening formed laterally through a wall of the base pipe. The sand control system also comprises at least one drainage tube positioned along an exterior of the base pipe and coupled to the base pipe in fluid communication with the at least one opening. The drainage tube is permeable and enables the inflow of fluid while preventing the influx of sand. The inflowing fluid is delivered along an interior of the drainage tube and through the opening into an interior of the base pipe for production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Edvin Eimstad Riisem
  • Publication number: 20140000871
    Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a porous medium screen that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The porous medium screen can include a porous medium and a retaining structure. The porous medium can be a material having one or more pores. The pores can be adapted to allow a fluid to flow through the porous medium and to prevent particles from flowing through the porous medium. The retaining structure can be adapted to retain the porous medium in a position circumferentially surrounding a section of a tubing string and to prevent expansion of the porous medium. The retaining structure can include a shroud and one or more stoppers. The shroud can be adapted to circumferentially surround the porous medium. Each stopper can be adapted to circumferentially surround the section of a tubing string at an edge of the porous medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Lopez, Liang Zhao, Luke William Holderman
  • Patent number: 8579025
    Abstract: Screen assemblies capable of being disposed in a bore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The screen assemblies can support filter mediums and reduce or eliminate plugging by swellable material. One screen assembly includes filter mediums supported by a rigid member located exterior to a portion of a base pipe. The rigid member can include openings through which the filter mediums can be in fluid communication with an inner diameter of the base pipe. Swellable material can be disposed exterior to a second portion of the base pipe adjacent to the rigid member. The filter mediums can be displaced to contact a wellbore and the rigid members can help reduce or prevent plugging of screen assembly openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke W. Holderman, Andrew Penno, Jean-Marc Lopez
  • Publication number: 20130292117
    Abstract: Embodiments disclose a sand screen apparatus for use in a well that intersects a hydrocarbon formation. The sand screen apparatus comprises a composite, the composite having a compressed state and an expanded state. In embodiments, the composite comprises a base polymer and one or a plurality of reactive fillers where the reactive fillers react with the base polymer in the expanded state after exposure to a first trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: AGATHE ROBISSON, FRANCOIS M. AUZERAIS, SUDEEP MAHESHWARI, PARTHA GANGULY, S. SHERRY ZHU
  • Patent number: 8561695
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for conducting a fluid and solids production test in a subterranean well. A testing apparatus may be inserted into a wellbore. The apparatus may employ a tubular housing with entry port(s) through the housing. An inner assembly may be positioned within the tubular housing, the inner assembly being configured for connection to the tubular housing. The inner assembly may include a fluid permeable screen and a distal end forming a reservoir that is scaled, or may be adapted to be scaled, for the collection of solids during a well production testing event. Following a testing event, the apparatus may be removed from the wellbore to enable the collected solids to be measured to determine the amount of solids generated by a subterranean formation at actual field flow conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: John Alasdair MacDonald Cameron, Peng L. Ray
  • Patent number: 8550157
    Abstract: In aspects, the disclosure provides an apparatus that may include a member having fluid flow passages and a filter member placed proximate the member with the fluid flow passages, the filter member including an array of three-dimensional elements configured to inhibit flow of solid particles of a selected size when a fluid containing such solid particles flows from the filter member to the member with the fluid flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20130228327
    Abstract: A basket is attached below a retrievable bridge plug used during the pressure testing of a well to verify integrity prior to fracturing operations. After the pressure integrity test above the plug, the plug is released and retrieved and a series of balls of increasing diameter are dropped on increasingly larger ball seats to allow shifting sleeves to an open position from the heel of the well toward the surface to sequentially frac in that direction. If any segments of the sealing element break off they are captured and removed in the basket that has flow through opening small enough to retain the debris and allow flow through the basket during removal. The basket is slotted for through fluid flow and can have a breakaway for the support rod if the basket sticks when the plug is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Matthew L. White, David A. Dolyniuk, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20130220606
    Abstract: An assembly that is usable with a well includes a base pipe, a shroud that is disposed radially outside of the base pipe and tubes. The tubes are disposed radially outside of the base pipe and are radially inside the shroud. The tubes longitudinally extend along the base pipe and radially expand to radially expand the shroud in response to pressurization of the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
  • Patent number: 8511380
    Abstract: Apparatus having a first outer tubular member and a first inner tubular member. The first outer tubular member and the first inner tubular member can define a first space therebetween. The first inner tubular member can have a first internal bore. The apparatus can further include a second outer tubular member and a second inner tubular member. The second outer tubular member and the second inner tubular member can define a second space therebetween. The second inner tubular member can have a second internal bore. A first coupling flowpath can be positioned between the first and second spaces. A second coupling flowpath can be positioned between the first and second internal bores. A selectively closeable flowpath can be positioned between the first coupling flowpath and the second coupling flowpath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thibaut Guignard, Jesus Chavez
  • Publication number: 20130206393
    Abstract: A well screen for use in a subterranean well can include a loose filter media, a sandstone, a square weave mesh material, a foam, and/or a nonmetal mesh material. A method of installing a well screen in a subterranean well can include dispersing a material in a filter media of the well screen, after the well screen has been installed in the well, thereby permitting a fluid to flow through the filter media. A method of constructing a well screen can include positioning a loose filter media in an annular space between a base pipe and a shroud, so that the filter media filters fluid which flows through a wall of the base pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130199782
    Abstract: A technique includes completing a well, including installing a tubing string that includes a screen in the well and installing a fiber-based material outside of the screen. The technique further includes using the well as an injection well, including communicating a fluid into the tubing string to cause an injection flow to be communicated in a fluid flow path from an interior of the tubing string, through the screen and into a formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Konstantin Viktorovich Vidma, Mohan K. R. Panga, Balkrishna Gadiyar, Alexander Alexandrovich Burukhin, Ivan Sergeyevich Glaznev, Raymond J. Tibbles, Michael J. Fuller
  • Patent number: 8499827
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (170) is operably positionable within a wellbore (48). The sand control screen assembly (170) includes a base pipe (172) having at least one opening (176) and an internal flow path (174). A swellable material layer (182) is disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (172). A fluid collection subassembly (184) and a sensor (192) are disposed exteriorly of the swellable material layer (182). The fluid collection subassembly (184) is in fluid communication with the internal flow path (174). A filter medium (188) is disposed in a fluid path between the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (170) and the internal flow path (174). In response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (182) causes at least a portion of the fluid collection subassembly (184) and the sensor (192) to be displaced toward a surface of the wellbore (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Kim Vance Thornton, Carl Bismark Ferguson, Floyd Randolph Simonds, Tommy Frank Grigsby, William Mark Richards, Luke William Holderman
  • Patent number: 8496053
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing erosion of a cable for use in a wellbore is described herein. The cable has one or more optical fibers adapted to monitor and/or control a condition in the wellbore. The cable includes a layer of elastomeric material at least partially located on an outer surface of the cable. The elastomeric material is adapted to absorb energy due to the impact of particles in production fluid or wellbore fluid against the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Francis X. Bostick, III
  • Patent number: 8490697
    Abstract: A technique enables an efficient, dependable approach to gravel packing lateral wellbores. The technique employs alternate path gravel placement technology which includes alternate path equipment deployed along a gravel pack screen positioned in an open hole lateral wellbore disposed above a lower lateral wellbore. A crossover system is positioned in the lateral wellbore, and the alternate path is provided by connecting a shunt tube or other appropriate alternate path equipment to the crossover system. A flow of gravel slurry is directed along an exterior of the gravel pack screen through the alternate path equipment to enable uniform distribution of the gravel pack along the gravel pack screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jose F. Garcia, Ian Mickelburgh, Jeremie Fould, Steve Bissonnette
  • Patent number: 8485225
    Abstract: A flow control screen having a flow path between the interior of a base pipe and a filter medium. A valve assembly, including a valve plug, a ball retainer, and a piston body with a collet assembly is disposed within the flow path in an opening of a housing disposed about the base pipe. The collet assembly is radially outwardly constrained by a radially reduced section of the opening in a first position preventing entry of the valve plug therein and radially outwardly unconstrained by the radially reduced section in a second position. Reverse flow is initially prevented as internal differential pressure seats the valve plug on a seat of the opening and causes the piston body to shift to the second position upon reaching a predetermined threshold. Thereafter, external differential pressure causes the valve plug to enter the piston body and contact the ball retainer, thereby allowing reverse flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Veit
  • Patent number: 8479810
    Abstract: Downhole apparatus comprises a base pipe and a plurality of non-concentric pressure deformable chambers mounted externally on the pipe. The chambers may be inflated to increase the diameter of the apparatus and engage and support a surrounding bore wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Paul David Metcalfe
  • Patent number: 8474535
    Abstract: A well screen inflow control device with check valve flow controls. A well screen assembly includes a filter portion and a flow control device which varies a resistance to flow of fluid in response to a change in velocity of the fluid. Another well screen assembly includes a filter portion and a flow resistance device which decreases a resistance to flow of fluid in response to a predetermined stimulus applied from a remote location. Yet another well screen assembly includes a filter portion and a valve including an actuator having a piston which displaces in response to a pressure differential to thereby selectively permit and prevent flow of fluid through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Richards, John C. Gano
  • Patent number: 8474526
    Abstract: The present invention provides a screen for a well that utilizes a partial screen wrapping used to advantage with side conduits (e.g., alternate flowpaths), control lines, intelligent completions devices, and the like. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schulmberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Bixenman, Craig D. Johnson, Jake A. Danos, Matthew R. Hackworth
  • Publication number: 20130161024
    Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system (100). The downhole fluid flow control system (100) includes a flow control component (122) having an internal flow path (134) and a temporary sealing substance (136) disposed within the internal flow path (134). During installation of the downhole fluid flow control system (100) in a well, the temporary sealing substance (136) prevents fluid flow through the flow control component (122), which prevents plugging or clogging of the internal flow path (134). After installation, the temporary sealing substance (136) degrades when exposed to a water source in the well, which enables fluid flow through the flow control component (122) and thus proper operation of the fluid flow control system (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Greci
  • Publication number: 20130153246
    Abstract: Wellbore devices for use in filtration, wellbore isolation, production control, lifecycle management and wellbore construction may include at least a first and a second shape-memory material each having an altered geometric position and each an original geometric position. Each shape-memory material may be held in the altered geometric run-in position at a temperature below glass transition temperature (Tg), where the Tgs and/or the respective slope changes of the first and second shape-memory materials are different. Optionally the shape-memory materials may be crosslinked polymers where the crosslinked polymers have different crosslinking ratios from one another. Once the wellbore device is in place downhole and the first and second shape-memory materials are subjected to temperatures above their Tgs, the materials will deploy to recovered geometric positions at or near their original geometric positions to perform their filtration, isolation, control or other function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Baker Hughes Incorporated
  • Patent number: 8439108
    Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells, Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Claude E. Cooke, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130112400
    Abstract: A wellbore screen including: an apertured base pipe; an intermediate filtering layer including a plurality of metal fibers wrapped helically around the apertured base pipe and a fluid tracing filament wrapped helically about the apertured base pipe, the fluid tracing filament including a filament structure and a tracer carried by the filament structure, the tracer being entrainable in produced fluids in a wellbore environment; and an outer apertured shell over the intermediate layer. A method for producing a wellbore screen, the method comprising: forming a filter tube by wrapping an intermediate layer, including a metal wool fiber strip and a fluid tracing filament, about an apertured base pipe in a helical arrangement under tension; positioning the filter tube within the long bore of an outer apertured sleeve; and securing the outer apertured sleeve and the filter tube together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: RESMAN AS, ABSOLUTE COMPLETION TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: ABSOLUTE COMPLETION TECHNOLOGIES LTD., RESMAN AS
  • Publication number: 20130105145
    Abstract: A wellbore assembly comprises a tubular member adapted to be connected to other tubular members, the tubular member having a side wall defining a hollow interior and an array of openings therethrough to permit material into the interior. A screening element extends about the tubular member over the array of openings to control the material that reaches the array of openings. A stress relieving arrangement associated with the screening element permits relative movement between the screening element and the tubular member to absorb stress build-up within the screening element whether due to mechanical or temperature induced forces that would tend to distortion the screening elements. In a preferred arrangement, the wellbore assembly serves to maintain solids control in production wells while accommodating stresses and strains that occur within the tubular members in those wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Subodh Gupta, Simon Gittins
  • Patent number: 8430174
    Abstract: A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include an elongated passageway and a plug which prevents fluid communication through the passageway for a predetermined period of time. The plug can including an anhydrous boron compound, whereby the predetermined period of time is determined by a length of the anhydrous boron compound. A method of operating a well tool in conjunction with a subterranean well can include exposing an anhydrous boron compound to an aqueous fluid, with the anhydrous boron compound being included in a plug which prevents fluid communication through a passageway of the well tool. The well tool can be operated in response to fluid communication being permitted through the passageway a predetermined period of time after the exposing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke W. Holderman, Jean-Marc Lopez
  • Patent number: 8430158
    Abstract: A screen jacket assembly for positioning around a base pipe (102) to form a sand control screen (100). The screen jacket assembly includes a screen jacket (112) formed from a plurality of circumferentially distributed axially extending ribs (114) and a screen wire (116) wrapped therearound. A pair of oppositely disposed connector rings (118, 126) is at least partially positionable around the first and second ends, respectively, of the screen jacket (112). The connector rings (118, 126) each have a plurality of openings (120, 128) in a sidewall portion thereof that are circumferentially alignable with at least a portion of the ribs (114) such that the connector rings (118, 126) are integrally connectable with the aligned ribs (114) via the openings (120, 128).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke William Holderman, Jean-Marc Lopez
  • Patent number: 8424609
    Abstract: In one aspect, a passive flow control device for controlling flow of a fluid is provided, which device in one configuration include a longitudinal member configured to receive fluid radially along a selected length of the longitudinal member, the longitudinal member including flow restrictions configured to cause a pressure drop across the radial direction of the longitudinal member. In another aspect, a method of completing a wellbore is provided, which method in one embodiment may include providing a flow control device that includes a tubular with a first set of fluid flow passages and at least one member with a second set of fluid passages placed outside the tubular, wherein the first and second set of passages are offset along a longitudinal direction and the member is configured to receive a fluid along the radial direction; placing the flow control device at a selected location a wellbore; and allowing a fluid flow between the formation and the flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Darin H. Duphorne, Eddie G. Bowen