Providing Support For Well Part (e.g., Hanger Or Anchor) Patents (Class 166/382)
  • Publication number: 20140262342
    Abstract: Downhole tubing rotators and related methods are disclosed. A mandrel harnesses torque from a progressing cavity pump stator to which it is coupled. Operation of the pump rotor induces a torque on the pump stator, and that torque is harnessed by the mandrel. A rate of rotation of the mandrel due to the torque from the pump stator is controlled, and the rotation rate is hydraulically reduced in an embodiment. A rotation in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the mandrel due to the torque from the pump stator is applied to a production tubing string. The direction of rotation of the mandrel could be reduced and applied to the production tubing string by a planetary gear system, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: PREMIUM ARTIFICIAL LIFT SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventor: Marcel Obrejanu
  • Publication number: 20140262344
    Abstract: This invention particularly relates to improving the engagement of the slip elements within a casing or tubing. Particularly, the invention is directed to improving the penetration of anchors on slip elements to better set downhole tools. Generally, in one aspect, the invention relies on decreasing the contact surface of the cutting edge of the anchor during the initial penetration of the anchor into the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William Ellis Standridge
  • Publication number: 20140262343
    Abstract: A rotatable tubing anchor for anchoring a tubing string to a casing in a well, wherein a lock pin extending radially inward from a cylindrical drag body interacts with a lazy T portion of a lock slot in a peripheral surface of a mandrel positioned in the cylindrical drag body limits vertical and rotational movement of the mandrel in relation to the cylindrical drag body in a manner that enables retaining, controlling, setting, and releasing anchor slips on the rotatable tubing anchor for lowering a tubing string equipped with the rotatable tubing anchor and a down hole pump into a well, anchoring the tubing string to casing in the well against upward tension on the tubing string while allowing rotation of the tubing string, and releasing the rotatable tubing anchor from the casing to enable pulling the tubing string, rotatable tubing anchor, and pump out of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Don Larsen, Duane Goetz, Greg Dougherty
  • Patent number: 8833461
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a housing with a bore. A hanger is lowered into the housing, the hanger having at least one downward facing load shoulder. An expandable load ring is carried on the hanger. When casing weight is applied to the hanger, the weight energizes the load ring, causing it to expand and thereby increase the contact area between a load shoulder on the load ring and a load shoulder on the housing. The shoulders create a path for the load to be transferred to the housing. The increase in contact area increases the load carrying capacity of the hanger. The load ring expansion is limited to elastic expansion to allow it to return to a retracted position when the casing weight is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Sibu Varghese, Chad Yates
  • Publication number: 20140251634
    Abstract: A wellhead system, the system including a wellhead housing having a central axis, an upper end, and a radially inner surface extending axially from the upper end. The system also includes a first casing string disposed within the wellhead housing. The first casing string includes a casing hanger and casing extending axially from the casing hanger. The system further includes a first ram block movably coupled to the housing and a second ram block movably coupled to the housing and radially opposed to the first ram block. Each ram block has a withdrawn position radially spaced apart from the casing hanger of the first casing string and an advanced position sealingly engaging the casing hanger of the first casing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Jason P. Curtiss, Gregory S. Walz
  • Publication number: 20140251639
    Abstract: New apparatus and methods are provided for positioning and attaching centralizers to the inside sidewalls of a wellbore. One or more centralizers are maintained in the interior of a pipe that is transported downhole into a well for deployment. Preferrably, the pipe is also the wellbore's casing and the centralizers are deposited in a top-down manner as the casing travels downhole. The centralizers of the present invention are constructed to have an at least partially circular structure with a central hole. The preferred centralizer has an expanding circular structure wherein the diameter of the centralizer is substantially uniform so as to form an annular construction. Once deployed, the annular centralizer expands to engage the wellbore sidewall with the central hole expanded for passage of the well casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: PORTABLE COMPOSITE STRUCTURES, INC.
    Inventor: SCOTT E. JEWETT
  • Patent number: 8826994
    Abstract: A production assembly for controlling production from a well, the assembly including a wellhead that includes a body and a bore through the body. The bore does not include a hanger support shoulder but does include an engagement profile extending into the body. The assembly also includes a tubing hanger assembly installable in the wellhead. The assembly includes a load shoulder including a load segment expandable into supporting engagement with the bore engagement profile. The assembly also includes a tubing hanger and attached production tubing capable of being run in with the load shoulder and supportable on the load shoulder when the shoulder is engaged with the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20140246210
    Abstract: A remotely actuated clamping device for a borehole seismic sensing system. The remotely actuated clamping device includes a clamping mechanism configured to engage a surface of a borehole by actuation of the clamping mechanism. The remotely actuated clamping device also includes a fluid based actuator configured to actuate the clamping mechanism. The fluid based actuator includes a chamber configured to be kept at a pressure that is isolated from an ambient pressure of the borehole. The fluid based actuator also includes a piston within the chamber. The chamber receives a pressurized fluid to move the piston within the chamber to actuate the clamping mechanism. The pressure used to actuate the clamping mechanism is independent of the ambient pressure of the borehole. Also disclosed are methods of operating the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: US Seismic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Andersen, Afshin Kianpour, Eric L. Goldner
  • Patent number: 8820419
    Abstract: A tieback receptacle is configured with an exterior cone and externals seals with a clearance space to accept a tieback shoe that will wash over the receptacle and expand when landed and advanced over the cone. The lower end of the shoe is tapered so that the thickness opposing the upper seal adds to burst and collapse resistance while the tapered lower end allows a thicker receptacle to be used in the area of the lower seal. The expansion can be accomplished with setting down weight which can also enhance the set of the liner hanger below. Minimal expansion in the order of 3% or less is needed. Exterior slots create cement flow passages and a no-go for the stem to prevent damage to the box further below. A metal to metal seal is created at the cone that is straddled by the exterior seals on the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark K. Adam
  • Patent number: 8820418
    Abstract: A shifting tool and method of shifting a downhole device that requires only a minimal profile or no profile to engage and move the movable portion of the tool. The invention comprises a ported housing assembly and at least one friction pad alignable with said at least one port and radially movable through the port between a first pad position and a second pad position. In the second pad position, the friction pad extends outside said outer diameter of said housing assembly to engage the targeted downhole device. A mandrel positioned through the ported housing has a first section with a first outer diameter and a second section with a second outer diameter, said second outer diameter being greater than said first outer diameter. The mandrel is movable between a first mandrel position and a second mandrel position. In the second mandrel position, the second outer diameter supports the friction pads in the second pad position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Raymond A. Hofman, Steve Jackson
  • Publication number: 20140238695
    Abstract: A stroker device (1) for use in a borehole (2) in the ground, the stroker (1) at least comprising an actuator (6) arranged for displacing a tool (10) in a longitudinal direction of the borehole (2), and grippers (26) arranged to anchor the stroker (1) to the wall (36) of the borehole (2), alternatively to a pipe wall, wherein the stroker (1) is provided with driving wheels (34) or driving belts for propulsion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: AKER WELL SERVICE AS
    Inventors: Karl Einar Ferkingstad, Arne Motland, Rune Bjorndal
  • Publication number: 20140238692
    Abstract: A tie back assembly and method of use is presented. In one method, a tie back seal mandrel is inserted into a tie back receptacle. Both the inner surface of the tie back receptacle and the outer surface of the seal mandrel are tapered to cooperate when mated. A seal assembly forms an annular seal between the tapered surfaces when the mandrel is inserted into the receptacle. Preferably the seal assembly has a burst seal and a collapse seal carried on one of the tapered surfaces, where the seals are spaced apart longitudinally. The seals are positioned at locations along the tapered surfaces to provide adequate wall thickness for support at pressure. Hydrostatic fluid in the wellbore increases the force necessary to withdraw the seal mandrel dues to creation of a lower pressure zone between the spaced apart seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Brock Watson
  • Publication number: 20140238693
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly includes a casing head, tubing head, and a production tree mounted on the tubing head. An isolation sleeve is set in a main bore of the wellhead assembly that extends across an interface between the casing and tubing heads so that a portion resides in each. The isolation sleeve is configured so that a fracturing string, and its associated hanger, can be retrieved through the isolation sleeve; which significantly reduces the time and steps required to conduct a fracturing operation in a well. Moreover, the present isolation sleeve can be used without changes to existing casing or tubing heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Sheila Adkinson, Saurabh Kajaria, Khang Nguyen, Knox Wright
  • Publication number: 20140238694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole support device (100) for use in a wellbore and which is adapted to be run into the wellbore through or run on an elongate member string (2) such as on a string of tubulars, a coiled tubing string or a slickline. The downhole support device comprises an inflatable element (102), which in use is adapted to be selectively connectable to the elongate member string and is further adapted to apply a biasing force in the direction of the wellbore walls. The inflatable element has an inlet (104) for receiving fluid and/or fluidized solids. The support device is further adapted to be selectively disconnectable from the elongate member string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: SMJM Limited
    Inventors: John Paul Fraser, Jason Wing Hau Fong, John Kenneth Fraser Murray
  • Patent number: 8813852
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a production casing hanger defining a series of passageways from an annulus between a production casing string and an outer casing to a region that can communicate, for example, by way of an isolation sleeve, with a production tree. The passageways extend to the interior of the casing hanger. A positionally adjustable sleeve fits within the casing hanger and carries exterior seals that are disposed so that for a first position of the adjustable sleeve within the casing hanger, fluid passage through the series of passageways is blocked, and for a second position of the sleeve within the casing hanger, the fluid passage is allowed. The adjustable sleeve can be operated by a simple tool through the production tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Subsea Limited
    Inventor: George S. Thomson
  • Publication number: 20140224506
    Abstract: Slip elements for a downhole tool include an inner body portion that is substantially formed of a material that is degradable by dissolution in response to a dissolving fluid and a hardened, resilient, radially outer contact portion. The inner body portion may be formed of magnesium, aluminum or iron based powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Richard Yingqing Xu, Zhiyue Xu
  • Patent number: 8800654
    Abstract: A wellbore machining device is proposed for machining a tubular component of a wellbore. The device includes a control unit at the surface level of the wellbore and a down-hole tool unit connected to the control unit through a wire line. The tool unit includes an elongated guide member, a tool member movably supported on the guide member with respect to at least three axes of motion and a plurality of actuators controlled by the control unit and adapted to move the tool member with respect to the axes of motion. The tool unit further includes two anchor members each mounted to an axial end of the guide member and adapted to releasably clamp the tool unit to the tubular component. The control unit and the tool unit form a computer numerical control device (CNC device) wherein the actuators are electric servo motors controlling an actual position of the tool member with respect to a path and/or a sequence of desired position defined by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventor: Steinar Wasa Tverlid
  • Publication number: 20140216760
    Abstract: Disclosed are downhole subassembly systems and method of use thereof. One downhole subassembly system is an orientable whipstock subassembly that includes a whipstock apparatus including a deflector surface operable to direct a cutting tool into a casing sidewall to create a casing exit, and an orienting sub comprising an upper coupling operatively coupled to the whipstock apparatus and a lower coupling at least partially engaged with the upper coupling and rotationally movable with respect thereto while in an un-collapsed configuration and rotationally fixed with respect thereto while in a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William Wallace Dancer
  • Publication number: 20140216759
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying a seat assembly into a tubing string; releasing the seat assembly at a downhole location inside the tubing string; pumping the seat assembly to a restriction in the tubing string at a second downhole location; and using an untethered object received in a seat assembly to form an obstruction in the tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gregoire Jacob, Michael J. Bertoja, Jason Baihly
  • Publication number: 20140209324
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining tension of a transmission line in a tubular includes a first clamp segment configured to surround at least a portion of a transmission line and a second clamp segment configured to surround at least a portion of the transmission line. The second clamp segment has a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end is configured to contact an axial end of the first clamp segment, such that the first clamp segment and the second clamp segment are configured to apply a force in opposite radial directions to clamp the transmission line with respect to the tubular to lock a position of the transmission line with respect to the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Detlev Benedict, Robert Buda, Stephen Mueller, Volker Peters, Henning Rahn, Rene Schulz
  • Publication number: 20140209325
    Abstract: An expansion apparatus for anchoring a downhole tool in a well is provided. The expansion apparatus has a wedge, an expansion wedge and a slip ring. The wedge and expansion wedge interact so as to radially expand wedge segments of the expansion wedge. The slip ring and expansion wedge interact so as to radially expand the slip ring to grippingly engage the wellbore or casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: David Allen Dockweiler, Anthony Valencia
  • Patent number: 8789588
    Abstract: A weight down system comprises a wellbore comprising a plurality of restrictions, and a weight down tool. The weight down tool comprises a central mandrel configured to be coupled to a wellbore tubular, an outwardly extending indicator disposed about the central mandrel, and a plurality of radially expandable weight down lugs configured to selectively transition between an expanded position and a retracted position. The indicator is configured to expand the weight down lugs into the expanded position in response to moving through one or more restrictions of the plurality of restrictions in an upwards direction, and the weight down lugs are configured to retract to the retracted position in response to the weight down lugs moving through one or more restrictions of the plurality of restrictions in an upwards direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Mark Richards, Thomas Jules Frosell
  • Patent number: 8783368
    Abstract: A running tool for well drilling operations is carried by a running string into and out of a wellbore. A collet is carried by the running tool, the collet having fingers with a radially expanded position arranged to latch against a wellbore shoulder in the wellbore. The fingers are resiliently and radially contractible. A shear element is carried by the collet, the shear element preventing the fingers from radially contracting to unlatch the running tool while the shear element is intact. If a selected axial force is applied against the shear element, it shears, freeing the collet fingers to retract. The collet may be part of a tool to set and release a liner hanger from engagement with a string of casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Erik P. Eriksen, Barry J. Tate
  • Patent number: 8783343
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Michael J. Lynch, Lev Ring
  • Publication number: 20140196912
    Abstract: A setting tool for hanging a tubular string includes: a tubular mandrel having an actuation port formed through a wall thereof; a debris barrier for engaging an upper end of the tubular string; and a piston having an upper face in fluid communication with the actuation port. The setting tool further includes: an actuator sleeve extending along the mandrel and connected to the piston; a latch releasably connecting the debris barrier to the actuator sleeve and for releasably connecting the debris barrier to the tubular string; a packoff connected to the mandrel below the piston and operable to seal against an inner surface of the tubular string, thereby forming a buffer chamber between the debris barrier and the packoff; and a passage. The passage: is in fluid communication with a lower face of the piston, is formed in a wall of and along the mandrel, and bypasses the packoff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Rocky A. TURLEY, Mike BOCK, George GIVENS, Kathleen CASSARD, Paul A. REINHARDT
  • Publication number: 20140196889
    Abstract: Anchoring systems for disposition in wellbores and tubular devices comprise a tubular member defined by two or more radially expandable slip members. The upper ends of the slip members are shaped such that when the slip members are in their respective run-in positions and in their respective set positions, a portion of an upper end of one slip member overlaps a portion of an upper end of another slip member so that the longitudinal space between each slip member that is created when the slip members are in their set position are blocked by the upper end of at least one of the slip members. Thus, in their set position, the upper end of at least one of the slip members provides a back-up to a sealing element that can be disposed adjacent to and in contact with the upper ends of the slip members when in their set positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Levi B. Oberg, Ying Qing Xu, Gregory L. Hern, Douglas J. Lehr
  • Publication number: 20140196909
    Abstract: A tubular handling apparatus including a tubular member running tool adapted to provide load-bearing, and preferably torquing, capacity upon the gripping of a tubular is provided. The running tool includes a slotted member having a plurality of elongated slots, a recessed member associated with the slotted member and having a plurality of recesses, and a plurality of gripping elements disposed between the slotted member and recessed member. Each such gripping element is adapted to move with an engaged tubular so as to grip the tubular. A tubular member elevator associated to the running tool, as well as related floor slips, are also encompassed. Methods of casing running are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicants: First Subsea Limited, Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian C. Ellis, Craig C. Weems, Faisal J. Yousef, Beat Kuttel
  • Patent number: 8776898
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus is provided with a wedge lock release mechanism that creates a clearance to allow movement by the mandrel having mating wedge surfaces relative to the tubular to release the wedge slips. In another embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus for handling a tubular includes a mandrel; a carrier coupled to the mandrel; a gripping element for engaging the tubular; an engagement member coupled to the carrier for engaging an upper portion of the tubular; and an abutment device adapted to engage the engagement member, wherein a length of the abutment device is adjustable to allow movement of the engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Liess, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Publication number: 20140190708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier to be expanded in an annulus between a well tubular structure and an inside wall of a borehole downhole for providing zone isolation between a first zone and a second zone of the borehole. The annular barrier comprises a tubular part extending in a longitudinal direction for mounting as part of the well tubular structure; an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular part and defining a space being in fluid communication with an inside of the tubular part; a first fluid passage for letting fluid into the space to expand the sleeve; and a connection unit comprising a connection part slidably connected with the tubular part, a first end of the expandable sleeve being connected with the connection part, wherein the connection unit further comprises a stationary part fixedly connected with the tubular part and an actuation mechanism adapted to induce an axial force on the first end of the expandable sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbaek
  • Patent number: 8763708
    Abstract: A rotating breech lock rotates tubing to distribute wear caused by a rotating or reciprocating rod of an artificial lift system. The rotating breech lock has a spool that disposes on a wellhead. A bowl element disposes in the spool's bore, and a hanger fits into the spool and lands on the bowl element with a thrust bearing. Above the hanger, a load ring fits against the hanger with a bearing, and a hold-down sleeve and locking pins hold the load ring against the hanger. The spool has a worm that mates with a wheel defined about the hanger so turning the worm by a ratchet or other mechanism rotates the hanger. Internally, the hanger has a bore with opposing shoulders separated by gaps. A mandrel couples to the tubing and disposes up into the hanger. Protrusions or keys on the hanger can selectively align with the gaps and the shoulders depending on how the mandrel is rotated in the hanger bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Travis, Scott Menard, Brandon M. Cain, Ping Cai, Michael Mosher
  • Publication number: 20140174733
    Abstract: A wireline configurable toolstring is conveyed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation via a tubular string to which the wireline configurable tool string is coupled in a manner permitting relative motion of the wireline configurable toolstring and the tubular string. The wireline configurable toolstring converts rotary motion imparted by rotation of the tubular string, or by fluid flow resulting from reciprocation of the tubular string, into electrical energy. The wireline configurable toolstring also comprises at least one wireline configurable instrument powered by the electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Raphael Gadot, Jan Morley
  • Publication number: 20140174763
    Abstract: An improved liner hanger system is disclosed. The improved liner hanger system comprises a liner hanger positioned within a casing. The liner hanger comprises a spiked portion having one or more spikes, wherein the spikes comprise a flat portion. At least one of the one or more spikes is expandable and the flat portion of each of the one or more spikes interfaces with the casing when the spike is in the expanded position. A liner is coupled to the liner hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoguang Allan Zhong, Daniel Keith Moeller
  • Publication number: 20140166314
    Abstract: A lock assembly including a plurality of dogs, each dog having a load bearing surface and a first interconnection feature. An extender body is operatively arranged for radially transitioning the plurality of dogs between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The load bearing surface of each dog is operatively arranged in the extended configuration for engaging against a shoulder of a radially adjacent structure for supporting the lock assembly. A mandrel is included having a second interconnection feature operatively arranged to dimensionally overlap the first interconnection feature of the dogs when transitioned to the extended configuration for enabling the mandrel to be supported by the dogs. A method of locking radially adjacent components is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven S. Black
  • Publication number: 20140166313
    Abstract: A torque anchor for anchoring well equipment in a well conduit to arrest movement in both longitudinal directions and rotation in a first direction, but not rotation in an opposed second direction. A mandrel connected to the equipment has L-shaped grooves for slideably receiving respective pins from a drag body on the mandrel. A slip retainer on the mandrel houses slips for selectively engaging and disengaging the conduit. An initial pull of the mandrel causes the pins to move the drag body toward the slip retainer driving the slips outward to grip the conduit, and rotation of the mandrel in the first direction sets the anchor to arrest movement. Further pulling maintains the set position. The anchor is unset by releasing pull, rotating the mandrel in the second direction, and pushing the mandrel to disengage the slips. Alternate unsetting requires increased pull beyond the shear resistance of the slip retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Tazco Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Moore, Chris McArthur, Jasen Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20140166315
    Abstract: A lock assembly including a plurality of dogs, each dog being circumferentially adjacent to at least one other dog in the plurality and each dog including a load bearing surface. An extender body is operatively arranged to transition the plurality of dogs between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The load bearing surface of each dog is operatively arranged in the extended configuration for engaging against a shoulder of a radially adjacent structure for supporting the lock assembly. The load bearing surfaces of the dogs together form a substantially circumferentially continuous shape when arranged in one of the retracted or extended configurations. A method of locking radially adjacent components is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven S. Black
  • Patent number: 8752636
    Abstract: A tubular gripping assembly for use with a top drive to handle a tubular includes a tubular gripping tool having a mandrel and gripping elements operatively coupled to the mandrel; and a link assembly attached to the mandrel, wherein a load of the link assembly is transferred to the mandrel. The tubular gripping assembly may also include one or more of a swivel having selectively actuatable seals, a thread compensator to facilitate tubular make-up, or a wedge lock release apparatus to facilitate the release of gripping elements from the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Liess, John D. Hooker, II, Reinhard Grosch, Thomas Kotschy, Andreas Carlsson
  • Publication number: 20140158376
    Abstract: An adjustable hanger system secures a hanger to a wellhead such that a downward extending tubular may be tensioned at a selected level. The wellhead includes a housing having a plurality of axially spaced grooves, with selected grooves receiving a support member therein. The wellhead housing also has an axially elongate and generally cylindrical sealing surface spaced above the plurality of grooves for sealing engagement with a seal element. The hanger is axially movable relative to the plurality of grooves. The hanger is supported by the support member which is radially movable into selected ones of a plurality of grooves. A lockdown member may also move into selected ones of the plurality of grooves for preventing axially upward movement of the hanger relative to the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: DRIL-QUIP, INC.
    Inventor: Dril-Quip, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140158377
    Abstract: A drill rod for reverse circulation drilling, the drill rod including a first outer tube having an first end adapted to receive a rotational force to transfer the rotational force to the first drill bit and a second end adapted to receive a first drill bit, and a first inner tube adapted to be inserted in the outer tube to define an annulus to allow fluid flow from the first end of the outer tube to the second end of the outer tube, the inner tube having a first end and a second end, the second end being adapted to receive a second drill bit, wherein the inner tube is releasably inserted within the outer tube. An inner string for a drill rod, and method for casing a borehole also are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Harley Bruce HOLLIER
  • Publication number: 20140158375
    Abstract: An anchoring system includes a housing having a radial opening therein, and a piston disposed within the housing which is axially movable therein. A slip is in operable communication with the piston such that movement of the piston in a first axial direction relative to the housing causes movement of the slip in a first radial direction relative to the housing to anchor the anchoring system to a structure and movement of the piston in a second axial direction allows the slip to move in a second radial direction that allows unanchoring of the anchoring system. A sleeve is configured to cause movement of the piston in the second axial direction when moved in the second axial direction relative to the housing, in response to either mechanically pulling the sleeve in the second axial direction or increasing pressure applied against the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas K. Tonti, Stephen James
  • Publication number: 20140151069
    Abstract: A tubing hanger assembly includes a tubular outer tubing hanger member adapted to land in a bore of a wellhead. A tubular inner tubing hanger member is adapted to be secured to a string of production tubing and has an engaged position in a bore of the outer tubing hanger member. A retaining mechanism selectively allows the inner tubing hanger member to be lowered relative to the outer tubing hanger member, then selectively allowing the inner tubing hanger member to be returned back to the engaged position, to create tension in the string of production tubing. The retaining mechanism operates in response to rotational movement of the inner tubing hanger member while the outer tubing hanger member remains stationary with the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Saurabh Kajaria, Khang V. Nguyen, Eugene A. Borak
  • Publication number: 20140151064
    Abstract: Hybrid-tieback seal assemblies, interventionless setting assemblies, and associated methods of setting downhole components of the hybrid-tieback seal assemblies using such interventionless setting assemblies are disclosed. A hybrid-tieback seal assembly comprises one or more anchoring bodies, one or more packer seal assemblies, and one or more interventionless hydraulic setting systems. A method of setting downhole equipment comprises applying a pressure to a compensating volume and providing a working volume, wherein the working volume is separated from the compensating volume by one or more hydraulic control devices. A pressure is applied to the working volume in response to the pressure applied to the compensating volume. The pressure applied to the compensating volume is then reduced and the pressure applied to the working volume is captured by the hydraulic control devices. The captured pressure in the working volume is applied to set one or more of the anchoring bodies and packer seal assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Frank D. Kalb, Andrew J. Webber, John M. Yokley, Curtis W. Payne
  • Publication number: 20140144652
    Abstract: An apparatus for circumferentially orienting a downhole latch assembly in a wellbore. The downhole latch assembly has a plurality of latch keys including a primary latch key. The apparatus includes a casing string positionable in the wellbore. A window joint is interconnected in the casing string. A latch coupling having a latch profile is interconnected in the casing string downhole of the window joint. An orienting subassembly interconnected in the casing string has an orienting profile positioned uphole of the latch profile such that, after operable engagement of the primary latch key with the orienting profile, axial alignment of the latch assembly with the latch coupling causes operable engagement of the latch keys with the latch profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David Joe Steele
  • Patent number: 8733474
    Abstract: A method of drilling a well and installing a liner includes assembling concentric inner and outer strings of tubulars. A drill bit is located at the lower end of the inner string and a liner with a liner hanger makes up part of the outer string. The inner and outer strings may be rotated in unison to drill the well. A valve is located upstream of a liner hanger control tool used to release and set the liner hanger in the drill string. The valve comprises a ported sleeve that slides relative to a ported housing to meter flow from the interior of the drill string to the annular space. The redirected flow maintains a minimum flow rate in the annular space to prevent cuttings from settling on the control tool. A portion of the valve can further be used with a dart to manipulate downstream equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin James Nikiforuk
  • Patent number: 8733457
    Abstract: A system and method for axially displacing a portion of coiled tubing into and/or out of a wellbore so that the coiled tubing does not incur a fatigue cycle during such axial displacement, such as, but not limited to a translation system located between the wellhead and the injector head base to axially displace the injector head and, therefore, the gripped coiled tubing, away from and toward, the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: C&J Spec-Rent Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Comstock, Brandon Simmons
  • Patent number: 8733456
    Abstract: A monobore wellbore apparatus and method of construction. The apparatus includes a series of overlapping expandable liner sections. The overlapping liner sections may be expanded and pressed to provide no gaps along the length of the liner system. The liner sections may include centralizers and/or circumferential seals that provide sealing functions and spaces between the overlapping liner sections. The liner sections may be lined with a suitable sealing material, including an epoxy or may be filled with cement or another desired materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Joerg Lehr, Ines Gruetzmann, Detlev Benedict, Wiebke Schoenebeck, Keven O'Connor, Matthias R. Moeller
  • Publication number: 20140138100
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques and methods of tripping rods and tubulars. Specifically, the disclosure provides techniques for pulling a rod string out of hole and delivering the pulled out rod segments into a rod storage and racking system. The disclosure also provides techniques for pulling a tubular string out of hole and delivering the pulled out tubular segments into a tubular storage and racking system. The disclosure further provides techniques for delivering rods from the rod storage and racking system and running the rods down-hole. The disclosure also provides techniques for delivering tubulars from the tubular storage and racking system and running the tubulars down-hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Derrek Yorga, Derrick Jackson, Paul Knapp, Dave Richard, Minhao Yin, Harold James Miller
  • Patent number: 8727021
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a top drive system includes a quill; a motor operable to rotate the quill; a gripper operable to engage a joint of casing; a connector bi-directionally rotationally coupled to the quill and the gripper and longitudinally coupled to the gripper; and a compensator longitudinally coupled to the quill and the connector. The compensator is operable to allow relative longitudinal movement between the connector and the quill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Karsten Heidecke, Joseph Ross Rials, Raleigh Fisher, Delaney Michael Olstad
  • Patent number: 8720589
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein relating to an apparatus to support a tubular member. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, in which the bowl includes an inner wall formed about the longitudinal axis that is tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus further includes a plurality of slip assemblies movably disposed within to the bowl and having a tapered outer surface and a tapered inner surface with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tapered outer surface of the plurality of slip assemblies is configured to engage the tapered inner wall of the bowl. Further, the bowl may include a shoulder disposed on the inner wall that extends towards the longitudinal axis with respect to the inner wall. Each of the plurality of slip assemblies may be configured to engage the shoulder of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Thibodeaux, Jr., Jeremy Richard Angelle
  • Publication number: 20140124221
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are for connecting a pipe to a confinement of a subsurface borehole where an annulus is formed between the pipe and the confinement. The method includes: providing an expandable metallic bladder element, that by use of a fluid is expandable between an unexpanded and an expanded position, in a sector of the annulus; and expanding the metallic bladder element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Fishbones AS
    Inventor: Rune Freyer
  • Publication number: 20140124199
    Abstract: A tubular assembly is disclosed for use in a wellbore (5) of an oil, gas or water well, typically for landing a downhole device in the wellbore. The assembly has a sleeve (1) adapted to receive the body of the downhole device. The sleeve is deployed into a conduit in the wellbore and expanded, so that the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve is radially expanded against the inner surface of the conduit. The sleeve has a bore with an inner circumferential surface comprising an inwardly facing formation adapted to engage with an outwardly facing formation on the body of the downhole device when the body of the downhole device is disposed in the bore of the sleeve. The sleeve is typically deployed in the wellbore at the desired location and is radially expanded by an expander device (2) that is deployed within the bore of the sleeve. The expanded sleeve plastically deforms and retains its expanded configuration after the radial expansion force is removed from the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Gorrara, Peter Wood