Producing The Well Patents (Class 166/369)
  • Patent number: 8397822
    Abstract: A system for producing wellbore fluids. The system includes a pumping system deployable into tubing disposed in a wellbore, the pumping system includes a pump, a pump motor, a reservoir for containing purging fluid, and conductors in electrical communication with the pump motor. Electrical supply contacts are provided in the tubing and are connected to a downhole electrical power supply via a power cable extending along the tubing length from the surface. The conductors are engageable with the electrical supply contacts when the pumping system is landed within the tubing. Purging fluid in the reservoir can be flowed between the conductors and the supply contacts to remove conductive fluid prior to engaging the conductors and supply contacts. The conductors are selectively extended from a retracted position in the pumping system. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical supply contacts are provided at locations along the length of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven K. Tetzlaff, Kevin R. Bierig, Joseph Scott Thompson
  • Publication number: 20130056201
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formation to identify potentially productive zones within the formation. The method may be particularly useful for evaluating formations penetrated by at least one directionally drilled wellbore. The method can include releasing, capturing, and measuring at least one property related to the hydrocarbon materials entrapped in rock samples obtained from the formation, and the results of the analysis can be used to perform at least one wellbore-related activity, such as drilling, stimulating, and/or producing a new or existing wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: William David Chandler, JR.
  • Patent number: 8387705
    Abstract: Systems and methods for running and cementing casing into wells drilled with dual-gradient mud systems include running casing through a subsea wellhead connected to a marine riser, the casing having an auto-fill float collar, and connecting a landing string to the last casing run. The landing string includes a surface-controlled valve (SCV) and a surface-controlled ported circulating sub (PCS). The SCV and PCS are manipulated as needed when running casing, washing it down while preventing u-tubing on connections and prior to cementing to displace mixed density mud from the landing string and replace it with heavy-density mud prior to circulating below the mudline thus maintaining the dual gradient effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Heironimus
  • Publication number: 20130048297
    Abstract: A method of hydrocarbon resource recovery from a subterranean formation may include forming a plurality of spaced apart injector/producer well pairs in the subterranean formation. Each injector/producer well pair may include a laterally extending producer well and a laterally extending injector well spaced thereabove. The method may include forming an intermediate well adjacent a given injector/producer well pair, and operating a positioning actuator to position a radio frequency (RF) sensor coupled to the positioning actuator to at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well. The method may further include operating the RF sensor at the at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well to selectively sense at least one corresponding portion of the subterranean formation adjacent the given injector/producer well pair. The method may also include recovering hydrocarbon resources from the plurality of injector/producer well pairs including the given injector/producer well pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Harris Corporation of the State of Delaware
    Inventors: Francis Eugene PARSCHE, Mark TRAUTMAN
  • Patent number: 8381820
    Abstract: An in-well ESP string that can be installed or retrieved with a wireline instead of a rig. The ESP is combined with a motor and a hydraulic valve to pump formation fluid from a well to the surface. A wet connector is used to facilitate electrical and hydraulic connections. The ESP system is disposed within a tubing string located within the casing of a well. The hydraulic valve controls the flow of formation fluid to the ESP, opening to allow formation fluid to flow to the ESP, and closing to shut off production. When the valve is closed, the ESP may be cleaned with brine introduced via a flow port in the valve. This cleaning operation allows the ESP string to be to retrieved in an environmentally friendly manner. In addition, the wireline installation and retrieval is significantly less costly and less complicated than currently possible with a rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Ignacio Martinez
  • Publication number: 20130043037
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly comprising a cylinder sealed by an upper head and a lower head and carrying a piston which divides the hydraulic cylinder assembly into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A load is connected to the piston and urges it toward the lower head. A conduit connects a reversible hydraulic pump assembly in fluid flow communication with a pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid and the lower chamber for counterbalancing the load. A control system is operably associated with the reversible hydraulic pump assembly to cause hydraulic fluid to flow back and forth between the lower chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly and the pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid. A system is also provided to counteract leakage in the pump by adding hydraulic fluid makeup on an as needed and controlled basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: MICHAEL C. RAMSEY, MICHAEL L. FINLEY
  • Patent number: 8376053
    Abstract: The invention concerns a section of tubing or other conduit having a flow passage. The flow passage extends through the tubing and incorporates a member extending through the passage and guides which constrain a fluid flowing through the flow passage to flow around the member along a path which is longer than an axial length of the flow passage in a fluid flow direction. The guides may define an annular path. The conduit may comprise an inside wall and the guides may comprise a combination of at least one spiral channel defined along the inside wall and the member may be a sucker rod extending along the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Premium Artificial Lift Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Marcel Obrejanu
  • Patent number: 8376052
    Abstract: A method and system for surface production of gas from a subterranean zone includes forming a drainage pattern in a subsurface zone. The drainage pattern includes a plurality of cooperating bores and has a coverage area extending between the cooperating bores. Water pressure is lowered throughout the coverage area of the subsurface zone without significant subsurface drainage by producing water through the cooperating bores of the drainage pattern to the surface. Gas is produced from the coverage area of the subsurface zone with at least some of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Vitruvian Exploration, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Zupanick, Monty H. Rial
  • Publication number: 20130032353
    Abstract: Disclosed are hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus, subterranean hydrocarbon recovery drilling methods, and subterranean hydrocarbon recovery methods. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus includes an elongated assembly within which a rotatable drill rod is received. The assembly comprises a longitudinal axis, a drill rod entrance end, and a drill rod exit end. The assembly comprises a tailcuttings diverter pipe proximate the drill rod exit end, with the tailcuttings diverter pipe defining an initial fluid flow path of the tailcuttings from the longitudinal axis which is acute from the longitudinal axis. Other apparatus and method aspects are contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: New Era Petroleum, LLC
    Inventor: New Era Petroleum, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130032352
    Abstract: A new method separating sand, solids, and produced particulates down-hole in a well producing hydrocarbons. The separation assembly can include ether one, two, or more segments or stages of varying lengths depending upon the individual application. The assembly is installed into the tubing string or delivery conduit of a well producing hydrocarbons. One stage can consist of a velocity chamber whereby separation of particulates occurs by increasing the downward velocity of particulates and reducing the upward velocity of hydrocarbons thereby allowing the particulates to “fall-out” into a lower chamber where the particulates are captured. Another stage can consist of a filter whereby particulates are captured in a chamber that can consist of filtering materials such as gravel, rock, sand, wood, or manmade materials. Each of the stages can be employed individually or in combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: John M. Raglin
  • Patent number: 8365831
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the connectivity architecture of a hydrocarbon reservoir in terms of locally optimal paths between selected source points, e.g. wells. In one embodiment of the invention, a fast-marching method (133) is used to compute the distance field (or the time of arrival field) from N selected source points in a heterogeneous media, i.e. in a non-uniform velocity field. This is done by propagating N labeled (132) fronts simultaneously from N objects. Then, a method (134) is disclosed for detecting Voronoi curves or Voronoi surfaces, where fronts of differing labels meet each other. Then, saddle points are found on the Voronoi curves or surfaces (135), and each saddle point is used to determine a locally optimal path (136) between a pair of equidistant (from the saddle point), closest (to the saddle point) source points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Chul-Sung Kim, Mark W. Dobin
  • Patent number: 8360156
    Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hudson Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Blanchard, Jr., Sandra Remedies, John Rucker, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20130020085
    Abstract: A post-primary oil recovery process for recovering oil from a subterranean formation may involve injecting into a crude oil-bearing subterranean formation an aqueous saline surfactant composition of brine, Alkyl Polyglucoside, Linear Primary Alcohol Ethoxylate, sodium hydroxide and alcohols; displacing the aqueous composition through the oil-bearing formation and driving oil from the oil-bearing formation; and recovering oil displaced from the subterranean formation. The injecting step may be preceded by the step of injecting into the subterranean formation a volume of salinity water to adjust salinity of connate water within the subterranean reservoir to a predetermined salinity. Injection of the surfactant composition may further be followed by injection of a buffer comprising water dispersible polymeric viscosifier or water soluble polymeric viscosifier. The surfactant composition may additionally contain at least one cosurfactant selected from hydrocarbon sulfonates and alcohols.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Jean Denis PONE, David J. BLUMER
  • Patent number: 8356673
    Abstract: A down-hole tool provided with a transmitter system for inducing a transient electromagnetic field in an earth formation has an induction coil with a number of windings to generate essentially a magnetic dipole field. The number of windings is divided into two or more groups of windings arranged to cooperatively generate the essentially magnetic dipole field when energized. Switching means are arranged to essentially simultaneously terminate the energizing of the groups of windings. The groups of windings are electrically isolated from each other or connected in parallel to each other, at least when the energizing is terminated. A transient electromagnetic field may thus be induced in an earth formation by essentially simultaneously terminating energizing each group of windings by operating the switching means. A transient electromagnetic response signal may be recorded, and used in a method of producing a mineral hydrocarbon fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ronald Marshall Bass, Robert Rex Burnett, Richard Martin Ostermeier, Jeremiah Glen Pearce, William Mountjoy Savage
  • Patent number: 8353341
    Abstract: A well system comprising, in combination, a recipient ground area, a surface casing, a source well casing, a return well casing, and a return pipe. The return pipe is located within the return well casing, and the return well casing is located within the source well casing. This arrangement allows the removal of water from, and the return of water to different strata through the same drilled well hole, while also monitoring different aquifers water quality and/or aquifer parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Paul A. Petrey, III
  • Patent number: 8353352
    Abstract: A switch mechanism is provided for inclusion in a downhole production string located in a wellbore. The switch mechanism includes an electrical power input and at least two electrical power outputs. In addition, the switch mechanism includes an actuator mechanism which is capable of being actuated from a position remote from the wellbore to selectively move between at least two positions. The movement thereby provides a selective electrical connection between the input and one of the outputs when the actuator is in one of the at least two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: RMSpumptools Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Leitch
  • Patent number: 8352190
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for interpolating seismic data. The method includes collecting seismic data of two or more types over a field (401), determining an approximation to one of the types of the seismic data (402), and performing a wave-field transformation on the approximation to form a transformed approximation (405), wherein the transformed approximation corresponds to another of the collected types of seismic data. The method may also include setting the transformed approximation to match the measured seismic data of the corresponding types at matching locations (408), performing a wave-field transformation on the transformed approximation to form an output approximation (412), and using the output approximation to obtain a data representation of a geological layer (416).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Anatoly Baumstein, Ramesh Neelamani
  • Patent number: 8347968
    Abstract: A completion system that is usable with a well may include a packer, a screen, an isolation valve and an annulus communication valve. The screen communicates well fluid between an annulus of the well and an interior passageway of the completion system. The isolation valve is radially disposed inside the screen to control communication through the screen between the annulus and the interior passageway. The annulus communication valve is located downhole of the packer and uphole of the screen to control communication with the annulus of the well. The packer, screen, isolation valve and the annulus communication valve are adapted to be run downhole as a unit into the well as a single trip completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Julien Debard, Felix Estilette, Jr., Dinesh R. Patel, Bryan Stamm
  • Publication number: 20130000896
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for producing hydrocarbons from reservoirs. A provided method includes drilling a first horizontal well substantially proximate to a base of a reservoir and drilling a second horizontal well at a horizontal offset from the first horizontal well. Fluid communication is established between the first horizontal well and the second horizontal well through cyclic production processes. A mobilizing fluid is injected through the second horizontal well and fluids are produced from the first horizontal well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas J. Boone
  • Publication number: 20120325492
    Abstract: A drilling composition is provided. The composition includes: I) an organic phase comprising components: i. from about 20 wt. % to about 99.999 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon; ii. from about 0.001 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one ester; II) from 0 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of water or aqueous phase; III) from 0 to about 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one additive, wherein the sum of the weight components I) to III) is 100 wt. %.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: COGNIS OLEOCHEMICALS GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Fefer, Jun Liu, Heinz Mueller, Nadja Herzog, Diana Maeker
  • Patent number: 8336631
    Abstract: A method of pumping an oilfield fluid from a well surface to a wellbore is provided that includes providing a clean stream; operating one or more clean pumps to pump the clean stream from the well surface to the wellbore; providing a dirty stream including a solid material disposed in a fluid carrier; and operating one or more dirty pumps to pump the dirty stream from the well surface to the wellbore, wherein the clean stream and the dirty stream together form said oilfield fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rod Shampine, Paul Dwyer, Ronnie Stover, Mike Lloyd, Jean-Louis Pessin, Edward Leugemors, Larry D. Welch, Joe Hubenschmidt, Philippe Gambier, William Huey Troy, Thomas Allan
  • Patent number: 8333244
    Abstract: The bottom tag of the present invention comprises a tapered coupling that is secured below the stator housing. In one embodiment the smaller diameter of the coupling is smaller than the rotor minor diameter. In another embodiment the smallest diameter in the coupling tag is smaller than the major diameter of the rotor and longer than one half the rotor pitch, so that no more than one half of a rotor pitch can enter. In either case there are optional side openings to aid flow during operation. The taper in the coupling tag guides coiled tubing through when the rotor is removed to clean up the wellbore below by jetting through the coiled tubing. The taper can also guide measurement equipment through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Johnson, Douglas W. Berry
  • Publication number: 20120312545
    Abstract: Systems include a well having a production casing and a production tubing positioned therein, forming an annulus there between. A packer is positioned in the annulus at a position sufficient to separate the annulus into a first portion and a second portion. The well further includes a tie-back conduit positioned in the first portion of the annulus and configured to allow heat transfer between a working fluid flowing through the first portion of the annulus and a production fluid flowing through the production tubing, thus separating the circulating working fluid from fluids in the second portion of the annulus. A working fluid loop is fluidly connected to the first portion of the annulus. Co-production methods, methods of modeling, and computer-readable media including the methods of modeling are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: P. V. Suryanarayana, Parveen Sachdeva, Ismail Ceyhan, Gary Allen Ring
  • Patent number: 8327952
    Abstract: A self-contained system for drilling a drainhole laterally to a wellbore that includes a drill head with a tool for boring a drainhole and a self-propelled device for advancing the head into the drainhole during boring; a relay unit lowered into the wellbore, arranged to position the drill head against the sidewall of the wellbore in order to initiate the boring of the drainhole laterally to the wellbore; a cable for supplying electric power to the drill head, reeled out from the relay unit; and a mechanical system for removing cuttings from the drainhole during boring, the debris removed falling downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Total SA
    Inventors: Christophe Amadei, Emmanuel Derbez
  • Publication number: 20120305264
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to solvent surveillance in heavy oil production. A method includes the steps of measuring an amount of a native bitumen marker (NBM) in a heavy oil, measuring an amount of the NBM in a recovery-aid solvent, measuring an amount of the NBM in a blend including the heavy oil and the recovery-aid solvent, and applying a blending model to determine a fraction of the recovery-aid solvent in the blend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Exxonmobile Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Tapantosh Chakrabarty, Scott E. Hommema, Joseph L. Feimer
  • Publication number: 20120305263
    Abstract: A tandem progressive cavity pump system lifts well fluids from a production zone to a well surface. The system provides a first pump and a second pump. The system positions the first pump at the production elevation within the well, and the second pump at an intermediate elevation within the well. The system then connects a discharge of the first pump to an intake of the second pump. The system is then operated so that the first pump lifts well fluids from the production zone to the intermediate zone, depositing the well fluids in the intake of the second pump. The second pump then lifts the well fluids from the intermediate zone to the surface of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Douglas W. Berry
  • Patent number: 8322435
    Abstract: A pressure driven pumping system includes a piston disposed within a first bore of a housing to separate a process chamber from a working chamber. A rod member coupled to the separating member extends into a reduced pressure chamber. The piston has a first face exposed to the process chamber and a second face exposed to the working chamber. The second face has an effective area less than an effective area of the first face. The housing may be placed in seawater at a selected depth. The process chamber can be in fluid communication with a well to pass well fluid into the process chamber at well pressure to move the piston, to discharge seawater from the seawater chamber. The working fluid, typically seawater in a subsea application, is pumped into the working chamber to move the piston, which discharges well fluid from the process chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Robert Arnold Judge, Peringandoor Raman Hariharan
  • Patent number: 8322414
    Abstract: Distinctive and analytically distinguishable water-soluble and oil-soluble tracer compositions are applied as coatings to the exterior surface of one or more lengths of production tubing installed in a horizontal well bore between open-hole packers adjacent one or more inflow control devices, (ICD), whereby water and/or oil contacting one or more of the respective tracer coatings and passing a faulty open-hole packer seal will solubilize the tracer coating(s) and be detectable by appropriate tests on the produced water and/or hydrocarbon fluids at the earth's surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Al-Walid Abdullah Al-Gouhi, Kirk M. Bartko, Drew Hembling
  • Patent number: 8322444
    Abstract: An electric pumping system having an electric submersible pump located downhole in a well, the electric submersible pump comprising a motor part, a pump part, and a protector part; the motor part has an internal motor volume containing motor oil; the motor part connected to an electric power source at surface; a motor oil container located at surface outside of the well; a conduit fluidly connecting the motor oil container with the internal motor volume containing motor oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Lauro De Camargo
  • Publication number: 20120298375
    Abstract: A method, software, and apparatus for controlling a pump configured to pump liquid out of a well is described. Such control may involve determining whether a production rate of gas from the well is increasing, decreasing, or steady, and whether to switch the pump between an OFF state and an ON state. Whether the pump is switched may depend upon whether the production rate of the gas is determined to be increasing, decreasing, or steady.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Frederick Krauss
  • Patent number: 8316942
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for cooling an electrical submersible pump. More specifically, the invention relates to blocking a portion of wellbore fluid from entering a sump, thereby causing the pump to draw fluid from below the pump motor past the exterior of the pump motor toward a pump inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Donn J. Brown, B. L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8316949
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly comprises an integrated sub-assembly encased within a shroud. The integrated sub-assembly comprises a downhole monitoring gauge, a motor, a well fluid intake, a seal section, a mounting member, and an electrical conduit extending between the mounting member and the motor. The intake has a plurality of intake slots positioned a select distance from the mounting member in order to minimize the space for the accumulation of gas within the shroud. The electrical conduit sealingly extends through the mounting member to a receptacle located on an upper portion thereof. Conductors are encased within the conduit and are connected between the receptacle and the motor. The conduit prevents the conductors from being affected by reservoir fluid and pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mark K. Rooks
  • Patent number: 8316938
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for diverting a ground water supply source located in a stratum that is hydraulically separated from a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir formation for injection into the reservoir proximate the oil-water interface to enhance the flow rate and production of the hydrocarbons through one or more well bores without pumping the injection water to the earth's surface. An electric submersible pump (ESP) and Y-tool assembly is positioned in the well bore at the level of the ground water supply and water is pumped down the well casing for injection into the formation, e.g., below the hydrocarbon-containing reservoir rock. Suitable seals, packers and cement plugs are provided to isolate the high pressure injection water from the ground water drawn into the first upper portion of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Abdulrahman S. Al-Jarri, Abdullah S. Al-Muhaish, Elmetwaly Abelhamid Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 8317012
    Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a drive head assembly for a fluid conveyor system that propels a fluid entraining conveyor through a well bore to carry fluids to the surface. The invention is comprised of a pair of synchronized follower wheels connected to a set of counter rotating sheaves. A fluid entraining conveyor is wrapped in a “figure-8” conveyor path around the sheaves in a plurality of coaxial grooves and around a distal sheave located in the fluid in the well bore. The coaxial grooves incorporate a unique shape which in conjunction with the wrap pattern provide improved tractive qualities and thus reduce tension in the conveyor and increase the durability of the conveyor. The conveyor can run at increased speeds and with no tension on the downward portion of the conveyor resulting in higher efficiency and less down time due to breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jim Crafton
  • Patent number: 8316950
    Abstract: A method for removing fluids from a commingled well comprises positioning a fluid removal system in the well. In addition, the method comprises sealing a first formation from a second formation, shutting in the annulus, and closing off an inner flow passage of a tubing string. Further, the method comprises allowing the pressure of the first and second production zones to build up naturally. Still further, the method comprises flowing a fluid from the first production zone through a first of a plurality of check valves into the inner flow passage, and flowing a fluid from the second production zone through a second of the plurality of check valves into the inner flow passage. Moreover, the method comprises re-opening the inner flow passage of the tubing string and lifting the fluid in the inner flow passage to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro Rodriguez, Karl Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20120292043
    Abstract: There is disclosed a downhole tool or device adapted to include at least part of a well completion assembly or well drilling assembly. For example, an improved centraliser is provided for centralisation of tubulars such as casings, liners, production screens, production tubing and the like in oil/gas wells in other wells, e.g. water wells. An improved downhole tool device is coated with at least first and second coatings, wherein the second coating layer is molecularly bonded to the first coating layer. The first coating comprises at least partly a material selected from the group consisting of Titanium Nitride (TiN), Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) or Carbon, and wherein the second coating at least partly comprises Tungsten Disulfide (WS2). There is also provided a method of manufacturing a downhole tool or device, wherein the second coating is applied at ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Volnay Engineering Services Limited
    Inventor: Thomas John Oliver Thornton
  • Publication number: 20120285700
    Abstract: A method is provided for drilling a well in a reservoir. The method includes planning a well trajectory for a serpentine well that accesses a bypassed hydrocarbon in the reservoir. The serpentine well is drilled using lateral displacements and vertical displacements to follow the base in the reservoir. The serpentine well is completed with perforations in regions comprising the bypassed hydrocarbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: George R Scott
  • Publication number: 20120285701
    Abstract: Method for determining one or more optimal well trajectories and a drill center location for hydrocarbon production. A well path and drill center optimization problem (55) is solved in which one constraint is that a well trajectory must intersect a finite size target region (61) in each formation of interest, or in different parts of the same formation. The finite target size provides flexibility for the optimization problem to arrive at a more advantageous solution. Typical well path optimization constraints are also applied, such as anti-collision constraints and surface site constraints (62).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Yao-Chou Cheng, James E. Holl, Joseph D. Dischinger, Jose J. Sequeira, JR.
  • Patent number: 8307893
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of hydrocarbon production from a hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes providing a substantially horizontal wellbore having at least one productive interval within a hydrocarbon reservoir and forming at least one non-conductive transverse fracture in the reservoir along the substantially horizontal wellbore. An injection well is also provided. A fluid is injected into the reservoir through the injection well to displace hydrocarbons within the reservoir toward a production portion of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Fluid production from the at least one production interval into the substantially horizontal wellbore flows through an inflow control device that can restrict the fluid flow. A non-conductive transverse fracture can form a barrier within the reservoir to divert injected fluids to increase sweep efficiency and reduce the influx of injected fluids into the production interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Leopoldo Sierra, Loyd E. East, Jr., Mohamed Y. Soliman
  • Publication number: 20120279721
    Abstract: A reciprocating apparatus for pumping pressurized fluid. The reciprocating apparatus comprises a plunger disposed within a cylinder, wherein the plunger is hollow and ported for enabling fluid within the cylinder to flow into the plunger. The plunger includes at least one outlet through which fluid within the plunger flows out of the plunger. In operation, the plunger retracts to displace fluid from the hollow body and into a discharge chamber, and the plunger extends towards the discharge chamber to discharge the displaced fluid. As the plunger alternately retracts and extends, fluid within the plunger continuously flows towards the discharge chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jim SURJAATMADJA, Stanley V. STEPHENSON, Timothy HUNTER
  • Publication number: 20120282384
    Abstract: A fine bubble generating apparatus that efficiently generates fine bubbles on the nanometer level. A cylindrical member has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface, a first end wall member closing one end of the cylindrical member, and a second end wall member closing the other end of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member and the first and second end wall members define a fluid swirling chamber. The cylindrical member has a fluid inlet hole at a position close to the second end wall member to supply a gas-liquid mixed fluid in the tangential direction of the peripheral surface of the fluid swirling chamber. The second end wall member has a fluid outlet hole extending therethrough along the center axis of the inner peripheral surface of the fluid swirling chamber. The gas-liquid mixed fluid is introduced into the fluid swirling chamber at a position close to the second end wall member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Hideyasu TSUJI
  • Patent number: 8302694
    Abstract: A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a wellbore to remove liquid from the wellbore. An isolation device is positioned downhole of the pump and is expandable within the wellbore between a sealed position and an unsealed position. The isolation device in the sealed position substantially reduces gas flow at the pump during removal of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Pine Tree Gas, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zupanick
  • Patent number: 8297362
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying natural gas from a well operating under vacuum conditions by extracting, storing and communicating it to a natural gas-fired piece of oil field equipment is provided. The apparatus has a pump associated with a pump jack for extracting natural gas. The apparatus communicates natural gas to a volume tank and stores it until it needed by a natural gas-fired piece of oil field equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: HighMount Exploration & Production LLC
    Inventors: Larry K. Strider, Brennan K. Wyatt, David C. Hayworth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8297356
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for producing hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon containing hydrate reservoir. The method includes providing at least one producer well in fluid communication with a producing facility and with a hydrocarbon containing hydrate reservoir. The hydrate reservoir is in fluid communication with a head space disposed above the hydrate formation. The head space contains disassociated hydrocarbons and water. A sweep gas is swept through the head space to remove the disassociated gas and water from the hydrate reservoir and to transport the disassociated gas and water to the at least one producer well. The additional pressure and/or heat provided by the sweep gas may help inhibit the reformation of disassociated gas and water into hydrates allowing for enhanced production rates. The additional heat will also help increase the disassociation rate of the upper part of the hydrate formation adjacent to the head space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Balczewski
  • Patent number: 8291983
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly comprises an integrated sub-assembly encased within a shroud. The integrated sub-assembly comprises a well fluid intake having a shroud hanger formed in an upper portion thereof, a seal section having a motor head formed in a lower portion thereof, and an electrical conduit extending between the shroud hanger and the motor head. The intake has a plurality of fluid entry slots positioned a select distance from the shroud hanger in order to minimize the space for the accumulation of gas within the shroud. The electrical conduit sealingly extends through the shroud hanger to a receptacle located on an upper portion thereof. Conductors are encased within the conduit and are connected between the receptacle and the motor head. The conduit prevents the conductors from being affected by reservoir fluid and pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mark K. Rooks
  • Publication number: 20120261135
    Abstract: Method for the segmentation and classification of seismic or other geophysical data. Curves or surfaces are identified in the geophysical data (10), then pairs of the curves or surfaces (12) are matched up according to a selected measure of shape similarity (13) such as the Hausdorff distance between members of a pair. The matched curves or surfaces (15) are used to define geobodies or faults in the geophysical data volume (16). The same inventive concept may also be used to warp/align (register) two different data volumes (72).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Ethan J. Nowak, Matthias Imhof
  • Publication number: 20120261118
    Abstract: A method to extract oil for a pool of oil in the ground utilizes an interconnected series of rotating helical blades extending from the surface of the ground through a canted bore to the pool of oil. The blades can be staggered and interconnected with a gear arrangement that moves oil from pool to pool and up to the surface of the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Michael D. Anter
  • Patent number: 8286698
    Abstract: A downhole burner is used for producing heavy-oil formations. Hydrogen, oxygen, and steam are pumped by separate conduits to the burner, which burns at least part of the hydrogen and forces the combustion products out into the earth formation. The steam cools the burner and becomes superheated steam, which is injected along with the combustion products into the earth formation. Carbon dioxide is also pumped down the well and injected into the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: World Energy Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles H. Ware, Myron I. Kuhlman
  • Publication number: 20120247763
    Abstract: Microbial biomass from oleaginous microbes provides a cost-efficient, biodegradable additive for use in well-related fluids. The biomass is useful as a fluid loss control agent, viscosity modifier, emulsifier, lubricant, or density modifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SOLAZYME, INC.
    Inventors: Walter Rakitsky, Sonia Sousa, Anthony G. Day
  • Patent number: 8276658
    Abstract: This invention relates to a downhole hydraulic pump for hydrocarbon wells that is installed and operated using coiled tubing. The downhole hydraulic pump is driven by a hydraulic power system positioned at the surface and connected through a closed loop system using multiple channels of the coiled tubing. The coiled tubing is formed of a combination of channels including strength component such as steel and having one channel that is at least lined with a non-metallic corrosion resistant surface where clean hydraulic fluid is carried from the hydraulic power system to the downhole hydraulic pump through the non-metallic corrosion resistant channel so to be less likely to pick up manufacturing and environmental particulates and corrosion by-products within the channel carrying the hydraulic fluid to the downhole hydraulic pump. The non-metallic corrosion resistant lined channel may comprise plastic pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: James C. Cox, Dennis R. Wilson, Christine A. Buczek, John C. Patterson, Thomas E. Nations, Curtis G. Blount