Fluid Flow Through Lateral Port To Exterior Patents (Class 166/334.4)
  • Patent number: 8381807
    Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated propellant stimulation downhole tool for hydrocarbon wells. According to one embodiment of the invention, the tool comprises a first section having an internal sidewall defining at least a portion of a flowpath, and a ported outer sidewall. A propellant volume having at least a portion within said first section. An annular portion has at least one pressure chamber having an end positioned adjacent to the propellant volume and an inlet providing a communication path to said flowpath. A detonator assembly is located within each pressure chamber proximal to the propellant volume such that detonation of the assembly causes detonation of the propellant volume. A firing pin is propelled toward the detonation assembly by providing communication between the pressure chamber and the flow path, causing a pressure differential between the pressure isolated ends of the firing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Summit Downhole Dynamics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steve Jackson, Stan Wall
  • Patent number: 8365821
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a system for a downhole string comprises a fluid path defined by a bore formed within a tubular component. A reciprocating valve is located within a wall of the bore hydraulically connecting the bore with a fluid passage. The valve comprises a substantially cylindrical shaped housing. First and second ports are disposed on a circumference of the housing, and a fluid pathway is disposed intermediate the first and second ports. The valve comprises an axially slidable spool disposed within and coaxial with the housing and comprises a blocker. The blocker is configured to slide axially so to block and unblock the fluid pathway to control a flow from the bore to the fluid passage. The valve comprises a plurality of seals. Each seal is disposed opposite of the blocker causing pressure to be equally applied to the blocker and the plurality of seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jonathan Marshall, Dahlgren Scott
  • Patent number: 8365820
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a system for a downhole string comprises a fluid path defined by a bore formed within a tubular component. A reciprocating valve is located within a wall of the bore hydraulically connecting the bore with a fluid passage. The valve comprises a substantially cylindrical shaped housing. First and second ports are disposed on a circumference of the housing, and a fluid pathway is disposed intermediate the first and second ports. The valve comprises an axially slidable spool disposed within and coaxial with the housing and comprises a blocker. The blocker is configured to slide axially so to block and unblock the fluid pathway to control a flow from the bore to the fluid passage. The valve comprises a plurality of seals. Each seal is disposed opposite of the blocker causing pressure to be equally applied to the blocker and the plurality of seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jonathan Marshall, Dahlgren Scott
  • Publication number: 20120305243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole inflow control system for controlling an inflow of fluid into a casing from outside the casing, such as from a reservoir or an intermediate casing. The downhole inflow control system comprises a casing having an axial extension and a wall having a wall thickness (t), an inflow control valve having a housing, an axial extension in an axial direction along the housing, and a spring element moving in relation to the housing, thereby controlling the inflow of fluid through the valve from an inlet of the housing to an outlet of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jörgen Hallundbæk, Paul Hazel
  • Patent number: 8307902
    Abstract: A downhole flow control tool 1, includes a flow control member in the form of a sleeve 8, and comprises a main body 2 having a longitudinal internal bore 3 extending therethrough, an upper end 4 having a box section 6, and a lower end 5 with a pin section 7, which enable connection of the tool 1 into a work string. The flow control sleeve 8 is mounted for movement relative to the bore 3 between at least a closed and one of several open positions. The tool body 2 includes several flow ports extending through a wall of the body 2 and spaced around a circumference of the body 2. The tool provides multiple fluid flow control options for directing and splitting fluid flow for example during a drilling operation to clear settled cuttings by suitable location of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited
    Inventor: George Telfer
  • Patent number: 8302692
    Abstract: A sand slurry valve that includes a mandrel within a housing and a seal assembly connected to the mandrel. A portion of the housing includes a seal bore. The mandrel is movable within the housing such that the seal assembly may be positioned within the seal bore. The mandrel includes a flow passage adapted to provide rotational fluid flow through the housing prior to the seal assembly being moved into the seal bore. The seal assembly may include a seal, a first backup ring, and a second backup ring with the second backup ring positioned between the seal and the first backup ring. The rotational flow through the housing may help to protect the seal from being damaged by particles carried within the flow. The first backup ring may have a harder durometer measurement than the second backup ring, which may have a harder durometer measurement than the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: John E. Ravensbergen
  • Patent number: 8291976
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising providing a fluid diode in fluid communication with the wellbore, and transferring a fluid through the fluid diode. A fluid flow control tool, comprising a tubular diode sleeve comprising a diode aperture, a tubular inner ported sleeve received concentrically within the diode sleeve, the inner ported sleeve comprising an inner port in fluid communication with the diode aperture, and a tubular outer ported sleeved within which the diode sleeve is received concentrically, the outer ported sleeve comprising an outer port in fluid communication with the diode aperture, wherein a shape of the diode aperture, a location of the inner port relative to the diode aperture, and a location of the outer port relative to the diode aperture provide a fluid flow resistance to fluid transferred to the inner port from the outer port and a different fluid flow resistance to fluid transferred to the outer port from the inner port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Travis W. Cavender
  • Patent number: 8286709
    Abstract: A technique enables injection of treatment chemicals at a plurality of desired locations along a well. A multi-point chemical injection system is connected and deployed into a wellbore. The multi-point chemical injection system delivers one or more treatment chemicals along the wellbore to the desired locations at a plurality of injection zones. A single control line is run from a surface location down through the wellbore to the plurality of injection zones. The single control line is used to deliver the treatment chemical to each of the injection zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rex C. Mennem, Dinesh R. Patel, David Himmel, Angel R. Reyes
  • Patent number: 8276674
    Abstract: A system includes a string that includes a passageway and a plurality of tools. The system further includes an untethered object that is adapted to be deployed in the passageway such that the object travels downhole via the passageway and controllably expand its size as the object travels downhole to selectively cause one of the tools to capture the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge Lopez de Cardenas, Gary L. Rytlewski, Matthew R. Hackworth
  • Patent number: 8276675
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, comprising a first sleeve system, the first sleeve system comprising a first sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a first ported case, the first sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the first ported case by a first restrictor while the first restrictor is enabled, and a first delay system configured to selectively restrict movement of the first sliding sleeve relative to the ported case while the restrictor is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie Robert Williamson, Perry Shy, Roger Watson
  • Patent number: 8272443
    Abstract: A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising positioning a wellbore servicing tool comprising an axial flowbore within a wellbore, making a first application of pressure to the axial flowbore of the wellbore servicing tool; wherein the pressure within the wellbore servicing tool is at least a first upper threshold during the first application of pressure, allowing the pressure within the axial flowbore following the first application of pressure to fall below a first lower threshold, making a second application of pressure to the axial flowbore of the wellbore servicing tool, wherein the pressure within the wellbore servicing tool is at least a second upper threshold during the second application of pressure, allowing a second subsiding of pressure within the axial flowbore following the second application of pressure to fall a second lower threshold, and communicating a fluid to the wellbore, the subterranean formation, or both via one or more ports of the wellbore servicing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Gary Walters
  • Patent number: 8267178
    Abstract: A valve for use in fracing through cement casing in a well allows for flow of cement down the well during the cementing process and in the open position allows for fracing fluid to be directed through the cement casing for fracturing the formation adjacent the valve. The valve is constructed so as to reduce the likelihood of the valve to jam as a result of cement or other foreign material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Team Oil Tools, LP
    Inventors: Michael T. Sommers, Stephen L. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20120111576
    Abstract: A downhole bypass valve comprises a tubular body including a side port and a sleeve axially movably mounted in the body and normally biased to a closed position to close the side port. An activating device is configured to be pumped or dropped into the body to engage the sleeve and permit movement of the sleeve to an open position and open the side port. A latch has a part in the body and a part in the activating device, the parts of the latch configured to engage and retain the sleeve in the open position. The activating device is further operable to disengage from and translate through the sleeve and the parts of the latch are further operable to disengage and permit the sleeve to return to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew Churchill
  • Patent number: 8167048
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for oil and gas well completions without conventional perforations or jet cutting. One or more frac gate tool(s) are included in the production casing string or liner which is cemented in the hole. The frac gates have a sleeve that is openable by a shifting tool to allow fluids inside the casing or liner to exit through ports and breakdown and treat the adjacent formation. Casing flapper valves are placeable above a lower frac gate to isolate the treated formation from a higher producing zone during treatment of the higher zone through a higher frac gate. A single hydraulically actuated shifting tool is usable to open the frac gates and close the casing flapper valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Alfred Lara Hernandez, Dudley Iles Klatt
  • Publication number: 20120073828
    Abstract: A method of delivering material, typically lost circulation material (LCM), into a hole via a tubular string comprises: opening a bypass port in a tubular string located in a drilled hole, the bypass port being provided above fluid outlets in the distal end of the string; delivering material through the string from surface, the material passing through the bypass port and into the drilled hole; and locking a volume of fluid in the string between the bypass port and the fluid outlets such that fluid is prevented from passing from the hole into the string via the fluid outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew Churchill
  • Patent number: 8141648
    Abstract: A multiple-positioning mechanical shifting system including for used in hydrocarbon wells. The system includes a shifting tool capable of selectively positioning a mechanical sliding sleeve valve in multiple operational positions that varying the flow rate and/or volume of tubing string fluid flowing to the well annulus. The system also includes a multiple position mechanical choke valve. A method of operating the mechanical choke valve using the shifting tool is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Petroquip Energy Services, LP
    Inventors: William John Darnell, Charles David Wintill, Rodney Wayne Long, Todd Ulrich Chretien
  • Publication number: 20120067595
    Abstract: A method of operating an isolation valve in a wellbore includes: deploying a work string into the wellbore through a tubular string disposed in the wellbore. The work string comprises a deployment string, a shifting tool, and a bottomhole assembly (BHA). The tubular string comprises the isolation valve and an actuator. The method further includes rotating the actuator using the shifting tool, thereby opening or closing the isolation valve. The isolation valve isolates a formation from an upper portion of the wellbore in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Joe Noske, Roddie R. Smith, Paul L. Smith, Thomas F. Bailey, Christopher L. McDowell
  • Patent number: 8118100
    Abstract: Sliding sleeve mechanisms including protective sheaths for debris protection are disclosed. Protective sheaths can be formed from materials such as composites, metal, foil, rubber, plastic, glass, ceramic, wire mesh, tape, etc. The protective sheaths can be substantially cylindrical shells (having one or more pieces), plugs in the flow ports, and/or tape or wire wrappings. The protective sheaths can be retained by recesses in the sliding sleeve or mechanical fasteners such as screws, pins, rivets, snap rings, bands, and buckles. The protective sheath can be outside or inside the sliding sleeve. The protective sheath can protect the sliding sleeve from debris by retaining grease that has been packed into the sliding sleeve for that purpose or positively preventing entry of debris into the sliding sleeve. The protective sheath can be cleared by permitting fluid flow through the sliding sleeve, which can act to destroy and/or wash away the protective sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lembcke, Joe Jordan, Robert Coon
  • Patent number: 8074719
    Abstract: A system for installation in a well bore includes a flow control device and a control unit coupled to the flow control device. The flow control device is changeable from a first state to a second state. The first state corresponds to a first mode of fluid communication between an interior of a tubular conduit of a completion string and an annulus between the tubular conduit and a wall of the well bore. The second state corresponds to a second, different mode of fluid communication between the interior of the tubular conduit and the annulus. The control unit is coupled to the flow control device to change the flow control device between the first and second states. The control unit is actuated to change the flow control device in response to pressure in the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William Mark Richards
  • Patent number: 8006753
    Abstract: A tool to direct a fluids from a lifting assembly and a bore of a downhole tubular includes an engagement assembly configured to selectively extend and retract a seal assembly disposed at a distal end of the tool into and from a proximal end of the downhole tubular and a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow fluids from the lifting assembly to enter the downhole tubular through the seal assembly when in the closed position and wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow fluids from the downhole tubular to be diverted from the lifting assembly when in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large
  • Patent number: 8002039
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a valve. In one embodiment, the valve includes a body having a first biasing member and a sealing member configured to axially move inside the body against the first biasing member to provide a path for fluid to flow from an interior region of the body to an exterior region of the body at a first predetermined pressure difference across the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Coon, Khai Tran
  • Patent number: 7997344
    Abstract: A crossover tool assembly is run in with a packer and after the packer is set it is released from the packer for independent movement. The assembly is picked up to allow spring loaded dogs to come out so that upon setting down weight the crossover assembly has an outer assembly that is supported on the packer mandrel. The crossover mandrel can then be set down and picked up to operate a j-slot mechanism in the crossover. Relative movement induced by the j-slot with the outer assembly of the crossover supported by the dogs allows a return path within the crossover to be opened or closed independent of any contact with the packer mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas G. Corbett
  • Patent number: 7992642
    Abstract: An integral polished bore assembly for use in a wellbore. The assembly includes a barrel having a polished bore; at least one no-go member positioned within the barrel; an elongated locator member having a sealing head and an end, the end extending out of the barrel; and a radial port formed through the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmed Amr Gewily, Anwar Assal, Dinesh R. Patel
  • Publication number: 20110162851
    Abstract: A shutoff tool for being entered into a well bore and shutting off openings or leaks, said shutoff tool comprising: one or more enclosures prepared for comprising a sealant, said sealant being capable of shutting off openings or leaks when cured. An outer inflatable bladder arranged outside and covering said one or more enclosures, said outer inflatable bladder being prepared for rupturing in positions where it is not supported during inflation, said rupturing will provide access from said one or more enclosures to the outside of said outer inflatable bladder. An inner inflatable bladder arranged inside the outer inflatable bladder and such that said one or more enclosures will be arranged between the outer and the inner inflatable bladders, such that when inflated said inner inflatable bladder can exert a pressure on said one or more enclosures. A core arranged inside said inner inflatable bladder, and prepared for supplying a pressurised fluid into said inner inflatable bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen, Claire Dean
  • Patent number: 7946347
    Abstract: A valve for use in a downhole tool The valve has an inlet communicating with the work string from which it is anchored. The inlet provides a flow path of a first cross-sectional area. A sealing assembly comprising a spring biased seal cap moves within an outer tubular body to open and close a number of ports arranged through the body. The ports provide a flow path of a combined cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area and the valve is arranged such that fluid flow through the inlet moves the seal cap to open the valve and create an unimpeded flow path between the inlet and the ports with negligible pressure drop. An embodiment including a shear ring is described to facilitate pressure testing above. A further embodiment includes a load adjuster to assist in closing the valve. The valve can be a high lift injection valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Red Spider Technology Limited
    Inventors: Michael Adam Reid, Irvine Cardno Brown
  • Patent number: 7934559
    Abstract: A circulating sub is run in with the circulating port closed. A dart blocks a central passage and moves two concentric pistons in tandem to open the circulation port while retaining the dart. The outer piston shoulders out in the circulation port open position. A second dart lands on the first and with applied pressure moves the inner piston relative to the shouldered outer piston to close the circulation port and only then discharge both darts. Subs can be used in tandem as long as higher located subs accept larger darts than lower subs and preferably the two darts for each sub are the same size. The ejected darts can be used to pressure actuate a downhole tool like a packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Lisa L. Posevina, Gregory L. Hern
  • Publication number: 20110083855
    Abstract: Gas injection control devices are provided, particularly for deployment in a well-bore to control injection of a gas into a tube or pipe to lift a liquid up the tube, such as crude oil for example. A gas control device is described which comprises a housing, and at least two control valve arrangements within the housing. Each arrangement has an inlet for receiving gas from a pressurized supply, an outlet for supplying pressurized gas for injection into the tube, an inlet valve in a fluid path between the inlet and outlet, and an actuator associated with the inlet valve. Each actuator is independently controllable to switch the respective inlet valve between its open and closed configurations. This allows the gas injection to be switched on and off, and facilitates control of the injection gas flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: CAMCON OIL LIMITED
    Inventor: Wladyslaw Wygnanski
  • Patent number: 7921915
    Abstract: One or more valves can be run into a string to land near associated ports in the string for injection or/and production service. When multiple valves are installed they can be initially configured to balance flow into or from a zone. The position of each valve can be altered without removal from the string preferably by a wireline shifting tool. One or more valves can also be removed and replaced when worn preferably using a wireline run tool. The valves can come with an integral sand control feature to facilitate production. Sensors to monitor well conditions and to transmit data to the surface can also be incorporated into the valve module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Michael H. Johnson, Sean L. Gaudette
  • Publication number: 20110073312
    Abstract: Sliding sleeve mechanisms including protective sheaths for debris protection are disclosed. Protective sheaths can be formed from materials such as composites, metal, foil, rubber, plastic, glass, ceramic, wire mesh, tape, etc. The protective sheaths can be substantially cylindrical shells (having one or more pieces), plugs in the flow ports, and/or tape or wire wrappings. The protective sheaths can be retained by recesses in the sliding sleeve or mechanical fasteners such as screws, pins, rivets, snap rings, bands, and buckles. The protective sheath can be outside or inside the sliding sleeve. The protective sheath can protect the sliding sleeve from debris by retaining grease that has been packed into the sliding sleeve for that purpose or positively preventing entry of debris into the sliding sleeve. The protective sheath can be cleared by permitting fluid flow through the sliding sleeve, which can act to destroy and/or wash away the protective sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC
    Inventors: JEFFREY LEMBCKE, JOE JORDAN, ROBERT COON
  • Patent number: 7909095
    Abstract: A valve device and associated methods of selectively communicating between an interior and an exterior of a tubular string. A valve device includes an openable and closable flowpath for selectively permitting and preventing flow between an interior and exterior of the valve device, and a lock assembly which prevents the flowpath from being opened greater than a predetermined number of times. A method of testing at least one annular seal in an annulus formed between a tubular string and a wellbore wall includes the steps of: sealingly engaging the annular seal to thereby prevent flow through the annulus across the annular seal; and applying a pressure differential across the annular seal to thereby test the annular seal, the pressure differential being applied via a valve device interconnected in the tubular string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Richards, William D. Henderson
  • Patent number: 7909102
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for oil and gas well completions without conventional perforations or jet cutting. One or more frac gate tool(s) are included in the production casing string or liner which is cemented in the hole. The frac gates have a sleeve that is openable by a shifting tool to allow fluids inside the casing or liner to exit through ports and breakdown and treat the adjacent formation. Casing flapper valves are placeable above a lower frac gate to isolate the treated formation from a higher producing zone during treatment of the higher zone through a higher frac gate. A single hydraulically actuated shifting tool is usable to open the frac gates and close the casing flapper valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Alfred Lara Hernandez, Dudley Iles Klatt
  • Patent number: 7874365
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for treating multiple interval well bores. More particularly, an isolation assembly may be used to allow for zonal isolation to allow treatment of selected productive or previously producing intervals in multiple interval well bores. One example of a method for treating a multiple interval well bore includes the steps of: introducing an isolation assembly to a well bore, the isolation assembly comprising a liner, one or more sleeves and a plurality of swellable packers, wherein the sleeves and swellable packers are disposed about the liner; deploying a shifting tool inside the liner, where the sleeves are configured so as to provide open, closed and open to screen positions when actuated by the shifting tool. An open position allows for treatment of the well bore while an open to screen position allows for receiving fluid from the well bore. A closed position re-establishes zonal isolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Loyd E. East, Jr., Perry Wayne Courville, Richard Altman, Robert Clayton
  • Patent number: 7870907
    Abstract: Sliding sleeve mechanisms including protective sheaths for debris protection are disclosed. Protective sheaths can be formed from materials such as composites, metal, foil, rubber, plastic, glass, ceramic, wire mesh, tape, etc. The protective sheaths can be substantially cylindrical shells (having one or more pieces), plugs in the flow ports, and/or tape or wire wrappings. The protective sheaths can be retained by recesses in the sliding sleeve or mechanical fasteners such as screws, pins, rivets, snap rings, bands, and buckles. The protective sheath can be outside or inside the sliding sleeve. The protective sheath can protect the sliding sleeve from debris by retaining grease that has been packed into the sliding sleeve for that purpose or positively preventing entry of debris into the sliding sleeve. The protective sheath can be cleared by permitting fluid flow through the sliding sleeve, which can act to destroy and/or wash away the protective sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lembcke, Joe Jordan, Robert Coon
  • Patent number: 7861774
    Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Fehr, Daniel Jon Themig
  • Patent number: 7857061
    Abstract: A system for installation in a well bore includes a flow control device and a control unit coupled to the flow control device. The flow control device is changeable from a first state to a second state. The first state corresponds to a first mode of fluid communication between an interior of a tubular conduit of a completion string and an annulus between the tubular conduit and a wall of the well bore. The second state corresponds to a second, different mode of fluid communication between the interior of the tubular conduit and the annulus. The control unit is coupled to the flow control device to change the flow control device between the first and second states. The control unit is actuated to change the flow control device in response to pressure in the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William Mark Richards
  • Patent number: 7849925
    Abstract: A system for completing water injection wells includes an injector well completion system. In an embodiment, an injector well completion system for liquid injection in a formation includes a casing string disposed in a wellbore having a tubing bore. The casing string includes a casing and a sliding sleeve. The sliding sleeve has a pressure control valve having open and closed positions, an actuator mandrel having a flow control device, and an injection pressure communication port. The open position of the pressure control valve actuates the actuator mandrel to align the flow control device and the injection pressure communication port to inject liquid from the tubing bore to the formation and generate fractures in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 7845416
    Abstract: A hydraulic sleeve valve that includes a valve position indication system that provides an indication that the valve has reached a predetermined position, such as, for example, the fully opened or fully closed condition. The hydraulic sleeve valve may include a bypass relief system and may also provide a valve control fluid circulation function to filter or otherwise manipulate the control fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Dewayne M. Turner, Richard J. Ross
  • Patent number: 7814982
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that relates to a non-return valve. The valve comprising, a valve seat, a valve piston in operable communication with the valve seat. The valve further comprising, a first seal disposed at the piston to interact with the valve seat, and a second seal positioned at the piston to interact with the valve seat temporally after the first seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter Barnes Moyes
  • Patent number: 7806184
    Abstract: A well tool is operable to receive a flow of fluid. The well tool includes a first hydraulic area on which the fluid acts tending to move a first body to substantially seal against passage of fluid through an aperture. A second, larger hydraulic area is provided on which the fluid acts tending to move a second body. The second body is movable by the fluid acting on the second hydraulic to displace the first body from substantially sealing against passage of fluid through the aperture. An energy storing device is provided that is configured to store energy from movement of the second body until at least a specified amount of energy is stored and release the energy when the second body is moved to displace the first body from substantially sealing against passage of fluid through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Wavefront Energy and Environmental Services Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Ken Michael, Pete Dagenais, Robert L. Pipkin
  • Patent number: 7798230
    Abstract: A downhole tool for use within a well has a body with a first downhole fluid passage provided in the body. The first downhole fluid passage has an upper inlet and a lower outlet. A first sleeve member is slidably mounted to the body such that the first sleeve member is movable between a first position in which the first sleeve member extends from the body and a second position in which the first sleeve member is substantially retracted into the first downhole fluid passage of the body. A guide adapted to guide an object travelling within the first downhole fluid passage to the first sleeve member is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Hamdeen Incorporated Limited
    Inventor: Richard Keith Booth
  • Patent number: 7784553
    Abstract: A downhole waterflood regulator installs in a side pocket mandrel to regulate fluid flow in a waterflood completion. The regulator has an internal piston and can have a check dart. The piston and check dart regulate fluid flow within the regulator's housing. Packings on the regulator's housing packoff the mandrel's ports that communicate with a surrounding annulus. When initially installed in the mandrel, a blanking plug on the regulator's latch prevents fluid flow through the regulator so that the regulator acts as a dummy valve and allows operators to set and test packers or perform other operations. To begin the waterflood operation, operators use a slickline to remove the blanking plug disposed in the latch. With the plug removed, fluid communicated from the tubing string can pass through the ported latch and into the regulator where the piston and check dart regulate the fluid flow out to the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Jorge Moreno
  • Patent number: 7762334
    Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a tool and a shroud. The tool is to be disposed in a wellbore and includes an opening to inject fluid into the well. The shroud at least partially surrounds the tool to eccentrically dispose the tool with respect to a longitudinal axis of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew C. Posluszny, Bunker M. Hill
  • Patent number: 7762333
    Abstract: A ported sub comprising: a tubular body including a wall and ends formed for installation in a wellbore tubular string; a first port through the wall; a second port through the wall; a first hydraulically openable sliding sleeve for the controlling the open and closed condition of the first port; a second hydraulically openable sliding sleeve for the controlling the open and closed condition of the second port; a first pressure release connection for securing the first hydraulically openable sliding sleeve in a position on the tubular body and being releasable by application of a selected hydraulic pressure to the first hydraulically openable sliding sleeve; and a second pressure release connection for securing the second hydraulically openable sliding sleeve in a position on the tubular body and being releasable by application of hydraulic pressure at least substantially similar to the selected hydraulic pressure to the second hydraulically openable sliding sleeve, the first pressure release connection inclu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Jon Themig, Cory Trent Saulou
  • Patent number: 7726913
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for casting a cementitious or stone pile into the ground. The present invention comprises an exterior driving casing and an interior mandrel acting in cooperation to hold and deliver the pile forming material. A retrievable driving driving shoe is also disclose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: David Sjogren
  • Patent number: 7712538
    Abstract: A tool for shifting a sleeve into at least one intermediate position between stops has a shifting key that only can move the sleeve a finite amount before it is forced out of contact with the sleeve. An overpull key is released for engagement with the sleeve before the shifting key is forced out. The overpull key resists movement until a noticeable predetermined force is applied at which point the overpull key is freed from the sliding sleeve for a normal release. If any key fails to release, an emergency release is provided that independently displaces the key so that the tool can be removed. The tool can be operated in either an uphole or a downhole direction to shift the sleeve depending on the orientation of the keys. Embodiments using a single key type are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter J. Fay
  • Patent number: 7703533
    Abstract: A tool and associated method allows a liner top to be dressed. Then while maintaining a lateral port closed the tool can be used to circulate while being rotated and reciprocated. The tool features discrete j-slot mechanisms. The upper j-slot allows the lateral port to initially open while the lower j-slot keeps the lateral port open despite movement of the tool in opposed directions in the hole due to a barrier to the pin in the lower j-slot. When enough weight is set or the barrier is otherwise removed, the lateral port can be closed and the test packer set by set down weight with the lateral port closed. After the packer is unset the lateral ports can be reopened and circulation and swiveling on a bearing can occur even if the packer is temporarily actuated from the setting down motion that reopened the lateral ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas M. Ashy, Gregory L. Hern
  • Patent number: 7703541
    Abstract: A tool that is usable with a well includes a movable element and a curved actuator. The curved actuator is adapted to move in a curved path that at least partially surrounds a longitudinal axis of the tool to actuate the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Parks, Alok Dwivedi
  • Patent number: 7694732
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a diverter tool used in a pipe string to lower a liner into a partially cased wellbore. The diverter tool has a diverter body that defines a longitudinal central flow passage and has diverter ports defined therethrough to communicate and redirect fluids received in the liner to an annulus between the diverter tool in casing previously set in the wellbore. The diverter tool has first and second closure members. The first closure member is movable between open and closed positions on the diverter body. The second closure member is detachably connected in the diverter body in its open position and is movable to its closed position to prevent flow through the diverter ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Nicholas C. Braun, Steven L. Holden
  • Patent number: 7644766
    Abstract: A flushing device (20) comprising an inner sleeve (21), axially slidable relative to an outer sleeve (23). The inner (21) and outer (23) sleeves cooperate to define an inner passage (32) for the flow of a fluid, and are permanently coupled such that there is substantially no rotational movement between the two sleeves. The inner passage (32) has an inlet (22b) and an outlet (22a). The outer sleeve (23) has a plurality of flushing outlets (33) which, when the flushing device (20) is in an open condition allow fluid to be diverted from the inner passage (32). The flushing device (20) also comprises an indexing mechanism (80) which indexes between a first position, wherein the plurality of flushing outlets (33) are blocked from the internal passage (32) such that the flushing device (20) is in a closed condition, to a second position, wherein the plurality of flushing outlets (33) register with the internal passage (32) such that the flushing device (20) is in the open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Drilling Solutions Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Maxwell Graham Begley, Keith Munslow-Davies
  • Patent number: 7628213
    Abstract: A downhole tool which includes a locking bar to allow movement of a sleeve within the tool over a pre-defined range. The range is defined by a recess arranged axially or circumferentially in the tool, in which the bar locates. Fluid can be vented from the recess to provide a hydraulic brake, to prevent premature shearing of any shear pins in the tool. A stabiliser, jetting and circulating tool is described including the locking bar together with applications when incorporated in a bottom hole assembly. The tool allows multiple operations to be performed on a single trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited
    Inventor: George Telfer