Determining Position Of Object In Well Patents (Class 166/255.1)
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Patent number: 8561696Abstract: A method for placing ball sealers within a well formed within a subterranean formation for sealing holes in a casing of the well is carried out by performing at least one of two operations. The first operation involves providing a tag with at least one ball sealer or a carrier fluid containing the at least one ball sealer to facilitate monitoring of the location of the ball sealer. A tag monitoring device is provided within the well for monitoring the location of the tag. The ball sealer and carrier fluid with the tag are introduced downhole into the well. Information from the monitor device regarding the location of the tag is communicated to a remote monitoring location to the thereby provide an indication of the location of the tag within the well to a surface location. In the second operation a container is provided within the well at a known location downhole within the well. The container contains at least one ball sealer.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Sascha Trummer, Eric Clum, Curtis L. Boney, Jorge E. Lopez de Cardenas, Belgin Baser, Jason Swaren
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Publication number: 20130255939Abstract: Methods and apparatus for actuating a downhole tool in wellbore includes acquiring a CCL data set or log from the wellbore that correlates recorded magnetic signals with measured depth, and selects a location within the wellbore for actuation of a wellbore device. The CCL log is then downloaded into an autonomous tool. The tool is programmed to sense collars as a function of time, thereby providing a second CCL log. The autonomous tool also matches sensed collars with physical signature from the first CCL log and then self-actuates the wellbore device at the selected location based upon a correlation of the first and second CCL logs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventors: Krishnan Kumaran, Niranjan A. Subrahmanya, Pavlin B. Entchev, Randy C. Tolman, Renzo Moises Angeles Boza
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Publication number: 20130255938Abstract: A wellbore servicing apparatus comprising a housing comprising one or more ports, a first sliding sleeve that is movable from a first position to a second position, a second sliding sleeve that is movable from a first position to a second position, a chamber within the housing, and an indicator disposed within the chamber, wherein, when the first sliding sleeve is in the first position, the ports are obstructed and the second sliding sleeve is retained in the first position and, when the first sliding sleeve is in the second position, the ports are unobstructed and the second sliding sleeve is not retained in the first position, and, when the second sliding sleeve is in the first position, the identifier tag is retained within the chamber and, when the second sliding sleeve is in the second position, the indicator is not retained in the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Adam Kent NEER
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Publication number: 20130248174Abstract: A tool assembly is provided that includes an actuatable tool such as a valve or a setting tool. And includes a location device that senses the location of the tool assembly within a tubular body based on a physical signature. The tool assembly also includes an on-board controller configured to send an activation signal to the actuatable tool when the location device has recognized a selected location of the tool based on the physical signature. The actuatable tool, the location device, and the on-board controller are together dimensioned and arranged to be deployed in the wellbore as an autonomous unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: September 26, 2013Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, Randy C. Tolman, Pavlin B. Entchev, Renzo Moises Angeles Boza, Chris E. Shuchart, Eric R. Grueschow, Charles S. Yeh
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Patent number: 8528637Abstract: A method for determining depth in a wellbore uses inertial navigation in conjunction with a database having one or more measured parameters correlated with depth. The measured parameter may be the lengths of stands forming a drill string, prior survey data relating to a naturally occurring feature such as formation lithology, or data relating to a human made feature such as collars in a casing string. The downhole processor may use accelerometer measurements to calculate a measured depth of a BHA and access the database to retrieve a predicted depth that corresponds with one or more sensor measurements (e.g., motion indicating the addition of a stand to a drill string). Thereafter, if the downhole processor determines that the predicted depth is in agreement with the calculated depth, the processor stores the predicted depth and/or associates the predicted depth with directional surveys taken along the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gary J. Cresswell, William J. Befeld, Robert Estes
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Patent number: 8528636Abstract: An orientation measurement system is deployed in a wellbore drilling system having one or more reservoir imaging and characterization tools, directional tools, and/or other known BHA tools in a rotating section. The orientation measurement system includes a processor receiving signals from a rotary position sensor measuring an angular position of the rotating section relative to the non-rotating section and receiving signals from an orientation sensor determining the orientation of the non-rotating section relative to a reference frame such as highside. The processor uses the first and second signals to determine a tool face of the rotating member relative to the highside and periodically and/or continuously transmits the determined tool face along the BHA via a suitable communication link. The determined tool face is used by the BHA tools to synchronize measurements with highside and/or to determine azimuth.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Andrew G. Brooks
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Patent number: 8517096Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore, made of a casing and an annulus with a fluid within, comprises a reel or wound optic fiber line fixed to an object within the casing, and a light transmitter/receiver device that is able to generate a signal through the optic fiber line and to measure a change of said signal. The optic fiber line is (a) on a first position fixed to a reference point linked to the light transmitter/receiver device, and is (b) on a second position unwound from the reel. The light transmitter/receiver device is able to measure the change of said signal when occurring at the second position, and the apparatus has a system able to measure the flow rate of the fluid exiting the annulus at the surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Pierre Vigneaux, Dominique Guillot
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Publication number: 20130213647Abstract: A method comprising mixing a wellbore servicing composition comprising Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in surface wellbore operating equipment at the surface of a wellsite. An interrogator retrieves data regarding a parameter sensed by the MEMS sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130213646Abstract: A bottomhole assembly deployable into a wellbore on coiled tubing and which has at least a casing collar locator, a fluid-delivery apparatus for delivery treatment fluid and a sealing element, typically a packer positioned therebetween, permits delivery of treatment fluid to a plurality of ports formed in casing through either the annulus between the BHA and the casing, through the coiled tubing or through both. Variable volumes of treatment fluid can be delivered as a result of the different volumes of the coiled tubing and the annulus or the combined volume of both. Sleeves used to cover the fracturing ports in the casing to permit selective opening and fracturing therethrough are made shorter than prior art sleeves as a result of the particular arrangement of the BHA and engagement of collars in the casing with the casing collar locator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: KOBOLD SERVICES INC.Inventor: KOBOLD SERVICES INC.
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Publication number: 20130206402Abstract: An actuation dart for actuating a target tool in a tubing string, the actuation dart includes: a body conveyable through the tubing string to reach the target tool; a control module configured to respond to contact with at least one downhole tool in the tubing string to locate the target tool; and an actuation mechanism for actuating the target tool when it is located.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventor: Robert Joe Coon
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Publication number: 20130206401Abstract: An actuation system and method for a downhole tool. The downhole tool includes a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough and a chamber disposed radially-outward from the bore. A valve is disposed within the bore and adapted to move between a first position which prevents fluid flow from the bore to the chamber through a port and a second position which permits the fluid flow from the bore to the chamber through the port. A motor, disposed within the bore, is adapted to move the valve between the first and second positions. An actuatable component of the downhole tool, e.g., a cutter block of an underreamer downhole tool, is movably coupled to the body and adapted to move from a non-actuated state to an actuated state in response to fluid flow through the port into the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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Publication number: 20130199776Abstract: A method for preventing damage to a downhole pump impeller of a downhole pump includes setting a rotatable part of a downhole pump to a selected depth, monitoring the depth of the rotatable part, determining that the depth of the rotatable part has significantly changed, and taking a corrective action to return the depth of the rotatable part to said selected depth in order to prevent damage to an impeller that is liable to be caused by a change in depth of the rotatable part. The downhole pump further has a line shaft, an impeller engaged with the line shaft for pressurizing fluid to be extracted from a well, and monitoring apparatus for monitoring the depth of a distal end of the line shaft in order to prevent damage to the impeller that is liable to be caused by a change in depth of the distal end.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: Ormat Technologies Inc.Inventor: Nadav Amir
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Publication number: 20130186620Abstract: An indicator includes a body configured to be run within a tubular from a first portion to a second portion of the tubular, a sensor disposed at the body configured to detect when a tool run through the tubular has reached the body, and a signal generator configured to send notification that the tool has reached the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Holger Mathiszik
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Publication number: 20130186619Abstract: Apparatus and a method for delivering a rod in a cylinder including propagating a rod in a cylinder along the interior of the cylinder, and introducing a motion in an orientation orthogonal to a length of the rod, wherein the motion comprises multiple motion sources along the length of the rod, and wherein the multiple motion sources comprise a control system that controls at least one of the motion sources. An apparatus and method for delivering a rod in a cylinder including a cylinder comprising a deviated portion, a rod comprising a length within the cylinder, multiple motion sources positioned along the length of the rod, and a control system in communication with at least one of the motion sources, wherein the control system controls the location of frictional contact between the rod and cylinder over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Inventors: NATHAN WICKS, JAHIR PABON, FRANCOIS AUZERAIS, JOHN DAVID ROWATT, SHUNFENG ZHENG, REX BURGOS, ROBIN MALLALIEU, ZHENG RONG XU
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Patent number: 8474530Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the orientation of a structure which includes an orienting sub releasably connected at an outer case. The orienting sub is at a preselected orientation relative to the structure. A change in fluid pressure of a predetermined magnitude of flow rate through the orienting sub will indicate that the structure is at a desired orientation in the well.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, David Szarka, Robert Pipkin
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Publication number: 20130153215Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for improving production of hydrocarbon resources. A method for improving recovery from a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir includes drilling a well comprising a horizontal segment through a reservoir interval and installing a pipe string in the horizontal well segment, wherein the pipe string comprises a plurality of screen assemblies. Each of the plurality of screen assemblies is located and a hole is drilled in the pipe string at a portion of the plurality of screen assemblies. Each hole is drilled at a desired orientation to a radial axis of the drill string.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: George R. Scott, Russell M. Bacon
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Patent number: 8453728Abstract: An apparatus (100) for depth referencing tubular strings in a wellbore. The apparatus (100) includes a depth reference coupling (102) having a profile (112) that is positioned in a first tubular string. The first tubular string has a predetermined length between the depth reference coupling (102) and a predetermined reference point. The apparatus (100) also includes an indicator assembly (118) having a mating profile (128) operable to engage the profile (112) of the depth reference coupling (102) that is positioned in a second tubular string. In operation, the second tubular string is run in the first tubular string until the mating profile (128) of the indicator assembly (118) engages the profile (112) of the depth reference coupling (102), thereby enabling reliable depth referencing of the tubular strings.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Neil Heburn
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Patent number: 8442769Abstract: Various methods are disclosed, comprising obtaining a plurality of raw depth measurements for a wellbore; obtaining survey data about a bottom hole assembly; obtaining depth compensation information; calculating a plurality of compensated depth measurements from the raw depth measurements and the depth compensation information and one or more additional corrections for residual pipe compliance, tide, and rig heave; calculating sag angle and correcting the survey data with the sag angle; determining a high fidelity wellbore trajectory from the compensated depth measurements and the survey data; and then employing the high fidelity wellbore trajectory in various drilling, formation evaluation, and production and reservoir analysis applications. Depth compensation information may comprise at least one of weight on bit, a friction factor, temperature profile, borehole profile, drill string mechanical properties, hookload, and drilling fluid property. The surveys may include both static and continuous surveys.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Wayne J. Phillips, Georgiy Bordakov, Alexander Kostin, Shyam Mehta, Denis Heliot, John C. Rasmus
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Publication number: 20130098606Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is adapted for easy disassembly and reassembly when the pipe slips within the spider are not engaged with the outer surface of the pipe string so that upon disassembly, a control line guide becomes vertically movable. The control line guide is adapted for being controllably elevated to a distance above the rig floor, thereby providing personnel access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated control line guide and above the rig floor for securing control line to the pipe string using a fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon Joseph Bouligny, Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
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Publication number: 20130056202Abstract: Fiber optic enabled casing collar locator systems and methods include a wireline sonde or a coil tubing sonde apparatus configured to be conveyed through a casing string by a fiber optic cable. The sonde includes at least one permanent magnet producing a magnetic field that changes in response to passing a collar in the casing string, a coil that receives at least a portion of the magnetic field and provides an electrical signal in response to the changes in the magnetic field, and a light source that responds to the electrical signal to communicate light along an optical fiber to indicate passing collars.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: John L. Maida, Etienne M. Samson, David P. Sharp
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Publication number: 20130048275Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium and apparatus for delivering a material to a downhole location in a formation is disclosed. A device is operated at a surface location to produce an action at the downhole location related to delivery of the material to the formation. A downhole parameter is measured at the downhole location, wherein the downhole parameter is affected by the operation of the device at the surface location. The downhole parameter is measured using a sensor proximate the downhole location.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Sidney D. Huval, Michael J. Blackman
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Patent number: 8378841Abstract: Identification and tracking of hollow pipes at a site where the hollow pipes are to be stored or interconnected, such as an oil drilling site where the aforesaid hollow pipes are to be connected and the drillstring of pipes is to be inserted into a drilled hole on solid ground or under a deepsea drilling platform is achieved. Each hollow pipe is provided with a low frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to the pipe's outer surface. The RFID tag is operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 1.0 megahertz and may be disposed within a recess in the pipe's outer surface. A tracking system provides communication be the tags and a reader.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Visible Assets, IncInventors: John K. Stevens, M. Jason August, Paul Waterhouse
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Patent number: 8360147Abstract: A location-and-rotation feedback tool that provides accurate feedback of the location and orientation of a well component during running operations in wells. The feedback tool device is adapted to be secured on a tool stem above a running tool and comprises a body, a circumferentially extending groove, and a hole in the groove that vents to the bore of a blowout preventer. The circumferential groove aligns with a fluid line port in the blowout preventer to provide location feedback via a fluid line pressure. The hole aligns with the fluid line port in the blowout preventer to provide rotation feedback via fluid line pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: David L. Ford, Johnny E. Jurena
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Publication number: 20130014942Abstract: A control line space out tool for use in identifying the length of control line required to extend between proximal and distal locations in a wellbore is described, the control line space out tool comprises a body having a locator for locating the tool at a proximal location within a wellbore and a passage though which a control line may pass to extend to a distal location, a grip for locking onto a control line, and an actuator for operating the grip to lock onto the control line to thereby indicate the length of control line required to extend between said locations. A method of determining a length of control line required to extend between proximal and distal locations within a wellbore is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Neal Calder, Michael John Maclurg
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Publication number: 20130008646Abstract: Methods and systems for depth and radial orientation detection are provided. Methods for determining the depth or radial orientation of one or more downhole components include the steps of providing a target mass and a using a detection device for detecting the depth and/or orientation of the target mass. In some cases, the target mass is initially nonradioactive and then, after installing the target mass downhole, it may be irradiated to form a relatively short-lived radioactive target mass, which may then be detected with a radiation detector. In this way, the target mass acts as a depth or radial orientation marker. Where the target mass is situated downhole in a known radial relationship to another downhole component, the radial orientation of the other downhole component may be deduced once the radial orientation of the target mass is determined Advantages include higher accuracies and reduced health, safety, and environmental risks.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventor: Curtis G. Blount
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Patent number: 8342242Abstract: A method comprising placing a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor in a subterranean formation, placing a wellbore composition in the subterranean formation, and using the MEMS sensor to detect a location of the wellbore composition. A method comprising placing a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor in a subterranean formation, placing a wellbore composition in the subterranean formation, and using the MEMS sensor to monitor a condition of the wellbore composition. A method comprising placing one or more Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a subterranean formation, placing a wellbore composition in the subterranean formation, using the one or more MEMS sensors to detect a location of at least a portion of the wellbore composition, and using the one or more MEMS sensors to monitor at least a portion of the wellbore composition.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Ricky L. Covington
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Patent number: 8327934Abstract: A casing annulus is remediated by inserting a hose into a casing annulus, the hose having a nozzle on its lower end. An acoustic signal is directed into the annulus. A sensor in the hose receives the acoustic signal and transmits data from the sensor to the surface. The data represents the acoustic signal arrival time to the sensor, and an analyzer estimates the sensor depth based on the data. The hose is inserted from a reel into a wellhead above the annulus. An electrical transducer mechanically coupled to the hose creates the acoustic signal. The signal is propagated along the hose and transferred to the fluid in the annulus, where it then propagates further into the annulus. The transducer can be installed on a hose roller along which the hose is fed into the wellhead.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Charles E. Jennings
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Publication number: 20120305243Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole inflow control system for controlling an inflow of fluid into a casing from outside the casing, such as from a reservoir or an intermediate casing. The downhole inflow control system comprises a casing having an axial extension and a wall having a wall thickness (t), an inflow control valve having a housing, an axial extension in an axial direction along the housing, and a spring element moving in relation to the housing, thereby controlling the inflow of fluid through the valve from an inlet of the housing to an outlet of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: WELLTEC A/SInventors: Jörgen Hallundbæk, Paul Hazel
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Patent number: 8316937Abstract: A down-hole assembly used to locate an existing window in a main cased well bore and guide equipment through the window and into a lateral well bore after removal of a whip stock. The down-hole assembly includes a running tool with a convex section detachably connected to a concave section of a guide member. The running tool includes a window locator that locates the window. The window locator may contain a selectively reciprocating shear rod operatively associated with a stop/shear block to enable the window locator to locate a plurality of lateral well windows in a main well bore. The guide member includes an inclined or wedge shaped portion for guiding tools or equipment through the window and into the lateral well bore so that remedial work can be carried out.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Knight Information Systems, LLCInventors: Gerald J. Cronley, Timothy T. Torrez
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Publication number: 20120292023Abstract: A method of verifying swelling of a swellable material in a well can include connecting a transmitter to a sensor which senses a parameter indicative of degree of swelling of the swellable material, and conveying a receiver into an interior of a tubular string. The transmitter transmits to the receiver an indication of the degree of swelling of the swellable material. A packer swelling verification system can include a swellable material which swells in a well, and a well tool which is conveyed to the packer in the well. The well tool receives an indication of a degree of swelling of the swellable material. A method of verifying whether a swellable material has swollen in a well can include positioning a conductor proximate the swellable material, whereby the conductor parts in response to swelling of the swellable material, and detecting whether the conductor has parted.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Ronald L. HINKIE, Kurtis W. PRICE, Alf K. SEVRE, Scott F. WENDORF
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Patent number: 8307895Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging objects present in a wellbore is provided. The method and apparatus use a plurality of actuatable members which can be axially displaced to form an image of the object and use an actuatable member displacement sensor to detect the displacement of the actuatable members.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventor: Hans-Jacob Lund
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Patent number: 8297352Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a wellbore composition, flowing the wellbore composition in the wellbore, and determining one or more fluid flow properties or characteristics of the wellbore composition from data provided by the MEMS sensors during the flowing of the wellbore composition. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in at least a portion of a spacer fluid, a sealant composition, or both, pumping the spacer fluid followed by the sealant composition into the wellbore, and determining one or more fluid flow properties or characteristics of the spacer fluid and/or the cement composition from data provided by the MEMS sensors during the pumping of the spacer fluid and sealant composition into the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Krishna M. Ravi, Clovis Bonavides, Gary Frisch
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Patent number: 8291975Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising placing into a wellbore a first wellbore composition comprising a plurality of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors having a first identifier, and determining positions in the wellbore of the MEMS sensors having the first identifiers.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Rick L. Covington, Krishna M. Ravi, Michael Bittar, Gary Frisch, Batakrishna Mandal, Paul Rodney, William Tapie
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Publication number: 20120234534Abstract: A wellhead ball launch detection system includes a detectable ball, and a detector, attachable to a wellhead, having an aperture, configured to detect passage of the detectable ball therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventors: Ronnie D. Hughes, Harold Beeson, Ron Gasch
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Patent number: 8267172Abstract: A method of locating a wellbore feature, comprising delivering a mechanical position determination tool into the wellbore, selectively causing an undulating curvature of the mechanical position determination tool in response to a change in a fluid pressure, moving the mechanical position determination tool along a longitudinal length of the wellbore, and sensing a change in resistance to continued movement of the mechanical position determination tool. A mechanical position location tool for a wellbore, comprising pressure actuated elements configured to cooperate to selectively provide an unactuated state in which the mechanical position location tool lies substantially along a longitudinal axis and the pressure actuated elements further configured to cooperate to selectively lie increasingly deviated from the longitudinal axis in response to a change in pressure applied to the mechanical position location tool.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Michael Bailey, Timothy H. Hunter
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Publication number: 20120193092Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of determining the location of fracturing fluid in a subterranean formation includes providing purpose-designed additives (PDA) in the fracturing fluid. As the fracturing fluid moves through a fracture in the formation, the PDA solidifies and forms a barrier in the path of the fracturing fluid. In response to a pressure increase in the well contacting the barrier, at least one signal is generated and detected to provide information about the fracturing fluid and/or fracture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Qi Qu, C. Vipulanandan, Mark H. Houston
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Patent number: 8225869Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for accurately determining depths of certain structures in downhole strings. Locator tools comprise a shaft and a plurality of locator springs longitudinally mounted on the shaft. The locator springs are biased to expand and are configured to compress to allow the tool to traverse past restrictions in the downhole string. Each locator spring includes a locating pad that allows it to engage with an internal locating notch in the downhole string. The internal locating notch is sized to mate with the locator tool, i.e., to allow the locator springs to engage the internal locating notch. In this way, the depth of internal locating notches may be determined precisely and accurately by sensing engagement of the tool with the internal locating notch. Advantages of certain embodiments include more accurate depth determination, repeatable engagements of the tool, and reduced false engagements.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Logging Services, Inc.Inventors: Dana M. Beard, Parish Triche, Larry Tidwell
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Patent number: 8196656Abstract: A position sensor for well tools. A position sensor includes an indicator portion including a carrier supporting a resistive element and at least one contact, and a support device for supporting the carrier. Another position sensor includes an indicator portion including a slider for displacing at least one contact relative to a resistive element, the slider being displaceable between first and second limits, and an end load mechanism including a biasing device which exerts a biasing force on the slider as the slider approaches at least the first limit. Another position sensor includes an indicator portion including a resistive element and at least one contact which contacts and displaces across the resistive element, a change in position of the contact relative to the resistive element being indicated by a resistance change as the contact displaces across the resistive element.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Welldynamics, Inc.Inventor: Robert Gissler
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Patent number: 8172007Abstract: A system and method for releasing a marker within a wellbore. The system and method includes a sensor that detects movement or a position of the marker within the wellbore. The marker may be released in drilling fluid, for example, and may travel from the surface to the drill bit and return to the surface with cuttings. As an example, the markers are used to determine the flow of cuttings within the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: IntelliServ, LLC.Inventors: Lee Dolman, Louise Bailey, Ashley B. Johnson, Alistair Oag
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Patent number: 8171989Abstract: A system includes a subsea well and a carousel of tools. The carousel of tools is adapted to automatically and selectively deploy the tools in the well to perform an intervention in the well. The flow of fluid in a well is halted, and a tool is deployed from within the well while the fluid is halted. The tool is allowed to free fall while the fluid is halted. The flow is resumed to retrieve the tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Peter A. Goode, Andrew Gould, Alan Christie, Charles E. Vise, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120103603Abstract: A downhole assembly, such as a toe-to-heel gravel pack assembly, has a body with a body passage, outlet ports for slurry, and screens for fluid returns. An inner string deploys in the body to perform the toe-to-heel gravel packing. A telescoping adjustment device allows the inner string to space out properly when deployed to the toe of the assembly. Sealing surfaces of a locating device in the body separate a sealable space and seal against seals on the inner string movably disposed therein. Fluid pumped in the string produces a pressure buildup when the string's port communicates with the sealable space. The pressure buildup indicates that the tool is positioned at a first location in the assembly, and other positions for placement of the tool can then be calculated therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: John P. Broussard, Ronald van Petegem, Christopher Hall, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Brian Ritchey, Rockni Van Clief
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Patent number: 8136584Abstract: A tubing punch and setting tool (TPST), operating on a single run for improved well bore intervention. The tool includes a setting tool for connecting to and setting a reference tool in a tubing string, a punch tool for punching holes in the tubing string wall, and actuation means to trigger the sequencing of the setting tool and the punch tool. The tool can be run on wireline, e-line or coiled tubing and allows a reference tool to be run and set on the same trip as punching holes in the tubing string. The reference tool can be an anchor tool. With the distance known accurately between the anchor tool and the punched holes, a shortened retrofit gas lift straddle can be deployed.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Red Spider Technology LimitedInventors: William Stephen Burnett, Irvine Cardno Brown
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Patent number: 8122954Abstract: A method for determining depth in a wellbore uses inertial navigation in conjunction with a database having one or more measured parameters correlated with depth. The measured parameter may be the lengths of stands forming a drill string, prior survey data relating to a naturally occurring feature such as formation lithology, or data relating to a human made feature such as collars in a casing string. The downhole processor may use accelerometer measurements to calculate a measured depth of a BHA and access the database to retrieve a predicted depth that corresponds with one or more sensor measurements (e.g., motion indicating the addition of a stand to a drill string). Thereafter, if the downhole processor determines that the predicted depth is in agreement with the calculated depth, the processor stores the predicted depth and/or associates the predicted depth with directional surveys taken along the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Robert Estes, Jerry Cerkovnik, Gary J. Cresswell, William J. Befeld
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Patent number: 8109333Abstract: An indicator comprising a band having a first radial dimension; one or more protectors having a greater radial dimension and disposed sufficiently proximate the band to substantially avoid wear of the band during running of the indicator and method.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Chee Kong Yee
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Publication number: 20110308796Abstract: A pipeline instrumentation and control system comprising a first electrically insulated radiating cable for controlled radiation and reception of electromagnetic signaling carried to a second electrically insulated radiating cable wherein first and second electrically insulated radiating cables are axially disposed along a production well pipe and wherein first axially radiating cable comprises a section configured to substantially overlap second radiating cable section and further wherein electrical signals present in first radiating cable section is configured to induce a corresponding signal in said second radiating cable section to facilitate the transfer of electromagnetic radiation therebetween. The present invention provides reliable data communication from any location within the production system and improves reservoir management, well planning and resource exploitation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventors: Brendan Peter Hyland, Mark Volanthen, Andrew Jaffrey, Mark Rhodes
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Patent number: 8079415Abstract: The present invention provides a conveyance tool and a tool string having one or more sensors or cameras for detecting the performance of pre-existing perforations in a cased wellbore, and one or more perforation intervention tools mounted on the tool string and capable of performing remedial actions directed at most one perforation and its nearest neighbors or at a single perforation.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: John Cook
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Patent number: 8074713Abstract: A system and method to log a wellbore, comprising a logging tool adapted to be deployed in a wellbore environment, the logging tool including at least one sensor for taking a measurement of the wellbore environment. The sensor is a fiber optic sensor and the system includes a fiber optic line in optical communication with the sensor. The data measured by the sensor is transmitted through the fiber optic line on a real time basis to the surface, where the data is processed into a real time display. In one embodiment, the fiber optic sensor is a passive sensor not requiring electrical or battery power. In another embodiment, a continuous tube with one end at the earth's surface and the other end in the wellbore is attached to the logging tool and includes the fiber optic line disposed therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Rogerio Ramos, Nigel Leggett
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Publication number: 20110297371Abstract: The present disclosure relates to one or more methods and apparatus to dispose one or more markers within a subterranean formation. The method includes positioning a drill probe assembly in a borehole extending into the subterranean formation, drilling a hole through a sidewall of the borehole with a flexible shaft of the drill probe assembly, the hole penetrating the subterranean formation, and disposing a marker in the hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Nathan Church, Peter Fitzgerald
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Publication number: 20110277998Abstract: An apparatus for setting an anchor in a borehole and milling a window in a side surface of the borehole in a single trip, comprising: a drill string; a mechanically-settable anchor (15) initially forming part of the drill string; a plug member position (16) below the anchor; and a milling assembly (8); wherein: when the drill string reaches a desired depth in the wellbore, the plug member may be activated from the surface, thus setting the plug member in position with respect to the wellbore; the anchor has an activation element which, when contacted in a predetermined manner, sets the anchor; and the plug member has an operation element adapted so that, when the anchor and plug member come into contact with one another in a predetermined orientation, the activation element is operated by the operation element, thus setting the anchor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventor: Bruce McGarian
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Patent number: 8044820Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventors: Philip M Snider, Joseph A Zierolf