Leak Testing Or Locating Patents (Class 166/250.08)
  • Patent number: 11674887
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the sealability of an oil & gas well sealant fluid, whereby a cylindrical cell assembly capable of withstanding high temperature and high pressure with an electromagnetic heater positioned radially outside the cell body while partly filled with the sealant fluid. A leakage assembly in connection to the cylindrical cell assembly allows the sealant fluid to continuously flow through a leakage element at a desired differential pressure, and the residual fluid is drained into said cell by a cycling pipeline system. The real-time pressure may be recorded and transmitted to a control system including data acquisition and control units so as to monitor and measure the sealability of fluid in the downhole leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignees: ZHEJIANG OCEAN UNIVERSITY, YANGTZE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Lin Xu, Xiaohe Huang, Yue Huang, Mingbiao Xu, Yingying Guo, Huanzhi Feng, Xijin Xing, Li Xu, Lang Wang
  • Patent number: 11441387
    Abstract: A method of securing a wellbore experiencing upward crossflow includes determining a depth of a leak in a first wellbore casing tubular and identifying a second wellbore casing tubular downhole of the leak depth. From a surface, a well control tool is incrementally lowered into the wellbore until a lower tool string of the well control tool is positioned in mating contact with an end receptacle of the second wellbore casing tubular. The lower tool string is exposed to the upward crossflow during lowering of the well control tool. A unidirectional valve preinstalled inside the lower tool string inhibits movement of the upward crossflow into an upper tool string of the well control tool while permitting kill fluid pumped into the upper tool string from the surface to flow into the wellbore. The unidirectional valve is retrieved to allow additional operations in the wellbore through the lower tool string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Mohamed M. El Nekhily, Ibrahim A. Al-Obaidi
  • Patent number: 11371294
    Abstract: A system including a releasable connector having a housing and a split ring, and a complementary mandrel that is attachable/detachable from the connector, is provided. The mandrel is designed to be received into the housing such that a portion of the mandrel extends out of the housing for connection to a tool. The split ring is disposed in an annular space between the housing and the mandrel when the mandrel is in the housing. The split ring includes at least one set of threads and a detent formed on a radially internal surface, and the mandrel includes complementary threads. The threads on the split ring fully engage the complementary threads on the mandrel when the mandrel is in a particular axial position within the housing. The detent prevents the split ring from collapsing into engagement with the threads on the mandrel until the mandrel is in a desired axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucas E. Brown
  • Patent number: 11236603
    Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations has become more complex and detailed as information increases. Methods for calculating and monitoring reservoir pressures during treatment provide unique opportunities to adjust treatments on the fly. Treatments include acid fracturing, fracture acidizing, acid stimulation, propped acid fracture stimulation, hydraulic fracturing, slick water based hydraulic fracturing, foamed based hydraulic fracturing, foam based acid fracturing, foamed based acid diversion, any other physical particulate and fiber based hydraulic fracturing or matrix treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Vibhas Pandey, Robert C. Burton, Jr., Alexandre Riel
  • Patent number: 11105179
    Abstract: A downhole tester valve disposed below an isolation member in a test string may facilitate a shut-in drill stem test procedure. The positioning of the tester valve allows the tester valve to remain in a static location when the test string above the isolation member expands or contracts. The volume of a wellbore interval below the isolation member may remain constant and pressure readings over the duration of a shut-in DST test period may effectively be monitored. The tester valve is operatively associated with a communication unit that permits selective activation of the tester valve from across the isolation member, and in some example embodiments, an actuator for operating the tester valve is also is also operable to set the isolation member in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Ringgenberg
  • Patent number: 10954766
    Abstract: For each well of the plurality of wells, a plurality of model outputs are generated for the well. A range of productivity is determined for the well by plotting the plurality of model outputs in the form of a probability distribution function, projecting an actual production indicator result for the well onto the probability distribution function, comparing the actual production indicator result and the probability distribution function to identify a well production potential for the well, and determining a quality of the well production potential based on a plurality of categorization rules including a lowest quality category and a highest quality category. All of the wells in the plurality of wells are analyzed to identify wells in the highest quality category based on the determined quality of well production potentials for the plurality of wells for hydraulic refracturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Shahab D. Mohaghegh
  • Patent number: 10844706
    Abstract: An integrated and rigless method of determining the location and the type of damage in casing or tubing of a wellbore that involves recording a thickness profile of the casing or tubing, a temperature log, and a noise log along the depth of the wellbore, followed by locating the damage from the thickness profile, and determining the type of damage from the temperature log and the noise log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: Ali Musa Al-Hussain, M. Enamul Hossain
  • Patent number: 10626717
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and program for predicting shearing by fluid pressure, the system and program capable of predicting shearing information such as the minimum pressure Pcm required for hydraulic shearing, the sufficient pressure Pco for hydraulic shearing, and the optimal shearing direction using input information including the vertical stress ?v, the maximum horizontal stress and the minimum horizontal stress of a rock to which fluid is to be injected, a joint friction angle ?, a reservoir rock density ?r, an injected fluid density, and a coefficient of the sufficient pressure for hydraulic shearing ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Seoul National University R & DB Foundation
    Inventors: Ki-Bok Min, Sehyeok Park, Linmao Xie
  • Patent number: 10577928
    Abstract: A method includes operating a downhole acquisition tool in a wellbore in a geological formation. The wellbore or the geological formation, or both contains a fluid that includes a native reservoir fluid of the geological formation and a contaminant. The method also includes receiving a portion of the fluid into the downhole acquisition tool, measuring a fluid property of the portion of the fluid using the downhole acquisition tool, and using the processor to estimate a fluid property of the native reservoir fluid based on the measured fluid property of the portion of the fluid and a regression model that may predict an asymptote of a growth curve. The asymptote corresponds to the estimated fluid property of the native formation fluid, and the regression model includes a geometric fitting model other than a power-law model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kang Wang, Youxiang Zuo, Ryan Sangjun Lee, Adriaan Gisolf
  • Patent number: 10544639
    Abstract: A device and method of repairing a damaged portion of a seal bore interconnected in a tubing string, where the device can include a chamber, a piston positioned within the chamber, and a filler material contained within the chamber. A force applied to the piston can cause the piston to move within the chamber, which can cause at least a portion of the filler material to be expelled from the chamber, with at least a portion of the expelled filler material filling a recess in the damaged portion of the seal bore, thereby repairing the sealing surface of the seal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramya Sethurathinam, Leo G. Collins
  • Patent number: 10514341
    Abstract: A system and a method may detect underground water or gas leakage. The method may include receiving a first scan of an area including an underground gas pipe at a first polarization, the first scan including first microwave reflections of the area at a wavelength range of 3.8 cm to 1.3 m; receiving additional data, filtering electromagnetic noise from the first scan using the additional data; creating a water roughness map based on typical roughness values of a set of types of water sources and the filtered first scan; identifying one or more water accumulations at one or more locations along the gas pipe using the water roughness map and the filtered first scan and calculating the water content at the one or more locations along the gas pipe based on the identified one or more water accumulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Utilis Israel Ltd.
    Inventor: Lauren Guy
  • Patent number: 10480305
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus configured to communicate with a well test system comprising a plurality of wells in a field, comprising a receiving component configured to receive a well test data from the well test system, a transmitting component configured to transmit an abnormal well test signal indication, at least one processor configured to communicate with the transmitting component and the receiving component, and a memory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the memory comprises instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the diagnostic apparatus to compare the well test data to one or more well test descriptors stored in memory, correlate the well test data to an abnormal well test result selected based at least in part on the comparison with the one or more well test descriptors stored in the memory, and instruct the transmitting component to transmit an abnormal well test signal indication to a recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Amr El-Bakry, Joseph K. Bjerkseth, Niranjan A. Subrahmanya, Peng Xu
  • Patent number: 10392740
    Abstract: A clothes dryer having a drum having an inner surface at least partially defining a treating chamber in combination with a dispensing system that sprays a fabric-condition substance onto an inner surface of the drum for subsequent distribution to the fabric articles. The dispensing system may have a variable delivery system to vary the distribution pattern of the fabric-condition substance into the treating chamber. The flow characteristic of the fabric-conditioning substance may also be varied as it is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Fredrick E. Chernetski, Michael T. Dalton, Karl D. McAllister
  • Patent number: 10316650
    Abstract: A downhole tool for analyzing reservoir fluids includes a mechanism for extracting a fluid sample (e.g., single phase liquid sample) from a wellbore, a sample depressurization module to liberate the gas phase from the extracted fluid sample, and a gas sensor utilized to detect one or more components of the gas phase. In certain embodiments, the downhole tool may be a formation testing tool, and the depressurization module may be a bubble point measurement module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Cyrus Aspi Irani
  • Patent number: 9376896
    Abstract: A method of treating production fluid in a wellbore includes deploying a capillary string into the wellbore. The capillary string has a plurality of injection valves. The method further includes pumping treatment fluid through the capillary string and into the wellbore. The injection valves have a cumulative set pressure greater than or equal to a hydrostatic pressure of the treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Roddie R. Smith
  • Patent number: 9279310
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system and method are disclosed. The wellbore servicing system includes a casing string, a pressure testing valve, and a floating piston assembly. The pressure testing valve includes a housing and a sliding sleeve. The floating piston assembly is slidably disposed between the housing and the sliding sleeve. The sliding sleeve is slidably positioned within the housing and is transitional from a first position to a second position and from the second position to a third position. When the sliding sleeve is in the first or second positions, it blocks fluid communication via ports in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Todd Howell, Kendall Lee Pacey
  • Patent number: 9260930
    Abstract: A wellbore system suitable for conducting pressure testing of wellbore equipment. The system comprises a casing and a pressure testing valve incorporated within the casing. The pressure testing valve further comprises a sleeve positioned within a housing and transitional from a first to a second position, and from the second to a third position. When the sleeve is in the first and second positions, the sleeve blocks a route of fluid communication via one or more housing ports. When the sleeve is in the third position the sleeve does not block fluid communication. The pressure testing valve is configured such that the sleeve transitions from the first position to the second position when a force in the direction of the second position is applied to the sleeve. When in the second position, a reduction of the force in the direction of the second position to the sleeve causes the sleeve to transition to the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Smith, Kendall L. Pacey
  • Patent number: 9260940
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system and method are disclosed. The wellbore servicing system includes a casing string and a pressure testing valve. The pressure testing valve includes a housing, a sliding sleeve, and a deactivatable locking assembly. The housing includes ports and an axial flowbore. The sliding sleeve is positioned within the housing and is transitional between first, second, and third positions. When the sliding sleeve is in the first and second positions, the sliding sleeve blocks fluid communication via the ports. When the sliding sleeve is in the third position, it does not block such fluid communication. Application of a fluid pressure transitions the sliding sleeve from the first to the second position, and a reduction in fluid pressure transitions the sliding sleeve from the second to the third position. When activated, the locking assembly inhibits movement of the sliding sleeve toward the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Todd Howell, Kendall Lee Pacey
  • Publication number: 20150013971
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a throughbore is disclosed for use in a tubular located in a wellbore. The downhole tool has a sealing element configured to seal an annulus between the downhole tool and an inner wall of the tubular; at least one flow path formed in the downhole tool, wherein the flow path is configured to allow fluids in the annulus to flow past the sealing element when the sealing element is in a sealed position; and at least one valve in fluid communication with the flow path and configured to allow the fluids to flow through the flow path in a first direction while preventing the fluids from flowing through the flow path in a second direction. A guard may be installed proximate anchor elements. The guard extends radially beyond an outer diameter of the anchor elements when the anchor elements are in a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Graeme Foubister, Graeme K. Smith, Andrew Thomson, Kannan Devarajan, Andres Fuenmayor
  • Patent number: 8899349
    Abstract: A system and a method may determine formation strength of a well. The system and the method may use pressure measurements and temperature measurements to determine controlled fracture pressures before the uncontrolled fracture pressure is reached. The system and the method may use pressure measurements and temperature measurements to determine closure stresses while drilling and may use the closure stresses with core and log measurements to optimize a hydraulic stimulation program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Rasmus, Vladimir Vaynshteyn, Roberto Suarez-Rivera
  • Patent number: 8899348
    Abstract: A system and method have a choke in fluid communication with a rotating control device. The choke controls flow of drilling mud from the rotating control device to a gas separator during a controlled pressure drilling operation, such as managed pressure drilling (MPD) or underbalanced drilling (UBD). A probe is in fluid communication with the drilling mud between the choke and the gas separator. During operations, the probe evaluates gas in the drilling mud from the well passing from the choke to the gas separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Bruce Henderson, Douglas Law, Michael Brian Grayson, James R. Chopty, David Tonner
  • Publication number: 20140338896
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of determining whether a wellbore sealing operation has been performed correctly, and to wellbore-lining tubing which facilitates the determination of whether a wellbore sealing operation has been performed correctly. The invention has a utility in determining whether cement has been correctly supplied into an annular region defined between an internal wall of a wellbore and an external surface of a wellbore-lining tubing located in the wellbore, or whether a packer has been properly set to seal such an annular region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Intelligent Well Controls Limited
    Inventors: Bruce McGarian, William Brown-Kerr
  • Patent number: 8844626
    Abstract: A method for autonomous testing of traveling valve assembly leakage and standing valve leakage for an oil or gas rod pumped well installation, and for autonomous adjustment of one or more pump operation characteristics based upon the autonomous test results. Traveling valve assembly leakage testing includes autonomous stopping and holding of the polished rod during an upstroke, autonomous determination of a rate of change in the polished rod load, and autonomous determination of a traveling valve leakage factor. Standing valve leakage testing includes autonomous stopping and holding of the polished rod stationary during a down stroke after weight transfer, autonomous determination of a rate of change in the polished rod load, and autonomous determination of a standing valve leakage factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rodmax Oil & Gas, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Krug
  • Publication number: 20140262246
    Abstract: A method for controlling well bore pressure based on model prediction control theory and systems theory, which belongs to the field of well bore pressure control technique, includes: detecting a well bottom pressure, a stand pipe pressure, a casing pressure, an injection flow rate and an outlet flow rate during construction process, and determining the presence of overflow or leakage; if there is no overflow or leakage, then fine-adjusting the wellhead casing pressure according to the slight fluctuations of the well bottom pressure, the stand pipe pressure or the casing pressure, ensuring that the well bottom pressure, the stand pipe pressure or the casing pressure are at a set value; if there is overflow or leakage, then using a well bore multi-phase flow dynamic model to simulate and calculate the overflow or leakage position and starting time of the overflow or leakage, predicting the variation over a future time period of the well bore pressure in the well drilling process, and utilizing an optimization a
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Zhilin Li, Bin Dong, Haifang Sun, Liexiang Han, Runde Xiao, Bo Yang, Gui Tang, Qiulai Xue, Qiang Wei, Guojun Tang, Xing Zuo
  • Patent number: 8807227
    Abstract: An apparatus for pressure-testing a tubular body may be installed in the tubular-body interior. The apparatus comprises an activation-device seat, one or more bypass ports, a J-slot with an indexing pin and a spring. When an activation device, for example a ball, lands in the activation-device seat, fluid communication through the tubular body is blocked, allowing pressurization. During pressurization, the activation-device seat moves downward, causing the spring to compress and the indexing pin in the J-slot to move to the bottom position. Upon depressurization after the test, the activation-device seat moves upward, causing to spring to decompress and the indexing pin the J-slot to move to the top position. Upward movement of the activation-device seat unblocks the bypass ports, thereby reestablishing fluid communication through the tubular body. The tubular body may be drillpipe, casing or coiled tubing that is installed in the borehole of a subterranean well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremie Fould, Joel Rondeau
  • Publication number: 20140190687
    Abstract: A method of treating a subsurface formation includes circulating at least one molten salt through at least one conduit of a conduit-in-conduit heater located in the formation to heat hydrocarbons in the formation to at least a mobilization temperature of the hydrocarbons. At least some of the hydrocarbons are produced from the formation. An electrical resistance of at least one of the conduits of the conduit-in-conduit heater is assessed to assess a presence of a leak in at least one of the conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Scott Vinh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8720551
    Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive technology may provide a leaked fluid detection and response system in one aspect, and in another aspect, an environmental enclosure for at least a component of such leaked fluid detection system. Various embodiments of the leaked fluid detection and response system may provide wireless communication of detected leaks and a PLC that automates response and provides information regarding the presence of a leak. Enclosures may, in various embodiments, comprehensively surround enclosed components, thermally insulate enclosed components, include a leaked fluid capture basin, be aerodynamically streamlined, and/or be vermin-tight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: UR Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Short
  • Publication number: 20140116688
    Abstract: A downhole water detection system configured to detect presence of water in an underground location. The system includes a chemical sensor disposable within a tubular in a borehole; and a first water detection body including a first detectable chemical element surrounded by water soluble glass. Wherein the first water detection body is locatable within a fractured formation wherein the chemical sensor is arranged to sense the first detectable chemical element when formation water dissolves the water soluble glass. Also included is a method of detecting water in a formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Dario Casciaro
  • Publication number: 20140102696
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing operation connection system comprising a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, wherein each of the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit is fluidicly connected to a wellbore servicing equipment component, a primary connection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, and wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluid communication between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, and a housing, generally defining an axial bore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin W. HALLIBURTON
  • Patent number: 8656995
    Abstract: Detecting and correcting unintended fluid flow between subterranean zones. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: injecting a first fluid into a subterranean zone, the injecting by way of a first borehole; making a reading indicative of surface deformation; identifying, based on the reading indicative of surface deformation, a flow path for a second fluid out of the subterranean zone; placing a compound into the flow path, the compound reduces the flow of the second fluid through the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Sweatman, Glenn R. McColpin, Eric J. Davis, Scott D. Marsic, Etienne M. Samson
  • Publication number: 20140027113
    Abstract: A system for pressure testing a component of a well system includes a tubular member extending into a wellbore. The tubular member has a fluid passageway and one or more nodes that are configured to measure fluid pressure. The system also includes a heat exchanger configured to cool a fluid passing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: INTELLISERV, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Marco VEENINGEN
  • Patent number: 8631866
    Abstract: A method of treating a subsurface formation includes circulating at least one molten salt through at least one conduit of a conduit-in-conduit heater located in the formation to heat hydrocarbons in the formation to at least a mobilization temperature of the hydrocarbons. At least some of the hydrocarbons are produced from the formation. An electrical resistance of at least one of the conduits of the conduit-in-conduit heater is assessed to assess a presence of a leak in at least one of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Scott Vinh Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20140000876
    Abstract: The use of a water recycle ratio for controlling at least one Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) parameter in a leaky bitumen reservoir. Further, a process to control a steam injection rate for an individual SAGD well pair, in a leaky bitumen reservoir wherein the process replaces a pressure control for an SAGD steam injection rate with a volume control determined by a Water Recycle Ratio (WRR).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: NEXEN INC.
    Inventors: Peter Yang, Richard Kelso Kerr
  • Patent number: 8616277
    Abstract: A system for measuring a formation parameter, the system including: a formation parameter test device having: a structure capable of segregating a discrete volume including a formation interface surface within a well, and a parameter sensor in operable communication with the volume; a high bandwidth communications system in operable communication with the parameter sensor; and a processing unit in operable communication with the high bandwidth communications system and disposed remotely from the parameter sensor, the processing unit configured to receive parameter data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Oliver Backhaus, John D. Macpherson
  • Publication number: 20130341011
    Abstract: A tubular string testing system for use with a tubular string having a longitudinally extending flow passage can include a valve which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between sections of the flow passage, a bypass passage which provides fluid communication between the sections of the flow passage when the valve is closed, and a filter which filters fluid that flows through the bypass passage. A method of testing a tubular string can include permitting fluid to flow through a bypass passage which connects sections of a flow passage extending longitudinally through the tubular string, a filter filtering the fluid which flows through the bypass passage, a valve of a tubular string testing system preventing flow of the fluid between the sections of the flow passage through the valve, and flow through the bypass passage being prevented in response to a predetermined pressure differential being created across the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul D. RINGGENBERG, Cory L. HUGGINS
  • Publication number: 20130299165
    Abstract: For long-term abandonment and monitoring of well systems, a series of barriers are formed within a formation and within a casing of a well to prevent materials from leaking from the well. Formation barriers are formed within the formation at the location of perforations in the casing and along the annulus. A series of casing barriers and fluid barriers are formed within the casing of the well. One or more sensors are formed within the barriers to monitor the conditions around the barriers over long periods of time. The sensors can be configured to measure the conditions around the one or more barriers during formation of the one or more barriers and over long periods of time after the one or more barriers are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventor: Walter Patrick Crow
  • Patent number: 8579026
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for catching a test fixture released from a shaft of a downhole tool during the uphole calibration and testing of the shaft force generation capability of the tool. The safety apparatus includes a hollow body having a distal end that will partially envelope the test fixture to catch the test fixture once the test fixture is released from the downhole tool. The safety apparatus further includes a proximal end portion that is releasably securable to the body of the tool. A method for testing and calibrating the tool is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Darrell Housden, Kenneth Thomas Black
  • Patent number: 8575945
    Abstract: A subsea line monitoring device includes a diagnostic unit adapted to be deployed, in use, in a subsea location and having a first connector, the diagnostic unit being operable, in use, to output a signal indicative of the integrity of a line or device connected to the first connector. The subsea line monitoring device may be deployed on a long term or permanent basis at the subsea location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Viper Subsea Limited
    Inventor: Neil Douglas
  • Publication number: 20130255940
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using multi-component geophones and/or multi-component geophone arrays to measure flow-induced acoustic energy produced in wellbores are provided. With the use of the multi-component geophones, the measured acoustic energy may be resolved into its directional components. The computed directional energy components may be mathematically compared to numerically highlight ambient flow conditions (e.g., leaks in casing or other conduit, points of fluid entry/exit/restrictions between the casing and the formation). The use of an array of multi-component geophones allows for the use of geophone move-out curves to further identify acoustic energy source locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Rochford, John Arbeau, Jim Rangel
  • Patent number: 8517094
    Abstract: Detecting and correcting unintended fluid flow between subterranean zones. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods that include: injecting a first fluid into a subterranean zone, the injecting by way of a first borehole; making a reading indicative of surface deformation; identifying, based on the surface deformation reading, a flow path for a second fluid out of the subterranean zone; drilling a second borehole that intersects the flow path; and placing a sealing compound into the flow path by way of the second borehole, the sealing compound reduces the flow of the second fluid through the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Sweatman, Glenn R. McColpin, Eric J. Davis, Scott D. Marsic
  • Patent number: 8490719
    Abstract: A method for maintaining pressure in a wellbore during drilling operations includes the steps of providing fluid from a reservoir through a drill string, circulating the fluid from the drill string to an annulus between the drill string and the wellbore, isolating pressure in the annulus, measuring pressure in the annulus, calculating a set point backpressure, applying back pressure to the annulus based on the set point back pressure, diverting fluid from the annulus to a controllable choke, controllably bleeding off pressurized fluid from the annulus, separating solids from the fluid, and directing the fluid back to the reservoir. An apparatus for maintaining pressure in a wellbore during drilling operations includes an adjustable choke for controllably bleeding off pressurized fluid from the wellbore annulus, a backpressure pump for applying a calculated set point backpressure, and a processor for controlling the adjustable choke and backpressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jason Duhe, James May
  • Publication number: 20130160998
    Abstract: Compositions of lost circulation materials are provided that are useful for identifying the location of fluid loss in a wellbore. The compositions include additives which enhance a property of the composition such that they can be detected by an LWD or MWD tool capable of measuring the property when the composition is deployed in a region of loss, and can be distinguished by the LWD or MWD tool from the formation and mud fluid. Methods are also provided for using the composition to detect the location of fluid loss and for controlling the loss of fluid from the wellbore. The methods involve deploying the compositions in loss regions by adding the compositions to drilling mud, and measuring a property of the compositions using an LWD or MWD tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Francois M. Auzerais, Dzevat Omeragic, Slaheddine Kefi, Dean M. Homan, John P. Horkowitz, Benoit Vidick, Dominique Malard, Robert Utter, Andrew Hawthorn
  • Publication number: 20130112406
    Abstract: A methodology for reservoir understanding that performs investigation of asphaltene instability as a function of location in a reservoir of interest. In the preferred embodiment, results derived as part of the investigation of asphaltene instability are used as a workflow decision point for selectively performing additional analysis of reservoir fluids. The additional analysis of reservoir fluids can verify the presence of asphaltene flocculation onset conditions and/or determine the presence and location of phase-separated bitumen in the reservoir of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Oliver C. Mullins, Chengli Dong, Denise Freed, Andrew Pomerantz, Eric Lehne, Dingan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130081806
    Abstract: A tubular string testing system for use with a tubular string having a longitudinally extending flow passage can include a valve which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between sections of the flow passage, a bypass passage which provides fluid communication between the sections of the flow passage when the valve is closed, and a filter which filters fluid that flows through the bypass passage. A method of testing a tubular string can include permitting fluid to flow through a bypass passage which connects sections of a flow passage extending longitudinally through the tubular string, a filter filtering the fluid which flows through the bypass passage, a valve of a tubular string testing system preventing flow of the fluid between the sections of the flow passage through the valve, and flow through the bypass passage being prevented in response to a predetermined pressure differential being created across the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul D. RINGGENBERG, Cory L. HUGGINS
  • Patent number: 8408295
    Abstract: A testing method for connectors usable with oil or natural gas wells using a test part connector and a control component connector. The method uses a test fluid in a test reservoir that is pumped to each connector simultaneously, uses a test part pressure transducer and a control component pressure transducer to create a test response and a control response. The responses are then transmitted as compared results to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Petro Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Levy
  • Patent number: 8397809
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying at least one sensing device in the well and during a leak off test, communicating a signal that is indicative of a measurement that is acquired by the sensing device(s) over a wired infrastructure of a drill string. The technique includes controlling the leak off test based at least in part on the communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin P. Jeffryes
  • Patent number: 8381812
    Abstract: A well head barrier assembly (1, 2, 3) including a termination of an instrument tube (9) installed in a well and a primary pressure barrier (3) for the well pressure comprising a tool (10) arranged for being pushed into a passage (5) in which the instrument tube (9) is arranged. The closing of the passage (5) provides an additional secondary pressure barrier in the well head, thus enabling re-establishment of a double pressure barrier following a breakage of the instrument tube (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Roxar Flow Measurement AS
    Inventors: Per Hassel Sørensen, Gunnar Hviding
  • Patent number: 8336620
    Abstract: A method for determining integrity of annular seals in wellbores. In an embodiment, two wellbores are selected that extend through a common geological formation which is capable of sealing against casing sections located in the wellbores. A pressure test is typically carried out in a first of the wellbores to check that the formation provides an effective seal, and a logging tool is typically run to obtain well log data from which can be derived a characteristic response that is associated with the formation providing an effective annular seal around the casing section in the first wellbore. A logging tool may then be run in the second of the wellbores to obtain a second set of well log data, which are comparable with the characteristic response to determine whether the formation provides an effective annular seal in the second wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Stephen Mark Williams, Truls Carlsen, Kevin Constable
  • Patent number: 8267170
    Abstract: A plurality of first barrier wells are formed in a formation for a first barrier. A substantially constant spacing separates adjacent first barrier wells. The formation is analyzed to determine the principal fracture direction of at least one layer of the formation. An offset distance of second barrier wells relative to first barrier wells is determined based on the principal fracture direction to limit a maximum separation distance between a closest barrier well and a theoretical fracture extending between the first barrier and the second barrier along the principal fracture direction to a distance of less than one half of the spacing that separates adjacent first barrier wells. The second barrier wells are offset from the first barrier wells by a distance that is at least substantially the same as the offset distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Thomas David Fowler, Billy John McKinzie
  • Patent number: 8201625
    Abstract: Methods of generating radial survey images of a borehole and methods of orienting downhole operational tools are disclosed. The disclosed techniques are used to generate a radial survey of the borehole in the form of one or more rose-plots and/or a radial image of the borehole and surrounding area that can be used to properly orient downhole operational tools in the desired direction. The tool string includes, from the top to bottom, a telemetry module, a non-rotating centralizer, a motor module, an imaging sonde used to survey the borehole, a rotating centralizer and a downhole operational tool. The motor module can be used to rotate the imaging sonde to generate the radial survey and then rotate the downhole operational tool to the desired direction based upon a review of the radial survey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: James S. Almaguer