Fluid Flow Control Member (e.g., Plug Or Valve) Patents (Class 166/386)
  • Patent number: 8869902
    Abstract: A plunger system for maximizing the liquid lift potential of a plunger arranged for vertical travel in a conduit in a gas/oil production well. The plunger system comprises an elongated plunger body mandrel having an upper or first end and a second or lower end with a fluid transmitting bore extending longitudinally therethrough, from the second or lower end of the plunger body and into at least a central portion of the plunger body, a plurality of curvilinearly shaped, replaceable wear pads arranged in a controllably radially displaceable manner on the plunger body, and at least one fluid ejecting nozzle arranged extending through a side wall of the plunger body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Well Master Corp.
    Inventors: Jesse L. Smith, David A. Green, Robert E. Bender
  • Patent number: 8869904
    Abstract: A retrievable stimulation frac (retrievable stimulation frac) plug for a well casing having an elongate mandrel having a fluid flow bore, a check valve mandrel seal moveable between an open position and a closed position for selectively sealing the fluid flow bore, a sealing mechanism for sealing between the mandrel and the casing, and a locking mechanism for axially locking the retrievable stimulation frac plug in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sure Tech Tool Services Inc.
    Inventor: William Jani
  • Patent number: 8869903
    Abstract: A production string employable in a multi-zone completion system, the production string includes a passageway enabling passage of production fluids therethrough; a shifting tool including a shifting profile engageable with a production sleeve of the completion system to open a closed production sleeve, the shifting tool sharing the passageway of the production string; and, a remotely controlled hydraulic production valve which controls fluid flow between the passageway and the production sleeve. Also included is a production method useable in a borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony Thomas, Kevin J. Berry
  • Publication number: 20140311759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier system (100) connected with a well head (40) via a well tubular structure (3), comprising a first annular barrier (1) and a second annular barrier (21) to be expanded in an annulus (2) between the well tubular structure and an inside wall (4) of a casing (20) or a borehole (5) downhole for providing zone isolation between a first zone (8) and a second zone (9), each annular barrier comprising a tubular part (6) extending in a longitudinal direction for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, an expandable sleeve (7) surrounding the tubular part and defining a space (13), an opening (11) for letting fluid into the space to expand the sleeve, and a first connection part (15) and a second connection part (16) connecting the expandable sleeve with the tubular part, and wherein the first connection part is arranged nearest to the well head, the system further comprising a flow line (17) fluidly connecting the well head with the opening for supplying fluid
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Paul Hazel
  • Patent number: 8863835
    Abstract: A well tool can include a first oscillator which varies a flow rate of fluid, and a second oscillator which discharges the fluid received from the first oscillator at a variable frequency. A method can include flowing a fluid through a first oscillator, thereby repeatedly varying a flow rate of fluid discharged from the first oscillator, and receiving the fluid from the first oscillator into a second oscillator. A well tool can include a first oscillator including a vortex chamber, and a second oscillator which receives fluid flowed through the vortex chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert Pipkin, Tim Hunter
  • Patent number: 8863853
    Abstract: Downhole tools that have a housing, a linearly indexing driver, a reciprocating shifter, and an actuation seat. The driver is adapted for linear indexing relative to the housing from an initial position sequentially through one or more intermediate positions to a terminal position. The shifter is adapted for axial reciprocation relative to the housing and is operatively connected to the driver and adapted to index the indexed driver from its initial position sequentially through its intermediate positions to its terminal position as the shifter reciprocates. The actuation seat is mounted on the shifter and is adapted to receive a ball for actuation of the shifter and to release the ball after the shifter has indexed the indexed driver. Thus, a series of such tools may be operated by deploying a series of balls, all of the same size, through the tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Team Oil Tools LP
    Inventors: Michael J. Harris, Kenneth J. Anton
  • Publication number: 20140305662
    Abstract: A liner deployment assembly (LDA) for use in a wellbore includes: a crossover tool. The crossover tool includes: a seal for engaging a tubular string cemented into the wellbore; a tubular housing carrying the seal and having bypass ports straddling the seal; a mandrel having a bore therethrough and a port in fluid communication with the mandrel bore, the mandrel movable relative to the housing between a bore position where the mandrel port is isolated from the bypass ports and a bypass position where the mandrel port is aligned with one of the bypass ports; a bypass chamber formed between the housing and the mandrel and extending above and below the seal; and a control module. The control module includes: an electronics package; and an actuator in communication with the electronics package and operable to move the mandrel between the positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Lee GIROUX, Daniel PURKIS, Richard DALZELL, Jason DUTHIE, Ian JAFFREY
  • Patent number: 8851184
    Abstract: A containment valve assembly using the upcoming pressures to control the flow of oil/gas through a riser pipe with a stop flow plug positioned within the valve housing that has an outer surface shaped to fit within and against the riser pipe, and an inner socket cavity having a conical nose receiver portion with a relief vent allowing the oil/gas to escape through the valve assembly, when desired. The stop flow plug is shaped to fit within the inner socket cavity and moves between an open position and a closed position, wherein the stop flow plug fits securely against the conical nose receiver portion, sealing the relief vent. At the top of the valve, a nut will lock the stop flow plug to the close out plate for additional stoppage. A second embodiment adds a heavy duty insert to supplement the sealing pressure, when needed. Electronic monitors convey data remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: John Mayn Deslierres, Maria R. Cabedo-Deslierres
  • Publication number: 20140290947
    Abstract: A method for servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation, and placing a wellbore servicing tool in the wellbore, wherein the wellbore servicing tool comprises a baffle, wherein the baffle comprises a seat contoured to match a spherical zone of an obturator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Sevices, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt James MERRON, Zachary William WALTON
  • Patent number: 8844638
    Abstract: A tool (10) for installing and removing a valve removal plug (60) from wellhead components, the tool comprising a curved pressure containing housing (11) having a first and a second end (12, 13), the housing having a bore (20) extending from the first end to the second end, a flexible drive member (21) within the bore and drive means (40, 41) connected to the drive member for causing rotational movement of the drive member within the pressure containing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Edward T. Thornburrow
  • Patent number: 8844636
    Abstract: A well conveyance system couples to an uphole end of an artificial lift system and operates to push the artificial lift system through a tubing string for deployment in a wellbore. The well conveyance system includes a wellbore tractor adapted to push the artificial lift system through the tubing string and a swab cup assembly having a swab cup and a perforated nipple extending therethrough. The perforated nipple includes a nipple passage allowing for fluid flow from an area downhole from the swab cup to an area uphole from the swab cup when the wellbore tractor operates. A valve selectively blocks the perforated nipple to permit a hydraulic pressure to be applied to the tubing string uphole of the swab cup, exerting a downhole force on the swab cup to aid in deployment of the artificial lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Bebak, Steven K. Tetzlaff
  • Patent number: 8844637
    Abstract: A technique provides a system and methodology for treating a plurality of zones, e.g. well zones. A plurality of flow control devices is located along a tubular structure, such as a well string in a wellbore. Each flow control device or each set of flow control devices comprises a seat member having a unique profile relative to the profiles of the other flow control devices. Drop objects are designed with engagement features arranged to engage the profiles of specific flow control devices. For example, each drop object may have an engagement feature of a corresponding profile designed to engage the unique profile of a specific flow control device or of a specific set of flow control devices to enable actuation of the specific flow control device or the specific set of flow control devices once the drop object is dropped through the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Baihly, Don Aldridge
  • Patent number: 8844634
    Abstract: A downhole circulation sub or valve includes a tubular housing with an outer port and a valve piston slidably disposed in the housing. A primary fluid flow path extends through an inner flow bore of the housing and valve piston. In a first position, the valve piston isolates the outer port to prevent fluid communication between the inner flow bore and a well bore annulus. In a second position, the valve piston is moved to obstruct the inner flow bore and expose the outer port to the inner flow bore and allow fluid communication between the inner flow bore and the well bore annulus. An indexing mechanism is coupled between the housing and the valve piston to guide the valve piston between the first and second positions. The indexing mechanism may include a rotatable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffery Ronald Clausen, Nicholas Ryan Marchand
  • Patent number: 8839872
    Abstract: A plug for sealing a conduit. The plug comprises a housing, a setting member, at least one anchor and at least one seal element. Rotation of the setting member with respect to the housing in a setting direction sets the at least one anchor and the at least one seal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Petrowell Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Purkis
  • Patent number: 8839849
    Abstract: A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation includes configuring a body to at least partially fill with a selected fluid; and actuating a flow restriction element using the body. The selected fluid may be water. An apparatus for controlling flow of a fluid into a wellbore tubular may include a selectively buoyant body, and a flow restriction element responsive to a movement of the selectively buoyant body. The selectively buoyant body includes a membrane configured to block a flow of hydrocarbons into the selectively buoyant body. The flow restriction element may include a flapper, a sliding sleeve, and a poppet valve. The body may be at least partially filled with a permeable material, which includes, but is not limited to, open-cell foam, reticulated metal foam, shaped sintered powder and capillary tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Randall V. Guest, Stephen L. Crow, Martin P. Coronado
  • Patent number: 8839873
    Abstract: An interval can be divided into zones by inserting a series of plugs that register with specific profiles at predetermined intervals along a section of pipe. Each plug supports a releasable perforating gun that can release from the plug and perforate an interval for treatment such as fracturing or acidizing. A subsequent plug then isolates the just treated zone and the process is repeated working up toward the surface. When the full interval is treated the plugs can then be removed by making their cores disappear using a reaction or dissolving techniques. Mechanical alternative that push all the plugs to hole bottom or that retrieve them together or individually are possible alternative techniques for removal of the plugs from the treated interval before production is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles C. Johnson, Michael H. Johnson, Maria M. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20140262348
    Abstract: Gelled barrier fluids preventing the ingress of undesired fluids from subsurface environments into subsurface apparatus have a specific gravity which is within ±0.05 of the specific gravity of the undesired fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory E. Casey, Angel Hoover, Andrew J. Barden
  • Patent number: 8833468
    Abstract: A method of controlling flow between a flow passage of a tubular string and an annulus includes: constructing a valve having an opening for flow between the passage and annulus; permitting flow through the opening; then preventing flow through the opening in response to applying pressure to the valve; and then mechanically displacing a closure device, thereby allowing flow through the opening. Another method includes applying a pressure differential across a piston of a valve, thereby displacing a closure device; and then displacing the closure device relative to the piston, thereby allowing flow between the passage and the annulus. A valve includes an opening for flow between an interior and exterior of the valve, a closure device for permitting and preventing flow through the opening, and a piston which biases the closure device to displace, the closure device being mechanically displaceable relative to the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Swan
  • Patent number: 8826987
    Abstract: A downhole oilfield tool assembly comprises a mandrel, a ball valve oriented to block downwards flow through the mandrel in a closed position, a first piston located above the ball valve and at least partly around an outside of the mandrel. The first piston is configured to develop motive force from a pressure differential between an interior of the mandrel and an exterior of the downhole oilfield tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Daniel Moeller, Kevin J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8820413
    Abstract: A method for flow control and a self-adjusting valve or flow control device, in particular useful in a production pipe for producing oil and/or gas from a well in an oil and/or gas reservoir, which production pipe includes a lower drainage pipe preferably being divided into at least two sections each including one or more inflow control devices which communicates the geological production formation with the flow space of the drainage pipe. The fluid flows through an inlet (10?) and further through a flow path of the control device (2) passing by a non-disc shaped movable body (9?) which is designed to move relative to the opening of the inlet and thereby reduce or increase the flow-through area (A2) by exploiting the Bernoulli effect and stagnation pressure created over the body (9?), whereby the control device, depending on the composition of the fluid and its properties, automatically adjusts the flow of the fluid based on a pre-estimated flow design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Publication number: 20140238698
    Abstract: To deploy a capillary string through a wellhead to a downhole safety valve, a control port and a retention port are drilled in an adapter between a casing hanger and a gate valve or elsewhere. The capillary string is connected to a first port of a capillary hanger and installed through the wellhead. The capillary hanger is landed on a tubing hanger, and a side port on the capillary hanger communicates with the control port. Because the side port's location may not align with the control port, operators may need to measure how long the capillary hanger should be. A control line connects to the control port in the wellhead's side to communicate with the capillary line, and a retention rod inserts in the retention port to support the capillary hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Richard C. Jones, Jean-Luc Jacob, Todd Travis, Brandon Cain, Eric Calzoncinth, Paul Perez
  • Publication number: 20140238697
    Abstract: Apparatus useful for remotely actuating the drag blocks of a downhole tool includes at least one remotely actuated sleeve configured to allow the drag blocks to move from one position to another when the downhole tool is disposed in a well bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gabriel Antoniu Slup, Douglas Julius Lehr
  • Publication number: 20140231099
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: GULFSTREAM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Phil Barbee, Michael Mire, Joey Naquin
  • Patent number: 8807231
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a debris barrier assembly having a sleeve, an outer housing assembly coupled to the sleeve, and first and second biasing members disposed within the outer housing assembly. A support member is coupled to the sleeve and is in contact with an end of the first and second biasing members. The debris barrier assembly is coupled to a polished bore receptacle to prevent debris from entering the PBR. The debris barrier assembly is operable to compensate for a pressure differential between the internal region of the PBR and the external region of the surrounding wellbore. The debris barrier assembly and the PBR may be run in the wellbore on a work string, and the sleeve may be actuated to actuate a downhole tool connected to the sleeve to perform a downhole operation. The debris barrier assembly may be retrieved from the wellbore using the work string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Reinhardt, Gordon Thomson
  • Patent number: 8800668
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus is provided for a partially retrievable safety valve to control a well. The method includes securing a normally closed valve in the well. The valve may be a self-equalizing flapper valve. Following this, an actuator system operable to open the valve is run into the well. The actuator system is removable from the well while the valve remains closed and secured in the well. A submersible pump and motor may be secured to the actuator system before the actuator system is run into the well. The submersible pump and motor are also removable from the well while the valve remains closed and secured in the well. Therefore the actuator system, submersible pump and motor can be replaced or redressed, while the valve remains closed, keeping the well under control at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Brett Wayne Bouldin, Stephen Wayland Smith
  • Patent number: 8800590
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a valve comprising a valve body; an orifice disposed within the valve body; a fluid flow restraining member located at a first location of the orifice, the fluid flow restraining member pivotable between a closed position and an open position; an extending member connected to, and moveable in pivotable synchronization with, the fluid flow restraining member; and a shape memory alloy element attached to the extending member and the valve body, the shape memory alloy element causing a pivotal movement of the extending member between positions corresponding to the open and closed positions responsive to a change in temperature of the shape memory alloy element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Wright Gilbertson, Franz Hover, Eduardo Colina, Donald Bryan Freeman
  • Publication number: 20140216754
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular and a formation may include a frac tool having at least one port in selective fluid communication with the formation, and an inflow control device having a flow control path configured to provide a predetermined pressure drop for a flowing fluid. The inflow control device may have a flow coupler configured to provide selective fluid communication with the at least one port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Gonzalo Garcia
  • Publication number: 20140216761
    Abstract: A downhole activation assembly for activating a downhole component of a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The activation assembly includes a housing operatively connectable to the downhole tool, a spring-loaded sleeve, and a ball catcher. The sleeve slidably positionable in the housing, and having a flow channel therethrough and an outer surface defining a chamber between the sleeve and the housing. The sleeve having inlets therethrough about a sleeve end thereof to permit fluid from the flow channel to pass therethrough. The ball catcher slidably positionable in the housing, and having a catcher end engageable with the sleeve end to selectively divert the fluid thereabout and a ball seat therein to receivingly engage a ball passing through the sleeve whereby the ball catcher selectively moves the downhole component between activation positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: National Oilwell DHT, L.P.
    Inventor: Khoi Trinh
  • Publication number: 20140216762
    Abstract: One disclosed sleeve assembly disposed within a base pipe includes a first sleeve portion having a first shear resistance for resisting movement of the sleeve assembly with respect to the base pipe, and a second sleeve portion moveable with respect the first sleeve portion and having a second shear resistance for resisting movement of the second sleeve portion with respect to the first sleeve portion, the second shear resistance being greater than the first shear resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank V. Acosta, Nicholas Frederick Budler, John Roland Key
  • Publication number: 20140209321
    Abstract: A plug includes a slip actuator for setting and release of slips, and a locking element in contact with the slip actuator. The locking element includes multiple parts with internal threads which constitute an enclosure around threads of a pipe. On the radial outer surface of the locking element are provided resilient elements. When setting the plug, the locking element is capable of sliding over the pipe threads for movement of the slip actuator and setting of the slips, until the locking element comes into engagement with a locking sleeve, fixed relative to the pipe, which prevents rotation of the locking element. When releasing the plug, the locking element is released from the locking sleeve, and the locking element rotates off the pipe threads, and the slip actuator follows the movement of the locking element and releases the slips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: ARCHER OIL TOOLS AS
    Inventors: Tor Eivind Hansen, Krzysztof Klimas
  • Patent number: 8789581
    Abstract: An example downhole completion system includes a first sealing structure arranged within an open hole section of a wellbore and being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, a second sealing structure arranged axially adjacent the first sealing structure and also being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, and a flow control device arranged between the first and second sealing structures and configured to provide a flow path for fluids to communicate between a surrounding subterranean formation and an interior of the downhole completion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Fripp, John Gano, Peter Besselink, Wilfried Van Moorleghem
  • Patent number: 8789582
    Abstract: An apparatus for regulating fluid-flow during a primary cementing job comprises a bottom cementing plug, adapted to house a one-way valve and means to regulate fluid flow through the plug interior. The apparatus is useful for minimizing or preventing free fall or U-tubing during primary cementing. The apparatus is compatible with conventional cementing-plug launching systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Andre Salvaire
  • Patent number: 8789602
    Abstract: A pressurizing device includes a main housing having a central bore therethrough and a ball drop module removably disposed within the main housing, the ball drop module including a ball seat hingedly attached within the ball drop module and configured to receive a dropped ball, wherein the ball seat is configured to rotate about a hinge from a closed position to an open position when a pressure above the ball seat exceeds a preset limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Gill, Michael J. Harris, Aju Abraham, Robert James Costo, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140202713
    Abstract: A system comprising a control valve comprising a flapper either activated or inactivated, when activated the flapper may be closed or open and, when inactivated the flapper is open, a first sleeve transitional from a first to a second position, and a second sleeve transitional from a first to a second position, when the first and second sleeves are in the first position, the flapper is activated, when the first sleeve is in the second and the second sleeve is in the first position, the flapper is inactivated, when the first and second sleeves are in the second position, the flapper is activated, the application of pressure to the first sleeve via a first member transitions the first sleeve from the first to the second position, and the application of pressure to the second sleeve via a second member transitions the second sleeve from the first to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Takao STEWART, Eric BIVENS, Timothy Holiman HUNTER
  • Patent number: 8783365
    Abstract: A selective downhole tool including a tubular having a longitudinal bore enabling passage of fluids there through. Having a valve opening in a wall of the tubular. An expandable ball seat selectively movable between a first size sized to trap a ball to block flow through the tubular. A larger second size sized to release the ball through the tubular. A valve cover longitudinally movable within the tubular, the valve cover including a dissolvable insert. Also included is a method of operating a downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew McCoy, Matthew Solfronk
  • Publication number: 20140196908
    Abstract: A system, including a plug, including one or more fluid pathways extending between upstream and downstream sides of the plug, and an internal lock positionable in an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the internal lock is resiliently biased to the locked position upon release from the unlocked position, wherein the locked position is configured to internally secure the plug within a wellhead component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Stephen C. Muse
  • Publication number: 20140196913
    Abstract: A bridge plug tool for use in a well, comprising: a tool body; a mandrel (3) extending through the tool body; a setting sleeve (2) positioned on the tool body; a packer module (4,5,6) located below the setting sleeve, the packer module having an expanded position in which its outer surface is expanded radially with respect to the tool body and a contracted position in which its outer surface is substantially the same as that of the tool body; and an anchor module (9,10,11) located below the packer module, the anchoring module comprising anchor elements moveable between an expanded position in which the anchor elements extend radially from the tool body and a contracted position in which the anchor elements are substantially aligned with the surface of the tool body; wherein the mandrel extends through the sleeve, packer module and anchor module; the mandrel and setting sleeve are relatively moveable between an axially extended position and an axially contracted position; and wherein the mandrel and setting sl
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: EXTREME INVENT AS
    Inventors: Dag Pedersen, Robin Lovslett, Tore Vedal
  • Publication number: 20140196892
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system comprising a pressure testing valve incorporated within a casing string and comprising a housing comprising one or more ports and an axial flowbore, a sliding sleeve, wherein the sliding sleeve is positioned within the housing and transitional from a first position to a second position through a sliding sleeve stroke, wherein, in the first position, the sliding sleeve blocks a route of fluid communication via the one or more ports and, in the second position the sliding sleeve does not block the route of fluid communication via the one or more ports, wherein the pressure testing valve is configured such that application of a predetermined pressure to the axial flowbore for a predetermined duration causes the sliding sleeve to transition from the first position to the second position, wherein the predetermined duration is at least about one minute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Kendall Lee PACEY, Kevin Thomas BERSCHEIDT, Matthew Todd HOWELL
  • Patent number: 8776899
    Abstract: Disclosed is a downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore and providing flow control through the downhole completion assembly. One downhole completion system includes a first sealing structure arranged within an open hole section of a wellbore and being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, a second sealing structure arranged axially adjacent the first sealing structure and also being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, and a flow control device arranged between the first and second sealing structures and configured to provide a flow path for fluids to communicate between a surrounding subterranean formation and an interior of the downhole completion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Fripp, John Gano, Peter Besselink, Wilfried Van Moorleghem
  • Patent number: 8776890
    Abstract: A tool that is usable in a well and may include an operator, a switch, a resilient device and an indexer. The switch may be configured to selectively communicate a first force to the operator, thereby actuating the tool. The resilient device may exert a second force. The indexer may cycle through a sequence of positions in response to alternating between the second force and a third force. The sequence includes a predetermined position configured to actuate the switch, thereby communicating the first force to the operator to actuate the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Arin Basmajian, Brad Swenson, John R. Whitsitt
  • Patent number: 8770293
    Abstract: A multiple activation-device launching system for a cementing head comprises a launcher body and at least one launching chamber that are sized to receive one or more activation devices therein. The activation devices are launched into the principal process-fluid stream inside the cementing head, and may be darts, balls, bombs, canisters and combinations thereof. The launching chambers are in fluid communication with an external power source for launching the activation device into the principal process-fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Giem, Philippe Gambier, Joel Rondeau, Chris Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8770299
    Abstract: A tubular actuating system includes a plurality of series of actuators disposed within a tubular with at least one of the series having a plurality of actuators. Each of the plurality of actuators in the at least one of the series is alterable from a first position allowing passage of plugs below a selected size to a second position allowing actuation by plugs of selected sizes. The plurality of actuators of the series are distributed within the tubular such that the more upstream of any two of the plurality of actuators is actuatingly engagable with a larger one of the plugs than the more downstream of the two of the plurality of actuators when in the second position, and the plurality of series is distributed such that for any two of the series the more upstream of the two series requires a larger plug to alter the actuators therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James G. King
  • Patent number: 8763707
    Abstract: A downhole circulating valve includes a generally tubular outer housing having an axially extending internal passageway including an internal seat and at least one generally radially extending opening formed through the housing intersecting the internal seat. A valve element is rotatably disposed within the internal passageway. The valve element has an axially extending internal bore and a head portion disposed at least partially within the internal seat. The head portion includes at least one generally radially extending seal element. The valve element has a first position relative to the housing, wherein the seal element is not aligned with the opening, thereby allowing fluid communication between the opening and the internal passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie Robert Williamson, Leo G. Collins, David L. Reesing, Russell Irving Bayh, III
  • Patent number: 8763688
    Abstract: A rubber bullet-shaped cylindrical device that functions to non-invasively plug a gushing pipe of high pressure oil. The steel belted inflatable rubber plugging device with attached high pressure hoses is inserted into a gushing oil well pipe while it pumps shipboard a high pressure stream of recycled oil itself that will not freeze at the gushing oil well to fight or knife through the oil and the pressure of the oil gushing to assist with inserting and descending the apparatus into the pipe while the operator follows a sequence of operational steps. A hose that has a vacuum applied to reduce the size of the inflatable bladder to allow it to fit it into the pipe unrestricted until it stops at the right location then recycled oil that will not freeze is pumped into the bladder to seal the oil well and to allow the cement pouring operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: John Karl Webb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8757267
    Abstract: A pressure-actuated valve fit to a tubing string for alternately closing to communicate fluids from a wellbore to the tubing string and opening to communicate fluids from a wellbore annulus to the tubing string. The valve is particularly useful for lifting liquids which accumulate in the tubing string when the reservoir has a diminished pressure. In this case, gas is accumulated in the wellbore annulus and when the valve is opened the gas enters the valve and is directed to the tubing string for lifting the liquids. The valve is closed by a spring and has a closing-assist which applies an additional force to the spring to ensure the valve is fully closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Bruce Mitchell, Gordon Bosley
  • Patent number: 8757273
    Abstract: A method for opening a port through the wall of a ported sub including providing a sub with a port through its tubular side wall and providing a hydraulically actuatable valve to cover the port, the valve being actuatable to move away from a position covering the port to thereby open the port. The method further includes increasing pressure within the sub to create a pressure differential across the valve to move the valve toward the low pressure side, while the port remains closed by the valve, thereafter reducing pressure within the sub to reduce the pressure differential and driving the valve to move it away from a position covering the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Jon Themig, Kevin O. Trahan, Christopher Denis Desranleau, Frank DeLucia
  • Patent number: 8757274
    Abstract: A well tool actuator can include a series of chambers which, when opened in succession, cause the well tool to be alternately actuated. A method of operating a well tool actuator can include manipulating an object in a wellbore; a sensor of the actuator detecting the object manipulation; and the actuator actuating in response to the sensor detecting the object manipulation. A drilling isolation valve can comprise an actuator including a series of chambers which, when opened in succession, cause the isolation valve to be alternately opened and closed. A method of operating a drilling isolation valve can include manipulating an object in a wellbore, a sensor of the drilling isolation valve detecting the object manipulation, and the drilling isolation valve operating between open and closed configurations in response to the sensor detecting the object manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, Michael L. Fripp
  • Patent number: 8752629
    Abstract: A valve assembly for regulating fluid flow in a horizontal wellbore. A housing can be coupled to a production tubular. A chamber is defined within the housing and can be in fluid communication through a flow channel with an inner annulus formed adjacent the wellbore. A piston and a biasing member can be disposed within the chamber, where the biasing member biases the piston into a first position. A flowpath is defined within the housing and communicable with both the production tubular and the inner annulus. The flowpath can include one or more nozzles disposed therein, and the piston can be configured to move between the first position allowing fluid flow through the flowpath to the production tubular and a second position preventing fluid flow to the production tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Terje Moen
  • Publication number: 20140158380
    Abstract: A method can include providing a pump connected to a power cable with a smooth surface; providing a stuffing box with a valve configured to form a seal with the smooth surface of the power cable in a closed state and to form a passage for the pump as connected to the power cable in an open state; providing a lubricator; providing a blow-out protector with a valve configured to form a seal with the smooth surface of the power cable in a closed state and to form a passage for the pump as connected to the power cable in an open state; and controlling the states of the valves while lowering the pump via the power cable through the stuffing box, the lubricator, and the blow-out protector to position the pump into a bore of a well. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Sheng Chang
  • Patent number: 8746343
    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 a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Fehr, Daniel Jon Themig