With Flow Restrictions (e.g., Chokes Or Beans) Patents (Class 166/91.1)
  • Patent number: 10968710
    Abstract: The modular managed pressured drilling system provides multiple skids with individual chokes and PRVs on the skids. These skids secure to one another to construct a modular MPD system that provides the proper equipment for the drilling operation. An inlet flow block and an outlet flow block are secured to each skid. The flow blocks provide multiple apertures to provide different pathways for the drilling fluid through the flow blocks. The flow blocks may direct the fluid through a first choke, a second choke, a pressure relief valve, or a bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PRUITT TOOL & SUPPLY CO.
    Inventors: Martyn Parker, Benjamin Micah Spahn
  • Patent number: 9051818
    Abstract: Configurations and methods for subsea hydrocarbon production at high pressure wells are contemplated in which production control is achieved by implementing two choke valves in series between the wellhead and the riser. The first production choke reduces pressure from well pressure to a reduced pressure, while the second production choke further reduces the pressure from the reduced pressure to riser pressure. The first production choke is preferably coupled to the production tree, and the second production choke is coupled to production tree, a subsea pipeline-end device (e.g., PLET or PLEM), a well jumper, or a flowline jumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Weihong Meng
  • Publication number: 20150144356
    Abstract: A blowout preventer includes a housing including interconnected cylinders formed therein, a main seal positioned within the housing, cylindrical sleeves removably placed within the interconnected cylinders, annular pistons and glands placed within the sleeves; and an energizing ring configured to be operated on by the annular pistons in order to operate the main seal. A blowout preventer may also include an upper gland assembly for isolating a void space within the housing from the interconnected cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Hernani G. DeOcampo, Dean Madell
  • Publication number: 20150122482
    Abstract: An annular blowout container (ABOC) that may be used in multiples in a stack in conjunction with additional gate and shear valves to protect a wellhead. The ABOC incorporates a cylindrical formed bladder that provides a tight constrictive seal around whatever pipe or tubing may be in the well bore. The bladder is made of top and bottom rotator plates with springs extending between the plates. The springs are encased in Teflon® and held in place by Kevlar® then covered over completely with cured Viton® that is injected to complete the overall bladder in a molded form. Rotation of the top and bottom rotator plates effects a twisting constriction around the drill pipe or tubing. Electrical and hydraulic operational components are housed inside chambers within the ABOC for predominantly self-contained operation. The cylindrical bladder assembly may be removed and replaced after extended use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Dwight Baker
  • Patent number: 9016320
    Abstract: The present invention is an intelligent flow control valve which may be inserted into the flow coming out of a pipe and activated to provide a method to stop, measure, and meter flow coming from the open or possibly broken pipe. The intelligent flow control valve may be used to stop the flow while repairs are made. Once repairs have been made, the valve may be removed or used as a control valve to meter the amount of flow from inside the pipe. With the addition of instrumentation, the valve may also be used as a variable area flow meter and flow controller programmed based upon flowing conditions. With robotic additions, the valve may be configured to crawl into a desired pipe location, anchor itself, and activate flow control or metering remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Anthony R Kelley
  • Patent number: 9016361
    Abstract: A wellhead for a hydrocarbon-producing wellbore includes a wellhead body having an inner cavity, and a production fluid conduit. The production fluid conduit and the wellbore define a production fluid flow path. A stuffing box is positioned within the inner cavity. A leak containment structure within the inner cavity captures any fluid exiting the stuffing box. A fluid pump pumps fluids from the leak containment structure to the production fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: 1238585 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventor: Nicholas Donohoe
  • Publication number: 20150083401
    Abstract: A control system for drilling a subterranean well can include multiple concurrently running hydraulics models, each of the hydraulics models outputting a pressure setpoint, in real time during a drilling operation. A method of controlling a drilling operation can comprise concurrently running multiple hydraulics models during the drilling operation, and switching between outputs of the multiple hydraulics models to control the drilling operation, the switching being performed during the drilling operation. Another method of controlling a drilling operation can include controlling operation of at least one flow control device, thereby maintaining a pressure at a pressure setpoint, and selecting the pressure setpoint from among outputs of multiple concurrently running hydraulics models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Saad Saeed
  • Patent number: 8936079
    Abstract: A ball catcher for recovering balls from wellbore fluids containing sand during flow back operations. The ball catcher has a receiving chamber for receiving the wellbore fluids containing sand, a first flow outlet for discharging a portion of the wellbore fluids and sand contained therein, and a diverter for redirecting balls entrained within the wellbore fluids. The redirected balls and a balance of the wellbore fluids also containing sand are received in a ball-retaining chamber. A blocker fit to the ball-retaining chamber retains the recovered balls therein while the balance of the wellbore fluids and sand contained therein is discharged from a second flow outlet and directed to downstream equipment through an auxiliary flow line. The retaining chamber can be isolated allowing the balls to be removed from the ball catcher without disrupting the flow back operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Isolation Equipment Services Inc.
    Inventor: Boris (Bruce) P. Cherewyk
  • Patent number: 8931550
    Abstract: A wellhead for a hydrocarbon-producing wellbore includes a wellhead body having an inner cavity, and a production fluid conduit. The production fluid conduit and the wellbore define a production fluid flow path. A stuffing box is positioned within the inner cavity. A leak containment structure within the inner cavity captures any fluid exiting the stuffing box. A fluid pump pumps fluids from the leak containment structure to the production fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: 1238585 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventor: Nicholas Donohoe
  • Patent number: 8899348
    Abstract: A system and method have a choke in fluid communication with a rotating control device. The choke controls flow of drilling mud from the rotating control device to a gas separator during a controlled pressure drilling operation, such as managed pressure drilling (MPD) or underbalanced drilling (UBD). A probe is in fluid communication with the drilling mud between the choke and the gas separator. During operations, the probe evaluates gas in the drilling mud from the well passing from the choke to the gas separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Bruce Henderson, Douglas Law, Michael Brian Grayson, James R. Chopty, David Tonner
  • Publication number: 20140326459
    Abstract: A valve, system and method for controlling flow of fluid about a wellsite component of a wellsite are provided. The wellsite component has a flowline to pass the fluid therethrough. The valve includes a valve housing, a cage having holes therethrough positionable in selective fluid communication with the flowline, a valve plate operatively connectable between the valve housing and the cage (the valve plate having a sealing surface thereon), and a spool assembly comprising a spool slidably positionable in the cage. The spool assembly is selectively positionable in sealing engagement with the sealing surface of the valve plate to define a sealing interface therebetween, and is movable between an inlet position defining a fluid intake path and an outlet position defining a fluid outtake path whereby the fluid is selectively diverted through the wellsite component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: James Ray Landrith, II, Matthew Christopher Quattrone
  • Publication number: 20140262333
    Abstract: A system, including a wellhead system, and a flow control system coupled to the wellhead system, wherein the flow control system includes a housing with a flow path between an inlet and an outlet, a flow control device disposed in the housing along the flow path, and a bonnet assembly surrounding the flow control device, wherein the bonnet assembly is configured to selectively mount one of a manual actuator and a powered actuator to actuate the flow control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Frenzel, Jerry Martino, Stephen Chambers, Ali Barkatally
  • Patent number: 8833488
    Abstract: A method of controlling standpipe pressure in a drilling operation can include comparing a measured standpipe pressure to a desired standpipe pressure, and automatically adjusting a choke in response to the comparing, thereby reducing a difference between the measured standpipe pressure and the desired standpipe pressure. A standpipe pressure control system for use in a drilling operation can include a controller which outputs an annulus pressure setpoint based on a comparison of a measured standpipe pressure to a desired standpipe pressure, and a choke which is automatically adjusted in response to the annulus pressure setpoint. A well system can include a standpipe line connected to a drill string in a wellbore, a sensor which measures pressure in the standpipe line, and a controller which outputs an annulus pressure setpoint based at least in part on a difference between the measured pressure and a desired standpipe pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kjetil A. Knudsen, Fredrik Varpe
  • Patent number: 8783381
    Abstract: A method of testing an earth formation can include incrementally opening a choke while drilling into the formation is ceased, thereby reducing pressure in a wellbore, and detecting an influx into the wellbore due to the reducing pressure in the wellbore. Another method of testing an earth formation can include drilling into the formation, with an annulus between a drill string and a wellbore being pressure isolated from atmosphere, then incrementally opening a choke while drilling is ceased, thereby reducing pressure in the wellbore, detecting an influx into the wellbore due to the reducing pressure in the wellbore, and determining approximate formation pore pressure as pressure in the wellbore when the influx is detected. Drilling fluid may or may not flow through the drill string when the influx is detected. A downhole pressure sensor can be used to verify pressure in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart M. Jeffries
  • Patent number: 8757272
    Abstract: A method for controlling flow of fluid from an annular space in a wellbore includes changing a flow restriction in a fluid flow discharge line from the wellbore annular space. The flow restriction is changed at a rate related to a difference between at least one of a selected fluid flow rate out of the wellbore and an actual fluid flow rate out of the wellbore, and a selected fluid pressure in the annular space and an actual pressure in the annular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Yawan Couturier, Donald G. Reitsma, Ossama R. Sehsah
  • Patent number: 8733436
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Publication number: 20140076577
    Abstract: Presented herein is a system, method, and assembly for reducing pressure fluctuations in an oilfield pumping system. The pressure fluctuation dampening assembly includes a junction, a dampening chamber, and a supply of a compressible medium. The compressible medium is supplied so as to form an interface between the fluid and the compressible medium such that a pressure fluctuation of fluid passing through the junction is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Rod Shampine
  • Patent number: 8672032
    Abstract: A split stream oilfield pumping system is provided which utilizes recycled high Reid vapor pressure production fluids. The oilfield system is made up of two separate fluid streams: a first recycled fluid stream and a second new fluid stream. The recycled fluid stream is enclosed to reduce or eliminate vaporization of the recycled fluid, which typically will have a Reid vapor pressure >14 kPa. Wellbore treatment additives are added to the new fluid stream, and the resultant treatment fluid is mixed with the recycled fluid in a common manifold to provide a final wellbore treatment fluid to be delivered to the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Calfrac Well Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Dwight M. Bobier, Donald Robert Battenfelder, Leslie M. Wise
  • Publication number: 20140020909
    Abstract: A system, including a wellhead system, and a flow control system coupled to the wellhead system, wherein the flow control system comprises, a flow control device including a housing, a flow path through the housing from an inlet to an outlet, and a flow control element disposed in the housing along the flow path, and an actuator mounting assembly coupled to the flow control device, wherein the actuator mounting assembly is configured to selectively mount one of a manual actuator and a powered actuator to actuate the flow control element of the flow control device, without taking the flow control system offline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Anthony McKeon, Declan Elliott, Finbarr Williams Evans
  • Publication number: 20130292113
    Abstract: A ball catcher for recovering balls from wellbore fluids containing sand during flow back operations. The ball catcher has a receiving chamber for receiving the wellbore fluids containing sand, a first flow outlet for discharging a portion of the wellbore fluids and sand contained therein, and a diverter for redirecting balls entrained within the wellbore fluids. The redirected balls and a balance of the wellbore fluids also containing sand are received in a ball-retaining chamber. A blocker fit to the ball-retaining chamber retains the recovered balls therein while the balance of the wellbore fluids and sand contained therein is discharged from a second flow outlet and directed to downstream equipment through an auxiliary flow line. The retaining chamber can be isolated allowing the balls to be removed from the ball catcher without disrupting the flow back operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Boris (Bruce) P. CHEREWYK
  • Patent number: 8540018
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 8522865
    Abstract: An automated flowback system allows control and operation of the system from a remote location away from the dangers of high-pressure gases or abrasives traveling at high velocities that cause damage or failure to equipment piping valves. The system provides techniques and mechanical components installed in flowlines in any position without having to cut and thread, weld or fabricate pipe to fit. This system includes an expansion coupling with axial adjusting lengths adequate to compensate for variations between two points. The expansion coupling is secured and installed into position eliminating field cut and threading, welding or fabrication. The system also includes a blast barrel with an installed choke nipple, choke bean or choke insert with a chosen orifice size for multiple chambered ports. The blast barrel retracts between two fixed points without having to dismantle any connections or be removed from the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Fracmaster, LLC
    Inventor: Don Atencio
  • Publication number: 20130168079
    Abstract: A pipe choke for use in drilling and mining operations comprising a body including a first end and a second end configured to couple to a pipe, an opening extending through the body from the first end to the second end, and wherein the body includes a first phase comprising recrystallized silicon carbide and a second phase comprising silicon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher J. Reilly, Edmund A. Cortellini, Robin M. Harrington
  • Patent number: 8469086
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 8464582
    Abstract: A variable throat Venturi flow meter includes an upstream pipe section having an upstream cross-sectional area, a throat section having a variable throat cross-sectional area that is smaller than the upstream cross-sectional area, and a plurality of section-varying elements adapted to temporarily vary the throat cross-sectional area to allow a downhole tool to pass through the throat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gilles Roux, Céline Gabard-Cuoq, Stéphane Chareille, Pierre Mouget
  • Patent number: 8434569
    Abstract: The short mud saver, which can be used with top drive or rotary table drilling system is housed in a short sub, has a large axial bore for the passage of drilling mud therethrough, a fixed and a movable seal assembly. The movable seal assembly is urged into normally closed position by a stack of Belleville, wave or similar disc stack of springs. The force of the spring stack can be over-ridden by application of sufficient mud pressure from top drive or Kelly to move the moveable seal assembly. Upon application of sufficient mud pressure the movable seal assembly moves downward allowing for flow through the large axial bore. Upon closer of the mud saver a flexible washer associated with fixed seal assembly allows pressure below the mud saver to be relieved to the top of the mud saver, from where return is precluded unless the mud saver is re-opened by application of mud pressure from top drive or Kelly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Reddoch, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8434549
    Abstract: A ball catcher for recovering balls from wellbore fluids containing sand during flow back operations. The ball catcher has a receiving chamber for receiving the wellbore fluids containing sand, a first flow outlet for discharging a portion of the wellbore fluids and sand contained therein, and a diverter for redirecting balls entrained within the wellbore fluids. The redirected balls and a balance of the wellbore fluids also containing sand are received in a ball-retaining chamber. A blocker fit to the ball-retaining chamber retains the recovered balls therein while the balance of the wellbore fluids and sand contained therein is discharged from a second flow outlet and directed to downstream equipment through an auxiliary flow line. The retaining chamber can be isolated allowing the balls to be removed from the ball catcher without disrupting the flow back operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Boris (Bruce) P. Cherewyk
  • Patent number: 8302684
    Abstract: A method for controlling the flow of a multiphase fluid from a well extending into a subsurface formation, which well is provided at a downstream position with a valve having a variable aperture, which method comprises allowing the multiphase fluid to flow at a selected aperture of the valve; selecting a flow parameter of the multiphase fluid, which flow parameter is responsive to changes in a gas/liquid ratio of the multiphase fluid at an upstream position in the well, and a setpoint for the flow parameter; and monitoring the flow parameter; controlling the flow parameter towards its setpoint by manipulating the aperture of the valve; wherein the control time between detection of a deviation from the setpoint and the manipulation of the aperture is shorter than the time needed for the multiphase fluid to travel 25% of the distance between the upstream and downstream positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Adriaan Nicolaas Eken
  • Publication number: 20120273228
    Abstract: A system and method enabling flow control with respect to a well related fluid. The system utilizes a choke manifold with a choke that can serve the function of both a fixed choke and an adjustable choke. The choke comprises components that are selectively adjusted to effectively provide differing calibrated flow paths along which the well related fluid flows when passing through the choke manifold. The choke manifold also may be combined with other system components in an efficient arrangement that facilitates handling of a variety of fluids, including multiphase fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Francis Allouche
  • Patent number: 8291976
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising providing a fluid diode in fluid communication with the wellbore, and transferring a fluid through the fluid diode. A fluid flow control tool, comprising a tubular diode sleeve comprising a diode aperture, a tubular inner ported sleeve received concentrically within the diode sleeve, the inner ported sleeve comprising an inner port in fluid communication with the diode aperture, and a tubular outer ported sleeved within which the diode sleeve is received concentrically, the outer ported sleeve comprising an outer port in fluid communication with the diode aperture, wherein a shape of the diode aperture, a location of the inner port relative to the diode aperture, and a location of the outer port relative to the diode aperture provide a fluid flow resistance to fluid transferred to the inner port from the outer port and a different fluid flow resistance to fluid transferred to the outer port from the inner port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Travis W. Cavender
  • Patent number: 8290632
    Abstract: A method for controlling the influx of fluids into a multizone well in which each inflow zone is provided with an inflow control device, comprises: assessing the flux of oil, gas, water and other effluents from the well; monitoring production variables, including ICD position and/or fluid pressure in each inflow zone upstream of each ICD and/or downstream of each ICD; sequentially adjusting the position of each of the ICDs and assessing the flux of crude oil, natural gas and/or other well effluents; monitoring production variables; deriving a zonal production estimation model for each inflow zone of the well; and adjusting each ICD to control the influx of crude oil, natural gas and/or other effluents into each inflow zone on the basis of data derived from the zonal production estimation model for each inflow zone of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Jan Jozef Maria Briers, Keat-Choon Goh, Christophe Lauwerys, Peter Stefaan Lutgard Van Overschee, Henk Nico Jan Poulisse
  • Patent number: 8220535
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Publication number: 20120175103
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Publication number: 20120168164
    Abstract: In one aspect, an injection apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed wherein the apparatus includes a tubular housing and a shield housing disposed outside the tubular housing, the shield housing including a chamber in fluid communication with the tubular housing. The apparatus further includes a piston disposed within the shield housing, the piston coupled to a biasing member, wherein movement of the piston controls fluid communication between the chamber and the wellbore, and wherein the movement of the piston is caused by a pressure change of a fluid within the tubular housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kai Sun, Jesse J. Constantine, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120067591
    Abstract: A method for controlling flow of fluid from an annular space in a wellbore includes changing a flow restriction in a fluid flow discharge line from the wellbore annular space. The flow restriction is changed at a rate related to a difference between at least one of a selected fluid flow rate out of the wellbore and an actual fluid flow rate out of the wellbore, and a selected fluid pressure in the annular space and an actual pressure in the annular space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Yawan Couturier, Donald G. Reitsma, Ossama R. Sehsah
  • Patent number: 8122948
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 8109330
    Abstract: An angled or inline choke for flowing drilling fluid to a choke and kill manifold, wherein the choke has a body with a bore, a connection can be sealed to the body and can have a connection bore in communication with the bore. A locking plate can index the connection to the body. The choke can have a cavity with a piston. A port can be in communication with the cavity to provide a hydraulic fluid to the piston. A choke bean in the bore can flow drilling fluid to the choke and kill manifold. A tip can connect to the choke bean with a rod. When the hydraulic fluid passes into the port, the piston can move within the bore and compress a choke element around the tip to cause restriction of the drilling fluid, enabling for control of a pressure of the drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: James Otis Miller
  • Patent number: 8091630
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 7992643
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Publication number: 20110139464
    Abstract: A system and method have a choke in fluid communication with a rotating control device. The choke controls flow of drilling mud from the rotating control device to a gas separator during a controlled pressure drilling operation, such as managed pressure drilling (MPD) or underbalanced drilling (UBD). A probe is in fluid communication with the drilling mud between the choke and the gas separator. During operations, the probe evaluates gas in the drilling mud from the well passing from the choke to the gas separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Anthony Bruce Henderson, Douglas Law, Michael Brian Grayson, James R. Chopty, David Tonner
  • Publication number: 20100243247
    Abstract: A ball catcher for recovering balls from wellbore fluids containing sand during flow back operations. The ball catcher has a receiving chamber for receiving the wellbore fluids containing sand, a first flow outlet for discharging a portion of the wellbore fluids and sand contained therein, and a diverter for redirecting balls entrained within the wellbore fluids. The redirected balls and a balance of the wellbore fluids also containing sand are received in a ball-retaining chamber. A blocker fit to the ball-retaining chamber retains the recovered balls therein while the balance of the wellbore fluids and sand contained therein is discharged from a second flow outlet and directed to downstream equipment through an auxiliary flow line. The retaining chamber can be isolated allowing the balls to be removed from the ball catcher without disrupting the flow back operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: ISOLATION EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Boris (Bruce) P. Cherewyk
  • Publication number: 20100206546
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Publication number: 20100206576
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Publication number: 20100206547
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 7735548
    Abstract: A ball catcher is adapted to be fluidly connected to a wellhead port to receive wellbore fluids and balls carried therewith. A diverter is fit to the catcher body and has a wellhead end positioned to intercept the fluid flow from the wellhead port so as to divert debris and balls carried therein into a ball recovery chamber. The diverter has a bore in fluid communication with the flow outlet and the wellhead end has flow passages formed therethrough to the bore for receiving the fluid flow free of debris and balls and discharging the fluid flow from the catcher body. The diverter and the ball recovery chamber can be connected to quick removal for replacement, repair or cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Isolation Equipment Services Inc
    Inventor: Boris (Bruce) P. Cherewyk
  • Patent number: 7644756
    Abstract: Equipment for oil recovery can include three systems: a steam system, a carbon dioxide system and a nitrogen system. The three systems can include one or more of a steam pressure regulator, a steam thermometer, a steam pressure gauge, a steam flowmeter, a carbon dioxide pressure regulator, a carbon dioxide compressor, a carbon dioxide thermometer, a carbon dioxide pressure gauge, a nitrogen compressor, a nitrogen pressure regulator, a nitrogen thermometer, a nitrogen pressure gauge, assembled valves, a gas injection tube and a chemical agent valve. The three systems can be connected into a heavy oil well via the assembled valves, the gas injection tube and a down-hole tube. The equipment can integrate three pressurizing and metering systems of steam, carbon dioxide and nitrogen together. With the equipment, one, two or three of the gases may be injected into oil wells to achieve favorable results of output increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: CNPC Greatwall Drilling Engineering Company Limited
    Inventors: Fengshan Zhang, Yuanwen Gao
  • Patent number: 7621324
    Abstract: An automated flowback system allows control and operation of the system from a remote location away from the dangers of high-pressure gases or abrasives traveling at high velocities that cause damage or failure to equipment piping valves. The system provides techniques and mechanical components installed in flowlines in any position without having to cut and thread, weld or fabricate pipe to fit. This system includes an expansion sub with axial adjusting lengths adequate to compensate for variations between two points. The expansion sub is secured and installed into position eliminating field cut and threading, welding or fabrication. The system also includes a blast barrel with an installed choke nipple, choke bean or choke insert with a chosen orifice size for multiple chambered ports. The blast barrel retracts between two fixed points without having to dismantle any connections or be removed from the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Don Atencio
  • Patent number: 7562711
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising transporting at least two portable tanks to a well site to be serviced, and hydraulically injecting biocide into a first of the two tanks, wherein a second of the two tanks serves as a fluid source for conveying the biocide into the first tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Flemma, Jr., Mitch Mitchum
  • Patent number: 7516786
    Abstract: A test plug tool for use in testing a pressure integrity of a pressure control stack mounted to a wellhead, including a joint between a casing and a casing support in the wellhead. The test plug tool includes a test plug of an appropriate diameter used to pressure test the pressure control stack as well as a joint between any one of a surface casing and the wellhead, an intermediate casing and an intermediate casing mandrel, and a production casing and a production casing mandrel. The pressure integrity of the wellhead is ensured at each stage of well drilling and well completion, and safety is improved. Optionally, a backpressure valve permits pressurized fluid that leaks below the test plug tool to flow upwardly through a central bore in a landing tool that is secured to the test plug tool to permit detection of the leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Murray Dallas, Bob McGuire
  • Publication number: 20090050335
    Abstract: A valve that is usable with a well includes an indexer and a closing mechanism. The indexer includes a profile to establish a sequence of open settings for the valve, and the indexer is adapted to respond to first control stimuli to transition the valve through the settings according to the sequence. The closing mechanism is adapted to operate independently of the sequence in response to a second control stimulus to close the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Laure Mandrou