With Explosion Or Breaking Container To Implode Patents (Class 166/299)
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Patent number: 9057261Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fracturing rock in a formation to enhance the production of fluids from the formation. In one exemplary method, one or more wells are drilled into a reservoir, wherein each well comprises a main wellbore with two or more lateral wellbores drilled out from the main wellbore. One or more explosive charges are placed within each of the two or more lateral wellbores, and the explosive charges are detonated to generate pressure pulses which at least partially fracture a rock between the two or more lateral wellbores. The detonations are timed such that one or more pressure pulses emanating from different lateral wellbores interact.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Clifford Walters, Nancy Hyangsil Choi, Michael Edward McCracken, Jeff H. Moss
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Patent number: 8939210Abstract: A pipe severing tool is arranged to align a plurality of high explosive pellets along a unitizing central tube that is selectively separable from a tubular external housing. The pellets are loaded serially in a column in full view along the entire column as a final charging task. Detonation boosters are pre-positioned and connected to detonation cord for simultaneous detonation at opposite ends of the explosive column. Devoid of high explosive pellets during transport, the assembly may be transported with all boosters and detonation cord connected.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Inventors: William T. Bell, James G. Rairigh
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Publication number: 20150021023Abstract: Providing high energy materials that can be placed in previously created fractures and activating them in place to extend or change an existing fracture system. Also detecting the location of fractures or permeable pathways and a means to assess the extent and efficiency of proppant emplacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Jeffery James Roberts, Roger D. Aines, Eric B. Duoss, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Kevin S. Vandersall
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Patent number: 8881816Abstract: A perforation tool assembly is provided. The perforation tool assembly comprises an energy train, a first perforation gun, and a second perforation gun. The energy train comprises a moderator to reduce the speed of propagation of a detonation in a direction parallel to the axis of the perforation tool assembly. The first perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a first portion of the energy train. The second perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a second portion of the energy train, wherein the second portion of the energy train is coupled to the first portion of the energy train.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy S. Glenn, John P. Rodgers, Jeff A. Nelson, John D. Burleson, Marco Serra, John H. Hales
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Patent number: 8851191Abstract: A method for unseating a threaded connection of wellbore tubing within the wellbore. The method utilizes a back-off tool which consists of a tubular metal housing, a shaped charge and HNS detonating cord within the housing, and an explosive material attached to the housing. The back-off tool is detonated near the threaded connection, creating a shockwave that strikes the threaded connection with sufficient force to unseat the connection.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Nauman H. Mhaskar, William B. Harvey
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Publication number: 20140290950Abstract: An antenna for receiving electromagnetic energy with multiple grid arrays includes first and second grid patterns of diodes each acting as a half-wave rectifying element when illuminated by the electromagnetic energy whereby the electromagnetic energy is efficiently converted into electrical current at an output even when the electromagnetic energy is randomly polarized. The multiple grid arrays are spaced from one another and can also be offset from one another. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the first and second grid patterns of diodes have varying diode densities.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2012Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventors: Raphael J. Welsh, Larry J. House
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Patent number: 8794326Abstract: A method of adjusting a pressure reduction to occur in a wellbore following firing of at least one perforating gun can include determining a desired free gun volume which corresponds to a desired pressure reduction in the wellbore resulting from firing of the perforating gun, and varying a free gun volume of the perforating gun until the free gun volume is substantially the same as the desired free gun volume. A well system can include at least one perforating gun positioned in a wellbore, the perforating gun comprising multiple perforating charges and a free gun volume, and the free gun volume being reduced by presence of a flowable material about the multiple perforating charges.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Cam Le, Dennis J. Haggerty
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Publication number: 20140202692Abstract: A method for extracting bitumen from a subterranean oil sand deposit including: drilling a portion of the deposit; fragmenting the drilled deposit; drilling of the fragmented deposit to allow for flooding, wherein one or more wells are drilled to provide access to the deposit and retrieval of extracted bitumen, to form a drilled fragmented deposit; flooding the drilled fragmented deposit with a first flood volume of fluid to permit the first flood volume of fluid to admix with the fragmented first portion, to re lease heavy oil from any inert material so that the heavy oil floats within the first flood volume of fluid in the drilled fragmented deposit to form a flooded first portion; recovering the heavy oil; and repeating the above for each additional portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: July 24, 2014Inventor: Howard Keele
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Patent number: 8763723Abstract: A cartridge for breaking rock which includes a tubular housing in which is formed a first compartment. The cartridge includes a first energetic composition inside the first compartment and a primer which is exposed to the first energetic composition. The cartridge includes a second compartment inside the tubular component and a plunger inside the tubular component which is movable under explosive force towards the primer. The cartridge still further includes a second energetic composition inside the second compartment and an actuator and a fuse for initiating the second energetic composition. The actuator has an area which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the plunger and is movable, by movement of the plunger, towards the primer, and in that the primer is initiated by the actuator only when liquid fills a volume enclosed at least partly by surfaces of the actuator and of the primer.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction RSA (Pty) LtdInventors: Jarmo Uolevi Leppanen, Manfred Karl Heinrich Habeck
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Downhole cyclic pressure pulse generator and method for increasing the permeability of pay reservoir
Patent number: 8757263Abstract: This invention relates to the oil and gas industry and to exploration and production of water resources, in particularly, for stimulation of fluid flow to the well, e.g., for higher oil production, productivity index, and recovery factor. The disclosed device and method can be used for higher permeability of the pay zone due to creation of a network of microcracks in the bottomhole formation zone and facilitates to increase the flow of oil, or other fluids, from the reservoir to the well. Generation of cyclic pressure pulses with varied amplitude and time parameters and proper localization of pulses in space through mechanism of convective combustion provides a “soft” impact upon the wellbore without risk of damage or formation consolidation; the said impact is achieved by using a device which is a downhole cyclic pressure generator operating by a consecutive combustion of layers of compositions having different combustion rates.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Alexey Evgenievich Barykin -
Patent number: 8714252Abstract: A perforation tool assembly comprises an energy train, a first perforation gun, and a second perforation gun. The energy train comprises a moderator to reduce the speed of propagation of a detonation in a direction parallel to the axis of the perforation tool assembly. The first perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a first portion of the energy train. The second perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a second portion of the energy train, wherein the second portion of the energy train is coupled to the first portion of the energy train.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy S Glenn, John P Rodgers, Jeff A Nelson, John D Burleson, Marco Serra, John H Hales
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Patent number: 8714251Abstract: A perforation tool assembly comprises an energy train, a first perforation gun, and a second perforation gun. The energy train comprises a moderator to reduce the speed of propagation of a detonation in a direction parallel to the axis of the perforation tool assembly. The first perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a first portion of the energy train. The second perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a second portion of the energy train, wherein the second portion of the energy train is coupled to the first portion of the energy train.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Timothy S. Glenn, John P. Rodgers, Jeff A. Nelson, John D. Burleson, Marco Serra, John H. Hales
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Patent number: 8684084Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perforating a formation in a wellbore without perforating a well bore casing. The methods and apparatus include an external casing perforating device configured so as not to perforate the casing. The interior of the perforating device serves as a fluid flow path between the casing and the formation following perforation and a valve in the casing selectively opens and closes the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: GEODynamics, Inc.Inventors: David S. Wesson, Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider
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Publication number: 20140060839Abstract: A fracturing tool includes a container structure, and a puncher charge arranged in the container structure, where the puncher charge if detonated is configured to extend an opening through the container structure without creating a perforation tunnel in a formation surrounding the well. An energetic material is to be initiated by detonation of the puncher charge, where the energetic material upon initiation creates an increased pressure in the well to perform fracturing of the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: North Schlumberger Oilfield Technologies (Xi'an) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Changshuan Wang, Yuanwen Yao, Senyuan Li, Guofu Feng, Feng (Rock) Wang, Baoxing Wang
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Publication number: 20130341026Abstract: A fracturing apparatus in a wellbore, having a housing with at least one injection port; an injection fluid supply interface to provide injection fluid for the hydraulic fracturing apparatus; and at least one high pressure combustor received within the housing. The housing further includes a combustible medium interface that is in fluid communication with the high pressure combustor, which is configured and arranged to provide repeated ignition cycles that include a combustion cycle that ignites the combustible medium and a fuel delivery cycle that delivers the combustible medium to the combustor, wherein pressure resulting from the combustion cycle forces the injection fluid out an injection port to cause fracturing in a portion of the earth around the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventors: Joseph A. Alifano, Daniel Tilmont
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Publication number: 20130306316Abstract: A technique facilitates performance of a work over on a completion used in a wellbore. The completion comprises an upper completion coupled with a lower completion by a mandrel and a latch. When a work over is to be performed, the upper completion is separated by moving a cutter device down along the mandrel and operating the cutting device to sever the mandrel. Once the mandrel has been severed, the latch may be activated to release the upper completion for removal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Dinesh R. Patel
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Patent number: 8575074Abstract: Insensitive explosive compositions were prepared by reacting di-isocyanate and/or poly-isocyanate monomers with an explosive diamine monomer. Prior to a final cure, the compositions are extrudable. The di-isocyanate monomers tend to produce tough, rubbery materials while polyfunctional monomers (i.e. having more than two isocyanate groups) tend to form rigid products. The extrudable form of the composition may be used in a variety of applications including rock fracturing.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventor: Lloyd L. Davis
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Publication number: 20130284441Abstract: The pipe cutting capacity of an explosive pipe cutter may be improved by directing colliding shock fronts from opposite axial directions against a disc of metal having a shock impedance substantially corresponding to the shock impedance capacity of the explosive materialType: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventor: James E. Brooks
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Patent number: 8567427Abstract: Blowout preventer blocks, each having a channel and plate(s) to close it. The blocks are placed over a pipe through which oil or other fluid is escaping, so that the pipe is in their channels. Alongside the channel in each block are one or more plates, having diameters somewhat larger than the diameter of the channel. Explosive charges propel the plates into the channel to seal it off and stop the leak. When multiple blocks and/or multiple plates in a block are placed over a pipe, the assembly may be referred to as a “Christmas tree.” There are passages that allow the plates to move into place to block the channel. Leading edges of the plates act as male elements that engage female reciprocal ends of the passages to create a seal. Grooves and tunnels in the plates allow fluid to escape into the pipe to ensure a seal.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Inventor: Philip John Milanovich
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Publication number: 20130277047Abstract: A technique utilizes micro-tubing to facilitate performance of a well treatment in which the micro-tubing is deployed for cooperation with a larger tubing, such as a coiled tubing positioned in wellbore. The micro-tubing is used to deliver a separated chemical downhole to modify a property of a treatment fluid used in performing a desired well treatment operation at a desired treatment region along the wellbore. A variety of additional components may be combined with the micro-tubing to further facilitate the treatment application.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Yan P. Kuhn de Chizelle, Mathew M. Samuel, Douglas Pipchuk, Don Williamson, Andrey Mirakyan, Hemant K.J. Ladva, Richard D. Hutchins
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Patent number: 8561683Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cutting a wellbore tubular may include an upper section and a lower section mating at a juncture plane defined by a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wellbore tubular. Each section may include a support plate having a passage, a liner positioned adjacent to the support plate, and an energetic material disposed between the support plate and the liner. An initiator having a shaft may be positioned in the passages of the upper section and the lower section.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Owen Oil Tools, LPInventors: Jeffrey D. Wood, Timothy Edward LaGrange, Matthew Clay
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Patent number: 8540027Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perforating a formation in a wellbore without perforating a well bore casing. The methods and apparatus include an external casing perforating device configured so as not to perforate the casing. The interior of the perforating device serves as a fluid flow path between the casing and the formation following perforation and a valve in the casing selectively opens and closes the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: GEODynamics, Inc.Inventors: David S. Wesson, Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider
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Patent number: 8522863Abstract: A fracturing system for wells has a propellant charge having a known surface area for combustion, and a combustion rate as a function of pressure with lower combustion rates at lower pressures and rapidly increasing combustion rates at higher pressures separated by a knee in the combustion rate function. The propellant charge is initially sealed within a vessel as it is inserted into a well. The system also includes means for creating openings in the vessel on ignition of the propellant charge in the well, such that the openings have a known combined flow area selected to create a condition of choked flow of combustion gases from within the vessel and maintain pressures within the vessel below the knee in the combustion rate function.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Propellant Fracturing & Stimulation, LLCInventors: John P. Tiernan, Guy B. Spear, Don Landis
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Publication number: 20130199781Abstract: The present techniques provide methods and systems for fracturing reservoirs without directly treating them. For example, an embodiment provides a method for fracturing a subterranean formation. The method includes causing a volumetric increase in a zone proximate to the subterranean formation so as to apply a mechanical stress to the subterranean formation, creating a fracture network in the subterranean formation to improve permeability therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, Kevin H. Searles, Sheng-Yuan Hsu, Michael S. Chelf
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Publication number: 20130199787Abstract: The present techniques provide systems and methods for fracturing a production formation. A method includes creating a notch in a formation and causing a volumetric change in a treatment interval proximate to a production interval so as to apply a mechanical stress on the production interval, wherein the treatment interval, the production interval, or both are located within the formation. A horizontal fracture is created in the formation originating from the notch.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, Yueming Liang, Kevin H. Searles, Elizabeth Land Templeton-Barrett
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Patent number: 8424606Abstract: A perforating system having a perforating gun with a tubular gun housing defining an inner volume and extending in an axial direction. A shaped charge is held in a loading tube. The loading tube is located in the gun housing. The loading tube extends along the axial direction. The shaped charge faces in a firing direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. A portion of the gun housing adjacent to the shaped charge in the firing direction is a perforating portion for removal upon firing of the shaped charge. An eccentralizer member extends from the perforating gun in a second direction that is substantially opposite and parallel with the firing direction. A first retainer part extends from an outer surface of the gun housing adjacent to the perforating portion. A second retainer part extends from the outside of the gun housing adjacent to the perforating portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Lang Zhan, Jean-Luc Lafontan, Harvey Williams, Jeremy P. Harvey, Brenden Grove, Lawrence A. Behrmann
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Patent number: 8397818Abstract: A method and a device for removing sediment or other undesired material (28) from a cavity (24) in a petroleum well (2) in which a tool (30) is moved down into the petroleum well (2). The method including placing a detonable charge (34) in the tool (30) and detonating the charge (34) after the tool (30) has been positioned in the petroleum well (2).Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Aker Well Service ASInventors: Espen Osaland, Lasse Haugland
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Patent number: 8397813Abstract: A plug (20) is described for carrying out tests of a well (30), a pipe or the like, comprising an explosive charge (55) with an activation mechanism (50, 51, 53) and which is detonated to remove the plug when the test is completed, and the plug is characterized in that the explosive charge elements are arranged internally in the plug. The plug preferably comprises a boring (54) that holds said explosive charge (55) with the activation mechanism, and it can alternatively comprise two or more borings (54) for the placing of a corresponding number of explosive charges (55) with activation mechanisms. The explosive charge (55) with ignitor (56) and ignition pin (57) is preferably arranged in the plug boring (54) while the other parts (50, 51, 53) of the activation mechanism are integrated in the wall of the pipe bundle (10) that holds the plug.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: TCO ASInventor: Viggo Brandsdal
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Patent number: 8393392Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for one trip perforating and treating a wellbore, the bottom hole assembly including: a tool body including an outer surface and an upper end; a fluid passage extending into the tool body from the upper end; a valve to provide (i) in one orientation fluid access from the fluid passage to an outlet port opening to the outer surface and (ii) in another orientation fluid access from the fluid passage to a perforating gun actuation fluid supply channel while sealing fluid access from the fluid passage to the outer surface; an annular sealing member encircling the outer surface below the outlet port; and a perforating gun carried below the resettable, annular sealing member and hydraulically actuable to detonate by fluid communication through the perforating gun actuation fluid supply channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Integrated Production Services Ltd.Inventors: Terry Lee Mytopher, Nathan Coffey
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Publication number: 20130000908Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fracturing rock in a formation to enhance the production of fluids from the formation. In one exemplary method, one or more wells are drilled into a reservoir, wherein each well comprises a main wellbore with two or more lateral wellbores drilled out from the main wellbore. One or more explosive charges are placed within each of the two or more lateral wellbores, and the explosive charges are detonated to generate pressure pulses which at least partially fracture a rock between the two or more lateral wellbores. The detonations are timed such that one or more pressure pulses emanating from different lateral wellbores interact.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Clifford C. Walters, Nancy Hyangsil Choi, Michael Edward McCracken, Jeff H. Moss
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Publication number: 20120305252Abstract: Insensitive explosive compositions were prepared by reacting di-isocyanate and/or poly-isocyanate monomers with an explosive diamine monomer. Prior to a final cure, the compositions are extrudable. The di-isocyanate monomers tend to produce tough, rubbery materials while polyfunctional monomers (i.e. having more than two isocyanate groups) tend to form rigid products. The extrudable form of the composition may be used in a variety of applications including rock fracturing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: Los Alamos National Security, LLC.Inventor: Lloyd L. Davis
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Publication number: 20120298364Abstract: A multi-phase down hole injector related to a down hole tool for oilfield well drilling, has a shooting pipe, an axial hole disposed in the center of the shooting pipe, one end of the shooting pipe is connected to an ellipsoid guide, at least two housing seats sets are disposed along the shooting pipe, every housing seat set are disposed with at least two housing seats of radial symmetry, the inner ends of every housing seat is separately connected to the axial hole, every housing seat is disposed with a injection barrel by the base, and the explosive cavity is disposed between the base and the housing seat. The injected viscosity fluid can exert squeezing and shearing force to the rock to make the channel and breach smaller or eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: Ganlu Liu, Yiqun Zhang, Ya Liu, Bo Chen, Tao Ke, Chengxing Chong
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Patent number: 8316872Abstract: A blowout preventer with a block having a channel and one or more plates to close the channel. The block is placed over a pipe through which oil or other fluid is escaping, so that the pipe is in the channel. Alongside the channel are one or more circular plates, having diameters somewhat larger than the diameter of the channel. Explosive charges propel the plates into the channel to seal it off and stop the leak. The explosive charges may be ignited by radio, electric or sonic signals or other suitable means. There are passages for the plates that are orthogonal to the cylindrical channel, that allow the plates to move into place to block the channel, while preventing them from moving too far and overshooting the channel. Ratchets keep the plates from moving back after they have blocked the channel. Vents allow gas from the explosive charges to escape.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventor: Philip John Milanovich
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Patent number: 8281858Abstract: Application of the method and device to a water well will permanently seal the well casing in order to prevent hydraulic cross-contamination with other water wells in the area. The method employs a string to explosive modules in spaced relation along the depth of a well casing. This weighted string of explosive modules is lowered into the well casing, wet concrete should then be introduced into the casing, after which the explosive elements are detonated sequentially, starting at the top of the well. Detonation of the elements in such a manner should force the wet concrete or cement out through the well casing perforations, so that the well casing will be entirely captured within the cured concrete. The individual explosive elements are made from detonating cord and metallic ball bearings wrapped into bundles, and then the bundles are bound in suitable adhesive tape.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Inventor: Bradley J. Challacombe
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Patent number: 8272441Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Inventors: Don Umphries, Gabe Williger
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Patent number: 8210105Abstract: A method for detonation of a plug device in a fluid environment is described, which is in contact with a body, such as an ignition pellet, and it is characterized in that a number of pressure increases are exerted against the plug device, whereby each pressure increase causes a movement of a piston (10) which is radially arranged in a casing (12), which causes the casing (12) to move a fixed distance inward in the plug device with each pressure increase, up until the displacement of the casing (12) causes the piston to be displaced into a cavity (38), and the fluid environment enters the plug device via an inlet. Also described is a plug device which is in contact with a body, such as an ignition pellet, where the plug device is arranged to detonate after a number of pressure increases that are exerted against the plug device.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: TCO ASInventor: Stig Ove Bjørgum
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Publication number: 20120067578Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cutting a wellbore tubular are described herein. The apparatus and the method may include an upper section and a lower section mating at a juncture plane defined by a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wellbore tubular. Each section may include a support plate having a passage, a liner positioned adjacent to the support plate, and an energetic material disposed between the support plate and the liner. An initiator having a shaft may be positioned in the passages of the upper section and the lower section.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: OWEN OIL TOOLS LPInventors: Jeffrey D. Wood, Timothy Edward LaGrange, Matthew Clay
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Patent number: 8127832Abstract: Methods and apparatus for stimulating oil or gas wells using material cemented outside the casing. Reaction agents, usually comprising oxygen-rich material and a coil of high order explosive, are positioned around the outside of the well casing at a desired level in a carrier and reacted later. The stimulation operation is initiated by firing a shaped charge into the high order explosive material. The combination of the explosive force of the high order explosive and burning of the oxygen-rich material fractures and cleans the formation adjacent to the well casing. The reaction agents may be provided in a sleeve supported on the casing joint at the time it is inserted into the well. In another embodiment, all components would be cemented externally to the casing and reacted remotely by a coded signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Lesley O. Bond
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Patent number: 8113119Abstract: An explosive tool is disclosed. The explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Donald L. Crawford
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Patent number: 8104536Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations, wherein such methods rely on fracturing and/or rubblizing portions of said formations so as to enhance their fluid permeability, and wherein such methods further rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen so as to render it mobile. The present invention is also directed at systems for implementing at least some of the foregoing methods. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of fracturing and/or rubblizing subsurface shale formations and to methods of chemically modifying kerogen in situ so as to render it mobile.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Mark Dean Looney, Robert Steven Lestz, Kirk Hollis, Craig Taylor, Scott Kinkead, Marcus Wigand
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Publication number: 20110283872Abstract: The pipe cutting capacity of a explosive pipe cutter may be improved by mixing the explosive material with powdered metal to increase the explosive gas density or directing colliding shock fronts from opposite axial directions against a disc of metal having a shock impedance substantially corresponding to the shock impedance capacity of the explosive materialType: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventor: James E. Brooks
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Patent number: 8047285Abstract: The subject matter relates to an apparatus for insertion of a conduit into a well system bore to introduce a reactant fluid over a subterranean catalyst to initiate decomposition of the reactant fluid which resultant energy release may be utilized to perform work or perform heating of the subterranean environment. The energy released from the catalytic reaction and subsequent combustion of fuels may also be used for cutting, welding, powering pumps, compressors, turbines, generators, or to heat well system fluids, pipes, subterranean reservoir fluids, subterranean solids, and completion devices in the well system.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Inventor: David Randolph Smith
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Publication number: 20110259230Abstract: Apparatus for providing electrically initiated and/or controlled combustion of electrically ignitable propellants is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a volume of electrically ignitable propellant (liquid and/or gas) capable of self sustaining combustion, and electrodes operable to ignite the propellant. The apparatus may further include a power supply and controller in electrical communication with the electrodes for supplying a potential across the electrodes to initiate combustion of the propellant and/or control the rate of combustion of the propellant. Various configurations and geometries of the propellant, electrodes, and apparatus are possible. In one example, the electrodes are supplied a direct current, which causes combustion of the propellant at the positive electrode. In another example, the electrodes are supplied an alternating current, which initiates combustion of the propellant at both electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventors: Wayne N. Sawka, Charles Grix
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Patent number: 8033333Abstract: A propellant assembly for subsurface fracturing and method for using the same are provided. The assembly can include a first tubular member having an annulus formed therethrough; a second tubular member at least partially disposed within the annulus of the first tubular member; one or more tubular propellants housed within the first tubular member, between an inner diameter of the first tubular member and an outer diameter of the second tubular member; and one or more detonating cords housed within the second tubular member, wherein the second tubular member has one or more portions thereof having a reduced wall thickness.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Inventors: W. Lynn Frazier, Garrett Frazier
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Patent number: 8015921Abstract: An electronic blasting capsule which includes a housing which contains a propellant, a fuse, a sensor for detecting the position of the housing in a capsule delivery path, an energy arrangement for obtaining energy from an external energy source, and a controller, responsive to the sensor and the energy arrangement, for firing the fuse to initiate the propellant.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction RSA (PTY) Ltd.Inventors: Jarmo Leppanen, Ockert Oosthuizen
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Patent number: 7980310Abstract: A backoff sub includes a housing and a backoff facilitator at least partially within the housing. The backoff sub is a part of the string that is stuck and is capable of adding energy to the string within which the sub is disposed to facilitate backing off of a portion of that sting close to a stuck point of that string. A method is included.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Carl W. Stoesz, Terry R. Bussear
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Publication number: 20110056679Abstract: A technique controls the actuation of a downhole tool in a wellbore. The technique utilizes a rupture pressure membrane in a flow path of actuating fluid used to actuate the downhole tool. An energetic material is mounted proximate the rupture disc, and this energetic material may be selectively exploded. The resultant energy is sufficient to initiate rupture of the rupture pressure membrane which enables flow of actuating fluid to the downhole tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Gary L. Rytlewski
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Patent number: 7874362Abstract: Tubewaves are used to transmit an indication of the depth at which a condition is detected in a well. In particular, the depth is calculated based on the difference in arrival time at the surface of a first tubewave which propagates directly upward in the borehole and a second tubewave which initially travels downward and is then reflected upward. The tubewaves may be generated by a canister designed to implode at a certain pressure. The canister is carried downhole by gravity and the fluid being pumped. At a depth at which its pressure tolerance is exceeded, it implodes and generates the tubewaves. An analyzer at the surface detects the tubewaves and generates a pressure versus depth profile of the well. Canisters may be acoustically tagged in order to generate tubewaves having particular frequency and amplitude characteristics. Canisters may also be configured to produce multiple implosions.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Richard Timothy Coates, Douglas E. Miller, Philip Sullivan, Francois Auzerais, Tarek M. Habashy
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Patent number: 7861785Abstract: A propellant assembly for subsurface fracturing and method for using the same are provided. The assembly can include a first tubular member having an annulus formed therethrough; a second tubular member at least partially disposed within the annulus of the first tubular member; one or more tubular propellants housed within the first tubular member, between an inner diameter of the first tubular member and an outer diameter of the second tubular member; and one or more detonating cords housed within the second tubular member, wherein the second tubular member has one or more portions thereof having a reduced wall thickness.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Inventors: W. Lynn Frazier, Garrett Frazier
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Patent number: 7854276Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus that are suitable for use in production of hydrocarbons from subterranean heavy oil deposits employ a subterranean cavity in communication with a borehole. The cavity is preferably formed along a U-tube borehole by coiled tubing reaming operations and/or radial drilling and explosive blasting.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Iain Cooper, Rex Burgos, Patrick Schneider, John Styre