With Indicating, Testing, Measuring Or Locating Patents (Class 166/250.01)
  • Publication number: 20140238667
    Abstract: Fluid analysis measurements may be performed during withdrawal of a downhole tool to the surface. Fluid may be collected within a fluid analysis system of the downhole tool and the collected fluid may be exposed to the wellbore pressure during withdrawal of the downhole tool. Measurements for the collected fluid, such as optical density, the gas oil ratio, fluid density, fluid viscosity, fluorescence, temperature, and pressure, among other, may be recorded continuously or at intervals as the downhole tool is brought to the surface. The measurements may be employed to determine properties of the collected fluid, such as the saturation pressure and the asphaltene onset pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140238668
    Abstract: A drilling procedure is operated such that a formation around the wellbore being drilled is fractured and then reservoir fluids from a hydrocarbon reservoir contained in the formation are flowed into the wellbore where the flow of the reservoir fluids is tested. Production predictions for the wellbore are processed from the measurements made on the flow of reservoir fluids and decisions regarding further drilling operations are made based upon the reservoir fluid measurements. By testing reservoir fluids prior to completing the wellbore, drilling operations such as, for example, continuing to drill the wellbore may be made without tripping the drillstring from the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Simon Bittleston, Ashley Bernard Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140238665
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing stable lightweight cement slurry in a continuous manner for downhole injection comprising the steps of manufacturing a foamed gas having desired density ranging from about 2.15 to about 2.35 lb/cubic ft. and utilizing foam stabilizing nonionic surfactant. And, an apparatus for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Charles D. Welker
  • Patent number: 8813869
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for measuring and analyzing refracted acoustic energy. A plurality of receivers mounted are on a downhole tool, and are arranged and adapted to receive refracted acoustic energy from a downhole formation. Measurements of refracted acoustic energy is analyzed such that information relating to an azimuthal direction relative to the downhole tool of an interface within the downhole formation can be estimated. The receivers can be mounted on a drill collar as part of a LWD tool and steering of the drilling trajectory can be based in part on the estimated formation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas Bennett, Jakob Brandt Utne Haldorsen, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Nobuyasu Hirabayasbi, Takeshi Endo, Richard Timothy Coates
  • Publication number: 20140231074
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining downhole fluid parameters are disclosed herein. An example method includes deploying a downhole apparatus into a wellbore. The downhole apparatus includes a sensor including a heater and a temperature sensor. The example method also includes sending a signal to a downhole apparatus by changing a velocity of a fluid traversing the wellbore. The example method also includes detecting a change in the velocity of the fluid with the sensor and operating the downhole apparatus based on the change in velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Abdur Rahman Adil, Elena Borisova, Tullio Moscato
  • Publication number: 20140231071
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of positive indication of the proper actuation of a downhole tool. One system includes a work string providing a flow path therein, a downhole tool coupled to the work string and having a body fluidly coupled to the flow path, an indicator chamber defined in the body and configured to retain a substance therein until the downhole tool is actuated, whereupon the indicator chamber becomes exposed and the substance is released into the flow path, and an optical computing device in optical communication with the flow path and configured to detect a characteristic of the substance in the flow path and communicate a signal when the characteristic is detected, the signal being indicative that the downhole tool has been actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary W. Walton, Michael L. Fripp
  • Publication number: 20140231076
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to cut a control line and/or to run a control line on a rig may include a movable cutting apparatus to cut a control line, a load transfer member to engage a control line, a load measuring device to measure a load imparted to a load transfer member, and a drive member to engage and drive a control line. The apparatuses and methods may be used with a control line positioning apparatus, a pipe engaging apparatus, and/or may be used by themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: FRANK'S CASING CREW AND RENTAL TOOLS, INC.
    Inventor: Dougal Hugo Brown
  • Publication number: 20140231075
    Abstract: A blowout preventer unit, system and method for monitoring a blowout preventer at a wellsite is provided. The blowout preventer is activatable form a seal to prevent leakage of the fluid produced from subsurface formations. The blowout preventer unit includes wellsite databases, at least one control unit and blowout preventer outputs. The wellsite databases are operatively connectable to the wellsite to receive wellsite data therefrom, and have communication links therebetween. The control unit is operatively connectable to the wellsite databases to selectively divert the wellsite data therebetween via the communication links. The at least one control unit includes a processor to determine blowout preventer parameters from the diverted wellsite data. The blowout preventer outputs are operatively coupled to the wellsite databases, and are accessible by users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank B. Springett, Clayton J. Simmons, James D. Brugman
  • Publication number: 20140231073
    Abstract: Apparatus and corresponding method for remotely communicating with a device in a wellbore, comprising: an oilfield tubular handling apparatus (200); partial toroidal coil sections (304) integrated with the oilfield tubular handling apparatus, wherein the partial toroidal coil sections form a toroidal coil upon a tubular member (102) with the handling apparatus; and a microcontroller for communicating with the device via at least one of signals transmitted or received through the tubular member using the toroidal coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Sorin Gabriel Teodorescu, Hallvard Svadberg Hatloy, Tarald Gudmestad, Lev Ring
  • Publication number: 20140224481
    Abstract: In a method and device for supplying at least one electrical consumer (10) of a drill pipe with an operating voltage, at least one electrical component (10, 11, 15) on pipe rods (6) of the drill pipe is tested for defects with a test voltage that is smaller than the operating voltage before the operating voltage is applied, and the operating voltage can only be applied when no defects are present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Advanced Drilling Solutions GMBH
    Inventors: Anton SCHEIBELMASSER, Bouchra LAMIK-THONHAUSER, Franz Michael FASCH, Johann JUD
  • Publication number: 20140224482
    Abstract: A downhole tool is conveyed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, and then utilized to obtain measurements at multiple different depths of investigation within the subterranean formation relative to the wellbore. The obtained measurements are then compared to assess mobility of oil within the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Thomas Grayson, James Lee Hemingway
  • Patent number: 8800665
    Abstract: A structural health monitoring system for a marine composite riser string is provided. Each riser pipe section includes a cylindrical form having an axis and also a carbon epoxy matrix. A sensor is associated with (e.g., embedded in) and substantially circumscribes the riser pipe section. The sensor includes a PolyVinyliDene Fluoride laminate and electrodes (e.g., conductive silver ink coating) so that the sensor generates electricity at the electrodes responsive to mechanical stresses and strains of the riser section, including vibrations. The system can also include a data acquisition system and digital signal analyzer to analyze signals responsive to the generated electricity at the electrodes of sensors and to provide health monitoring and damage detection for the marine riser pipe string, including impact damage and fatigue crack initiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Ashutosh Chandrashekhar Phadke
  • Patent number: 8800662
    Abstract: A subsea test tree control system provides operational control and power to subsea test tree equipment located within a subsea riser without an in riser umbilical to supply additional power to the subsea test tree control system. The subsea test tree control system includes a subsea horizontal subsea tree landed on a subsea wellhead, and a subsea control module communicatively coupled to the horizontal subsea tree. A subsea test tree stack is landed through the riser in the horizontal subsea tree. A subsea control module communication line extends through the horizontal subsea tree to terminate at a bore of the horizontal subsea tree proximate to the tubing hanger, and a riser string communication line communicatively couples to the subsea control module communication line to provide operational power and control the subsea test tree stack. Intervention workover control system umbilicals may bypass the subsea control module and directly connect to the subsea control module communication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Lee Miller
  • Patent number: 8805631
    Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for generating corrected performance data of water flooding of an oil reservoir system based on application of a statistical correction factor methodology (SCF). For example, data related to properties of the oil reservoir system and data related to a water flooding scenario are received. Water flooding performance data is generated based on application of an analytical water flooding performance computation methodology. Based on application of the SCF methodology to the generated water flooding performance data, corrected water flooding performance data is determined, representative of oil recovery by the water flooding of the oil reservoir system. The SCF methodology can also be used to evaluate water production based on parameters such as water-oil ratio and water cut, identify possible analog reservoirs that have similar water production performance, and calculate a Gross Injection Factor to account for water loss in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Khyati Rai, Arnaldo L. Espinel, Ganesh C. Thakur
  • Publication number: 20140216731
    Abstract: A method for conveying logging tools (LT) and obtaining well log data from a wellbore is disclosed. The method includes running a drill string (DS) including a landing sub (LS) disposed near the lower end into a wellbore. A logging tool string (LTS) is inserted into the upper end of the DS bore. A fluid is pumped into the upper end of the DS bore to assist movement of the LTS. As the fluid is pumped behind the LTS, the cable at the surface is spooled out and the fluid pressure is monitored. The landing assembly of the LTS is landed in the LS. A diagnostic test is activated and run to determine proper functioning of the LT. A release mechanism releases the running tool portion of the LTS. The cable is spooled in. The drill pipe string is pulled upward in the wellbore as the LT are recording data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Eugene Cherry, Andrew Albert Hrametz, Nathan James Harder
  • Publication number: 20140216816
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing a wellbore operation includes a drill string having a rigid tubular section formed of a plurality of jointed tubulars and a plurality of valves positioned along the rigid tubular section. Each valve may have a radial valve controlling flow through a wall of the rigid tubular section and a signal relay device configured to convey information-encoded signals. Wellbore operations may be performed by transmitting signals using the signal relay devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Joerg Lehr
  • Patent number: 8794330
    Abstract: A single trip multizone time progressive well treating method and apparatus that provides a means to progressively stimulate individual zones through a cased or open hole well bore. This system allows the operator to use pre-set timing devices to progressively treat each zone up the hole. At each zone the system automatically opens a sliding sleeve and closes a frangible flapper, at a pre-selected point in time. An adjustable preset timing device is installed in each zone to allow preplanned continual frac operations for all zones. The apparatus is present as a “Frac Module” that can consist of three major components, a packer, a timing pressure device, and a sliding sleeve/isolation device. A hydraulic packer may be removed or replaced with a swellable type packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Completion Tool Developments, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg W. Stout
  • Patent number: 8794316
    Abstract: Quantitative refracture diagnostic and fracture-injection/falloff models may be used in methods for oil and gas subsurface formation evaluation techniques. More particularly, such methods may be used to select candidate wells and well candidate layers for stimulation treatments in a subterranean formation. An example of a method for selecting well candidate layers for stimulation treatments in a subterranean formation may comprise the steps of: selecting a candidate well; selecting a reservoir layer to be tested; performing a quantitative refracture-candidate diagnostic test on the reservoir layer; determining at least one reservoir property of the reservoir layer using the quantitative refracture-candidate diagnostic test; and modeling a proposed stimulation treatment using the at least one reservoir property in a reservoir simulation model so as to predict the efficacy of the proposed stimulation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Craig
  • Patent number: 8794318
    Abstract: Subsurface formation evaluation comprising, for example, sealing a portion of a wall of a wellbore penetrating the formation, forming a hole through the sealed portion of the wellbore wall, injecting an injection fluid into the formation through the hole, and determining a saturation of the injection fluid in the formation by measuring a property of the formation proximate the hole while maintaining the sealed portion of the wellbore wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Harrigan, Yves Barriol, Andrei I. Davydychev, Andrew J. Carnegie, Dean M. Homan, Srinand Karuppoor, Yi-Qiao Song, Tim Hopper, Henry N. Bachman, William B. Vandermeer, Anthony L. Collins, Mark A. Fredette
  • Publication number: 20140209300
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product utilize infeasible regions projected onto sets of substantially parallel feasibility planes extending through a subsurface region to perform anti-collision and other types of hazard avoidance analysis. Hazards, e.g., existing well trajectories, that intersect the feasibility planes, as well as any uncertainties associated therewith, may be represented as infeasible regions in the feasibility planes, such that an analysis of the feasibility of a proposed well trajectory may be determined in a computationally efficient manner through a comparison of the locations, within one or more feasibility planes, of the proposed well trajectory and any infeasible regions defined in such feasibility planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: PETER GERHARD TILKE
  • Publication number: 20140209301
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the actuation of down-hole tools are provided. The down-hole tool that may be actuated and controlled using the apparatus and method may include a reamer, an adjustable gauge stabilizer, vertical steerable tools, rotary steerable tools, by-pass valves, packers, whipstocks, down hole valves, latch or release mechanisms and/or anchor mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Bench Tree Group LLC
    Inventors: Pedro R. Segura, Daniel Q. Flores, William F. Trainor
  • Publication number: 20140209299
    Abstract: A snubbing apparatus for a wellhead has a snubbing stack with a upper sealing element and a lower sealing element that seal between the elongate string and the snubbing stack. A string driver carried by the snubbing stack manipulates the elongate string through the upper and lower sealing elements. There is a source of inert liquid connected to the snubbing stack between the upper sealing element and the lower sealing element. A pressure sensor is connected to sense the pressure below the lower sealing element and is connected to provide a pressure signal to the source of inert liquid. The source of inert liquid is configured to pressurize the snubbing stack between the upper sealing element and the lower sealing element in response to the pressure signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Javed Shah
  • Patent number: 8789590
    Abstract: A wellbore y-block junction comprises a first bore channel, a second bore channel, a deflector selectable to a neutral position, to a first bore channel selected position, and to a second bore channel selected position, a radio receiver, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to command the deflector position to one of the neutral position, the first bore channel selected position, or the second bore channel selected position based on an input from the radio receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stacey Blaine Donovan
  • Patent number: 8789585
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coiled tubing unit. The coiled tubing unit may include coiled tubing with a cable disposed within the coiled tubing. Further, the coiled tubing unit may include a spool about which at least a portion of the coiled tubing is wound, an injector header configured to move the coiled tubing, and a cable slack monitoring feature. The cable slack monitoring feature may be configured to detect an accumulation of cable slack in a portion of the coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Larry J. Leising, Frank Espinosa, Michael H. Kenison, Zefer Erkol
  • Patent number: 8789586
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat input into the formation may be controlled to raise the temperature of portion at a selected rate during pyrolysis of hydrocarbons within the formation. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Etuan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140202767
    Abstract: A method for deploying a tubular string into a wellbore includes: injecting fluid through a top drive and flow sub into a top of the tubular string and lowering the tubular string into the wellbore. The flow sub: connects the tubular string top to a quill of the top drive, is in a top injection mode, and has a closed port and an open bore. The method further includes halting injection of the fluid through the top drive and lowering of the tubular string. The method further includes, while injection and lowering are halted: disconnecting the flow sub from the tubular string top; adding one or more tubular joints to the tubular string and connecting the flow sub to a top of the added joints. The method further includes resuming injection of the fluid through the top drive and lowering of the tubular string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy F. Feasey
  • Publication number: 20140202689
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for remote actuation of a downhole tool. One system includes a work string providing a flow path therein, a downhole tool coupled to the work string, at least one actuation device operatively coupled to the downhole tool and configured to act on the downhole tool such that the downhole tool performs a predetermined action, and an optical computing device communicably coupled to the at least one actuation device and configured to detect a characteristic of a substance in the flow path and trigger actuation of the at least actuation device when the characteristic is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary W. Walton, Andy Eis, Matthew Todd Howell, Michael Fripp
  • Patent number: 8783346
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an antenna having a conductive winding, with the antenna disposed about a channel. A characteristic improvement material is disposed between the antenna and the channel. In some embodiments, the characteristic improvement material includes at least one of a negative stiffness material or a negative Poisson's ratio material. Various systems and methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Reza Taherian, Henry N. Bachman
  • Patent number: 8783355
    Abstract: A technique includes inducing a distributed temperature change along a portion of a wellbore and measuring a time varying temperature along the portion of the wellbore due to the induced change. The technique includes determining a distributed flow rate in the portion based at least in part on the measured time varying temperature before the temperature reaches equilibrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Lovell, Valery Shako
  • Publication number: 20140196892
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system comprising a pressure testing valve incorporated within a casing string and comprising a housing comprising one or more ports and an axial flowbore, a sliding sleeve, wherein the sliding sleeve is positioned within the housing and transitional from a first position to a second position through a sliding sleeve stroke, wherein, in the first position, the sliding sleeve blocks a route of fluid communication via the one or more ports and, in the second position the sliding sleeve does not block the route of fluid communication via the one or more ports, wherein the pressure testing valve is configured such that application of a predetermined pressure to the axial flowbore for a predetermined duration causes the sliding sleeve to transition from the first position to the second position, wherein the predetermined duration is at least about one minute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Kendall Lee PACEY, Kevin Thomas BERSCHEIDT, Matthew Todd HOWELL
  • Publication number: 20140196954
    Abstract: A jetting tool includes a tubular housing having: couplings formed at each longitudinal end thereof, and one or more ports formed through a wall thereof and in fluid communication with an upper portion of a bore of the housing. The jetting tool further includes a valve mechanism isolating the housing bore upper portion from a lower portion thereof in a closed position and operable to an open position where the valve mechanism provides fluid communication between the housing bore portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Azfar Mahmood, Khalid Imtiaz, Santosh Bhadran, Mir Mohammed Hussain Shahnawaz
  • Publication number: 20140196891
    Abstract: A self-contained gas impulse apparatus includes a gas impulse unit for generating a plurality of gas blasts when supplied with pressurized gas. A gas supply unit is connected by a gas conduit to the gas impulse unit. The gas supply unit is configured to be remotely activated to supply pressurized gas via the conduit to the gas impulse unit. The self-contained gas impulse apparatus is transportable by a cable to and from a remote location for operation at the remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Flow Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuri ASS, Gennadi Kabishcher
  • Patent number: 8776878
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a downhole parameter includes a downhole tool having a sensor. The sensor includes a pad having insulation, and return(s) positionable in the insulation. The return(s) are adapted to exchange a current with a power source, and a portion of the return(s) may be in a fluid zone. The sensor includes a mud button positionable within the fluid zone and in the insulation a distance from the return(s). The mud button are suitable for exchanging current with the return(s). The mud button and the fluid zone are positioned a distance from the formation such that a majority of the current passing between the return(s) and the mud button passes through the downhole fluid. The current exchanged with the mud button generates a measurement of the downhole fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Bloemenkamp, Andrew Hayman
  • Patent number: 8781747
    Abstract: A method of determining parameters relating to the flow performance of subterranean sources is described using the steps of measuring a total flow rate and pressure at a reference datum for at least two different flow rates, allocating the flow from each of the sources using identified concentrations of characteristic components, and using the total flow rate, pressure and the allocation to determine selective inflow performance relationships for each source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Murtaza Ziauddin
  • Publication number: 20140190685
    Abstract: Downhole tools for use in oil and gas production which degrade into non-toxic materials, a method of making them and methods of using them. A frac ball and a bridge plug comprised of polyglycolic acid which can be used in fracking a well and then left in the well bore to predictably, quickly, and safely disintegrate into environmentally friendly products without needing to be milled out or retrieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Frazier Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: W. Lynn Frazier, Garrett Frazier, Derrick Frazier
  • Publication number: 20140190686
    Abstract: Electrically conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles and methods for producing such electrically conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles from an alumina-containing raw material. Methods for using such electrically conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles in hydraulic fracturing operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Chad Cannan, Lewis Bartel, Terry Palisch, David Aldridge
  • Patent number: 8770283
    Abstract: A method and system for acoustic monitoring using a fiber optic cable. The optical fiber is used as a distributed interferometer that may be used to monitor activity, such as activity with respect to a conduit, wellbore or reservoir. The distributed interferometric monitoring provides for accurate detection of acoustic occurrences along the fiber optic cable and these acoustic occurrences may include fluid flow in a pipeline or wellbore, processes taking place in a wellbore or pipeline, fracturing, gravel packing, production logging and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur H. Hartog, J. Ernest Brown, John Cook, Jonathan James Elphick, Paul Simon Hammond, Ashley Johnson
  • Patent number: 8773278
    Abstract: A downhole electromagnetic telemetry unit for use with a tubing string (5) includes an insulated electrically conductive member (31) and a processing unit (15). The insulated electrically conductive member (31) is electrically coupled to the tubing string (5) at an upper measuring point (23) and a lower measuring point (25). The processing unit (15) is configured to process a voltage difference measured between the upper measuring point (23) and the lower measuring point (25) across the insulated electrically conductive member (31) and to derive therefrom a signal transmitted from a surface location (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Matthe Contant, Yves G. Mathieu, Erwann Lemenager, Juergen Zach
  • Publication number: 20140182843
    Abstract: A process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of a subsurface formation. Heat may transfer from one or more heaters to a part of a formation. In some embodiments, heat from the one or more heat sources may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in a part of a subsurface formation. Hydrocarbons and/or other products may be produced from a subsurface formation. Certain embodiments describe apparatus, methods, and/or processes used in treating a subsurface or hydrocarbon containing formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Harold J. Vinegar
  • Publication number: 20140182842
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an injection substance injected into an injection well penetrating the earth and a method of monitoring an underground reservoir storing a substance introduced through an injection well are described. The methods include disposing a monitoring system in a borehole, both a transmitting and a first receiving portion of the monitoring system being disposed in the borehole. The method of monitoring an injection substance also includes injecting the injection substance into the injection well, and monitoring, using a processor processing the received signal, flow of the injection substance out of the injection well. The method of monitoring an underground reservoir includes injecting the injection substance into the injection well for storage in the underground reservoir, and monitoring, using a processor processing the received signal, boundary conditions surrounding the underground reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sushant M. Dutta, Daniel T. Georgi, Randy Gold, Arcady Reiderman
  • Publication number: 20140182841
    Abstract: Methods of performing a stimulation operation at a wellsite are disclosed. The wellsite is positioned about a subterranean formation having a wellbore therethrough and zones thereabout. The method involves establishing at least one objective for stimulating production of reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation and into the wellbore. The stimulating involves placing a stimulating fluid along the zones of the wellbore. The objective is based on wellsite data. The method also involves identifying at least one constraint for the stimulating, determining target distributions of the stimulation fluid based on the objective(s) and the constraint(s), and selecting operational parameters for the stimulating based on the constraint(s) and the target distributions. The method may also involve stimulating the subterranean formation using the target distributions and the operational parameters, monitoring the wellsite during the stimulating, and adjusting the stimulating based on the monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bruno Lecerf, Pierre Ramondenc, Philippe Michel Jacques Tardy
  • Publication number: 20140182845
    Abstract: Sensor assemblies are deployed in a borehole for a well, such as an oil well or other hydrocarbon recovery well. The sensor assemblies are coupled to a casing string (e.g., the exterior of the casing), and may detect RFID tags or other properties of material (e.g., fluids) in an annulus surrounding the casing string. Limited battery power for the sensor assemblies and for assemblies for communicating sensed data may be a concern, and the sensor assemblies and communication assemblies may therefore operate in different modes of varying power consumption. In certain modes, sensing operations are curtailed (or expanded) depending on particular requirements. In one case, sensor operation is expanded during active portions of a cementing operation, and curtailed prior to and thereafter. Different triggering events may cause the sensor assembly to operate in different modes at different sensing frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Roberson, Scott Goodwin, Krishna M. Ravi, Craig W. Roddy
  • Publication number: 20140182848
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon well (e.g., oil well) may be monitored during to determine whether a fault exists during an operation such as injecting sealant (e.g., cement) into the borehole. RFID tags may be mixed in a wellbore fluid (e.g., drilling mud, cement, etc.), placed into a borehole, and then tracked within the borehole by communication assemblies with RFID sensors. Data may be obtained by interrogating RFID tags in one or more azimuthally oriented regions of an annulus surrounding a casing of the borehole. Fluid distribution in the annulus will be evaluated with respect to azimuthally offset regions of the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark W. Roberson, Scott Goodwin, Craig W. Roddy, Krishna M. Ravi
  • Patent number: 8763693
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a chemical injection management system. The chemical injection management system may include an interface configured to couple the chemical injection management system to a mineral extraction system. In addition, the chemical injection management system may include an ultrasonic flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund Peter McHugh, James Eden White, Donald R. Augenstein, Matthew Mihalcin
  • Patent number: 8766641
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining surface wetting of a rock material with changing well fluids. In general, the methods according to the invention include measuring electrical impedance spectroscopy (“EIS”) for a system simulating downhole conditions for the wetting of a surface. Methods and apparatuses for making EIS measurements model double-layer capacitance at a downhole surface in a well, from which the nature and quantification of the wetting of the surface can be inferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sairam K S Pindiprolu, Dennis Willie Gray, Venkata Gopala Rao Palla
  • Publication number: 20140174726
    Abstract: A technique employs the use of oscillations downhole to facilitate a desired functionality of a downhole tool. According to this technique, a tool is initially conveyed downhole and operated to perform a function that relates to a downhole application. The operational efficiency of the tool is improved by creating oscillating forces which vibrate the tool to achieve a desired result, e.g. freeing the tool from a stuck position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward Harrigan, Jahir Pabon, K. N. Satish Kumar, Sashank Vasireddy, Murat Ocalan, Shunfeng Zheng
  • Publication number: 20140174725
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the subterranean formation of a wellbore is presented. The method includes conveying a downhole tool in a wellbore via a cable, and determining the torque in the cable in real-time. The method further involves conveying the downhole tool on a wireline, and automatically triggering an alert when the torque reaches a certain level. The apparatus includes a cable, a downhole tool attached to the cable for conveyance within the wellbore, and a sensor to measure torque in the cable. The apparatus may also include a telemetry system to communicate the torque data to the surface. The downhole tool includes a sensor to measure the relative torque between the downhole tool and the cable in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nikhil Dalvi, Edward Harrigan
  • Publication number: 20140174731
    Abstract: Make-up speed for a tongs drive system is monitored and controlled to maintain the speed within a limited target range either throughout the make-up process or during the final portion of the make-up process, thereby improving make-up consistency and allowing for improved evaluation or torque during the make-up process. An encoder generates speed and position data during the make-up process. The speed data is compared to a target speed, which is based on rod and/or tongs characteristics. If the speed does not match the target speed or is not within a range of the target speed, a signal is transmitted to the tongs drive to adjust the speed accordingly. Furthermore, position data from the encoder, or other position sensors, provide position data for the rod during the make-up process to limit or vary the speed control parameters during different portions of the make-up process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Steve Conquergood, David Lord
  • Publication number: 20140174728
    Abstract: A system includes a tubular string and a hollow ball. The tubular string is adapted to be deployed downhole in a well and includes a seat. An activation ball adapted to be deployed in the well to lodge in the seat. The ball includes an outer shell that forms a spherical surface. The outer shell forms an enclosed volume therein, and the outer shell is formed from a metallic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tracy Speer, Piro Shkurti, John Chrysostom Wolf
  • Publication number: 20140174727
    Abstract: A wireline apparatus comprises a sheave for accommodating a wireline and a sheave mounting configured for coupling to a wireline stuffing box. The apparatus includes a sensor for measuring at least one of wireline tension and deployed wireline length at the sheave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Jan Arie Aldo Huizer