With Below And Above Ground Modification Patents (Class 166/67)
  • Patent number: 11125044
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a tubular, a base, and a float shoe. The base includes a first sealing member and a flow control device. The first sealing member is configured to prevent fluid flow into and out of the inner volume of the tubular up to a first pressure differential value. The first sealing member is configured to rupture when exposed to a pressure differential that is at least equal to the first pressure differential value. The flow control device is configured to allow fluid to enter the inner volume and prevent fluid from exiting the inner volume through the flow control device. The float shoe includes a second sealing member configured to prevent fluid flow into and out of the inner volume up to a second pressure differential value and configured to rupture when exposed to a pressure differential that is at least equal to the second pressure differential value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Andres A. Ramirez, Alaa Wahbi
  • Patent number: 10119635
    Abstract: A fluid conduit for a gas turbine engine includes a first fluid conduit attachable to a second fluid conduit and securable together with a lockable connector. The connector includes a first portion including external threads and a second portion receiving the first portion and including internal threads mating to the external threads of the first portion. The internal threads include lead threads defining a first thread interface with the external threads for starting attachment of the first portion to the second portion and locking threads defining a second thread interface for locking the first portion to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Billie W. Bunting, Robert J. DeRosa, Craig Michael Callaghan, Mark W. Colebrook, Ranganath Santosh
  • Publication number: 20150129230
    Abstract: A tunable pneumatic fracturing system and process useable in some instances to extract oil and gas. Some embodiments provide a pneumatic fracturing tool with an elongated body that (a) contains (i) a propellant supply source intermediate opposed propellant gas discharge assemblies, (ii) a control system, and (iii) a communications port, and (b) has roller assemblies at opposed ends of the body. The tool can be tuned to provide gas pulse amplitudes and frequencies that react with the resonant frequency or other aspect of an adjacent earth formation. Some tool embodiments can variably sweep a rock formation and adjust the pressure pulse amplitude and frequency to disrupt the formation in a more productive manner. Some tools can penetrate vertical bore wells as well non-vertical bore wells. In some systems, the tool is transported and operated by a control truck and can be commanded to download operational data during or after use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Russell W. Carlson, John H. Snow, Dustin C. Barr
  • Patent number: 8997855
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body shaped to deform a wellbore tool in a predetermined manner. A vibration device applies a vibration to the body to reduce a frictional force caused when the body deforms the wellbore tool. In one arrangement, the vibration devices imparts a resonant wave motion to a swaging apparatus that is being pushed through a passage of a wellbore tubular. A swaging body vibrates at a resonant frequency along the long axis of the wellbore tubular and/or normal to long axis of the wellbore tubular. The relative motion between the swaging body and the tubular member reduces the force required to expand the wellbore tubular. Optionally, a controller operatively connected to the vibration device adjusts the operation of the vibration device in response to the sensor measurements of the vibrations in the swage body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Steven N. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20150068769
    Abstract: A hanger assembly for use in a vertical production tree that includes an annular piping spool member having a side opening, and a hanger having an outer surface profiled to selectively land in the piping spool member and a side opening registered with the side opening of the piping spool member. The hanger assembly also includes a vertical penetrator having an end selectively connected to a submersible device and an opposing end inserted into the hanger, and that is in communication with the side openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Jinjiang Xiao, Brian Roth, Brett Bouldin
  • Publication number: 20150068744
    Abstract: Embodiments including methods comprising providing a treatment fluid comprising a first aqueous base fluid and a polymeric gelling agent, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a first surface tension; introducing a fluid mobility modifier into the treatment fluid, wherein the fluid mobility modifier comprises: a first surfactant selected from the group consisting of a non-ionic surfactant; a cationic surfactant; and any combination thereof, and a solvent-surfactant blend comprising a second aqueous base fluid, a second surfactant, a solvent, and a co-solvent, wherein the ratio of the first surfactant to the solvent-surfactant blend is in the range of between about 1:5 to about 5:1, wherein the fluid mobility modifier causes the treatment fluid to adopt a second surface tension that is less than the first surface tension; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Donovan Welton, Glenn S. Penny
  • Publication number: 20150060071
    Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to coupling a cementation assembly with a hung or set liner string in a well and moving the liner string during a cementation operation. Specifically, for example, a process in accordance with present techniques includes running a cementation assembly into a well on drill pipe and engaging, with a distal end of the cementation assembly, a liner top assembly of a liner string that is positioned downhole in the well, wherein the liner string was previously positioned downhole in the well without being cemented into the well. Further, the process includes latching the cementation assembly with the liner string such that movement of the cementation assembly is translated to the liner string, and flowing cement through the drill pipe and into the liner string while moving the cementation assembly and the liner string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Michael E. Moffitt
  • 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: 20150021269
    Abstract: A system and methods for controlling microbial activity and growth in a mixed phase system. The method includes providing a rare-earth compound. The method also includes injecting the rare-earth compound into a mixed phase system, wherein the rare earth compound binds with a phosphate in an aqueous phase to adsorb the phosphate. The method also includes separating the rare-earth compound from the mixed phase system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis R. Enning, Jennifer A. Hornemann
  • Publication number: 20150013993
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a pressure within a wellbore. The method can include inserting a first tubing into the wellbore. The method can also include mechanically coupling a bottom coupling feature of a multiple connection bushing to the first tubing. The method can further include mechanically coupling a second tubing to a first top coupling feature of the multiple connection bushing. The method can also include mechanically coupling a third tubing to a second top coupling feature of the multiple connection bushing, where the third tubing has an inner diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the second tubing. The method can further include inserting the multiple connection bushing, the second tubing and the third tubing into the wellbore. The method can also include adjusting the pressure within a space between the second tubing, the third tubing, and the multiple connection bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: George Taylor Armistead
  • Publication number: 20150013988
    Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a method that comprises providing a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid and temperature-activated polymeric particulates, wherein a compressible gas is trapped in the polymeric particulates; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Krishna M. Ravi, Brittney N. Guillory, Peter James Boul, Ashok K. Santra
  • Publication number: 20150000915
    Abstract: A method of treating a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation comprising: providing an asphaltene solvent, wherein the asphaltene solvent comprises at least 75 mol % dimethyl sulfide and introducing the asphaltene solvent into the wellbore
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Stanley Nemec MILAM, Erik Willem TEGELAAR, John Justin FREEMAN, Richard B. TAYLOR
  • Publication number: 20150000932
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system includes a casing disposed in a wellbore in a formation, an installed tubular disposed within the casing and a treatment tubular disposed within the installed tubular, wherein no control line is provided in the treatment tubular, installed tubular or casing. The system also includes a communication line that is placed within the treatment tubular after the treatment tubular is positioned in the wellbore, wherein the communication line has a sensor to be placed proximate an area of interest within the treatment tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert S. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20140367109
    Abstract: On-site generation of a fracturing fluid stream system includes a fracturing fluid generation assembly and a fracturing fluid supply assembly. The fracturing fluid generation assembly is configured to receive a hydrocarbon stream and to generate a fracturing fluid stream from the hydrocarbon stream. The fracturing fluid stream has an oxygen concentration, which is less than a limiting oxygen concentration for supporting combustion of a combustible fluid that is present within a subterranean formation. The fracturing fluid stream also has a combustible portion, which defines a concentration that is below a lower flammability limit of the combustible portion in the fracturing fluid stream. The fracturing fluid supply assembly is configured to receive the fracturing fluid stream and to convey the fracturing fluid stream to the subterranean formation to fracture the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Publication number: 20140360733
    Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlled geyser well with sustained periodical production includes a cap (16) which prevents gas from entering a well tubing (14) while allowing liquid to enter and accumulate in the tubing, means for compressing the gas, and means for injecting the gas in the annulus so that the gas enters the bottom end of the well tubing (14), thereby creating a controlled geyser effect which blows out most of the liquid residing in the well tubing (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA
    Inventor: Hong-quan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140352968
    Abstract: A system for simultaneously fracturing multiple wells is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes fracturing trees installed at multiple wells. A fracturing manifold is connected to the fracturing trees and includes output valves to independently control flow of fracturing fluid from the manifold to each of multiple wells. The system may also include a controller connected to the output valves so that the controller can remotely operate the output valves to simultaneously fracture the multiple wells and independently control the volume of fracturing fluid entering each of the wells from the fracturing manifold. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jason L. Pitcher, Edward L. Ganzinotti, III, Jay P. Painter
  • Publication number: 20140338926
    Abstract: A method of providing a pig for assisting in the recovery of coiled tubing string from a pipeline including an attachment to the coiled tubing intermediate the ends of the coiled tubing string, one or more sealing cups which have a preferred sealing direction from the distal end of the coiled tubing string to the proximate end of the coiled tubing string, allowing flow past the sealing cups from the proximate end of the coiled tubing to the distal end of the coiled tubing with a check valve, providing for flow through the pig from the distal end of the coiled tubing to the proximate end of the coiled tubing with a predetermined pressure loss, and using the predetermined pressure loss to generate a force to assist in recovering the coiled tubing string from the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
  • Publication number: 20140338899
    Abstract: Methods and systems for completing a well including injecting a stimulation fluid to stimulate a first interval in the reservoir. The stimulation fluid is at a pressure sufficient to open a number of check valves in the first interval, allowing stimulation fluid to flow into the first interval. A number of ball sealers configured to block flow through the check valves are dropped into the well to stop the flow of the stimulation fluid into the first interval and begin treatment of a second interval. The stimulation fluid is injected to stimulate a subsequent interval with pressure sufficient to open a number of check valves in the subsequent interval, allowing stimulation fluid to flow into the subsequent interval. The dropping of ball sealers is repeated until all intervals are treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Pavlin B. Entchev, Stuart R. Keller, Jeffrey D. Spitzenberger
  • Publication number: 20140332230
    Abstract: A double swivel for use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through double sleeves which are sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeves and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeves have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system, clamp, and novel packing configuration. In an alternative embodiment the unit can include a plug or ball insertion tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Donny Logan
  • Publication number: 20140326446
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for introduction of fluids comprising kiln dust into a wellbore through a bottom hole assembly. An embodiment discloses a method comprising: drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation using a bottom hole assembly; and pumping a treatment fluid into the wellbore through the bottom hole assembly, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a kiln dust and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Wayne Roddy, Clive Denis Menezes, James Robert Benkley, Darrell Chad Brenneis, Jiten Chatterji, Ronnie Glen Morgan
  • Patent number: 8863826
    Abstract: A top-mounted digital-control tower pumping unit includes a tower frame (1), a power system (2), a drive system, a control system (3), a balance weight box (4), a balance weight positioning cable (5), a driving cable (6), a plurality of cable hangers (7) and a guide wheel mechanism. The guide wheel mechanism is fixed on an operation platform by a rotating shaft, which is convenient for the operator to move the guide wheel mechanism aside during the oil well work-over. The control system, the power system, and the drive system are all mounted closely on an operating platform on the top of the tower frame. The top-mounted digital-control tower pumping unit of the present invention has the advantages of simple structure, convenient maintenance, low cost, stable operation and small noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Alliance Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongwei Mao, Bo Liu
  • Publication number: 20140305652
    Abstract: A system and method for removing liquid from a horizontal wellbore is disclosed. The system and methods utilize multi-conduit tubing associated with one or more liquid intake port(s) positioned at selected locations along the tubing and positioned within a wellbore. The one or more liquid intake ports are typically placed at liquid accumulation points along the primarily horizontal section of the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Scott J. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140262240
    Abstract: A system for and methods of producing hydrocarbons from a formation. A method may include drilling a wellbore in a formation, forming a first fracture in the formation that emanates from the wellbore, forming a second fracture in the formation that emanates from the wellbore and is approximately parallel to the first fracture, and simultaneously (a) injecting a fluid from an injection tubing string in communication with the second fracture and (b) producing hydrocarbons that travel from the first fracture into a production tubing string that is substantially parallel to the injection tubing string. The wellbore may be substantially horizontal. The fluid may increase pressure in an area of the formation adjacent to the first fracture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas J. Boone, Stuart R. Keller, John T. Linderman, Matthew A. Dawson
  • Publication number: 20140262346
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating eversion of a flexible liner down a borehole when an artesian head condition is producing a rate of water flow out of the top of the borehole. A bypass pipe channels artesian flow, moving upward in the borehole and/or well casing, past an everting flexible liner to a wellhead fixture. Artesian flow arriving at the wellhead fixture is pumped away to ameliorate resistance to liner eversion otherwise presented by the water flow. A heavy mud may be disposed inside the everting liner further to promote its downward eversion past the artesian flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Carl E. Keller
  • Publication number: 20140251623
    Abstract: Systems, units, and methods usable to stimulate a formation include a first supply subsystem adapted to provide a first medium to the formation and a pressure subsystem that includes a pump in communication with the first medium to pressurize the first medium to a pressure sufficient to stimulate the formation. Usable media can include non-gelled liquid alkanes, halogenated hydrocarbons, foamed hydrocarbons, propylene carbonate, a fluidized solid proppant material that behaves as a liquid under threshold conditions, or a liquid material adapted to solidify under threshold conditions. A proppant can be supplied in addition to the first medium when performing fracturing operations. Usable proppant can include materials having a size or density adapted to facilitate buoyancy, hollow materials, composite materials, porous materials, or crystalline materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: PROSTIM LABS, LLC
    Inventors: ROBERT LESTZ, JOHN THRASH, AUDIS BYRD, JIM JUNKINS
  • Publication number: 20140251603
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a system and a method for locating a cement plug within a wellbore. The system includes a signal transmitter mounted to the cement plug, a receiver at the opening to the wellbore, one clock positioned on the cement plug and in communication with the transmitter, a second clock which is synchronized to the first clock and in communication with the receiver, and a controller for triggering the transmittal of the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Marius Raducanu, Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Sorin Gabriel Teodorescu
  • Publication number: 20140041869
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing composition comprising a base fluid, the base fluid comprising a substantially aqueous fluid, a brine, an emulsion, an invert emulsion, an oleaginous fluid, or combinations thereof, a quantity of template assisted crystallization beads, and a wellbore servicing fluid component, the wellbore servicing fluid component comprising a quantity of proppant, a quantity of gravel, or combinations thereof. A wellbore servicing system comprising a flowpath, the flowpath comprising at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment, and a conduit extending from the at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment to a wellbore, and a wellbore servicing fluid disposed within the flowpath, wherein the wellbore servicing fluid comprises a plurality of template assisted crystallization beads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jimmie D. WEAVER, Tingji TANG, Philip D. NGUYEN
  • Publication number: 20140034300
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method to establish communication between the inner cavity of a drill string and the surrounding material down in a drill hole (60) during the use of a down- the-hole drill unit with a drill string (10), a down-the-hole hammer drill (1), and a source of pressurised medium (11) that delivers a medium under pressure to the down-the-hole hammer drill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Magnus Hörman
  • Publication number: 20130319662
    Abstract: Systems and methods for hydrotreating a liquid fraction of a shale oil stream using hydrogen gas that is concentrated from a gaseous fraction of the shale oil stream. The systems and methods include providing a portion of the gaseous fraction to a sorptive separation assembly and separating a concentrated hydrogen stream from the portion of the gaseous fraction within the sorptive separation assembly. The system and methods further include providing the concentrated hydrogen stream and the liquid fraction to a hydrotreater and reacting the concentrated hydrogen stream with the liquid fraction within the hydrotreater to produce the hydrotreated liquid stream. The systems and methods may include generating the shale oil stream within a subterranean formation using an in situ process, such as an in situ shale oil conversion process and/or providing a supplemental hydrogen stream to the hydrotreater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Emilio Alvarez, Harry W. Deckman, Frank Hershkowitz, William P. Meurer, Thomas R. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20130312958
    Abstract: A method of treatment of a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir, the reservoir comprising at least one porous and permeable rock formation, the reservoir being penetrated by a plurality of injection wells and one or more production wells, the injection wells sharing a common injection header for delivering an aqueous injection fluid to the injection wells, the method comprising: a. identifying a group of injection wells selected from the injection wells sharing the common injection header; b. determining a cumulative volume of the treatment stream that is to be supplied contemporaneously to all of the injection wells within the identified group; c. simultaneously transmitting the treatment stream only to the identified group of injection wells so as to inject the treatment stream into the reservoir, thereby treating the reservoir to improve the sweep efficiency of subsequently injected fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Denyer, Gavin Dittman, Michael Earnest Husband, Danielle Helene Ohms
  • Publication number: 20130269942
    Abstract: Voids (14) in a underground wellbore (1) are sealed by:—inserting a corrosion prone object (10A-C, 12) in the void injecting an oxidizing agent into the void (14); and—allowing the oxidizing agent to induce corrosion of the corrosion prone object and to thereby generate corrosion products (13A-E) that are physically larger than the corrosion prone object (10A-C, 12) and that seal the void (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V.
    Inventors: Michael P. Ellem, Daniel Joinson
  • Patent number: 8522887
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use in aquifer liquid flow control in accordance with one embodiment can be used to deliver liquid to and/or from at least one selected aquifer in a plural aquifer system. In accordance with an embodiment, the valve can be used to route liquid to or from a first aquifer without delivering liquid to or from a second aquifer, or to or from the second aquifer without delivering liquid to or from the first aquifer. As an aspect of an embodiment, the valve assembly can be used to shut off the flow of liquid to both the first and second aquifers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Kent R. Madison
  • Publication number: 20130199796
    Abstract: A fluid injection device (18) for controlling injection of fluid into an oil-carrying tube in an oil well includes an inlet (20) for receiving the fluid; an outlet (28) for supplying the fluid for injection into the oil-carrying tube; an inlet valve (22) in a fluid path between the inlet and the outlet; an actuator (24) for opening and closing the valve; and a connector (36) for coupling the inlet to a fluid supply tube (32) extending between the device and a source of the fluid above the ground. A method of controlling injection of fluid using such a device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Camcon Oil Limited
    Inventors: Ian Anderson, Peter Watson
  • Publication number: 20130192836
    Abstract: A water treatment method includes: filtering water in a membrane filtration unit including at least one membrane filtration module; collecting a permeate and collecting a retentate at the outlet of the membrane filtration module; withdrawing solid materials and/or hydrocarbons contained in the retentate, in order to provide a treated retentate; recycling the treated retentate at the inlet of the membrane filtration module; providing a treated water flow from the permeate from membrane filtration module(s). An installation adapted for applying this method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: TOTAL S.A.
    Inventors: Samuel Heng, Pierre Pedenaud
  • Publication number: 20130186617
    Abstract: Corrosion management systems protecting against or managing corrosion of various components in generally vertically oriented structures, that can be located one or more of aboveground and underground. The corrosion management system includes a dispenser system that dispenses at least one corrosion inhibitor to the structure desired to be protected at a plurality of different vertical heights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: NORTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130168097
    Abstract: A process and a system for enhancing recovery of oil from an oil-bearing formation are provided in which water having a total dissolved solids content is filtered to remove some solids in a filter assembly, the filtered water is treated to remove some ions in a capacitive deionization assembly, and the filtered deionized water is injected into the oil-bearing formation to mobilize crude oil and enhance oil recovery from the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: SHELL OIL COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130168083
    Abstract: A release assembly (200) for releasing a portion of a tool string in a wellbore. The release assembly (200) includes an outer housing (202) having a fishing receptacle (206) disposed therein. The fishing receptacle (206) includes a fishing neck (208). A support assembly (214) is disposed within the housing (202). The support assembly (214) has a first position wherein the support assembly (214) engages the fishing neck (208) to prevent separation of the fishing receptacle (206) from the housing (202) and a second position wherein the support assembly (214) is disengaged from the fishing neck (208) no longer preventing separation of the fishing receptacle (206) from the housing (202). An actuator (224), disposed within the housing (202), maintains the support assembly (214) in the first position until actuation thereof allows the support assembly (214) to shift to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130146536
    Abstract: A separation system includes at least a hydrocyclone and one or more membranes. In another aspect, a separation system includes a membrane having graduated and/or asymmetrical pore sizes. A further aspect of a separation system includes an inner membrane, an outer membrane and a hydrocyclonic flow between the membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Volodymyr Tarabara, Wenqian Shan
  • Publication number: 20130112428
    Abstract: Techniques for continuously circulating fluid into a drill string are provided. These techniques involve a circulation sub (108) including a tubular and a diverter valve (200A). The tubular has a first end connectable to the drill string, a second end connectable to a pipe segment, and a port (220) therein. The tubular has a fluid path (202) for allowing the fluid to flow from the pipe segment to the drill string and a circulation path (204) for allowing the fluid to flow from the port to the drill string. The diverter valve has a channel therethrough in selective fluid communication with the fluid path. The diverter valve is positionable between a flow through position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the fluid path and a diversion position for selectively allowing the fluid to flow through the circulation path whereby the fluid may continuously flow through the drill string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: James William Weir, Andrew Shelton
  • Publication number: 20130105141
    Abstract: This stuffing box (46) defines a circulation passage (66) of a cable working line (28), a packer (70), and a back-pressure resistant valve (74). The passage (66) extends between an upstream end (62) of the stuffing box (46), intended to be connected to a well, and a downstream end (64). The back-pressure resistant valve (74) is arranged in the passage (66) to prevent, in case of break of the line (28), the back-pressure of a fluid from the upstream end (62) towards the downstream end (64). The or each packer (70) is situated between the upstream end (62) of the stuffing box (46) and the back-pressure resistant valve (74). No packer (70) is arranged between the back-pressure resistant valve (74) and the downstream end (64).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: GEOSERVICES EQUIPMENTS
    Inventors: Pierre-Arnaud Foucher, Francois Girardi
  • Publication number: 20130098629
    Abstract: A system and method for removing liquid from a horizontal wellbore is disclosed. The system and methods utilize multi-conduit tubing associated with one or more liquid intake port(s) and vent port(s) positioned at selected locations along the tubing and positioned within a wellbore. The one or more liquid intake ports are placed at liquid accumulation points along the primarily horizontal section of the wellbore. The one or more vent housings are placed at gas accumulation points along the primarily horizontal section of the wellbore. Various embodiments of intake port are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Scott J. WILSON
  • Publication number: 20130043031
    Abstract: A set of manifold string members usable to selectively control separate flowing fluid streams of varying velocities for operations of well construction, injection or production of fluid mixtures of liquids, gases and/or solids, that can be injected into, or taken from, one or more proximal regions of a subterranean passageway, underground cavern, hydrocarbon or geothermal reservoir. Fluid communicated through a manifold string radial passageway of a manifold crossover, between conduit strings and at least one other conduit, can be controlled with at least one flow controlling member, communicating with a passageway member from an innermost, concentric, and/or annular passageway. Fluid communication can be selectively controlled for various configurations of one or more substantially hydrocarbon and/or substantially water wells, below a single main bore and wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce A. Tunget
  • Patent number: 8317012
    Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a drive head assembly for a fluid conveyor system that propels a fluid entraining conveyor through a well bore to carry fluids to the surface. The invention is comprised of a pair of synchronized follower wheels connected to a set of counter rotating sheaves. A fluid entraining conveyor is wrapped in a “figure-8” conveyor path around the sheaves in a plurality of coaxial grooves and around a distal sheave located in the fluid in the well bore. The coaxial grooves incorporate a unique shape which in conjunction with the wrap pattern provide improved tractive qualities and thus reduce tension in the conveyor and increase the durability of the conveyor. The conveyor can run at increased speeds and with no tension on the downward portion of the conveyor resulting in higher efficiency and less down time due to breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jim Crafton
  • Patent number: 8297360
    Abstract: Provided is a system, including a first module (35b) configured to process fluid from a well, wherein the first module (35b) has an extension conduit (5b), having a connection that is coupleable to a central mandrel of a manifold (5), a processing device arranged in a region surrounding the extension conduit (5b), a processing input (18a), and a processing output (19a). Further provided is a method of processing well fluids, including diverting fluids from a bore of a manifold (1) to a processing module (35b), wherein the processing module (35b) is coupled to a mandrel of the manifold (5), processing the fluids in the processing module (35b), and returning the fluids to a flowpath (19a) for recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 8232892
    Abstract: A system for automating service operations at a well includes a service rig having at least one input device, an engine connected to an engine electronic control unit having a engine controller area network, a plurality of crown sheeves, a cable, an output device, a communication infrastructure, and at least one of a computer and an operator station; at least one remote server in electronic communication with the communication infrastructure; and a web portal in electronic communication with the at least one remote server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Tiger General, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Overholt, Torrence Cambridge, Mark Scott
  • Patent number: 8205674
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for in-situ extraction of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The system includes a well drilled through a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, and a completion unit that places an injection tube near a fluid injection point near the bottom of a target zone and a production tube near a fluid production point near the top of the target zone. An isolation unit isolates the fluid injection point from the fluid production point such that injected fluid flows through the target zone. The system further includes a heat source, and a fluid that delivers thermal energy from the heat source to the hydrocarbons in the target zone to entrain the hydrocarbons in the fluid. The resulting production fluid is heated, free hydrogen is added, and the production fluid is treated on a catalytic reactor to reduce the size of the hydrocarbon chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Mountain West Energy Inc.
    Inventor: J. Kevin Shurtleff
  • Publication number: 20120125638
    Abstract: This device comprises a cable working line bearing a lower assembly and a winch for maneuvering the line. The hydraulic central unit (46) of the winch includes a tank (50) for storing a hydraulic control fluid, a pump (52) for driving the hydraulic fluid, connected to the tank (50) through an upstream conduit (54) and at least one hydraulic motor (56) for driving the drum (42) connected to the pump (52) through an intermediate conduit and connected to the tank (50) through a downstream conduit. The hydraulic central unit comprises a regulator (62) for the hydraulic fluid flow rate at the outlet of the pump (52). The regulator (62) is driven according to at least one hydraulic fluid pressure depending on the load exerted on the motor (56) by the rotary drum (42), said or each pressure being directly taken on one of said conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: GEOSERVICES EQUIPMENTS
    Inventors: Bruno Le Briere, Clement Laplane, Jean-Pierre Michel Lepine
  • Patent number: 8146732
    Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a drive head assembly for a fluid conveyor system that propels a fluid entraining conveyor through a well bore to carry fluids to the surface. The invention is comprised of a pair of synchronized follower wheels connected to a set of counter rotating sheaves. A fluid entraining conveyor is wrapped in a “figure-8” conveyor path around the sheaves in a plurality of coaxial grooves and around a distal sheave located in the fluid in the well bore. The coaxial grooves incorporate a unique shape which in conjunction with the wrap pattern provide improved tractive qualities and thus reduce tension in the conveyor and increase the durability of the conveyor. The conveyor can run at increased speeds and with no tension on the downward portion of the conveyor resulting in higher efficiency and less down time due to breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jim Crafton
  • Publication number: 20120048543
    Abstract: A method for pumping fluid at a wellhead is provided. The invented method will improve liquid removal by eliminating the need to transport liquid produced from a well to containment facilities using trucks or large diameter pipelines capable of accommodating periodic surges of a high volume of fluid. The danger that the liquid will freeze in cold weather is also addressed. The invention removes liquid from the well site through a small diameter pipeline as a continuous flow at a constant flow rate. An apparatus for removing liquid from the well site is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph Fink, Richard Michael Wright
  • Patent number: 8096350
    Abstract: An adjustable depth air sparging well system having a fixed depth or secondary air injection point and an adjustable depth or primary air injection point for injecting compressed air into saturated or groundwater regions of the soil's subsurface to remove volatile contaminants from the soil's subsurface. At least one flow-through air sparge packer which is slidably mounted within the well casing of the air sparging well system allows a user to adjust the depth at which the adjustable depth air injection point is set. The flow through air sparge packer is available in one, two and one half and five foot lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Andrew S. Drucker