Wells With Lateral Conduits Patents (Class 166/50)
  • Patent number: 11959363
    Abstract: A technique facilitates improving a completion architecture for a multilateral intelligent well completion (IWC). Effectively, a new and enhanced completion design and deployment approach is provided for multilateral IWCs. According to an embodiment, lower completion equipment is initially deployed downhole into a lower lateral borehole and lower section of a primary borehole. An intermediate completion may then be run downhole and into engagement with the lower completion equipment. Subsequently, an upper lateral borehole (or boreholes) may be drilled and completed. After drilling and completing the one or more upper lateral boreholes, an upper completion is deployed downhole and coupled with the intermediate completion in a manner which enables signal communication with downhole sections of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Krishna Trisal, Debasmita Basak, Kjell Revheim
  • Patent number: 11946337
    Abstract: A system includes a subsurface safety valve and a lock tool. The subsurface safety valve is installed within the production tubing and has a main bore delineated by an inner circumferential surface of the subsurface safety valve and a lock profile machined into the inner circumferential surface of the subsurface safety valve. The lock tool is movably disposed around a conduit and has a locking dog configured to engage with the lock profile of the subsurface safety valve and a conduit seal made of a swellable elastomer. The conduit seal is activated by an activation fluid and has an expanded position and an unexpanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian A. Roth, Jinjiang Xiao
  • Patent number: 11933179
    Abstract: An extraction well system is disclosed that allows for isolation of electrical cables from underground mine atmosphere. The extraction well system provides for a well casing that extends downwardly proximate to an existing mine cavity and an extension casing that extends downwardly below the mine roof. In one embodiment the extension casing is external to the well casing and is attached to the well casing mechanically such as with a dual thread reducer. The extension runs from above the mine roof to below the mine floor and is perforated in the area of the mine cavity to allow liquid to drain into the bottom of the extension well. In a second embodiment, the extension casing is interior to the well casing and is attached for example by an internal liner hanger. In this embodiment, the extension casing runs from above the mine roof to below the desired minimum liquid level and it is the well casing that extends downwardly in the extension well and which is perforated to allow liquids to flow into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GENESIS ALKALI WYOMING, LP
    Inventors: Adam Clark Anderson, Aaron P. Reichl
  • Patent number: 11927084
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. The methods comprise penetrating the subterranean reservoir with a plurality of well pairs that are laterally displaced across a well pad in an array. The methods further comprise operating the plurality of well pairs under a first set of conditions that induce a solvent-concentration gradient, a temperature gradient, or a combination thereof within the subterranean reservoir by: (i) injecting varying concentrations of steam, solvent, or combinations thereof across the array, and (ii) producing hydrocarbons from the reservoir via the plurality of well pairs. The methods further comprise operating the plurality of well pairs under a second set of conditions that delocalize the solvent-concentration gradient, the temperature gradient, or the combination thereof across the array to enhance hydrocarbon production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Cenovus Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Prince Azom, Amos Ben-Zvi
  • Patent number: 11867017
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a greaseless multi-level pressure control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: AXIS SERVICE, LLC
    Inventors: Kathy Suazo, Joseph Sites, Michael Russell
  • Patent number: 11845895
    Abstract: A variety of systems, methods and compositions are disclosed, including, a method comprising: providing a fracturing fluid comprising: a carrier fluid; a micro-proppant; and a degradable micro-fiber; pumping the fracturing fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; and creating or extending at least one fracture in the subterranean formation. A fracturing fluid comprising: a carrier fluid; a micro-proppant; and a degradable micro-fiber. A method comprising: isolating a perforated zone in a wellbore; pumping into the perforated zone a pad fluid above a fracture gradient of a formation penetrated by the wellbore to create a plurality of fractures within the formation; pumping into the perforated zone a fracturing fluid above the fracture gradient; pumping into the perforated zone a diverting fluid below the fracture gradient; and repeating the step of pumping into the perforated zone the fracturing fluid after the step of pumping into the perforated zone the diverting fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Janette Cortez Montalvo, Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11746631
    Abstract: A flow management and separation system for a wellbore having a horizontal section, vertical section and intermediate build section, a production tubing, and an annulus surrounding the production tubing, is combined with a primary vertical lift device disposed in the intermediate build section or a heel segment of the horizontal section. The fluid flow management system may be located adjacent to and downhole from the primary vertical lift device. The system includes an intake to an intake passage, to receive produced fluids from the reservoir; a wavebreaker for calming produced fluid flow; a fluidseeker having a rotatable inlet extension having a weighted keel and an internal bypass passage in fluid communication with the intake flow passage; and a separator for separating gas and liquid phases uphole from the fluidseeker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Cleantek Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Laing, Geoff Steele, Pawandeep Khaira, John Barrett, Mathew Barrett, Lowell Chapman
  • Patent number: 11732548
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground double-hole combined water inrush prevention method for overlying strata movement monitoring and bed separation water drainage. By arranging a rock strata movement monitoring borehole and a bed separation water drainage borehole, interior movement information of an overlying stratum and bed separation generation timing fed back by strata movement monitoring performed inside are monitored; work on the bed separation water drainage borehole is guided by monitoring changes in arranged monitoring points; and through combination of the movement monitoring borehole and the bed separation water drainage borehole, the utilization rate of the bed separation water drainage borehole is effectively increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: China University of Mining and Technology
    Inventors: Xiaozhen Wang, Jianlin Xie, Weibing Zhu, Jialin Xu, Siyuan Yu
  • Patent number: 11725485
    Abstract: Provided is a completion string and a multilateral well system. The completion string, in one aspect, includes a first tubing string, the first tubing string defining a first fluid path operable to receive a first fluid obtained from a first wellbore. The completion string, in accordance with this aspect, further includes a second tubing string positioned about the first tubing string, the first tubing string and the second tubing string creating an inner annulus that defines a second fluid path operable to receive a second fluid obtained from a second lateral wellbore. The completion string, in accordance with this aspect, further includes a third tubing string positioned about the second tubing string, the second tubing string and the third tubing string defining an outer annulus that defines a third fluid path operable to receive a third fluid obtained from a third lateral wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Joe Steele, Justin Mark Roberts
  • Patent number: 11713656
    Abstract: Methods for producing hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs utilize a production well having a plurality of individually-actuatable fluid-inlet components that are spaced apart to define a plurality of production-well fluid-inlet zones. An injection fluid including a non-condensable gas (NCG) is injected into the reservoir, such that a drainage fluid including at least a portion of the NCG occupies the production-well fluid-inlet zones. The gas phase:liquid phase ratio of a production fluid is modulated by identifying at least one of the production-well fluid-inlet zones as having a gas content above a threshold and thus being a higher-gas zone, and actuating variations in pump speed and the flow states of the plurality of fluid-inlet components adjacent and corresponding to the higher-gas zone to prioritize hydraulic communication with a subset of the plurality of production-well fluid-inlet zones spaced apart from the higher-gas zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Cenovus Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Amos Ben-Zvi, Amin Fardi, Simon D Gittins, Michael Miller, Ryan Miller, Trenton M Schrader
  • Patent number: 11702933
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for determining vertical well stratified fracturing crack length based on interlayer equilibrium development. According to the method, interlayer equilibrium development can be achieved by determining the crack length of fracturing of each layer in the condition that an oil well meets the productivity requirements. The method comprises the following steps: 1) a threshold pressure gradient of each layer is determined; 2) a relationship chart of the crack half-length xf and the equivalent well diameter rwe is established; 3) daily oil production rate per unit thickness Qc meeting the production requirements is calculated; 4) the equivalent well diameter rwe of each layer is calculated according to the daily oil production rate Qc; and 5) the crack half-length xf of fracturing of each layer is calculated according to the equivalent well diameter rwe of each layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignees: China University of Petroleum (East China), Research Institute of Exploration and Development, Shengli Oilfield Branch, Sinopec
    Inventors: Chuanzhi Cui, Zhongwei Wu, Zhen Wang, Tongyu Yao, Chuanbao Zhang, Guangzhong Lv, Yongpeng Ren, Gang Cao, Xiaoduo Cui, Bo Chen
  • Patent number: 11697983
    Abstract: A first well, configured to act as a production well or an injection well, is formed. The first well includes a first horizontal portion. A second well, configured to act as a production well or an injection well, is formed. The second well includes a second horizontal portion substantially parallel to the first horizontal portion. The first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion are at different depths. A fluid is injected into a geologic formation through the first well for a first duration of time. Hydrocarbons are produced from the geologic formation through the second well for the first duration of time. A fluid is injected into a geologic formation through the second well for a second duration of time. Hydrocarbons are produced from the geologic formation through the first well for the second duration of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: AbdulAziz Salah AlKhateeb, Amar Jaber M. Alshehri, Surajit Haldar, Fahmi Aulia
  • Patent number: 11692426
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for determining an integrated exploitation approach for a shale and adjacent oil reservoirs. The method includes: determining a thickness of an effective shale, a top effective boundary and a bottom effective boundary of adjacent effective oil reservoirs; determining a maximum seepage radius of each of the adjacent effective oil reservoirs to the effective shale; determining a well pattern; determining a well completion approach; and determining a total number of perforation clusters of gas injection wells, a number of perforation clusters corresponding to each of the adjacent effective oil reservoirs, a gas injection amount per unit time of each of the perforation clusters, and a total gas injection amount per unit time of the gas injection wells. The effective shale is in communication with all the adjacent effective oil reservoirs by boring-through of a fluctuating horizontal well or a vertical well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: PetroChina Company Limited
    Inventors: Lianhua Hou, Jinghong Wang, Weijie Hou, Ziyun Zhang, Futai Jing
  • Patent number: 11668176
    Abstract: A well configuration for co-injection processes, wherein a horizontal producer well at the bottom of the pay is combined with injection or injection and producer wells that are vertical and above the lower horizontal production well. This well arrangement minimizes “blanket” effects by non-condensable gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Bo Chen, Qing Chen
  • Patent number: 11668163
    Abstract: Provided is a multilateral junction. The multilateral junction, in one aspect, includes a y-block. The multilateral junction additionally includes a mainbore leg coupled to the y-block, the mainbore leg defining a second overlapping space, and a lateral bore leg coupled to the y-block, the lateral bore leg defining a third overlapping space. The multilateral junction, in this aspect, additionally includes an expanded metal joint located in at least a portion of the second overlapping space or the third overlapping space, the expanded metal joint comprising a metal that has expanded in response to hydrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Pranay Asthana, Christian Alexander Jelly, David Joe Steele, Michael Linley Fripp
  • Patent number: 11624263
    Abstract: A method and a lateral entry guide tool for deploying a work string in a wellbore defining a window and a lateral wellbore extending from the window are described. The work string and the tool are run through the wellbore to a distance above the window. A locator subassembly is activated to detect the window. The tool is run through the wellbore in a downhole direction from the distance above the window past the window. After the locator subassembly indicates that the tool is past the window, a window entry depth is determined based a depth at which the window was detected. The work string is pulled back to position the tool at the window entry depth. A positioning subassembly is activated. The work string is run through the window while adjusting and calibrating the positioning subassembly as the work string pass through the window into the lateral wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Mohammad A. Madan, Talal A. Shihabuddin, Omar M. Alhamid
  • Patent number: 11573207
    Abstract: An object perspective detector including an electric field sensing module, a signal processing module, a battery module, an analog digital conversion module, a human-machine interface analysis module and a radio transmission module. The electric field sensing module is electrically connected to the signal processing module to form a loop. The electric field sensing module which receives electric field intensity changes to generate electric signals, can be an antenna of capacitor medium, convenient for changing the detection space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Inventors: Tzu-How Chu, Pi-Pai Chang
  • Patent number: 11441392
    Abstract: A completion assembly to aid in fluid control in a multi-lateral wellbore includes a plurality of sand screen assemblies, each sand screen assembly having a wireless adjustable electronic flow control node disposed along a sand screen base pipe to control fluid flow between the sand screen assembly and the wellbore annulus. Each electronic flow control node includes a valve that can be adjusted by an electric actuator powered by a power harvesting mechanism disposed in a flow path of the completion assembly. A wireless transmitter receives a control signal to control the electric actuator, opening or closing the valve to control flow in the lateral wellbore. A wired controller in the main wellbore is disposed for transmitting wireless signals across a junction assembly in the wellbore to the sand screen assembly electronic flow control nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Stephen Michael Greci, Thomas Jules Frosell
  • Patent number: 11377930
    Abstract: A completion sleeve includes a body that defines an inner passage and a window that provides a lateral exit from the inner passage. A deflector is positioned within the inner passage and is pivotable between a stowed position, where the deflector is received within a pocket defined in a sidewall of the body, and a deployed position where the deflector is positioned to deflect downhole tools laterally through the window. An actuator is positioned within the sidewall and operatively coupled to the deflector. The actuator is actuatable to move the deflector between the stowed and deployed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David Joe Steele
  • Patent number: 11375678
    Abstract: A water distribution assembly includes a water capture cup adapted to hold a volume of water, the capture cup including an open recess disposed centrally thereon extending upward into the internal volume thereof, a location spike having a fin configuration, the location spike having a bottom portion and a top portion, the top portion culminating at a central stem, the bottom and top portion separated by a flange, the location spike fitted into the recess of the capture cup extending orthogonally below and above the bottom of the capture cup, and a water regulator with a central emitter valve disposed centrally above the capture cup, the regulator cup connected to a water inlet line via a feed stem and to a vertical feeder tube below center, the feeder tube extending downward and connected at the remaining end over the central stem of the location spike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Henry W Rued
  • Patent number: 11118404
    Abstract: A system and method for deploying a reverse Y-tool are provided. The system and method may include a first tubing branch in line with production tubing and a second tubing branch offset from the first tubing branch. The Y-tool system may also have a retrievable Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) and an orienting whipstock deployed in the first tubing branch. The orienting whipstock may direct other wellbore components to the second tubing branch. The radius of the second tubing branch is less than a radius of the first tubing branch. A reverse Y-tool mandrel is also provided that includes an upper head comprising an upper connection to production tubing, a middle body comprising a discriminating section profile, and a bottom section comprising a lower connection to production tubing and a lower connection to bypass tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: ACCESSESP UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Dwayne Leismer, Rogelio Cantu
  • Patent number: 10888053
    Abstract: An in-ground water distribution assembly includes a ground water capture cup with a top rim defining an open end, a location spike fitted to the bottom of the ground water capture cup, the location spike extending downward orthogonally from the bottom of the capture cup, a plurality of vertical support risers connected or seated in riser seats distributed about the inside wall of the capture cup, the vertical risers extending upward and at angle inward toward center of the capture cup and fitted to a vertical feeder tube, and a water pressure flow regulator having an inline feeder nozzle and an egress pressure valve mechanism connected to the feeder tube at top center of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Henry W Rued
  • Patent number: 10746005
    Abstract: A downhole tool system includes a downhole tool string configured to couple to a downhole conveyance that extends in a wellbore from a terranean surface through at least a portion of a subterranean zone, the subterranean zone including a geologic formation; and a heating device coupled with the downhole tool string, the heating device configured to transfer heat to the geologic formation in the wellbore at a specified temperature sufficient to adjust a quality of the geologic formation associated with a rock strength of the geologic formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Khaled A. Al-Buraik
  • Patent number: 10677024
    Abstract: An abrasive perforator tool with a bypass flow channel. Two valve sleeves are slidingly mounted inside a tool housing for sequential deployment. The valve sleeves may be arranged end-to-end and may be sealed to the inside diameter of the housing. Each of the valve sleeves may be telescopically mounted in a retainer sleeve and releasably secured in the undeployed position. When the valve sleeves are ball-actuated, the ball seat in the first valve sleeve may be at the lower end of the sleeve. Initially, with both sleeves in the undeployed position, fluid flows straight through the main bore and out the outlet end. When the first valve sleeve is deployed, fluid is redirected to the nozzles for perforating, and subsequent deployment of the second valve sleeve blocks the nozzles and opens the bypass channel to reestablish flow out through the bottom of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 10459107
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for use in a well can include multiple segments, the segments comprising at least one buoyancy control device, at least one communication device, and at least one well parameter sensor. A method of communicating in a subterranean well can include installing at least one monitoring apparatus in the well, the monitoring apparatus including a communication device, a well parameter sensor and a buoyancy control device, and the communication device communicating with another communication device. A well monitoring system can include at least one monitoring apparatus disposed in a wellbore, the monitoring apparatus comprising multiple segments, the segments including at least one buoyancy control device, at least one well parameter sensor, and at least one communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Pelletier, David L. Perkins, Li Gao
  • Patent number: 10344571
    Abstract: Methods to accurately plan and optimize clamped source excitation in ranging or telemetry operations approximate a well having a complex pipe structure as a simple solid pipe (“effective model”) with an effective pipe cross-section and resistance. The simple solid pipe is then treated as a thin wire and analyzed using a FAST Code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsu-Hsiang Wu, Burkay Donderici, Yijing Fan
  • Patent number: 10323493
    Abstract: A method of forming a lateral borehole in a pay zone located within an earth subsurface is provided. The method includes determining a depth of a pay zone in the earth subsurface, and then forming a wellbore within the pay zone. The method also includes conveying a hydraulic jetting assembly into the wellbore on a working string. The assembly includes a jetting hose carrier, and a jetting hose within the jetting hose carrier having a nozzle connected at a distal end. The method additionally includes setting a whipstock in the wellbore along the pay zone, and translating the jetting hose out of the jetting hose carrier to advance the nozzle along the face of the whipstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Coiled Tubing Specialties, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce L. Randall
  • Patent number: 10221676
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for determining an orientation of a tool with respect to a reference direction. The tool is configured to be moved along a wellbore and to generate information usable to determine an orientation of the tool. At least one first signal is indicative of an orientation of a directional reference system with respect to the reference direction. Information regarding a relative orientation of the tool with respect to the directional reference system is used to determine the orientation of the tool with respect to the reference direction in response at least in part to the at least one first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Gyrodata, Incorporated
    Inventors: John Lionel Weston, Adrián Guillermo Ledroz, Eric Wright
  • Patent number: 10167714
    Abstract: Methods may include pumping a cement composition containing one or more conductive fillers into an annular region of a wellbore created between a casing and a surface of the wellbore, allowing the cement composition to cure, emplacing a tool for measuring at least one electromagnetic property into the wellbore, and measuring at least one of the cemented casing and the formation. In another aspect, methods may include preparing a cement composition containing one or more conductive fillers, allowing the cement composition to set, and measuring at least one electromagnetic property of the set cement. In yet another aspect, cement compositions may contain a cement, one or more conductive fillers, and a surfactant, wherein the resistivity of the cement composition is less than 10 ?*m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Simone Musso, Mickael Allouche, Matteo Pavese
  • Patent number: 10167684
    Abstract: A high pressure multibore junction assembly and method for completion of a lateral wellbore using a high pressure multibore junction assembly, which comprises a tubular main leg and a tubular lateral leg. The tubular main leg is secured within a main wellbore and the tubular lateral leg is positioned through a lateral wellbore. The tubular main leg and the tubular lateral leg may be stabilized relative to each other as the multibore junction assembly is lowered into the main wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David Joe Steele
  • Patent number: 9823026
    Abstract: An arrangement for storing thermal energy, including a shaft (1) and at least one tunnel (2), the shaft (1) and the tunnel (2) being in fluid communication with each other. The tunnel (2) includes at least a first (2a), a second (2b), and a third (2c) tunnel section. The second tunnel section (2b) is arranged between and connected to the first (2a) and third (2c) tunnel sections. The second tunnel section (2b) is sealed off at an end (4) connected to the third tunnel section (2c), and the third tunnel section is further connected the shaft (1). The shaft (1) and first (2a) and third (2c) tunnel sections hold fluid for thermal storage. The second tunnel section (2b) is an expansion space should a volume of the fluid expand beyond a volume of the shaft (1) and the first (2a) and third (2c) tunnel sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: SKANSKA SVERIGE AB
    Inventor: Hans Pilebro
  • Patent number: 9644468
    Abstract: A process to recover hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon reservoir, namely bitumen (API<10; in situ viscosity>100,000 c.p.), said process comprising; establishing a horizontal production well in said reservoir; separately injecting an oxygen-containing gas and steam into the hydrocarbon reservoir continuously to cause heated hydrocarbons and water to drain, by gravity, to the horizontal production well, the ratio of oxygen/steam injectant gases being controlled in the range from 0.05 to 1.00 (v/v). removing non-condensable combustion gases from at least one separate vent-gas well, which is established in the reservoir to avoid undesirable pressures in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: NEXEN ENERGY ULC
    Inventor: Richard Kelso Kerr
  • Patent number: 9512952
    Abstract: A pivot drive, a pivot, a cutter drive, a cutting head, and a camera are mounted to a base, and a remote control system operates the pivot drive to pivot the cutter drive from a stored to a use position, operates the cutter drive to rotationally drive the cutting head, and operates the camera to provide images of the cutting head used to cut out blockages at lateral connections of relined pipes. The camera and the cutting head are positioned in a spaced apart relationship facing each other, with the base extending beyond the cutting head sufficiently to provide this spacing. Optionally, the camera is mounted to a trailing portion of the base and the cutter drive is mounted to a leading portion, with control lines for the pivot and cutter drives routed back past but retained separated from the cutting head to avoid damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Neil Rogers
  • Patent number: 9470046
    Abstract: A casing pipe assembly can include a first casing pipe having a top coupling member and a pipe curvature, where the top coupling member has first threads in a first direction, and where the pipe curvature substantially corresponds to a wellbore curvature. The casing pipe assembly can also include a second casing pipe having a bottom coupling member and substantially the same pipe curvature, where the bottom coupling member has second threads in a second direction. The casing pipe assembly can further include a coupling device having a bottom coupling member and a top coupling member, where the bottom coupling member has third threads in the first direction that threadably couple to the first threads of the first casing pipe, and where the top coupling member has fourth threads in the second direction that threadably couple to the second threads of the second casing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: George Taylor Armistead
  • Patent number: 9390064
    Abstract: In modeling passage of an elongate well tool through a well, a computing system receives inputs representing a plurality of geometric characteristics of the well tool including three dimensional surface data characterizing the shape of outwardly facing, lateral surfaces of the well tool. The computing system also receives inputs representing a plurality of geometric characteristics of the well. The computing system determines a prediction of the force to pass the well tool through at least a portion of the well based on a comparison of the three dimensional surface data of the well tool and the plurality of geometric characteristics of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Heru Rubin, Dominic Anh Tran, Josiah Wood
  • Publication number: 20150129201
    Abstract: In selected aspects, the present invention provides methods and systems for recovering hydrocarbons from a reservoir involving gravity-dominated recovery processes, such as steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). Aspects of the invention involve the use of multilateral wells in staged production processes, so that alternative segments of wells may be used in alternative ways during a recovery process, for example repurposing sections of an injection well as a production well at a stage in a recovery process when there is surplus injection well infrastructure in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Alvin Winestock, Harbir Chhina
  • Patent number: 9016378
    Abstract: A method for performing shale gas operation is disclosed. The method may include drilling a first well, performing a fracturing operation in the well, recovering shale gas from the first well, supplying at least part of the shale gas recovered from the well to an electrical generator, generating electricity using the generator, and transferring the generated electricity to drilling equipment used to drill a second well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Sichuan Honghua Petroleum Equipment Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mi Zhang, Jun Chen, Mingshe Wang, Xuanguo Liu, Ping Tang, Meng He, Jiangyang Wang, Tao Chen, Wei Xie, Zhongcai Liang, Yinchun Liu, Guang Chen
  • Patent number: 9004167
    Abstract: In a method of gravel packing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, the wellbore comprising a cased section and an uncased section, the method may include pumping into the wellbore a gravel pack composition comprising gravel and a carrier fluid comprising an invert emulsion fluid, where the invert emulsion fluid may comprise: an oleaginous external phase; a non-oleaginous internal phase, wherein a ratio of the oleaginous external phase and non-oleaginous internal phase is less than 50:50 and an emulsifier stabilizing the oleaginous external phase and the non-oleaginous internal phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark Luyster, Arvind D. Patel, Sooi Kim Lim
  • Publication number: 20150096748
    Abstract: A system for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation with steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) includes a steam injection well. The steam injection well includes a first portion extending from the surface through an unconsolidated layer of the formation to a consolidated layer of the formation, a second portion extending horizontally through the consolidated layer, and a plurality of third portions extending from the second portion. Each third portion extends upward from the second portion into the unconsolidated layer of the formation and a hydrocarbon reservoir in the unconsolidated layer of the formation. In addition, the system includes a production well. The production well includes a first portion extending from the surface through the unconsolidated and a second portion extending horizontally through the unconsolidated layer. The second portion of the production well is vertically positioned above the second portion of the steam injection well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher C. West
  • Publication number: 20150068756
    Abstract: A multilateral junction system includes a multilateral junction device including a first bore leg; a second bore leg; a joint section having a first opening connected to the first bore leg and a second opening connected to the second bore leg. A main body extending from the joint section and including a third opening; and, a tube connected to the third opening. The tube configured to enable an upper completion to be run into a borehole together with the multilateral junction device. Also included is a method of improving multilateral operations in a borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incoprorated
    Inventor: Bryan P. Pendleton
  • Patent number: 8967277
    Abstract: A method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include connecting at least two tubular strings to one opposite end of a tubular string connector with similarly dimensioned oriented connections, whereby the tubular strings are interchangeably connectable to the connector by the oriented connections. A wellbore junction assembly can include at least two tubular strings and a tubular string connector having opposite ends. Each of the tubular strings may be secured to one opposite end of the connector by oriented connections, whereby each of the tubular strings has a fixed rotational orientation relative to the connector. A well system can include a tubular string connector, each of first and second tubular strings being secured to the connector, and a support which reduces bending of the second tubular string which results from deflection of the second tubular string from one wellbore section into another wellbore section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Jean-Michel Ranjeva
  • Publication number: 20150027697
    Abstract: A completion system includes a first borehole structure having a first section formed proximate to a volume of methane hydrate located at a subsurface location. A second borehole structure has a second section formed proximate to the volume of methane hydrate, the first section positioned deeper than the second section with respect to gravity. A first string is positioned in the first borehole structure and arranged to convey a heat-bearing fluid through the first string into contact with a volume of methane hydrate in order to liberate methane from the methane hydrate. A second string is positioned in the second borehole structure and arranged to produce the methane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: XiaoWei Wang, Terry Bussear, Larry A. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20150021018
    Abstract: Well conduit system and methods using a first outer conduit wall and at least one second inner conduit wall positioned through a wellhead to define an annulus with radial loading surfaces extending across the annulus and radially between at least two of the conduit walls to form passageways through subterranean strata concentrically, wherein an inner pipe body of greater outer diameter is inserted into an outer pipe body of lesser inner diameter by elastically expanding the circumference of the outer pipe body and elastically compressing the circumference of the inner pipe body, using a hoop force exerted therebetween. Releasing the hoop force after insertion will release the elastic expansion and compression of the pipe bodies to abut the radial loading surfaces within the annulus for sharing elastic hoop stress resistance and thereby forming a greater effective wall thickness, capable of containing higher pressures than the conduit walls could otherwise bear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce A. TUNGET
  • Publication number: 20150008001
    Abstract: Drain wells can be used to direct a fluid to a central production well in a subsurface well system. Subsurface well systems can include a production well extending from the earth's surface, a collection region having a fluid connection to the production well and either being contiguous with the production well or comprising a collection well that intersects or is in fluid communication with the production well, and at least one branched drain well extending laterally from the production well and including one or more branches that extend from the at least one branched drain well, wherein at least one of the one or more branches intersects or is in fluid communication with the collection region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Hay, Gary Althoff
  • Patent number: 8925632
    Abstract: This invention consists of a method to enable methane recovery from hydrate reservoirs. The invention, in particular, relates to a Saltwater Hydrate Extraction Process (SHEP) in which high salinity water is injected into a hydrate reservoir into a lower horizontal well to promote and control gas production by hydrate decomposition to an upper deviated production well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: MGM Energy Corp.
    Inventors: Gary Bunio, Ian Donald Gates, Jacky Wang
  • Patent number: 8905137
    Abstract: A method for performing shale gas operation is disclosed. The method may include drilling a first well, performing a fracturing operation in the well, recovering shale gas from the first well, supplying at least part of the shale gas recovered from the well to an electrical generator, generating electricity using the generator, and transferring the generated electricity to drilling equipment used to drill a second well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sichuan Honghua Petroleum Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mi Zhang, Jun Chen, Mingshe Wang, Xuanguo Liu, Ping Tang, Meng He, Jiangyang Wang, Tao Chen, Wei Xie, Zhongcai Liang, Yinchun Liu, Guang Chen
  • Patent number: 8900839
    Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Xyleco, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall Medoff
  • Publication number: 20140345861
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a particularly effective well configuration that can be used for SAGD and other steam based oil recovery methods. Fishbone multilateral wells are combined with SAGD, effectively expanding steam coverage. Preferably, an array of overlapping fishbone wells cover the pay, reducing water use and allowing more complete production of the pay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicants: Total E&P Canada, Ltd., ConocoPhillips Surmont Partnership, ConocoPhillips Canada Resources Corp.
    Inventors: John L. STALDER, Son V. PHAM
  • Patent number: 8893788
    Abstract: A system for recovering a fluid from a subterranean formation, including a production wellbore having a substantially horizontal production length extending through the formation, and a trench extending through the formation. A method of constructing a trench section in a subterranean formation, including providing within the formation an access wellbore having a substantially horizontal access wellbore length, introducing a trench cutting tool into the access wellbore, and advancing and retracting the trench cutting tool through the access wellbore in order to cut slots in the formation in a trench direction away from the access wellbore, repeatedly until a number of slots required to complete the trench section has been cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Alberta Innovates—Technology Futures
    Inventors: Cathal Tunney, Techien Chen, Douglas A. Lillico, Justo Neda
  • Patent number: 8887803
    Abstract: A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation and having a casing string disposed therein, the casing string comprising a plurality of points of entry, wherein each of the plurality of points of entry provides a route a fluid communication from the casing string to the subterranean formation, introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation via a first flowpath, and diverting the treatment fluid from the first flowpath into the formation to a second flowpath into the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Loyd Eddie East, Jr., Sharlene Dawn Lindsay, Nicholas Hubert Gardiner