Tool Orienting Patents (Class 166/255.2)
  • Patent number: 8789589
    Abstract: A technique facilitates control over the orientation of a bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly comprises an orienting tool having a dual-spline drive which, in turn, comprises a first lead screw portion and a second lead screw portion having threads of a first pitch and a second pitch, respectively. A motor is connected to the dual-spline drive to impart rotational motion with respect to the first threads having the first pitch. A difference in pitch between the first pitch and the second pitch enables the rotational motion imparted by the motor to be converted to a slower, higher torque, output via the second lead screw portion. As a result, the orienting tool is able to provide a selective, high torque, low-speed adjustment to the drilling orientation of the bottom hole assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Joachim Sihler
  • Patent number: 8770285
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for accurately locating wellbore servicing tools within a wellbore. A positioning system includes an elongate housing defining a piston bore with first and second axial ends, a sleeve arranged within the piston bore and having an upset extending radially outward therefrom, one or more lugs arranged within the elongate housing and radially movable when acted upon by the upset, a first biasing device arranged within the piston bore at the second axial end, and at least one RFID tag arranged on the production tubular and configured to communicate with at least one RFID reader arranged on the elongate housing, the at least one RFID reader being configured to deploy the first biasing device upon communicating with the at least one RFID tag, and thereby force the sleeve toward the first axial end and the upset into engagement with the lugs which engage a profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ben Colin McGregor
  • Patent number: 8757262
    Abstract: An apparatus for abrasive jet cutting comprises an abrasive jet perforating tool coupled rotatably to a tubing string and a horizontal indexing tool coupled connectably to the perforating tool. A tubing swivel, an extension tool with protective sleeve, and an anchor may also be used. A method for abrasive jet cutting comprises determining well parameters for a well; assembling, according to the well parameters, the apparatus for abrasive jet perforating; and using the perforating tool to perforate tubular members in the well. A horizontal indexing tool is used to rotate the perforating tool and the perforating tool is used to cut tubular members in the well. An extension tool with a protective sleeve is used to protect the apparatus. A tubing swivel may be used to allow the perforating tool to rotate freely and an anchor may be used to prevent the perforating tool from moving vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: TD Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Dotson
  • Publication number: 20140158351
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: placing a first device at a first location in the wellbore, wherein the first device includes a plurality of circumferentially placed tags at known orientations in the wellbore, conveying a second device in the wellbore, the second device including a sensor that provides signals in response to detecting signals from each of the tags in the first device, determining from the signals from the sensor orientation of the second device in the wellbore. In another aspect the method may include a plurality of axially placed tags on a first device and the sensor on a second device, wherein the sensor provides signals when it passes proximate each of the axially spaced tags and determining from the sensor signals location of the second device relative to the first device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Larry Thomas Palmer
  • Publication number: 20140151037
    Abstract: An orienting tool for use in wells can include a flow control device which controls flow between an interior and an exterior of a body of the tool to thereby transmit a signal indicative of an orientation of the body, the flow control device being outwardly extendable relative to the body. A method of orienting a structure in a well can include transmitting at least one signal from an orienting tool, the signal being indicative of an orientation of the orienting tool, and displacing a housing of the tool outward relative to a generally tubular body of the tool. A well system can include an orienting tool connected to a structure and positioned in a wellbore, the tool including a housing which is outwardly extendable relative to a generally tubular body, the tool being configured to transmit at least one signal indicative of an orientation of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan MORGAN-SMITH, Neil HEPBURN
  • Patent number: 8714245
    Abstract: A technique facilitates control over the orientation of a bottom hole assembly. A planetary gearbox assembly incorporates a sun wheel which cooperates with planet wheels at a plurality of levels along the planetary gear box assembly. The sun wheel and the planet wheels cooperate to convert rotational input to rotational output through an output carrier. Torsional rigidity characteristics of the sun wheel and the output carrier are selected to distribute torque loading across the plurality of levels of the planetary gear box assembly. The distributed forces reduce the potential for component failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Joachim Sihler
  • Patent number: 8689890
    Abstract: A running tool has a stem for connecting to a string of conduit, a body, and a plurality of functional positions selected in response to rotation of the stem relative to the body. A feedback mechanism assembly is connected to the running tool and is operational with rotation of the stem relative to the body. The feedback mechanism assembly increases the torque required to rotate the stem relative to the body when the running tool has reached one of the plurality of its functional positions. The increased torque thereby provides a positive indication that the running tool has reached and is in the desired and proper functional position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Chetan Tulapurkar, Tariq Ansari, Shripad Hegde, Mahesh Bhat, Nicholas Gette
  • Patent number: 8689868
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. The state machine need not return a signal including a unique identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hunting Titan, Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan C. Lerche, James E. Brooks, Jesper Oluf Larsen, Brian Thomsen, Kasper Juul Larsen
  • Patent number: 8651183
    Abstract: The subject matter describes a tactile sensing device comprising an end effector and a control unit. The control unit is capable of receiving tactile information from the at least one end effector. The device enables a user to identify and relatively quickly map the shape and location of unknown surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: Schlumberger Technology Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Julio Guerrero, Steve Dubowsky, Francesco Mazzini, Dan Kettler
  • Publication number: 20140034303
    Abstract: Wellbore rotational indexing devices, methods and systems for indexing a wellbore device downhole. The rotational indexing device has an electronic controller electronically configured to cause a rotary actuator to automatically rotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence. The rotary actuator, the controller and a power source are operatively carried on the body for inserting downhole in the wellbore. When the indexing device is disposed downhole and the rotary actuator is operatively coupled to the wellbore device to be rotated, the indexing device automatically rotates the wellbore device through successive rotational steps according to the predetermined indexing sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SEMJET WELL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Albert Dale JOSEPH, Thomas JENKINS
  • Patent number: 8613315
    Abstract: A complex tool according to the invention comprises a cylindrical housing, a lever centralizer aligning the tool along the well axis and having at least six levers and a fluid flow temperature sensor and inflow temperature indicator located on the tool axis. A fluid phase composition sensors are located on the centralizer levers and distributed along the well bore circumference. An additional fluid phase composition sensor is located on the tool axis. At least one additional fluid flow temperature sensor and at least one additional inflow temperature indicator disposed on each lever and distributed along the well bore circumference and located on the same line with the phase composition sensors parallel to the tool axis. There is an additional upper lever centralizer in the tail part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Valery Vasilievich Shako, Anton Vladimirovich Parshin, Rashid Kamilevich Yarullin, Rim Abdullovich Valiullin
  • Patent number: 8596355
    Abstract: A method for spacing heater wells for an in situ conversion process includes the steps of determining a direction along which thermal energy will travel most efficiently through a subsurface formation, and completing a plurality of heater wells in the subsurface formation, with the heater wells being spaced farther apart in the determined direction than in a direction transverse to the determined direction. In one aspect, the step of determining a direction along which thermal energy will travel most efficiently is performed based upon a review of geological data pertaining to the subsurface formation. The geological data may comprise the direction of least horizontal principal stress in the subsurface formation. Alternatively, the geological data may comprise the direction of bedding in the subsurface formation, the tilt of the subsurface formation relative to the surface topography, the organic carbon content of the kerogen, the initial formation permeability, and other factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Robert D Kaminsky, William A Symington
  • Patent number: 8561697
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Intelligent Tools IP, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis A. Strickland
  • 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: 8528636
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Andrew G. Brooks
  • Patent number: 8474530
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, David Szarka, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8474529
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method to control rotational positioning of continuous concentric tubing that extends from a surface downhole in a subterranean well or bore. In one version, a continuous cylindrical inner tube resides within and is concentric with a cylindrical outer tube. At least one elliptical lobe extends from the continuous inner tube. The invention utilizes diameter restrictions within and attached to the outer concentric tubing so that the elliptical lobe or lobes engage the diameter restrictions. Accordingly, rotation of one tube rotates or orients the other tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Regency Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Doyle Oglesby
  • Patent number: 8443884
    Abstract: A setting tool for setting a well tool in a wellbore includes a setting mechanism which is operative to apply a setting force to set the well tool, and an orientation indicator which indicates an orientation of the setting tool. A method of setting a well tool and engaging an assembly with the well tool includes setting the well tool in a wellbore utilizing a setting tool which includes an orientation indicator, and then engaging the assembly with the well tool, thereby fixing an orientation of the assembly relative to the well tool. A method of azimuthally orienting a whipstock in a wellbore includes setting an anchor in the wellbore, the anchor including an alignment device, and indicating an azimuthal orientation of the alignment device relative to the wellbore. The anchor setting and azimuthal orientation indicating are performed using only a single trip into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Don Leon Crawford
  • Patent number: 8447522
    Abstract: A method for drilling a well, the method including: identifying another well proximate to the well being drilled; collecting spatial information for at least a portion of the another well and the well being drilled; estimating a trajectory for at least a portion of the well being drilled and the another well; estimating an uncertainty in spatial information for each trajectory; estimating a probability of a collision with the another well during the drilling of the well by integrating a probability density function using the uncertainties and the trajectories; and performing the drilling in a manner that limits the probability of collision. A system and another method are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Andrew G. Brooks
  • Patent number: 8408355
    Abstract: A downhole tool for subsurface disposal is provided. The tool comprises an elongated tool body, an enclosure attached to an exterior surface of the tool body. The enclosure comprises at least one transducer disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure, and an electronics board coupled to and disposed adjacent to the at least one transducer. The enclosure also defines an internal cavity, and the internal cavity contains a fluid for insulating the at least one transducer from a downhole environment. The fluid is in direct contact with the at least one transducer and the electronics board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel F. Pabon, Fernando Garcia Osuna, David B. Ayers
  • Patent number: 8365814
    Abstract: A perforating system, comprising a perforating gun with shaped charges, and a pre-detonation orientation apparatus and method. The pre-detonation orientation device comprises an orientation device in communication with the firing means of the perforating gun. Detonation of the shaped charges can be contingent upon the perforating gun orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Freeman L. Hill, Tim W. Sampson, John D. Macpherson
  • Publication number: 20130008646
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventor: Curtis G. Blount
  • Publication number: 20130008650
    Abstract: 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 an electromagnet. In certain embodiments, the target mass is a magneto-disruptive element that is detected with a magnetic flux leakage tool. 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventor: Curtis G. BLOUNT
  • Publication number: 20120325466
    Abstract: A wellbore fluid treatment assembly includes: a tubing string, a fluid port extending through the tubing string wall, the fluid port positioned in a shift gap created by movement of a sliding sleeve valve when opening the fluid port; and a tool for locating the fluid port in the tubing string, the tool including: a body, a locking protrusion encircling a circumference of the body, at least a portion of the locking protrusion having a length measured along the tool's long axis selected to fit into the shift gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventor: DANIEL JON THEMIG
  • Patent number: 8272439
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Intelligent Tools IP, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis A. Strickland
  • Patent number: 8256565
    Abstract: An enclosure for housing a transducer and electronics for disposal on a downhole tool. A transducer is disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure contains a fluid surrounding the transducer. Enclosures also include transducers linked to motor means for selective rotation of the transducers within the enclosure. Enclosures with transducer arrays for phased or targeted signal transmission/detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel F. Pabon, Fernando Garcia Osuna, David B. Ayers
  • Publication number: 20120217009
    Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning tool for determining the position in a casing downhole. The positioning tool has a longitudinal tool axis (A) and comprises a detecting unit (2) comprising a first magnet (4) for generating a magnetic field (14), a first sensor (6) arranged in a first plane and at a first distance from the first magnet, for detecting changes in the magnetic field, and a second (5) sensor arranged in the first plane and at a second distance from the first sensor along (6) the axis, also for detecting changes in the magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Mathias Francke
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120145384
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for use for determining orientation of a measurement tool in a cased borehole. The measurement tool is deployed in a cased section of a borehole. The tool includes a volume containing a reference fluid having a first density, and a marker within the fluid having a different density. The position of the marker within volume containing the reference fluid is senses, and orientation information of the measurement tool is determined based at least in part on combining information relating to the position of the marker with prior recorded data representing orientation measurements made while the section of the borehole was not yet cased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: CHUNG CHANG, HENRI-PIERRE VALERO, JEAN G. SAINT GERMAIN
  • Patent number: 8162051
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Intelligent Tools IP, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis A. Strickland
  • Patent number: 8141635
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for use for determining orientation of a measurement tool in a cased borehole. The measurement tool is deployed in a cased section of a borehole. The tool includes a volume containing a reference fluid having a first density, and a marker within the fluid having a different density. The position of the marker within volume containing the reference fluid is senses, and orientation information of the measurement tool is determined based at least in part on combining information relating to the position of the marker with prior recorded data representing orientation measurements made while the section of the borehole was not yet cased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chung Chang, Henri-Pierre Valero, Jean G. Saint Germain
  • Patent number: 8135541
    Abstract: Wellbore tracking by developing a wellbore deviation survey, including collecting wellbore deformation data using a caliper at each of a plurality of depths within the wellbore, collecting wellbore deviation data using a tiltmeter at ones of the plurality of depths, determining simulated wellbore deformation and deviation data using the oriented wellbore deformation data, and developing a wellbore deviation survey by calibrating the wellbore deviation data based on the oriented wellbore deviation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Davis, Etienne Samson, Craig Jackson, Ralf Krug
  • Publication number: 20110308797
    Abstract: A system for positioning a downhole tool along a pipe string, the system having a series of seating subs inserted along the length of the pipe string wherein each seating sub has a seating aperture disposed around its internal periphery so as to form a bore plug seat of smaller diameter than the diameter of the pipe. The seating apertures are given distinctive diameters that are consecutively arranged along the pipe string length so that the aperture diameters decrease with increasing depth. A drop assembly having an aperture plugging diameter selected to pressure seal a selected aperture includes a bore pressure activated by-pass valve and firing head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Don Umphries, Gabe Williger
  • Patent number: 8074714
    Abstract: A submersible pump assembly may be radially oriented for pumping well fluid in a deviated or horizontal well. The submersible pump assembly has an instrument housing having a longitudinal axis and incorporated onto the pump assembly. An electrical contact is mounted within the housing and an electrical contact probe, moveable relative to the housing and biased upwards toward an upper side of the housing when the pump assembly is inclined, is provided. The housing and the electrical contact are rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the electrical contact probe, such that an electrical circuit is completed when the electrical contact is rotated into engagement with the electrical contact probe, generating a signal from the completed electrical circuit. The electrical contact is at a known circumferential position relative to the fixed reference point, which may be the intake port of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Leslie C. Reid, Ralph M. Loveless
  • Publication number: 20110297372
    Abstract: Downhole orientation sensing with a nuclear spin gyroscope. A method of sensing orientation of an instrument assembly in a subterranean well can include incorporating an atomic comagnetometer and an optical source into the instrument assembly, and installing the instrument assembly in the well. A downhole orientation sensing system for use in conjunction with a subterranean well can include a downhole instrument assembly positioned in the well, the instrument assembly including an atomic comagnetometer and an optical source which transmits light to the atomic comagnetometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: John L. MAIDA, JR., Etienne SAMSON, John LUSCOMBE, Paul RODNEY
  • Patent number: 8061425
    Abstract: A perforating apparatus (240) used to perforate a subterranean well. The perforating apparatus (240) includes a generally tubular gun carrier (106) and a charge holder (242) rotatably mounted within the gun carrier (106). At least one shaped charge (246) is mounted in the charge holder (242) and is operable to perforate the well upon detonation. A dynamically adjustable weight system including a weight tube (250) that is selectively rotatable relative to the charge holder (242) is operable to adjust the center of gravity (120) of the charge holder (242) such that gravity will cause the charge holder (242) to rotate within the gun carrier (106) to position the at least one shaped charge (246) in a desired circumferential direction relative to the well prior to perforating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Hales, Allison E. Novak, John D. Burleson
  • Patent number: 8037934
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. A preferred embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Intelligent Tools IP, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis A. Strickland
  • Patent number: 8028751
    Abstract: A signature element is attached to a downhole cable or other protected equipment and the signal from a signature position detector is used, at least in part, to control the orientation of a directed perforating device or other directional device. Signal emitting sources can include a radioactive material added to an encapsulating composition of a downhole cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Jason Pinto, Stephen R. Thompson, David O. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110186291
    Abstract: Assemblies that can be disposed in a subterranean bore are described. Certain assemblies can be used to orient a second pipe with respect to a first pipe in a bore. A second pipe can be rotationally oriented without breaking one or more control lines that may be associated or included with the second pipe by using a tool that orients the second pipe as the second pipe is moved toward a surface of the bore. In some embodiments, assemblies can be used to orient multiple portions of the second pipe with respect to multiple windows of the first pipe. The first pipe may be a casing string and the second pipe may be a tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Loc Lang, David J. Steele, Dan P. Saurer
  • Patent number: 7980307
    Abstract: An apparatus for finding a pre-existing downhole window includes a body having a deflector ramp and a cavity, and an extendable dog disposed in the cavity, the dog mechanically moveable between a retracted position and an extended position into the pre-existing window. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an axially moveable sleeve disposed adjacent the extendable dog. A downhole window finding apparatus includes a deflector including a window finding assembly, and a running tool removably coupled to the deflector, wherein the window finding assembly includes an extendable member and an axially moveable sleeve retaining the extendable member. In certain embodiments, a fluid flow path extends through the running tool and the deflector to the window finding assembly. In some embodiments, a shear bolt removably couples the running tool to the deflector and includes a fluid passage fluidicly coupling a flow line in the running tool to a flow line in the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Saylor, III
  • Patent number: 7918279
    Abstract: A technique of forming perforations in a wellbore. The formation of perforations is carefully controlled by a perforating device to create a series of sequential perforations in a desired arrangement. The perforating device is lowered to a desired location in the wellbore and then moved incrementally to enable sequential perforations in the desired arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Leising, Robert Michael Ramsey, Howard L. McGill
  • Patent number: 7913806
    Abstract: A measurement package for disposal on an apparatus such as a downhole tool or a tool like device. The measurement package including an enclosure, a first acoustic transducer housed within the enclosure, a second acoustic transducer housed within the enclosure and electronics housed within the enclosure that is in communication with the first and second transducers. Further, an acoustic transmitter and receivers can be disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure. The enclosure can contain attenuative material surrounding the transmitter and receivers, and electronics for controlling the transmitter and receivers and communicating with the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Miguel F. Pabon, Fernando Garcia Osuna, David B. Ayers
  • Publication number: 20110061865
    Abstract: A setting tool for setting a well tool in a wellbore includes a setting mechanism which is operative to apply a setting force to set the well tool, and an orientation indicator which indicates an orientation of the setting tool. A method of setting a well tool and engaging an assembly with the well tool includes setting the well tool in a wellbore utilizing a setting tool which includes an orientation indicator, and then engaging the assembly with the well tool, thereby fixing an orientation of the assembly relative to the well tool. A method of azimuthally orienting a whipstock in a wellbore includes setting an anchor in the wellbore, the anchor including an alignment device, and indicating an azimuthal orientation of the alignment device relative to the wellbore. The anchor setting and azimuthal orientation indicating are performed using only a single trip into the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Don Leon CRAWFORD
  • Publication number: 20110061864
    Abstract: A system for positioning a wireless pipe recovery tool in a wellbore, the system having a series of locator pipe subs inserted along the length of a pipe string in a wellbore, wherein each locator pipe sub has a seat disposed around its internal periphery so as to form an aperture of s smaller diameter than the diameter of the pipe sub. The pipe subs have apertures of varied diameter and are consecutively arranged along the pipe string so that the aperture diameters decrease with increasing depth. A locator housing selected from a plurality of locator housings of varied outer diameter is attached to the wireless pipe recovery tool, the outer diameter of the locator housing selected to be slightly larger than the aperture in which the tool is intended to seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Don Umphries, Gabe Williger
  • Patent number: 7886842
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing apparatus, comprising a first mandrel movable longitudinally along a central axis and rotatable about the central axis, an orienting member configured to selectively interfere with movement of the first mandrel along the central axis, and a second mandrel connected to the first mandrel and configured to rotate about the central axis when the first mandrel rotates about the central axis. A method of orienting a wellbore servicing tool, comprising connecting an orienting tool to the wellbore servicing tool, identifying a predetermined direction, increasing a pressure within the orienting tool, rotating a portion of the orienting tool in response to the increase in pressure within the orienting tool, and rotating the wellbore servicing tool in response to the rotating of the portion of the orienting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Howard, Robert Pipkin, Iosif Hriscu
  • Patent number: 7884736
    Abstract: A system and method of interfacing a drilling machine with one of a number of different walk-over guidance systems involves receiving an ID signal from a particular walk-over guidance system selected for use with the drilling machine. A protocol library associated with the particular walk-over guidance system is accessed in response to the ID signal. The protocol library is used to effect communication between the particular walk-over guidance system and a control system of the drilling machine during cooperative use of the particular walk-over guidance system and drilling machine. Using the protocol library involves converting, as prescribed by the protocol library, locator signals received from the particular walk-over guidance system from a locator protocol to a common protocol used by the control system of the drilling machine. Locator and drilling machine data of various types can be presented to a drilling machine operator via an on-board display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Vermeer Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy Jin, Scott Rempe
  • Patent number: 7861778
    Abstract: A pressure orienting swivel arrangement includes a freely rotatable weight assembly to orient to gravity prior to being urged to a fixed position. In the fixed position, a pin adapter is reactably interengagable with the weight assembly to orient the pin adapter to the weight assembly without reorienting the weight assembly from gravity. A method for orienting a downhole tool is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffery Kitzman, Wesley Byrne, Justin Vinson, Marc Samuelson
  • Publication number: 20100319911
    Abstract: A submersible pump assembly may be radially oriented for pumping well fluid in a deviated or horizontal well. The submersible pump assembly has an instrument housing having a longitudinal axis and incorporated onto the pump assembly. An electrical contact is mounted within the housing and an electrical contact probe, moveable relative to the housing and biased upwards toward an upper side of the housing when the pump assembly is inclined, is provided. The housing and the electrical contact are rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the electrical contact probe, such that an electrical circuit is completed when the electrical contact is rotated into engagement with the electrical contact probe, generating a signal from the completed electrical circuit. The electrical contact is at a known circumferential position relative to the fixed reference point, which may be the intake port of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Leslie C. Reid, Ralph M. Loveless
  • Patent number: 7841403
    Abstract: An apparatus for rotating an instrument in a wellbore includes a non magnetic housing configured to traverse the interior of the wellbore. The housing has an external diameter smaller than an internal diameter of a casing disposed in the wellbore. A plurality of electromagnets is arranged circumferentially about the interior of the housing and is configured to induce magnetic flux through a wall of the housing when actuated. A controller configured to sequentially rotationally actuate the electromagnets. A method for rotating a wellbore instrument in a wellbore includes causing parts of an instrument housing to be sequentially rotationally magnetically attracted to a casing disposed in the wellbore. The housing has a smaller external diameter than an internal diameter of the casing. The sequential rotational magnetic attraction is continued as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James Minto, Bruce P Marion
  • Publication number: 20100294492
    Abstract: A production assembly and method for controlling production from production tubing supported by a tubing hanger in a well including a wellhead. The assembly includes a function spool engaged with the wellhead and a tree engaged with the function spool. The tubing hanger is landable in the tree bore such that the production tubing is supported in the well by the tree. A function mandrel separate from the tubing hanger is engaged with the production tubing and positionable inside the function spool bore. The function mandrel includes a passage connected to a line extending into the well that is connectable with a port in the function spool such that communication with a downhole component through the line is allowable from outside the function spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: David R. June, David R. Gwyn