Retrievable Patents (Class 166/322)
  • Patent number: 11808122
    Abstract: A fluid end is coupled to and configured to be driven by an electric motor. A shear interconnect is at an uphole end of the electric submersible pump. The shear interconnect is configured to shear a cable line between the electric submersible pump and a topside facility. The shear interconnect is configured to shear the cable at the electric submersible pump. A safety valve is arranged to cease flow within a wellbore, in which the electric submersible pump is installed, when the safety valve is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Upwing Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Herman Artinian, David Biddick, Cole Young
  • Patent number: 11761302
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for creating a fluid communication line in a downhole environment between an annular chamber and a throughbore of a tool. The tubular wall therebetween is provided with circumferentially arranged recesses extending into the wall to provide selected thin-walled sections for perforation by a communication tool. The communication tool has two oppositely arranged punch heads, one aligned with a recess and the other between neighbouring recesses giving an orientationless configuration in operation. An embodiment for creating a fluid communication line through a tubing retrievable safety valve for operation of a wireline retrievable safety valve located therein is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: VIKING COMPLETION TECHNOLOGY FZCO
    Inventors: Bartosz Krupski, Colin Scott Boyle, Gordon Kenneth Scott
  • Patent number: 11085436
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a flow router for inclusion in a production string that is for insertion in a well casing, the flow router comprising a retrievable assembly removably inserted in a perforated cover and a valve of the retrievable assembly including a valve body extending between opposed first and second ends of the valve to define an axial flow path, the retrievable assembly retrievable to and removable from an open end of the production string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Lawrence Osborne
  • Patent number: 11015418
    Abstract: A tubing pressure insensitive failsafe wireline retrievable safety valve, borehole system having the valve and method of operation of the valve. The valve includes a tool housing, a flow tube disposed within the tool housing, an actuation piston disposed in the tool housing and operably connected to the flow tube, the actuation piston having an actuation side and a pressure side, and a fluid pathway between a potential leak site for the valve and the pressure side of the piston. A temporary sealing member is in the fluid pathway between the potential leak site and the pressure side of the piston. The method includes disposing the valve at a selected location and removing at least a portion of the temporary sealing member from the fluid pathway after landing the wireline retrievable safety valve at the selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: John Burris, Jason Edwards, Wade Miller, Ronald J. Garr
  • Patent number: 10533396
    Abstract: A connector has an upper end for connection into the upper part of a drill string. The connector has an outer member that slides over an inner member, the outer member and the inner member having a locked position and an unlocked position. A latch assembly in the connector places the inner member and the outer member in the unlocked position in response to hydraulic fluid pressure applied to the connector. A ball valve assembly has an upper portion for connection with a lower end of the connector and a lower portion for connection into a lower part of the drill string. A ball valve element actuator in the ball valve assembly rotates a ball valve element to the closed position in response to the upper portion of the ball valve assembly moving downward relative to the lower portion of the ball valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventors: A. Keith McNeilly, Michael Jenkins
  • Patent number: 10513904
    Abstract: A well tool can include a closure member having open and closed positions, a seat having a flow passage blocked by the closure member in the closed position, and a line extending through the seat. A communication method can include positioning a conduit in an interior of a well tool, and conducting a signal via the conduit between annular structures surrounding a longitudinal flow passage of the well tool. A well system can include a well tool connected in a tubular string, a flow passage of the tubular string extending through the well tool, the well tool including a closure member having open and closed positions, in which the closure member respectively permits and blocks flow through the flow passage, an annular cavity surrounding the flow passage, and a line, the closure member and the line being positioned in the annular cavity in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Joe Noske, Jr., Christopher McDowell
  • Patent number: 10214990
    Abstract: Safety device (10) for a fluid production well, comprising a valve (58) used to seal a passage, and which can move between an open position of the passage (52) and a closed position of the passage (52); and connecting biasing means (92) for permanently biasing the valve (58) towards the closed position thereof. The device comprises holding means (42) for holding the valve (58) in its open position against permanent biasing means (92), and actuating means (42, 44) which are configured to actuate the holding means (42), on reception of a maintenance signal, to generate: *a first displacement of the movement element (98) from the active valve biasing position to an intermediate valve biasing position, in which the valve (58) remains in its open position; and *a subsequent second return displacement of the movement element (58) from the intermediate valve biasing position to the active valve biasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: GEOSERVICES EQUIPEMENTS, ROISSY EN FRANCE
    Inventors: Francois Joseph Girardi, François Chevillard
  • Patent number: 10180042
    Abstract: The present application describes a velocity chamber to regulate a velocity of fluid between an outer diameter of a piston, and an insert to limit, reduce, etc. erosion against the tool and casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Comitt Well Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed Ibrahim Saraya, Roger Antonsen, Peter Kris Cleven
  • Patent number: 9976413
    Abstract: A system and method for pressure locking a downhole tool in position during a drilling operation includes rotating the drill string to drill a borehole. A fluid is pumped through a passage of a drill string in the downhole direction wherein fluid undergoes a pressure drop at the downhole end of the drill string such that fluid in the passage of the drill string is under higher pressure than the fluid outside the drill string. While fluid is flowing, an uphole portion of the downhole tool, such as a MWD tool, is exposed to the higher pressure fluid and a downhole portion of the downhole tool to the lower pressure fluid, thereby seating the downhole tool in a receptacle member attached to the drill string in the passage. Ceasing flow easily eliminates the locking force created by differential pressure allowing the tool to be retrieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cramer, Andrew Roberts, Carl Allison Perry
  • Patent number: 9957772
    Abstract: A valve assembly for wellbore, downhole or intervention operations, such as for subsea wellbore operations includes a rotatable valve member having a passage formed therein. The valve assembly is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the passage is aligned or alignable with a first conduit, and a second configuration in which the passage is misaligned or misalignable with the first conduit, so as to cut or sever and/or clamp apparatus present in the valve member passage prior to reconfiguration. The assembly is configured to apply a maximum cutting force at a particular phase or stage of the reconfiguration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Expro North Sea Limited
    Inventor: Alan Tennant
  • Patent number: 9739116
    Abstract: A system involving a lower tubing mounted safety valve having one or two control lines further contains a landing nipple above for a wireline insert valve. One line that serves the lower safety valve is tied to a connection on the landing nipple for the insert valve. When the lower safety valve malfunctions the landing nipple wall is penetrated to get communication to the line coming from the lower safety valve so that such line can serve as a balance line for the insert valve. The other line from the surface to the other connection on the landing nipple serves as the operating line for the insert valve. Making one line serve a dual purpose eliminates one control line from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Charles T. Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 9441437
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for removing a degradable barrier plug positioned in a downhole axial passageway. The degradable plug is initially isolated from fluid by at least one solid, non-degradable cover. A first electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to open a passageway to the degradable plug. A second electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to allow a fluid, such as water from a supply chamber, to flow into contact with the plug. The plug is substantially degraded, although the cover remains. A third electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to bend and then cover the remaining solid cover, thereby opening the axial passageway and protecting later-introduced tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Donald G. Kyle, Jeff Huggins
  • Patent number: 9435165
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a mandrel having a longitudinal axis and further comprises a plurality of pivoting elements spaced apart along a circumference of a cross-section of the mandrel. Each of the pivoting elements is pivotable around a transversal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Anthony DeWesee, Jr., Richard David Peer
  • Patent number: 9016389
    Abstract: A retrofit assembly for functionally replacing a fluid isolation valve disposed in a borehole above a lower completion, including a barrier valve operatively arranged to selectively isolate the lower completion when the fluid isolation valve is open. The barrier valve is transitionable between an open position and a closed position due to engagement with an upper completion string. A packer device is included and operatively arranged to isolate a formation in which the borehole is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Raymond A. Frisby, Jeffrey S. Phillips, Roy N. Nelson, Donald Lauderdale
  • Patent number: 8813855
    Abstract: A multi-barrier system includes a first valve in fluid communication with a lower completion, and a second valve in fluid communication with the lower completion. The first valve and the second valve are positioned proximate an uphole extent of the lower completion, and a packer located proximate the first valve and the second valve is closable in response to retrieving an upper completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Gary B. Lake
  • Patent number: 8256508
    Abstract: The application discloses a safety valve including a flapper valve and a packer assembly to be installed in a bore to isolate a first zone from a second zone. Preferably, the safety valve includes a hydraulic conduit bypassing the flapper valve to allow communication therethrough when the valve is closed. Furthermore, the safety valve preferably allows unobstructed passage of tools and fluids therethrough when the flapper valve is open. The application discloses a method to install a safety valve in an existing string of tubing by deploying a packer assembly having an integral safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Bolding, David R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120205115
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a sub surface safety valve in a well system comprising an upper support means, a sub surface safety valve, a sealing means that seals against the inside of the production path and a bore through the sub surface safety valve and sealing means which connects to an annular inlet beneath the sealing means and an annular outlet above the sub surface safety valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: ARTIFICIAL LIFT COMPANY
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Patent number: 8220534
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for an oil well and to the associated safety installation. The inventive device comprises a valve housing (40) which defines a fluid flow passage (52). The aforementioned housing (40) comprises a valve (48) which is used to seal the passage and which can move between an open position and a closed position and means for permanently biasing the valve towards the closed position thereof. The housing (40) also comprises releasable means (54) for connecting same to a working line with tubing that is intended to move the housing (40) in the conduit. In addition, the device comprises retractable means (42) for supporting the valve (58) in the open position and hydraulic means (44, 46) for actuating the support means (42) in order to activate same upon reception of a valve open control signal. The aforementioned support means (42) and actuation means (44, 46) are solidly connected to the housing (40) such that they can be moved simultaneously under the control of the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Geoservices Equipements
    Inventors: François Millet, Joseph Girardi, Christophe Michaud
  • Patent number: 8100181
    Abstract: A safety valve apparatus has a housing with a bore and a projection in the bore. A flapper rotatably disposed on the housing is movable relative to the bore between opened and closed positions, and a packing element disposed on the housing is compressible to engage an inner conduit wall surrounding the housing. An upper sleeve disposed within the bore above the projection is hydraulically movable from a first position to a second position via the hydraulic communication with a port in the projection. The first sleeve when moved to the second position compresses the packing element. A piston disposed in the housing hydraulically communicates with the port and couples to a second sleeve disposed within the bore below the projection. The second sleeve conceals the piston and is hydraulically movable via the hydraulic communication of the port with the piston to open and close the flapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Jones, Jean-Luc Jacob, Todd Travis, Brandon Cain, Eric Calzoncinth, Paul Perez
  • Patent number: 8056637
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve is modified to permit the passage of a downhole treatment chemical through the valve while bypassing a valve closure member which is maintained within the safety valve in operative condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Larnach
  • Patent number: 7963334
    Abstract: A kit for converting an existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (170, 270, 370) into a bypass passageway apparatus (100) allowing the injection of production-enhancing fluid into a wellbore while maintaining the operation of the closure member (374). Bypass passageway (280) can extend between upper (260) and lower (275) adapters external to the existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (270) to allow fluid injection bypass thereof. Conversion kit can include a tubing string hanger to suspend a velocity tubing string (407, 507), a gas lift valve (475) for gas lift operations, a locking mandrel (220), and/or a spacer tube (240).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jason C. Mailand, Cecil G. McGavern, III, Winfield M. Sides, III, Jeffrey L. Bolding
  • Patent number: 7913769
    Abstract: The application discloses a safety valve including a flapper valve and a packer assembly to be installed in a bore to isolate a first zone from a second zone. Preferably, the safety valve includes a hydraulic conduit bypassing the flapper valve to allow communication therethrough when the valve is closed. Furthermore, the safety valve preferably allows unobstructed passage of tools and fluids therethrough when the flapper valve is open. The application discloses a method to install a safety valve in an existing string of tubing by deploying a packer assembly having an integral safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Bolding, David Randolph Smith
  • Patent number: 7886830
    Abstract: The application discloses a safety valve to replace an existing safety valve in order to isolate a production zone from a string of tubing when closed. Preferably, the safety valve includes a flow interruption device displaced by an operating conduit extending from a surface location to the safety valve through the inside of the production tubing. The application also discloses a bypass-conduit which allows communication from a surface location to the production zone through the safety valve without affecting the operation of the safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Bolding, David Randolph Smith
  • Patent number: 7823648
    Abstract: The application discloses a valve, which may include either a safety valve or a storm surge choke valve or the like, to isolate a zone below a valve from a string of production tubing. Preferably, the valve includes a flow interruption surface assembly, such as a flapper valve or a ball valve, displaced by an operating conduit extending from a surface location to the valve through the inside of the production tubing. The application also discloses a bypass-conduit inside the production tubing to allow communication from a surface location to the production zone when the valve is in either an open or a closed location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Bolding, David Randolph Smith
  • Patent number: 7775291
    Abstract: A safety valve apparatus has a housing with a bore and a projection disposed in the bore. A locking dog disposed on the housing is movable to engage an inner conduit wall surrounding the housing, and a flapper rotatably disposed on the housing is movable between opened and closed positions. A first sleeve disposed within the bore above the projection is mechanically movable between locked positions. In one locked position, the sleeve moves the locking dog to engage the wall. A piston disposed in the housing hydraulically communicates with a port in the projection and couples to a second sleeve disposed within the bore below the projection. The second sleeve conceals the piston and is hydraulically movable to open and close the flapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Jacob
  • Patent number: 7743787
    Abstract: A mud saver valve for retaining drilling fluid in the Kelly of a rotary drilling rig for insertion into a Kelly sub with an enlarged opening inside having a valve and hollow piston closing the flow in a first position and having flow through when the hollow piston is moved by flow against a spring to an open position compressing a spring to stack height, the spring being magnetized to provide magnetic latching to assist in holding the hollow piston in the open position at flow rates lower than it would otherwise be held open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: CMV
    Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
  • Patent number: 7712537
    Abstract: A kit for converting an existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (170, 270, 370) into a bypass passageway apparatus (100) allowing the injection of production-enhancing fluid into a wellbore while maintaining the operation of the closure member (374). Bypass passageway (280) can extend between upper (260) and lower (275) adapters external to the existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (270) to allow fluid injection bypass thereof. Conversion kit can include a tubing string hanger to suspend a velocity tubing string (407, 507), a gas lift valve (475) for gas lift operations, a locking mandrel (220), and/or a spacer tube (240).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company U.S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jason C. Mailand, Cecil G. McGavern, Winfield M. Sides, Jeffrey L. Bolding
  • Patent number: 7658229
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to producing fluid from an oil or gas well by means of a combination intermittently filled down hole chamber accumulation device and a connected upper continuous gas lift flow system, separated by an inline one-way reverse flow check valve. A two-way purge and vent valve controls the distribution of high pressure gas. The two-way valve first injects high pressure gas into the chamber accumulation device to displace the fluid from the chamber into the continuous flow conduit. The two-way valve then vents the residual high pressure gas from the chamber into a separate low pressure conduit to the surface. The valve also provides high pressure gas to the continuous flow conduit to assist in the production of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: BST Lift Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Billy G. Becker, David A. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7637326
    Abstract: A safety valve (100) replaces an existing safety valve (102) in order to isolate a production zone from a tubing string when closed. Preferably the safety valve (100) includes a flow interruption device (106) displaced by an operating conduit extending from a surface location to the safety valve (100) through the inside of the production tubing. A by-pass conduit (150) allows communication from a surface location to the production zone through the safety valve (100) without affecting the operation of the safety valve (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Bolding, David R Smith
  • Patent number: 7617876
    Abstract: The present invention provides for high volume flow from a well. A retrievable formation isolation valve allows high volume flow through the remaining casing or tubing. Alternatively, a large bore valve configuration that is not retrieved, but remains as part of the casing, can be used. The present invention also includes methods to allow for high volume flow using retrievable isolation valves or large bore valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, David A. Hill, Jabus T. Davis, David T. Lamont, Charles D. Harding
  • Publication number: 20090114389
    Abstract: A communication tool (100) includes a housing (102) having recesses (110) and a set of axial locating elements (112) radially extendable through the recesses (110) and engagably positionable within a profile of a tubing retrievable safety valve (50). An anti rotation device (140) is radially outwardly extendable relative to the housing (112). The anti rotation device (140) operably engages the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) to substantially prevent relative rotation between at least a portion of the communication tool (100) and the tubing retrievable safety valve (50). A cutting tool (148) is radially outwardly extendable relative to the housing (102). The cutting tool (148) is operable to create a fluid passageway (150) between a non annular hydraulic chamber (60) and an interior the tubing retrievable safety valve (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Stuart M. Dennistoun, Roddie Robert Smith, Imre I. Gazda
  • Patent number: 7475733
    Abstract: A communication tool (100) includes a housing (102) having recesses (110) and a set of axial locating elements (112) radially extendable through the recesses (110) and engagably positionable within a profile of a tubing retrievable safety valve (50). An anti rotation device (140) is radially outwardly extendable relative to the housing (112). The anti rotation device (140) operably engages the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) to substantially prevent relative rotation between at least a portion of the communication tool (100) and the tubing retrievable safety valve (50). A cutting tool (148) is radially outwardly extendable relative to the housing (102). The cutting tool (148) is operable to create a fluid passageway (150) between a non annular hydraulic chamber (60) and an interior the tubing retrievable safety valve (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart M. Dennistoun, Roddie Robert Smith, Imre I. Gazda
  • Patent number: 7347272
    Abstract: The present invention provides for high volume flow from a well. A retrievable formation isolation valve allows high volume flow through the remaining casing or tubing. Alternatively, a large bore valve configuration that is not retrieved, but remains as part of the casing, can be used. The present invention also includes methods to allow for high volume flow using retrievable isolation valves or large bore valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dinesh R Patel, David A. Hill, Jabus T. Davis, David T. Lamont, Charles D. Harding
  • Patent number: 7249635
    Abstract: A communication tool (100) includes a housing (102) having recesses (110) and a set of axial locating elements (112) radially extendable through the recesses (110) and engagably positionable within a profile of a tubing retrievable safety valve (50). An anti rotation device (140) is radially outwardly extendable relative to the housing (112). The anti rotation device (140) operably engages the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) to substantially prevent relative rotation between at least a portion of the communication tool (100) and the tubing retrievable safety valve (50). A cutting tool (148) is radially outwardly extendable relative to the housing (102). The cutting tool (148) is operable to create a fluid passageway (150) between a non annular hydraulic chamber (60) and an interior the tubing retrievable safety valve (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart M. Dennistoun, Roddie Robert Smith, Imre I. Gazda
  • Patent number: 7048079
    Abstract: A three-part sub-assembly comprising a wire line retrievable spear. The spear having two fluid chambers. A diverter valve having a truncated, inverted cone valve seat is preferably threaded into the interior of the spear. A diverter valve stem, having back-to-back cones is located within the interior of the spear/diverter valve combination, with one of the cones having a linear extension which prevents the first cone from completely seating against the valve seat within the interior of the spear. The spear/diverter valve assembly and a spring-loaded piston is placed within the interior of the cylinder and utilizes an adjustable ring within the interior of the cylinder as an adjustment for varying mud weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Mud Saver, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Parker
  • Patent number: 7032672
    Abstract: A tubing retrievable safety valve (50) having a non annular hydraulic chamber (60) in a sidewall portion thereof is operable to received a communication tool (100) therein such that relative rotation between at least a portion of the communication tool (100) and the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) is substantially prevented. The communication tool (100) is operable to create a fluid passageway (150) between the non annular hydraulic chamber (60) and the interior of the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) by penetrating through the sidewall portion and into the non annular hydraulic chamber (60). Thereafter, when a wireline retrievable safety valve (44) is positioned within the tubing retrievable safety valve (50), hydraulic fluid is communicatable thereto through the fluid passageway (150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart M. Dennistoun, Roddie Robert Smith, Imre I. Gazda
  • Patent number: 7021385
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing blowouts during the deployment of a casing string into a wellbore. The system includes securing a casing coupling to a casing string and securing a retrievable check valve within the casing coupling. The retrievable check valve allows fluid from the surface to be pumped through the retrievable check valve. However, the retrievable check valve prevents upward fluid flow from the wellbore through the retrievable check valve to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Herve Ohmer, Ricardo M. Carossino, Jean-Marc Follini, Mikhail V. Gotlib
  • Patent number: 6978842
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method of use for a hydraulic shifting tool to be used in a sealed volume in a subsurface well completion to actuate a downhole device, without a fluid return to surface or the well annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis M. Read, Jr., Clay W. Milligan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6953093
    Abstract: A tubing retrievable safety valve (50) having a non annular hydraulic chamber (60) in a sidewall portion thereof is operable to received a communication tool (100) therein such that relative rotation between at least a portion of the communication tool (100) and the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) is substantially prevented. The communication tool (100) is operable to create a fluid passageway (150) between the non annular hydraulic chamber (60) and the interior of the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) by penetrating through the sidewall portion and into the non annular hydraulic chamber (60). Thereafter, when a wireline retrievable safety valve (44) is positioned within the tubing retrievable safety valve (50), hydraulic fluid is communicatable thereto through the fluid passageway (150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart M. Dennistoun, Roddie Robert Smith, Imre I. Gazda
  • Patent number: 6880641
    Abstract: A system for communicating hydraulic fluid to a wireline retrievable safety valve (44) comprises a tubing retrievable safety valve (50) having a non annular hydraulic chamber (60) in a sidewall portion thereof and a communication tool (100) that is selectively locatable within the tubing retrievable safety valve (50). The communication tool (100) creates a fluid passageway (150) between the non annular hydraulic chamber (60) and the interior of the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) by penetrating through the sidewall portion and into the non annular hydraulic chamber (60). Thereafter, when the wireline retrievable safety valve (44) is positioned within the tubing retrievable safety valve (50), hydraulic fluid is communicatable thereto through the fluid passageway (150).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart M. Dennistoun, Roddie Robert Smith, Imre I. Gazda
  • Patent number: 6742595
    Abstract: A communication tool (100) for communicating hydraulic fluid through a tubing retrievable safety valve (50) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a first section (102) and a second section (132) that are initially coupled together. A set of axial locating keys (112) is operably attached to the first section (102) and is engagably positionable within a profile (62). A radial cutting device (148) is radially extendable through a window (152) of the second section (132). A circumferential locating key (140) is operably attached to the second section (132) and is engagably positionable within a pocket (66) of the safety valve (50) when the first and second sections (102, 132) are decoupled, thereby circumferentially aligning the radial cutting device (148) with the non annular hydraulic chamber (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart M. Dennistoun, Roddie Robert Smith, Imre I. Gazda
  • Patent number: 6715557
    Abstract: A tool string for deployment in a wellbore includes an upper string and a lower string. The upper string includes a valve actuator, and the lower string includes a valve. The lower string is adapted to receive the upper string, and the valve actuator controls the operation of the valve once the upper string is received by the lower string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney J. Wetzel, Stephen Meschall, Dennis M. Read, Clay W. Milligan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6695049
    Abstract: A valve assembly for hydrocarbon wells comprises a first valve (e.g., a conventional gate valve) and a second valve (e.g., a hydraulically operated, fail safe check valve). The second valve provides an alternative to the pressure barrier conventionally formed by a downhole annulus safety valve. It is installable/retrievable through the first valve using a tool of the type used for installation of surface wellhead VR (valve replacement) plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh D. Ostocke, Gordon G. Shiach, John Quinn
  • Patent number: 6691787
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a gas operated pump having a removable and insertable valve. In one aspect, the invention includes a pump housing having a fluid path for pressurized gas and a second fluid path for exhaust gas. The fluid paths are completed when the valve is inserted into a longitudinal bore formed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohammad Amani
  • Patent number: 6659185
    Abstract: A communication tool (100) for communicating hydraulic fluid through a tubing retrievable safety valve (50) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a first section (102) and a second section (132) that are initially coupled together. A set of axial locating keys (112) is operably attached to the first section (102) and is engagably positionable within a profile (62). A radial cutting device (148) is radially extendable through a window (152) of the second section (132). A circumferential locating key (140) is operably attached to the second section (132) and is engagably positionable within a pocket (66) of the safety valve (50) when the first and second sections (102, 132) are decoupled, thereby circumferentially aligning the radial cutting device (148) with the non annular hydraulic chamber (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart M. Dennistoun, Roddie Robert Smith, Imre I. Gazda
  • Publication number: 20030102131
    Abstract: A mudsaver valve with retrievable inner sleeve. An annular piston is secured to a first end of the inner sleeve such that movement of the annular piston results in movement of the inner sleeve between a valve closed position and a valve open position. In the valve closed position radial outlet passages of the inner sleeve are blocked by a flow control sleeve. In the valve open position the inner sleeve is moved relative to the flow control sleeve so that the radial outlet passages are no longer blocked. The inner sleeve is maintained in the valve closed position until pump pressure acting upon the annular piston overcomes a biasing force of a biasing spring causing the inner sleeve to be carried by the annular piston to the valve open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: William Ray Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20030070817
    Abstract: A communication tool (100) for communicating hydraulic fluid through a tubing retrievable safety valve (50) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a first section (102) and a second section (132) that are initially coupled together. A set of axial locating keys (112) is operably attached to the first section (102) and is engagably positionable within a profile (62). A radial cutting device (148) is radially extendable through a window (152) of the second section (132). A circumferential locating key (140) is operably attached to the second section (132) and is engagably positionable within a pocket (66) of the safety valve (50) when the first and second sections (102, 132) are decoupled, thereby circumferentially aligning the radial cutting device (148) with the non annular hydraulic chamber (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Stuart M. Dennistoun, Roddie Robert Smith, Imre I. Gazda
  • Patent number: 6523614
    Abstract: A communication tool (100) for communicating hydraulic fluid through a tubing retrievable safety valve (50) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a first section (102) and a second section (132) that are initially coupled together. A set of axial locating keys (112) is operably attached to the first section (102) and is engagably positionable within a profile (62). A radial cutting device (148) is radially extendable through a window (152) of the second section (132). A circumferential locating key (140) is operably attached to the second section (132) and is engagably positionable within a pocket (66) of the safety valve (50) when the first and second sections (102, 132) are decoupled, thereby circumferentially aligning the radial cutting device (148) with the non annular hydraulic chamber (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart M. Dennistoun, Roddie Robert Smith, Imre I. Gazda
  • Patent number: 6352118
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating hydraulic control to a wireline retrievable downhole device (112) are disclosed. The system utilizes a tubing retrievable downhole device (50) having a hydraulic chamber (70). A radial cutting tool (104) is selectively located within the tubing retrievable downhole device (50) to cut a fluid passageway (110) between the hydraulic chamber (70) and the interior of the tubing retrievable downhole device (50). Thereafter, when the wireline retrievable downhole device (112) is positioned within the tubing retrievable downhole device (50), hydraulic control is communicated to the wireline retrievable downhole device (50) through the fluid passageway (110) to actuate the wireline retrievable downhole device (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rennie L. Dickson, Dennis Kaminski
  • Publication number: 20020000320
    Abstract: A disconnect tool includes a housing that has a first segment and a second segment. A first collet is coupled to the first segment and has a first plurality of fingers, each of the first plurality of fingers is bendable between a first position in which the fingers engage the first segment and prevent relative sliding movement between the first and second segments, and a second position in which the fingers do not engage the first segment and do not prevent relative sliding movement between the first and second segments. A first piston is positioned in the housing and has a third position wherein the piston engages and prevents the fingers from bending from the first position, and a fourth position wherein the piston does not engage and prevent the fingers from bending from the first position. The disconnect tool includes means for selectively retaining the first piston in the third position and means for moving the first piston from the third position to the fourth position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: ROBERT W. GISSLER