Stacked Annular Sections Patents (Class 166/235)
  • Patent number: 11905786
    Abstract: A method of forming a sand control device comprising: infusing a curable inorganic mixture with a degradable material configured to disintegrate upon exposure to an external stimuli; forming the curable inorganic mixture infused with the degradable material about a tubular; and curing the curable inorganic mixture infused with the degradable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Rostyslav Dolog, Yash Parekh, Juan Carlos Flores Perez, Valery N. Khabashesku, Qusai A. Darugar
  • Patent number: 10920502
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing friction between a casing string and a bore of a subterranean well when moving the casing string within the bore of a subterranean well include a roller bearing assembly. The roller bearing assembly has a bearing body and a plurality of spherical bearings spaced around an outer diameter of the bearing body. The bearing body is sized to be removably attached to an outer diameter of the casing string and to be stationary relative to the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Abdulaziz S. Al-Qasim, Mohammed K. Al-Arfaj, Mohammad Saud Al-Badran, Sunil Kokal
  • Patent number: 10837245
    Abstract: An example liner hanger system includes a casing for lining a wellbore and a collar configured for connection to a part of the casing within the wellbore. The collar has a first shape and a liner hanger has a second shape that is based on the first shape. The liner hanger is configured to fit within, and to be supported by, the collar. The system also includes a screen connected to the liner hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Syed Muhammad Ali, Yassar Kamal Zia
  • Patent number: 10633955
    Abstract: A well screen for use in a subterranean well can include a filter with a nano-particle reinforcement. A method of constructing a well screen can include treating a filter with a nano-particle reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Hoelscher, Aaron J. Bonner
  • Patent number: 10415351
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a separating device for removing solid particles from liquids and/or gases in extraction wells, comprising a) an annular stack (7) of at least three brittle-hard annular discs (8), the upper side (9) of the annular discs (8) having at least three spacers (10), which are distributed uniformly over the circular circumference of the discs and the contact area (11) of which is planar, so that the spacers (10) have planiform contact with the underside of an adjacent annular disc (8), and the annular discs (8) being stacked and fixed in such a way that between the individual discs (8) there is in each case a separating gap (14) for the removal of solid particles, and the axial projection of the annular discs (8) at the inner and the outer circumference being circular, and the brittle-hard material of the annular discs (8) being chosen from oxidic and non-oxidic ceramic materials, mixed ceramics of these materials, ceramic materials with the addition of secondary phases, mixed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Dietrich Lange, Christoph Lesniak, Alexander Krecker
  • Patent number: 10233746
    Abstract: In producing methane a bottom hole assembly the borehole may enlarge due to shifting sands in an unconsolidated formation as the methane is produced. The enlargement of the borehole can be sensed in real time such as by using a fiber optic cable. In response to such information parts of the bottom hole assembly near the washout can be isolated or the bottom hole assembly in the vicinity of the washout can be fortified with inserts from the surface to minimize damage from erosion caused by higher velocities resulting from borehole washouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Michael H. Johnson, Bennett M. Richard, John K. Wakefield
  • Patent number: 10060230
    Abstract: Described herein are gravel pack assemblies capable of performing complete gravel pack jobs when flow restricting devices, such as inflow control devices (“ICD”), are utilized. A gravel pack assembly includes a well screen attached to a flow restricting device and a relief valve. The relief valve is positioned in parallel with the flow restricting device so that the relief valve may provide an alternative path for fluid during dehydration of the gravel pack slurry, thus allowing extra fluid flow through the completion string during the gravel pack operation only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jean Marc Lopez, Stephen M. Greci, Gregory S. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 9816361
    Abstract: A method for completing a wellbore in a subsurface formation includes providing a first base pipe and a second base pipe. Each base pipe comprises a tubular body forming a primary flow path. Each base pipe has transport conduits along an outer diameter for transporting fluids as a secondary flow path. The method also includes connecting the base pipes using a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly has a manifold, and a flow port adjacent the manifold that places the primary flow path in fluid communication with the secondary flow path. The method also includes running the base pipes into the wellbore, and then causing fluid to travel between the primary and secondary flow paths. A sand screen assembly is also provided that allows for control of fluid between primary and secondary flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, Michael T. Hecker, Michael D. Barry
  • Patent number: 9303485
    Abstract: Method for completing a wellbore in a subsurface formation includes providing a sand control device representing one or more joints of sand screens, and a packer assembly along the joints with at least one mechanically-set packer with at least one alternate flow channel therein. Running the packer assembly and connected sand screen into the wellbore, setting a mechanically-set packer into engagement with the surrounding wellbore, injecting gravel slurry into the wellbore to form a gravel pack. An elongated isolation string is run into the sand control device across the packer assembly with valves that serve as an inflow control device. Thereafter, seals are activated around the isolation string and adjacent the packer assembly. A zonal isolation apparatus allows flow control to be provided above and below packer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Hecker, Michael D. Barry, Petrus A. J. Stevens, David A. Howell, Charles S. Yeh, Iain M. Macleod, Lee Mercer, Stephen Reid, Andrew J. Elrick
  • Patent number: 9085951
    Abstract: A subsea connection apparatus to allow connecting a surface blowout preventer stack and riser to a subsea wellhead is disclosed. The subsea connection apparatus uses a single cavity blowout preventer with a set of shearing blind rams. Hydraulically actuated wellhead connectors are secured to the top and bottom of the blowout preventer to allow connection to a subsea wellhead below the subsea connection apparatus and a well head hub profile on the lower end of a riser above the apparatus. A control system can operate both of the hydraulically actuated connectors and the blowout preventer independently. A frangible bore protector is disposed in the bore of the blowout preventer to protect the shearing blind rams from pipe, tools, and fluids being passed through the blowout preventer and can be sheared by the shearing blind rams along with any drill pipe in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Johnnie E. Kotrla, Joe S. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150101804
    Abstract: Fluid flow between screen-pipe annuli of pipe sections in a down-hole well structure is provided by a fluid communication sleeve assembly that may be installed where adjacent pipe sections are connected. A flow ring is provided at each pipe section end, each flow ring providing fluid communication from and to an annulus between a screen and a corresponding base pipe. The fluid communication sleeve assembly includes a screen shield spaced from the adjoining pipes and the pipe joint, the screen shield connected to a flow ring at each screen shield end, and a lock nut at each screen shield end, the lock nut retaining a screen shield end to a corresponding flow ring. A method for providing fluid flow between screen-pipe annuli of pipe is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Delta Screens & Filtration, LLC
    Inventor: Phong Vu
  • Publication number: 20150034301
    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: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    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
  • Patent number: 8893781
    Abstract: Provided herein is a separating device for removing sand and rock particles in the extraction of liquids or gases from wells drilled in rock having a plurality of brittle-hard annular discs stacked one on top of another and axially braced by a supporting structure. The annular discs have at least three spacers uniformly distributed over the circumference on their upper side. The discs are stacked on each other such that the spacers lie one over another and a separating gap with a height of 0.05-1 mm, preferably 0.2-0.5 mm, is present between each of the discs. Similarly, another embodiment of the separating device has a plurality of brittle-hard bush-shaped elements with slits formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: ESK Ceramics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Armin Kayser
  • Patent number: 8844850
    Abstract: A debris reducer for reducing debris within a fluid flow line having a lower screen that is secured within the flow line, the lower screen having a lower screen cage with a lower cutting portion. A debris reducer element is retained within the flow line and is moveably disposed with respect to the lower screen. The debris reducer element has an upper screen cage with an upper cutting portion. The upper and lower screen cages overlap and move the upper and lower cutting portions with respect to each other to reduce debris within fluid flowing through the flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Zhi Yong He
  • Publication number: 20140262260
    Abstract: A sand control device is used for restricting the flow of particles from a subsurface formation into a tubular body within a wellbore during production operations. The sand control device is divided into compartments along its length that provide redundancy for particle filtration. Each compartment first comprises a base pipe. The base pipe defines an elongated tubular body having a permeable section and an impermeable section within each compartment. Each compartment also comprises a first filtering conduit and a second filtering conduit. The filtering conduits comprise filtering media and generally circumscribe the base pipe. The filtering conduits are arranged so that the first filtering conduit is adjacent to the non-permeable section of the base pipe, while the second filtering conduit is adjacent to the permeable section of the base pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Christian S. Mayer, Charles S. Yeh, David A. Howell, Pavlin B. Entchev, Eric R. Grueschow, Ted A. Long, Tracy J. Moffett, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, John S. Sladic, Christopher A. Hall, Stephen McNamee
  • Patent number: 8833447
    Abstract: The invention relates to a separating device for tubular flow-through devices (22) which serve for the extraction of liquids or gases from wells drilled in rock or deep wells, the separating device being suitable for the removal of sand and rock particles and comprising an annular stack (20) of brittle-hard annular disks, the disks (30) being stacked and braced in such a way that a separating gap (37) for the removal of sand and rock particles is present in each case between the individual disks (30), a coupling-on element (18, 19) at one or both ends of the annular stack (20), a clamping device at one or both ends of the annular stack (20), making it possible on the one hand to flexibly brace the brittle-hard disks (30) and on the other hand to variably fasten the annular stack (20) on the tubular flow-through device (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: ESK Ceramics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Siegfried Müssig, Klaus Wahrmann, Stefanie Wildhack, Bernhard Holzmüller, Samuel Joly
  • Patent number: 8662167
    Abstract: A separating device for removing sand and rock particles, and is an integral component of extraction equipment for extraction of liquids or gases from deep wells, having at least one ceramic filter module comprising: an annular stack of annular discs, the upper side of which has at least three elevations uniformly distributed over the circumference of the discs, the discs are stacked such that a separating gap for the removal of sand and rock particles is present between the individual discs, a coupling-on element at the upper end and a coupling-on element at the lower end of the annular stack, a clamping device bracing the annular stack, an outer cage, a coupling element at the upper end and a coupling element at the lower end of the filter module connecting the filter module to further components of the extraction equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: ESK Ceramics GmbH & Co. KG, Maersk Olie Og Gas AS
    Inventors: Stefanie Wildhack, Armin Kayser, Samuel Joly, Siegfried Müssig, Klaus Wahrmann, Fabian Pöhling
  • Patent number: 8622125
    Abstract: An apparatus for allowing fluid flow inside at least one screen and outside a span of pipe disposed in a well bore includes at least one flow path for fluid entering at least one screen. The flow path extends from the screen(s) along the outside of the pipe at least one desired entry inlet into the pipe without at least substantial entry at any point therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Superior Energy Services, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John Weirich, Francisco A. Pineda
  • Publication number: 20140000872
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crown-shaped separation device for separating oil and water in a well. Separator joints are sleeved on a central tube, and a separator is arranged between adjacent separator joints. Settlement cups are sleeved on the central tube, and two adjacent settlement cups are inserted together. A multi-rib separating bowl is embedded in the settlement cup. The settlement cup is crown shape. The bottom of the settlement cup is formed with multiple ribs. An angle is formed between the convex rib of the bottom of the settlement cup and the horizontal line. The top edge of the settlement cup is sawtooth shape corresponding to the shape of the cup bottom. An annular space is formed between the cup base of the settlement cup and the central tube. The central tube corresponding to the annular space is provided with a fluid inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Yan Wang, Demin Wang, Rongjie Zhu, Long Ren, Rong Zhong, Hongyan Wang
  • Patent number: 8522867
    Abstract: Flow control systems and methods for use in hydrocarbon well operations include a tubular and a flow control apparatus. The tubular defines a well annulus and includes an outer member defining a flow conduit. Fluid communication between the well annulus and the flow conduit is provided by permeable portion(s) of the outer member. The flow control apparatus is disposed within the flow conduit and comprises conduit-defining and chamber-defining structural members. The conduit-defining structural member(s) is configured to divide the flow conduit into at least two flow control conduits. The chamber-defining structural member(s) is configured to divide at least one of the at least two flow control conduits into at least two flow control chambers. Each of the flow control chambers has at least one inlet and one outlet, each of which is adapted to allow fluid flow therethrough and to retain particles larger than a predetermined size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, Bruce A. Dale, Scott R. Clingman
  • Publication number: 20130056216
    Abstract: A debris reducer for reducing debris within a fluid flow line having a lower screen that is secured within the flow line, the lower screen having a lower screen cage with a lower cutting portion. A debris reducer element is retained within the flow line and is moveably disposed with respect to the lower screen. The debris reducer element has an upper screen cage with an upper cutting portion. The upper and lower screen cages overlap and move the upper and lower cutting portions with respect to each other to reduce debris within fluid flowing through the flow line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Zhi Yong He
  • Patent number: 8302681
    Abstract: Construction of well screens utilizing pre-formed annular-shaped elements. A well screen includes a filter layer configured to filter fluid flowing through the well screen and a drainage layer which radially supports the filter layer, the drainage layer including multiple individual annular-shaped elements. Another well screen includes a drainage layer configured to support the filter layer, with the drainage layer including at least one cavity molded therein. Another well screen includes a base pipe and a layer made up of multiple individual annular-shaped elements stacked coaxially on the base pipe. A cavity is formed in at least one of the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Floyd R. Simonds, Jean-Marc Lopez, Syed Hamid, Donald G. Kyle, Jason Dykstra
  • Patent number: 8281855
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a shrouded tubular device that includes but is not limited to a tubular member, such as a screen joint; a shroud surrounding at least a portion of the tubular, the shroud is at least a two-piece shroud; and a shim in the annulus between the tubular member and the shroud. By way of example only, the shroud may be located directly radially inward from the joint of two of the shroud pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Langlais, Ezio Toffanin
  • Patent number: 8251138
    Abstract: A well screen assembly includes an elongate base pipe, a shroud layer about the base pipe, and a mesh layer between the shroud layer and the base pipe. A portion of the mesh layer overlaps another position of the mesh layer to form an area of overlap. A spine is positioned proximate substantially an entire length of the area of overlap, and transmits a force from the shroud layer to the mesh layer that compresses and seals the area of overlap against passage of particulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron James Bonner, Jean-Marc Lopez
  • Patent number: 8245789
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an outer tubular (236) and an inner tubular (218) on a well platform by applying a crimping force to the outer tubular (236) when the outer tubular (236) is disposed about the inner tubular (218) and the inner tubular (218) is suspending from the well platform. The apparatus includes a support assembly (244) operably associated with the well platform and a crimping assembly (242) operably associated with the support assembly (244). The crimping assembly (242) is operable to mechanically deform the outer tubular (236) into contact with the inner tubular (218).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke W. Holderman, Stephen Michael Greci, Jean-Marc Lopez
  • Patent number: 8225863
    Abstract: A modular screen system allows connection of screens using couplings that connect the annular space in each module between the screen material and the base pipe. A series of connected screens and couplings feed into a single valve to control the flow through many screens. The valve is preferably located in a coupling and the passages through the coupling or the screen can also accommodate instrumentation to detect, store or transmit well data or flows through the various screen modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Aaron C. Hammer, Nicholas J. Clem, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 8196653
    Abstract: Construction of well screens utilizing pre-formed annular-shaped elements. A well screen includes a filter layer configured to filter fluid flowing through the well screen and a drainage layer which radially supports the filter layer, the drainage layer including multiple individual annular-shaped elements Another well screen includes a drainage layer configured to support the filter layer, with the drainage layer including at least one cavity molded therein. Another well screen includes a base pipe and a layer made up of multiple individual annular-shaped elements stacked coaxially on the base pipe. A cavity is formed in at least one of the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Floyd R. Simonds, Jean-Marc Lopez, Syed Hamid, Donald G. Kyle, Jason Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20120125601
    Abstract: The invention relates to a separating device for tubular flow-through devices (22) which serve for the extraction of liquids or gases from wells drilled in rock or deep wells, the separating device being suitable for the removal of sand and rock particles and comprising an annular stack (20) of brittle-hard annular disks, the disks (30) being stacked and braced in such a way that a separating gap (37) for the removal of sand and rock particles is present in each case between the individual disks (30), a coupling-on element (18, 19) at one or both ends of the annular stack (20), a clamping device at one or both ends of the annular stack (20), making it possible on the one hand to flexibly brace the brittle-hard disks (30) and on the other hand to variably fasten the annular stack (20) on the tubular flow-through device (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicants: MAERSK OLIE OG GAS AS, ESK CERAMICS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Siegfried Müssig, Klaus Wahrmann, Stefanie Wildhack, Bernhard Holzmüller, Samuel Joly
  • Publication number: 20120024520
    Abstract: Construction of well screens utilizing pre-formed annular-shaped elements. A well screen includes a filter layer configured to filter fluid flowing through the well screen and a drainage layer which radially supports the filter layer, the drainage layer including multiple individual annular-shaped elements. Another well screen includes a drainage layer configured to support the filter layer, with the drainage layer including at least one cavity molded therein. Another well screen includes a base pipe and a layer made up of multiple individual annular-shaped elements stacked coaxially on the base pipe. A cavity is formed in at least one of the elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Floyd R. Simonds, Jean-Marc Lopez, Syed Hamid, Donald G. Kyle, Jason Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20120018146
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a separating device for removing sand and rock particles which is suitable as an integral component part of extraction equipment for the extraction of liquids or gases from deep wells, the separating device comprising at least one ceramic filter module (1), the filter module (1) comprising a) an annular stack (6) of brittle-hard annular discs (7), the upper side (16) of which has at least three elevations (8) uniformly distributed over the circular circumference of the discs, the discs (7) being stacked and braced in such a way that a separating gap (9) for the removal of sand and rock particles is present in each case between the individual discs (7), b) a coupling-on element (10) at the upper end and a coupling-on element (11) at the lower end of the annular stack (6), c) a clamping device (14, 15) for the axial bracing of the annular stack (6), d) an outer cage (5) for the mechanical protection of the filter module (1), e) a coupling element (12) at the upper end a
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicants: MÆRSK OLIE OG GAS AS, ESK CERAMICS GMBH & CO.KG
    Inventors: Stefanie Wildhack, Armin Kayser, Samuel Joly, Siegfried Müssig, Klaus Wahrmann, Fabian Pöhling
  • Publication number: 20110315369
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an outer tubular (236) and an inner tubular (218) on a well platform by applying a crimping force to the outer tubular (236) when the outer tubular (236) is disposed about the inner tubular (218) and the inner tubular (218) is suspending from the well platform. The apparatus includes a support assembly (244) operably associated with the well platform and a crimping assembly (242) operably associated with the support assembly (244). The crimping assembly (242) is operable to mechanically deform the outer tubular (236) into contact with the inner tubular (218).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Luke W. Holderman, Stephen Michael Greci, Jean-Marc Lopez
  • Patent number: 8082986
    Abstract: The present invention relates to filtering device which is especially designed for use as a well screen filter. The filtering device comprises a tubular supporting element (12) and two or more tubular segments (14) of a porous filter medium arranged in axial alignment to one another and concentrically and essentially coextensive with the tubular supporting element (12), said tubular supporting element (12) having a tubular wall provided with a plurality of perforations (26, 28, 30) and having a plurality of projections projecting from said tubular wall, said projections supporting the two or more tubular segments in axial alignment with the tubular wall, said tubular segments each having two end portions which are in sealing contact with the tubular supporting element or an end portion of another tubular segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Steffen Heidenreich, Astrid Walch, Martin Bergmann
  • Publication number: 20110220347
    Abstract: According to a first embodiment, the invention relates to a separating device for removing sand and rock particles in the extraction of liquids or gases from wells drilled in rock, comprising a plurality of annular discs of a brittle-hard material stacked one on top of the other and axially braced by means of a supporting structure, the discs having on their upper side at least three spacers uniformly distributed over the circular circumference of the discs, the discs being stacked one on top of the other in such a way that the spacers respectively lie one over the other, and that a separating gap with a height of 0.05-1 mm, preferably 0.2-0.5 mm, is present in each case between the individual discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: ESK CERAMICS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Armin Kayser
  • Patent number: 7987909
    Abstract: Apparatus for allowing fluid flow inside at least one screen and outside a span of pipe disposed in a well bore includes at least one flow path for fluid entering at least one screen. The flow path extends from the screens) along the outside of the pipe to at least one desired entry inlet into the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Superior Engery Services, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Francisco A. Pineda, John Weirich
  • Patent number: 7954546
    Abstract: A screen section is made with variable resistance to flow in the screen material to balance the flow along the screen length. In one variation different discrete zones have screens configured for different percentages of open area while all have the same particle filtration capability. In another variation discrete portions have differing amounts of overlapping screen portions so as to balance flow without affecting the particle size screened. The cross-sectional shape of a wire wrap underlayment for the screen is made closer to trapezoidal to decrease the angle of opening for the incoming flow paths toward the base pipe. In this manner flow resistance is reduced and flow is increased due to reduced turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Namhyo Kim, Yang Xu, Michael H. Johnson, Bennett M. Richard, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 7870898
    Abstract: Flow control systems and methods for use in hydrocarbon well operations include a tubular and a flow control apparatus. The tubular defines a well annulus and includes an outer member defining a flow conduit. Fluid communication between the well annulus and the flow conduit is provided by permeable portion(s) of the outer member. The flow control apparatus is disposed within the flow conduit and comprises conduit-defining and chamber-defining structural members. The conduit-defining structural member(s) is configured to divide the flow conduit into at least two flow control conduits. The chamber-defining structural member(s) is configured to divide at least one of the at least two flow control conduits into at least two flow control chambers. Each of the flow control chambers has at least one inlet and one outlet, each of which is adapted to allow fluid flow therethrough and to retain particles larger than a predetermined size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, Bruce A. Dale, John W. Mohr, Scott R. Clingman
  • Publication number: 20100252250
    Abstract: Construction of well screens utilizing pre-formed annular-shaped elements. A well screen includes a filter layer configured to filter fluid flowing through the well screen and a drainage layer which radially supports the filter layer, the drainage layer including multiple individual annular-shaped elements Another well screen includes a drainage layer configured to support the filter layer, with the drainage layer including at least one cavity molded therein. Another well screen includes a base pipe and a layer made up of multiple individual annular-shaped elements stacked coaxially on the base pipe. A cavity is formed in at least one of the elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Floyd R. Simonds, Jean-Marc Lopez, Syed Hamid, Donald G. Kyle, Jason Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20100224359
    Abstract: A screen section is made with variable resistance to flow in the screen material to balance the flow along the screen length. In one variation different discrete zones have screens configured for different percentages of open area while all have the same particle filtration capability. In another variation discrete portions have differing amounts of overlapping screen portions so as to balance flow without affecting the particle size screened. The cross-sectional shape of a wire wrap underlayment for the screen is made closer to trapezoidal to decrease the angle of opening for the incoming flow paths toward the base pipe. In this manner flow resistance is reduced and flow is increased due to reduced turbulence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Namhyo Kim, Yang Xu, Michael H. Johnson, Bennett M. Richard, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 7650938
    Abstract: A Residential In-well Internal Water Aerator for reducing/eliminating iron, Hydrogen sulfide, and radon gas is a device that hangs within the well casing. Its support is achieved by the well cap. It is capable of degassing hydrogen sulfide and radon gas and precipitation of the iron to become a solid and attaching its self to the interior walls and drip screens of the Residential In-well Internal Water Aerator within the well, thus reducing/eliminating the stained fixtures, bad smell and the risk of radon gas from within the residence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hall, Veta B. Hall
  • Patent number: 7464752
    Abstract: A wellbore apparatus and method suitable for either wellbore completions and production. The completion and production apparatus comprises at least one primary flow joint, the primary flow joint comprising at least one three-dimensional surface defining a body capable of fluid flow with at least one permeable surface, and at least one secondary flow joint, the secondary flow joint comprising at least one three-dimensional surface defining a body capable of fluid flow with at least one permeable surface. The method comprises providing a completion and production apparatus comprising at least one primary flow joint and one secondary flow joint wherein multiple fluid flow paths can be provided. The production completion apparatus may be installed into the wellbore to provide at least two flowpaths in the wellbore during well completion, injection and production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, John W. Mohr, Charles S. Yeh
  • Publication number: 20080289815
    Abstract: A screen assembly that is used with a well includes a base pipe, a screen and ribs. The base pipe has a non-perforated section and has a longitudinal axis. The screen at least partially circumscribes the non-perforated section of the base pipe, and the ribs extend longitudinally in an annular space between the screen and the non-perforated section. A flexible member (e.g., a wire) is wrapped around the ribs. Various other mechanisms may be used instead of the ribs and flexible member in the annular space. In this regard, such annular standoffs such as a corrugated material, a member that has longitudinal channels, and a member formed from a first set of wires that is interwoven with a second set of wires may be used. Alternatively, longitudinal channels may be formed in the outer surface of the base pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terje Moen, Michael D. Langlais, Arthur Dybevik
  • Publication number: 20080142218
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running screen assemblies into the well on a base pipe. Each screen assembly is associated with a different zone of the well to be gravel packed. During gravel packing of the well, the screen assemblies may be selectively configured to contain pressure without running a tool inside the base pipe to form a fluid seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Sidney Jasek
  • Patent number: 7195033
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for accurately determining the position of a sliding or rotational sleeve valve in real time are disclosed. The apparatus comprises fiber optic cable based sensors which are either linearly or circumferentially arrayed in the housing that surrounds the sleeve and which can comprise bare cable or cable having fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). As the sleeve slides or rotates within the housing, the sensors in the arrays are deformed, and this deformation can be correlated to sleeve position by assessing the sensor's reflectivity profiles. Deformation of the sensors is achieved by various mechanical and/or magnetic schemes incorporated into the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Mayeu, Richard M. Wilde, John L. Maida, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7108060
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for fracturing different levels of a completion interval in a well. A workstring lowers a fracturing string which, in turn, is comprised of a base pipe which is blank except for perforated sections spaced along its length. Screen may be provided over said sections to block the flow of sand into the base pipe. An alternate flow path (e.g. shunt tubes) extends along the base pipe and has one or more outlets spaced along its length. A slurry is flowed into the annulus surrounding the fracturing string. As liquid is lost from the slurry, sand from the slurry will form bridges at said perforated sections thereby isolating portions of the annulus. Slurry then flows through the shunts tube(s) and out into the isolated portions to fracture the different levels in the completion interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Lloyd G. Jones
  • Patent number: 6983796
    Abstract: A technique for providing auxiliary conduits in multi-trip completions is disclosed. The technique has particular applicability to liner mounted screens which are to be gravel packed. In the preferred embodiment, a protective shroud is run with the gravel pack screens with the auxiliary conduits disposed in between. The auxiliary conduits terminate in a quick connection at a liner top packer. The gravel packing equipment can optionally be secured in a flow relationship to the auxiliary conduits so as to control the gravel packing operation. Subsequent to the removal of the specialized equipment, the production tubing can be run with an auxiliary conduit or conduits for connection down hole to the auxiliary conduits coming from the liner top packer for a sealing connection. Thereafter, during production various data on the well can be obtained in real time despite the multiple trips necessary to accomplish completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Christian F. Bayne, Benn A. Voll, J. Todd Broome, James R. Zachman, Graeme H. Falconer, Michael W. Norris, Edward J. Zisk, Jr., David A. Bilberry, Steve B. Hodges
  • Patent number: 6896057
    Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement that includes two expandable tubing sections is disclosed. In one embodiment, each of the tubing sections includes a filter screen sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing. On expansion of the tubing sections, the outer tubing provides resistance to radial expansion of the inner tubing in order to ensure that the integrity between the tubing sections is maintained. The filter screen of one of the tubing sections overlaps the filter screen of the other tubing section, and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extends over the overlapping filter screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul David Metcalfe
  • Patent number: 6857475
    Abstract: A wellbore completion includes a plurality of longitudinal gravel pack sections disposed within a well, the gravel pack sections being capable of imposing a predetermined substantially radial flow restriction upon fluid production flowing radially through the gravel pack section. At least one of the gravel pack sections creates a radial flow restriction that is different from the radial flow restriction of at least one other gravel pack section. The gravel pack sections may comprise graded gravel material having an effective permeability within a predetermined range when placed in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Craig David Johnson
  • Patent number: 6830104
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The improved methods basically comprise the steps of placing a sand control screen (e.g., screens, screened pipes, perforated liners, prepacked screens, etc.) and an outer shroud assembly mounted over the sand screen in the wellbore adjacent the zone to be completed, the shroud having perforated and blank (non-perforated) segments with the blank segments corresponding to selected intervals of the wellbore, for example problem zones such as shale streaks or isolated zones where flows are restricted by mechanical seals or packers, and injecting particulate material into the wellbore, whereby gravel packing takes place in the remaining length of the wellbore/shroud annulus without voids. The inner annulus between the shroud and screen provides an alternate flow path for the slurry to bypass the blocked intervals and continue with its placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Michael W. Sanders, Ron Gibson, David Lord, David McMechan
  • Patent number: 6814139
    Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus comprises multiple joints each having substantially the same construction and each having a perforated outer tubular (150, 152) positioned around a sand control screen (154, 156) including a slurry passageway (190, 194) and a production pathway (188, 192) therebetween. First and second transition members (210, 204) are disposed at opposite ends of each joint. When two such joints are connected together, the second transition member (204) of one joint is proximate the first transition member (210) of the next joint such that a fluid traveling from the slurry passageway (190) of one joint to the slurry passageway (194) of the next joint travels from the exterior to the interior of the second transition member (204) of the one joint and from the interior to the exterior of the first transition member (210) of the next joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Hejl, Robert W. Crow
  • Patent number: 6749020
    Abstract: The well screen two step coupled connector and method includes providing a well screen with a then walled tubular pin having a constant diameter channel and three pin sections of successively increasing diameter. The end of the pin has an annular surface and an angled recess is provided between the intermediate and innermost pin sections, while non-inclined external threads are formed on the end and intermediate pin sections. A tubular open ended coupling is provided having a passage divided into two coupling sections by an inwardly projecting divider. Each coupling section is configured to receive the end and intermediate pin sections and includes non-inclined threads to mate with the pin section threads. The coupling includes an angled wall adjacent the divider to provide a seal with the annular angled surface at the end of the pin and an angled projection which fits within and forms a seal with the angled recess in the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Benoit Machine Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick C. Knight