Variably Opened Patents (Class 166/320)
  • Patent number: 10760352
    Abstract: A catch assembly is provided for a downhole motor assembly of a drilling system. The catch assembly may include a catch basket that may be coupled to a saver sub. The saver sub may be coupled to a stator tube housing a rotor of a downhole motor. The rotor knob may be coupled to the rotor and include a flange that may be positioned in the catch basket. The flange may be positioned uphole of an internal shoulder of the catch basket. Subsequent to a connection failure in or near the stator tube, the flange may engage the internal shoulder of the catch basket to prevent the rotor from falling downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: John Keith Savage
  • Patent number: 10718192
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the inflow of materials into a production well during recovery of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir. The system includes a flow control device configured to limit steam flow and hot water flow from the hydrocarbon-containing reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Lastiwka
  • Patent number: 10648327
    Abstract: The flow control device includes a flow path, a compensation chamber and a regulator assembly defining a first surface exposed to the flow path and an opposing second surface which is exposed to the compensation chamber. A drive arrangement is provided for moving the regulator assembly to vary the flow path. Fluid flowing through the flow path establishes a pressure which varies across the first surface of the regulator assembly. The compensation chamber is in pressure communication with a localised region of the first surface which is selected to establish a compensation chamber pressure which acts against the second surface of the regulator assembly to bias the regulator assembly in a desired direction. The first surface of the regulator assembly may define a profile configured to minimise the variation in pressure applied over the first surface by action of fluid flowing through the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: TENDEKA B.V.
    Inventors: Bard Tinnen, Havar Sortveit
  • Patent number: 10280710
    Abstract: An auto-shut-in valve in a chemical injection valve is described for operation at a downhole location in a wellbore. The chemical injection valve includes a closure member that is maintained in an open position by fluid pressure in a chemical supply line such that diminishment of the fluid pressure in the chemical supply line automatically causes the closure member to move to a closed position. A first mating surface on the closure member is exposed to the fluid pressure in the chemical supply line when the closure member is in the open position, and defines a portion of an equivalent differential surface to which the fluid pressure is exposed to maintain the closure member in the open position. The first mating surface is isolated from the fluid pressure in the chemical supply line when the closure member is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Lorenzzo Breda Minassa
  • Patent number: 9644461
    Abstract: A flow control device having a longitudinal axis includes an outer housing having at least one fluid inlet, a multi-channel flow member positioned radially within the outer housing, a plurality of flow channels formed between the outer housing and the flow member, at least two of the plurality of flow channels having a different flow resistance rating from each other, and a radial window formed in an outlet region of each of the plurality of flow channels. The flow control device further includes a sliding sleeve positioned radially within the multi-channel flow member, the sliding sleeve including a first section of radial slots. The first section of radial slots is configured to align with a selected radial window via longitudinal movement of the sliding sleeve with respect to the multi-channel flow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jose Rafael Gonzalez Castillo, Nadine Macklin
  • Patent number: 9518444
    Abstract: A valve assembly (2) which is configured to be coupled to a tubing string comprises a housing (8) defining a housing flow path (9) for communicating with the tubing string, and a barrier member (14) located in the housing (8) and configurable between a normally-closed position in which the barrier member (14) restricts access through the housing flow path (9), and an open position in which access is permitted through the housing flow path (9). The valve assembly (2) also comprises a bypass arrangement reconfigurable between an open state in which the bypass arrangement defines a bypass flow path that communicates with the housing flow path (9) on opposite sides of the barrier member (14) to permit fluid to bypass the barrier member and thereby fill the tubing string, and a closed state in which fluid is prevented from bypassing the barrier member to thereby permit pressurization of the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Expro North Sea Limited
    Inventor: Richard William Thompson
  • Patent number: 9494006
    Abstract: Implementations described herein are directed to a pressure pulse well tool, which may include an upper valve assembly configured to move between a start position and a stop position in a housing. The pressure pulse well tool may also include an activation valve subassembly disposed within the upper valve assembly. The activation valve subassembly may be configured to restrict a fluid flow through the upper valve assembly and increase a fluid pressure across the upper valve assembly. The pressure pulse well tool may further include a lower valve assembly disposed inside the housing and configured to receive the fluid flow from the upper valve assembly. The lower valve assembly may be configured to separate from the upper valve assembly after the upper valve assembly reaches the stop position, causing the fluid flow to pass through the lower valve assembly and to decrease the fluid pressure across the upper valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Mohon, Robert J. Costo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9376876
    Abstract: A bore selection device for use with a dual bore subsea system is disclosed. The bore selector (18) can be remotely actuated to provide selection between a production bore (12) and an annulus bore (16) without a rotating mechanism or flapper valve. Embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment a pair of rams (20) having a ram head (20a, 20b) defining parts of a guide funnel (30a, 30b) are hydraulically actuatable so that when the rams are actuated and closed the guide funnel (30) is formed which couples a part of the production bore (126) to the annulus bore (16a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Enovate Systems Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey Edwards
  • Patent number: 9359864
    Abstract: The presently disclosed technique provides a method for operating a valve in a wellbore by: applying a first fluid pressure to a bore of the valve; trapping the first fluid pressure in a portion of the valve; reducing the pressure in the bore of the valve to a second fluid pressure thereby creating a pressure differential between the portion of the valve and the bore of the valve; and opening the valve responsive to the pressure differential. The valve may employ a first piston disposed in the body to trap a first fluid pressure in a chamber to create a differential pressure across a second piston when a second fluid pressure is applied to open the valve to fluid flow therethrough. The valve and the method may be used to actuate another valve downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: TEAM OIL TOOLS, LP
    Inventors: Michael J. Harris, Kenneth J. Anton
  • Patent number: 9133687
    Abstract: A tubing pressure insensitive, pressure compensated actuator system includes a housing having a bore therein. A force transmitter sealingly moveable within the bore. The force transmitter defining with the bore two fluid chambers. The two fluid chambers being in fluid communication with each other, one at each longitudinal end of the force transmitter. An activator in one or both of the two fluid chambers and operatively connected to the force transmitter. At least two seals sealingly positioned between the housing and the force transmitter. One of the seals disposed near one end of the force transmitter and another of the seals disposed near another end of the force transmitter. A separate compensation piston disposed in the housing so as to expose one end of the compensation piston to tubing pressure and to expose the other end of the compensation piston to a fluid volume including the fluid chambers. Also included is a method for reducing force requirements of an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James T. Sloan, Ronald J. Garr, Robert McDaniel, Don A. Hopmann, David E. Schneider
  • Patent number: 9115561
    Abstract: In a wellhead near the top of an oil and gas well, a locking profile configured for locking engagement with an inner well member and including a locking ridge having a rib and a locking shoulder. The locking ridge extends radially inward from an inner surface of the wellhead into a well bore. The rib is located on an end of the ridge distal from the wellhead and protrudes into the inner well member. The locking shoulder is located on an end of the ridge distal from the wellhead and adjacent a lower end of the rib, so that as the inner well member exerts an upward force on the rib, the upward force creates a moment in the locking ridge that pushes the locking shoulder into tighter engagement with the inner well member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Peter Gette, Daniel Ralph Barnhart, David Lawrence Ford
  • Publication number: 20150136405
    Abstract: A pressure pulse generating tool may include an upper valve assembly disposed within the bore of a housing, where the upper valve assembly is configured to allow a fluid to flow through the upper valve assembly when in an open state. The upper valve assembly may also be configured to restrict the fluid from flowing through the upper valve assembly when in a closed state. The pressure pulse generating tool may further include a lower valve assembly disposed within the bore of the housing, where the lower valve assembly is configured to receive the fluid flow from the upper valve assembly. The lower valve assembly may also be configured to separate from the upper valve assembly in response to an increase in fluid pressure in an annulus defined between the upper valve assembly and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Brian Mohon, Robert J. Costos, JR., Brian Doud, Phuc Troung Luong
  • Patent number: 9022121
    Abstract: A back-up ring for use in a liner top test tool for testing casing integrity in a wellbore is disclosed. The back-up ring is comprised of first and second ring elements that are biased apart by a compression springs. The first ring element has a plurality of radially extending flanges that cover a plurality of channels in the second ring element when the back-up ring is compressed against a seal element on the liner top test tool to seal the wellbore casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Wellbore Specialties, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Joel Penisson
  • Publication number: 20150101824
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an actuation mechanism for a water hammer valve. The water hammer valve is initially prevented from operating, and an actuation mechanism for the water hammer valve is actuated by dropping one or more balls or other objects onto the valve. Once actuated, the pilot and piston mechanism in the water hammer valve operate to produce hydraulic pulses from an upstream pressurized fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: TEMPRESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: JACK J. KOLLE, ANTHONY THEIMER, SCOTT FLETCHER
  • Patent number: 8991506
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for autonomously controlling flow of fluid in a subterranean well, where fluid flow is controlled based on a fluid characteristic, such as viscosity or density, which changes over time. Fluid flows into a vortex assembly where a centrifugal force is imparted to the fluid. A less viscous fluid will have a relatively greater velocity and centrifugal force than a more viscous fluid. The fluid exits the vortex chamber by both a vortex outlet and a peripheral outlet. An autonomous valve element moves between an open position, in which fluid flows freely through the peripheral outlet, and a closed position, in which fluid flow through the peripheral outlet is restricted. The valve element is moved by the centrifugal force of the fluid, such that a fluid having a higher centrifugal force moves the valve element to the closed position, thereby reducing the total fluid flow through the vortex assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Lopez, Liang Zhao
  • Patent number: 8985207
    Abstract: A completion assembly is run downhole into a well. The assembly includes a valve and a material that is adapted to initially configure the valve to prevent fluid flow through the valve in at least one direction. The technique includes performing a downhole completion operation in the well and disintegrating the material to allow the prevented fluid flow through a nozzle of the valve. The nozzle is used to regulate production or injection in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tage Thorkildsen, Timo Jokela, Pavel Petukhov, Marius Destad, Edvin Eimstad Riisem
  • Publication number: 20150075800
    Abstract: A flow control device for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include a main flow passage and a weep hole, wherein the main flow passage closes when a fluid is supplied to a first end of the valve that exceeds a selected rate and opens when the fluid supplied is below the selected rate and wherein the weep hole continues to allow the fluid therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Jason A. Allen
  • Patent number: 8967268
    Abstract: A circulation sub is provided that has a ball seat and a circulation port that is closed when a ball is landed on the seat. An axial passage directs the pressure surge created with the landing of the ball on the seat to the port with the actuation piston for the tool. The surge in pressure operates the actuation piston to set the tool, which is preferably a packer. Raising the circulation rate through a constriction in a circulation sub breaks a shear device and allows the restriction to shift to cover a circulation port. The pressure surge that ensues continues through the restriction to the actuating piston for the tool to set the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry J. Urban, Ronnie D. Russell
  • Patent number: 8960334
    Abstract: A differential pressure release sub includes a sub housing having a housing bore, a piston chamber communicating with the housing bore and at least one fluid port communicating with the piston chamber. A piston having a piston bore is disposed for axial displacement in the piston chamber from a first position wherein the at least one fluid port is fluidly sealed from the piston bore to a second position wherein the at least one fluid port is disposed in fluid communication with the piston bore. A first surface having a first surface area is on the piston. A second surface having a second surface area less than the first surface area of the first surface is on the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher A. Branton
  • Patent number: 8936099
    Abstract: A downhole tool including a cam housing disposed in a central bore of a sub; a cam piston having a cam track disposed in the cam housing; a rotary piston having a rotary valve and an auxiliary track disposed in the cam housing; a guide pin extending through the cam housing into the cam track having at least two return paths; and a position pin disposed on a cam flange and extending into the auxiliary track. Also, a method of actuating a downhole tool, the method including disposing the downhole tool in a wellbore, wherein the downhole tool comprises a cam piston and a rotary piston; providing a flow of fluid through a central bore of the downhole tool at a working flow rate; changing the flow of fluid through the central bore of the downhole tool to a trigger range, and rotating a rotary valve of the rotary piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jianbing Hu
  • Patent number: 8931565
    Abstract: A wellbore tubular port closure system includes a mechanism to delay the opening of the port the port closure has been actuated to open. A port opening delay mechanism configured to act after actuation of the pressure responsive mechanism to delay full movement of the port-closure to the port-open position until after a selected time has lapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Denis Desranleau, Daniel Jon Themig, Cameron Radtke, Ryan Fredrick Addy
  • Publication number: 20150000982
    Abstract: An isolation valve for use in a wellbore includes: a tubular housing; an upper flapper disposed in the housing and pivotable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position; an upper piston operable to open or close the upper flapper; a lower flapper disposed in the housing and pivotable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position; a lower piston operable to open the lower flapper; an opener passage in fluid communication with the pistons and an opener hydraulic coupling; and a closer passage in fluid communication with the pistons and a closer hydraulic coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher L. MCDOWELL, Joe NOSKE, Kyle Allen KING, Simon J. HARRALL
  • Patent number: 8924029
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining a model associated with production of natural gas from a well, where the well has a choke valve that controls flow of material including natural gas from the well. The method also includes identifying, using the model, a solution that increases an amount of natural gas obtained from the well over a specified time horizon. In addition, the method includes adjusting operation of the choke valve based on the identified solution. The model could be generated using geological data associated with the well and/or historical data associated with natural gas production from the well. A natural gas reservoir can be modeled as a continuous stirred bed with a rock or shale void fraction using mass or volumetric unit balances. Gas content versus pressure for the well can be plotted, and Langmuir adsorption parameters for the well can be identified using the plotted gas content versus pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Nath, Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Jeffrey G. Renfro, Betty Jean Stanek
  • Patent number: 8876083
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a valve. The valve includes a first member having a first port therethrough, a second member in operable communication with the first member having a sealing surface thereon and a second port therethrough that is movable relative to the first member. The valve also has a seal sealingly engaged with the first member and slidably sealingly engagable with the second member, and a support member movably disposed relative to the first member and the second member. The support member has a support surface dimensioned similarly to the sealing surface, and is movable with the second member relative to the first member so that upon such movement the seal is continuously supported by at least one of the sealing surface and the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven S. Black, Marcus A. Avant
  • Patent number: 8863843
    Abstract: A downhole tool assembly is configured for repeated and selective hydraulic actuation and deactuation. A piston assembly is configured to reciprocate axially in a downhole tool body. The piston assembly reciprocates between a first axial position and second and third axial positions that axially oppose the first position. The downhole tool is actuated when the piston assembly is in the third axial position and deactuated when the piston assembly is in either of the first or second axial positions. A spring member biases the piston assembly towards the first axial position while drilling fluid pressure in the tool body urges the piston assembly towards the second and third axial positions. Downhole tool actuation and deactuation may be controlled from the surface, for example, via cycling the drilling fluid flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Wu, Jianbing Hu, Dwayne P Terracina, Tommy G Ray
  • Patent number: 8851188
    Abstract: A method of producing liquid hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation can include flowing the liquid hydrocarbons from the formation through at least one valve, and increasingly restricting flow through the valve in response to pressure and temperature in the formation approaching a bubble point curve from a liquid phase side thereof. A method of producing gaseous hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation can include flowing the gaseous hydrocarbons from the formation through at least one valve, and increasingly restricting flow through the valve in response to pressure and temperature in the formation approaching a hydrocarbon gas condensate saturation curve from a gaseous phase side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender
  • Patent number: 8851180
    Abstract: A flow control system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a plug which is released in response to an increase in a ratio of undesired fluid to desired fluid in the fluid composition. Another flow control system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, a plug, and a structure which supports the plug, but which releases the plug in response to degrading of the structure by the fluid composition. Yet another flow control system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a plug which is released in response to an increase in a velocity of the fluid composition in the flow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, John C. Gano
  • Patent number: 8839857
    Abstract: A method of geothermal energy production can include injecting water into a formation, and then automatically decreasing resistance to flow through at least one valve in response to the water changing phase in the formation. A geothermal well system can include a tubular string disposed in a production wellbore, the tubular string including at least one valve, water which flows from an injection wellbore into a formation surrounding the wellbore, and then flows from the formation into the production wellbore as steam, and resistance to flow through the valve decreasing automatically in response to presence of the steam in the production wellbore. Another method of geothermal energy production can include injecting water into a formation from an injection wellbore, the water changing phase in the formation, and then automatically decreasing resistance to fluid flow through at least one valve in response to presence of steam in a production wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender
  • Publication number: 20140251636
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to downhole tools, including downhole valves, which actuate via a pressure differential created across a shifting element having one or more pressure surfaces isolated from fluid, and fluid pressure, flowing through the interior flowpath. Embodiment downhole tools of the present disclosure may actuate in response to, among other signals, fluid pressure in the interior flowpath of the tool and fluid pressure communicated to a pressure surface of the shifting sleeve from the exterior of the tool. Certain embodiments may also have an outlet connector whereby fluid pressure from the downhole tool may be communicated to its exterior, including to additional tools in the tubing strings via flowlines connecting the two tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: PEAK COMPLETION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, William Sloane Muscroft
  • Patent number: 8820413
    Abstract: A method for flow control and a self-adjusting valve or flow control device, in particular useful in a production pipe for producing oil and/or gas from a well in an oil and/or gas reservoir, which production pipe includes a lower drainage pipe preferably being divided into at least two sections each including one or more inflow control devices which communicates the geological production formation with the flow space of the drainage pipe. The fluid flows through an inlet (10?) and further through a flow path of the control device (2) passing by a non-disc shaped movable body (9?) which is designed to move relative to the opening of the inlet and thereby reduce or increase the flow-through area (A2) by exploiting the Bernoulli effect and stagnation pressure created over the body (9?), whereby the control device, depending on the composition of the fluid and its properties, automatically adjusts the flow of the fluid based on a pre-estimated flow design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Publication number: 20140231094
    Abstract: An apparatus and method autonomously controls fluid flow in a subterranean well, as the fluid changes in a characteristic, such as viscosity, over time. An autonomous reciprocating member has a fluid flow passageway there through and a primary outlet and at least one secondary outlet. A flow restrictor, such as a viscosity dependent choke or screen, is positioned to restrict fluid flow through the primary outlet. A vortex chamber is positioned adjacent the reciprocating member. The reciprocating member moves between a first position where fluid flow is directed primarily through the primary outlet of the reciprocating member and into the primary inlet of the vortex assembly, and a second position where fluid flow is directed primarily through the at least one secondary outlet of the reciprocating member and into the at least one secondary inlet of the vortex assembly. The movement of the reciprocating member alters the fluid flow pattern in the adjacent vortex chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Greci
  • Publication number: 20140231095
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for autonomously controlling flow of fluid in a subterranean well, where fluid flow is controlled based on a fluid characteristic, such as viscosity or density, which changes over time. Fluid flows into a vortex assembly where a centrifugal force is imparted to the fluid. A less viscous fluid will have a relatively greater velocity and centrifugal force than a more viscous fluid. The fluid exits the vortex chamber by both a vortex outlet and a peripheral outlet. An autonomous valve element moves between an open position, in which fluid flows freely through the peripheral outlet, and a closed position, in which fluid flow through the peripheral outlet is restricted. The valve element is moved by the centrifugal force of the fluid, such that a fluid having a higher centrifugal force moves the valve element to the closed position, thereby reducing the total fluid flow through the vortex assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Lopez, Liang Zhao
  • Publication number: 20140202768
    Abstract: An isolation valve for use in a wellbore includes: a housing; a piston longitudinally movable relative to the housing; a flapper carried by the piston for operation between an open position and a closed position, the flapper operable to isolate an upper portion of a bore of the valve from a lower portion of the bore in the closed position; an opener connected to the housing for opening the flapper; and an abutment configured to receive the flapper in the closed position, thereby retaining the flapper in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe NOSKE
  • Patent number: 8776890
    Abstract: A tool that is usable in a well and may include an operator, a switch, a resilient device and an indexer. The switch may be configured to selectively communicate a first force to the operator, thereby actuating the tool. The resilient device may exert a second force. The indexer may cycle through a sequence of positions in response to alternating between the second force and a third force. The sequence includes a predetermined position configured to actuate the switch, thereby communicating the first force to the operator to actuate the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Arin Basmajian, Brad Swenson, John R. Whitsitt
  • Patent number: 8757267
    Abstract: A pressure-actuated valve fit to a tubing string for alternately closing to communicate fluids from a wellbore to the tubing string and opening to communicate fluids from a wellbore annulus to the tubing string. The valve is particularly useful for lifting liquids which accumulate in the tubing string when the reservoir has a diminished pressure. In this case, gas is accumulated in the wellbore annulus and when the valve is opened the gas enters the valve and is directed to the tubing string for lifting the liquids. The valve is closed by a spring and has a closing-assist which applies an additional force to the spring to ensure the valve is fully closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Bruce Mitchell, Gordon Bosley
  • Patent number: 8757274
    Abstract: A well tool actuator can include a series of chambers which, when opened in succession, cause the well tool to be alternately actuated. A method of operating a well tool actuator can include manipulating an object in a wellbore; a sensor of the actuator detecting the object manipulation; and the actuator actuating in response to the sensor detecting the object manipulation. A drilling isolation valve can comprise an actuator including a series of chambers which, when opened in succession, cause the isolation valve to be alternately opened and closed. A method of operating a drilling isolation valve can include manipulating an object in a wellbore, a sensor of the drilling isolation valve detecting the object manipulation, and the drilling isolation valve operating between open and closed configurations in response to the sensor detecting the object manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, Michael L. Fripp
  • Patent number: 8752629
    Abstract: A valve assembly for regulating fluid flow in a horizontal wellbore. A housing can be coupled to a production tubular. A chamber is defined within the housing and can be in fluid communication through a flow channel with an inner annulus formed adjacent the wellbore. A piston and a biasing member can be disposed within the chamber, where the biasing member biases the piston into a first position. A flowpath is defined within the housing and communicable with both the production tubular and the inner annulus. The flowpath can include one or more nozzles disposed therein, and the piston can be configured to move between the first position allowing fluid flow through the flowpath to the production tubular and a second position preventing fluid flow to the production tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Terje Moen
  • Patent number: 8739880
    Abstract: A fluid discrimination system can include a fluid discriminator which selects through which of multiple outlet flow paths a fluid composition flows, the selection being based on a direction of flow of the fluid composition through the discriminator, and the direction being dependent on a fluid type in the fluid composition. Another fluid discriminator can include a structure which displaces in response to a fluid composition flow, whereby an outlet flow path of the fluid composition changes in response to a change in a ratio of fluids in the fluid composition. A method of discriminating between fluids can include providing a fluid discriminator which selects through which of multiple outlet flow paths a fluid composition flows in the well, the selection being based on a direction of flow of the fluid composition through the discriminator, and the direction being dependent on a ratio of the fluids in the fluid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, P.C.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, Michael L. Fripp
  • Patent number: 8689884
    Abstract: A mud pulser tool to be positioned into a downhole environment is disclosed. The mud pulser tool includes a control valve that is selectively opened to allow fluid to flow through the mud pulser tool or selectively closed to restrict the fluid flow, wherein the control valve is selectively opened or closed to produce a mud pulse signal transmitted through the fluid. The mud pulser tool also includes a sensor system to measure a pressure drop across the control valve. In one example, the mud pulser tool includes a control system to selectively open or close the control valve to adjust the pressure drop to produce a selected pressure drop across the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Multishot LLC
    Inventors: Allen Young, Michael M. Meadows, James Huber, Laura Fore
  • Patent number: 8657010
    Abstract: A downhole flow device has a sliding and ported sleeves. A seal has a first component on the sliding sleeve and a second component on the ported sleeve. These components engage one another to seal flow through the ports in the ported sleeve. The components move apart to allow fluid flow through the ports. The components are protected from abrasion and flow by virtue of the seal's structure and how it is opened. The sliding sleeve moves hydraulically along an axis of the ported sleeve to reveal successive ports defined along the sleeve's axis. Operation of the device and the seal address both erosion and damage from differential pressure problems. Thus, the seal prevent damage when unloading a differential pressure across it, and abrasive flow does not have the opportunity to impinge on the sealing surfaces to cause erosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Ward, Ron Williams, Roddie R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140027126
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for of controlling the flow of a fluid. The fluid comprises a liquid phase and a dissolved gas phase. The fluid passes through a valve, the valve comprising a fluid inlet and a movable body located in a flow path through the valve, the movable body being arranged to move freely relative to the opening of the inlet to vary the flow-through area through which the fluid flows by means of the Bernoulli effect. The dimensions of the valve are such that flow of the fluid past the movable body causes a drop in pressure to below the bubble point of the gas phase in the liquid phase, thereby increasing flow of the fluid through the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Haavard Aakre, Vidar Mathiesen, Bjørnar Werswick
  • Publication number: 20140014352
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole pressure compensating device for use in combination with a downhole tool, comprising a housing with a chamber and an internal hollow section, a first piston dividing the chamber into a first section and a second section, the first section being in fluid communication with a first fluid port, the second section being in fluid communication with a borehole through a second fluid port, and a first spring disposed within the second section to exert a pressure on the first piston to enable the conservation of an overpressure in the first section. Furthermore, the device comprises a second piston, a second spring disposed between the first piston and the second piston, and an overpressure channel arranged in the first or the second piston, which overpressure channel, when the second spring is in a compressed condition, provides fluid communication between said first and second sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
  • Publication number: 20140008079
    Abstract: A tubular member has at least one drainage section including an inlet inlet and at least one self-adjustable flow control device to control the flow of fluid into the drainage section from a well. The flow control devices are located in an annular space surrounding a pipe between the inlet and an outlet is provided for fluid flowing into the drainage section. The annular space forms a flow path through the flow control device passing by a valve body arranged to adjust the flow area in response to the pressure difference across the flow control device and/or changes in density of the fluid. The flow control device includes a valve seat cooperating with the valve body. The valve body includes an annular resilient valve member arranged to be deformed at least in a radial direction, in order to reduce or increase the flow area through the flow control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Bjørnar Werswick, Haavard Aakre, Vidar Matheisen
  • Patent number: 8607873
    Abstract: A flow controller device for controlling a fluid flow between a petroleum reservoir and a pipe body is described. The fluid flow is carried through a flow restriction. A pressure-controlled actuator is connected to a valve body that cooperates with a valve opening. The valve opening is connected in series subsequent to the flow restriction. A closing side of the actuator communicates with fluid located upstream of the flow restriction. An opening side of the actuator communicates with a fluid located downstream of the flow restriction and upstream of the valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Bech Wellbore Flow Control AS
    Inventor: Bernt Sigve Aadnoy
  • Publication number: 20130292133
    Abstract: A valve assembly (2) which is configured to be coupled to a tubing string comprises a housing (8) defining a housing flow path (9) for communicating with the tubing string, and a barrier member (14) located in the housing (8) and configurable between a normally-closed position in which the barrier member (14) restricts access through the housing flow path (9), and an open position in which access is permitted through the housing flow path (9). The valve assembly (2) also comprises a bypass arrangement reconfigurable between an open state in which the bypass arrangement defines a bypass flow path that communicates with the housing flow path (9) on opposite sides of the barrier member (14) to permit fluid to bypass the barrier member and thereby fill the tubing string, and a closed state in which fluid is prevented from bypassing the barrier member to thereby permit pressurization of the tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Expro North Sea Limited
    Inventor: Richard William Thompson
  • Patent number: 8544554
    Abstract: A method of producing liquid hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation can include flowing the liquid hydrocarbons from the formation through at least one valve, and increasingly restricting flow through the valve in response to pressure and temperature in the formation approaching a bubble point curve from a liquid phase side thereof. A method of producing gaseous hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation can include flowing the gaseous hydrocarbons from the formation through at least one valve, and increasingly restricting flow through the valve in response to pressure and temperature in the formation approaching a hydrocarbon gas condensate saturation curve from a gaseous phase side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender
  • Publication number: 20130240212
    Abstract: A tool that is usable in a well and may include an operator, a switch, a resilient device and an indexer. The switch may be configured to selectively communicate a first force to the operator, thereby actuating the tool. The resilient device may exert a second force. The indexer may cycle through a sequence of positions in response to alternating between the second force and a third force. The sequence includes a predetermined position configured to actuate the switch, thereby communicating the first force to the operator to actuate the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Arin Basmajian, Brad Swenson, John R. Whitsitt
  • Patent number: 8517099
    Abstract: A tubular member having at least one drainage section (1) including a first plurality of self-adjustable valves or flow control devices (2) to control the flow of fluid into the drainage section from a well formed in a subterranean reservoir, each of the valves (2) comprising an inlet or aperture (10), thereby forming a flow path (11) through the control device (2) passing by a movable disc or body (9) designed to move freely relative to the opening of the inlet and thereby reduce or increase the flow-through area (A2) by exploiting the Bernoulli effect and any stagnation pressure created over the disc (9), whereby the valve (2), depending on the composition of the fluid and its properties, autonomously adjusts the flow of the fluid based on a pre-estimated flow design. To allow injection of fluid into the subterranean reservoir, the drainage section (1) is provided with a second plurality of such self-adjustable valves (32), each being situated in a direction opposite of the first plurality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Statoil Asa
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Patent number: 8490720
    Abstract: A mud saver valve is constructed so that the valve seats self align preventing the loss of fluid when the valve is in the closed position. One or both seats can skew their longitudinal axes to get the alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Tace Parley Hart, Albert Augustus Mullins
  • Publication number: 20130140038
    Abstract: A bidirectional downhole fluid flow control system is operable to control the inflow of formation fluids and the outflow of injection fluids. The system includes at least one injection flow control component and at least one production flow control component in parallel with the at least one injection flow control component. The at least one injection flow control component and the at least one production flow control component each have direction dependent flow resistance, such that injection fluid flow experiences a greater flow resistance through the at least one production flow control component than through the at least one injection flow control component and such that production fluid flow experiences a greater flow resistance through the at least one injection flow control component than through the at least one production flow control component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Jason D. Dykstra, Orlando DeJesus