With Valve Patents (Class 175/218)
  • Patent number: 11905797
    Abstract: Wellbore for extracting heat from magma and a corresponding method. The method includes the steps of drilling a borehole from a surface and towards a magma chamber; supplying a drilling fluid to an interface between a drill bit and a terminal end of the borehole during drilling; terminating the drilling in response to the borehole achieving a predetermined depth; and supplying a thermodynamic fluid into the borehole to maintain the borehole while completing the wellbore. The drilling fluid lifts cuttings out of the borehole and quenches magma to form a solid phase material that can be cut by the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: EnhancedGEO Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Greg Lindberg, Kimberly C. Conner
  • Patent number: 11802457
    Abstract: A cutting tool can be used to cut through a tubing string in a wellbore. Metal cuttings are formed during the cutting process. The cutting tool can include a cutting insert with a blade that is rotated around a longitudinal axis of the tool. A nose can include a spiral cutout adjacent to the blade. The spiral cutout can force the metal cuttings down past the outside of the nose and down into the tubing string. The nose can also include a guide on the outside underneath the blade. The guide can also provide a pathway for the metal cuttings to fall past the outside of the nose and down into the tubing string. The spiral cutout and the optional guide can be used to prevent metal cuttings from lodging within the cutting tool and preventing the tool from rotating and cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Simon Whye Kwong Wai
  • Patent number: 11773689
    Abstract: A surge flow mitigation tool can include a surge flow valve that permits one-way fluid flow through a flow passage, and a bypass flow path that opens when a differential pressure across the surge flow valve is greater than a predetermined level. A method of mitigating surge flow in a well can include producing fluid through a tubular string with a bottom hole assembly including a surge flow mitigation tool connected downhole of a packer, the surge flow mitigation tool including a surge flow valve that permits the fluid to flow toward surface via the tubular string, but prevents the fluid from flowing into the well via the tubular string, and increasing a differential pressure across the surge flow valve to greater than a predetermined level, thereby opening a bypass flow path that permits injection flow from the tubular string into the well downhole of the packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ODESSA SEPARATOR, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Culbertson, Mark H. Lowe, Cavin B. Frost, Donovan J. Sanchez, Benjamin Lee Weatherford
  • Patent number: 11719058
    Abstract: An underbalanced drilling system is provided. A bottomhole assembly includes a drill bit drilling a wellbore in a formation underbalanced. The bottomhole assembly includes a telemetry sub. A telemetry component transmits signals in real-time between the telemetry sub of the bottomhole assembly and a controller on the surface. A drill string is coupled with the bottomhole assembly, and the drill string includes a plurality of drill collars. The drill collars form a channel through which drilling fluid flows from the surface to the bottomhole assembly. The drill string is inserted into the wellbore by a hydraulic work over unit. A continuous circulation component provides continuous circulation of the drilling fluid while a new drill collar is coupled to the drill string. The continuous circulation component substantially maintains a wellbore density at a predetermined density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Philippe Quero
  • Patent number: 11542440
    Abstract: A tube for a steam cracking furnace comprising: at least one downstream tubular segment of circular section having a main diameter; at least one twisted tubular segment having a length less than a quarter of the length of the tube, and comprising: a central part with an elliptical or lobed section, having a helical pitch between one times and ten times the main diameter, and an aspect ratio of the elliptical or lobed section between 0.5 and 0.8; an upstream transition part establishing a geometric transition between the central part and a tubular segment of circular section; a downstream transition part establishing a geometric transition between the central part and the downstream tubular segment, with a fluid being intended to flow from the upstream transition part to the downstream transition part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignees: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Bruce Indurain Y Urricelqui, Sylvain Lalot, Mathieu Couvrat, François Beaubert, David Uystepruyst
  • Patent number: 10907426
    Abstract: Apparatus for early detection of drilling mud gains or losses that is positioned in the return wellbore of oilwell drilling operations, includes a pair of an upper and lower pressure sensor in an apparatus that is positioned in the return wellbore of an oilwell drilling operation as well as a flow chamber having an inlet port, an outlet port, a flow tube and a flow sensing device for determining the gains or losses in the return wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: H. Udo Zeidler
  • Patent number: 10161206
    Abstract: A method for drilling a well in continuous circulation and a device for intercepting and redistributing fluids for this drilling method wherein said device comprises a main chamber (5) communicating with a first auxiliary chamber (6) and with a second auxiliary chamber (7), in which during the direct drilling flow (F1) mode, said auxiliary chambers (6,7) are placed in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: HAD ENGINEERING S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giorgio Girola
  • Patent number: 10094187
    Abstract: A collector circuit and associated circulation process, for intercepting and selectively diverting, at least partially, a fluid flow continuously flowing in a fluid circulation system, for drilling rigs. The collector includes a first sub-circuit with a first duct, with a first valve, and a second duct with a second valve; and; a second sub-circuit; The first sub-circuit, depending on the operating configurations of the first valve and the second valve, is adapted to allow the transit of the fluid flow in the first duct, and selectively divert fluid flow towards the second duct. The second sub-circuit is fluid-dynamically connected to the second duct of the first sub-circuit for receiving fluid flow, diverted by the first sub-circuit, and directing it towards a first outlet of the second sub-circuit. The second sub-circuit and the first sub-circuit are independent, and the second sub-circuit is removable from the collector circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: DRILLMEC S.P.A.
    Inventor: Stefano Ferrari
  • Patent number: 10060208
    Abstract: Controlled pressure drilling of a borehole with a drilling system detects events and identifies the events as being one of a gas-at-surface event, a kick event, a high-pressure low-volume depletion event, and a gas expansion event. Parameters including flow-in, flow-out, density, and standpipe pressure are monitored. A volume increase is detected between the flow-in and flow-out, and an initiation point of the detected volume increase is identified. At this point, an event from the initiation point is identified based on the monitored parameters from the initiation point. To identify a kick event, for example, the standpipe pressure is determined to have increased from the initiation point without the density decreasing since the initiation point, and a cumulative volume value from the initiation point is determined to be above a first threshold. In response to the identified event, an action is initiated in the drilling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Ferhat Gumus, Koray Kinik, Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 9157297
    Abstract: Presented are apparatus and methods for pump-through fluid loss control. In one embodiment, the fluid loss control device is positioned in a wellbore having a first and a second one-way valve therein. The first one-way valve is openable in response to a first, selected differential pressure acting upward across the first one-way valve. For example, fluid pumped from an ESP from below the device acts to open the first one-way valve. Fluid is flowed upward through the device through the first one-way valve while the second one-way valve is closed. The first one-way valve is closed by reducing the first differential pressure across the first one-way valve, for example, by turning off the ESP. The second one-way valve is opened in response to a second, selected differential pressure acting downward across the valve. Fluid is flowed downward through the second one-way valve while the first one-way valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Jimmie Robert Williamson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150034384
    Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean well bore comprising, monitoring the well bore for influx of formation fluid into the well bore, and, on detection of an influx, a) stopping any pump pumping fluid into the well bore, b) operating a first blow out preventer so that it closes within a first period of time, c) operating a second blow out preventer so that it closes within a second period of time, the second blow out preventer being located below the first blow out preventer, the second period of time being longer than the first period of time, d) circulating the influx out of the well bore via a flow line extending from below the second blow out preventer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: MANAGED PRESSURE OPERATIONS PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Patent number: 8904703
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for boring into the earth near a Kudzu vine root system to apply herbicidal helium gas to the roots and eradicate the Kudzu vine. The technique uses a perforated tube with a drill bit that protrudes from one end of the tube to bore into the earth near the vine roots. Boring is stopped when all of the tube perforations are below the earth's surface. About 0.5 cubic meters of helium gas are applied to flow through the tube enabling the helium gas to flow out through the tube perforations and attack the Kudzu vine through the vine's root system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jacob Harrison Schindler
  • Patent number: 8844653
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining continuous flow through a drill string during drill pipe connection includes establishing drilling fluid flow axially through the length of a tubular sub attached to the top of a drill string. The sub is then engaged with a collar disposed at least partially around the perimeter of the sub so as to define an exterior flow path along the exterior of the sub. Radial flow is then initiated into the sub through said collar and along said exterior flow path. Axial flow is then terminated through the length of the tubular sub while maintaining radial flow into the sub. A pipe joint is then attached to the top of the tubular sub, axial flow is reestablished through the length of the tubular sub, radial flow is terminated into the sub, and the collar is disengaged from the sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dual Gradient Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Luc deBoer
  • Patent number: 8752653
    Abstract: An internal blowout preventer used in drilling rigs for the discovery and production of hydrocarbons from the earth is disclosed. The internal blowout preventer has two independently and remotely operable blowout preventer valves in the same body, providing for greater service life and higher reliability during drilling operations. The two valves are loaded into the internal blowout preventer housing from a single end, and are operable by an actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Padmasiri Daya Seneviratne, Lawrence E. Wells, Arthur W. Braman, Preston R. Fox
  • Publication number: 20140158433
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a body having a main passage, and a valve member which is located in the main passage and which is rotatable between an open position in which the main passage is substantially open, and a closed position in which the valve member substantially blocks the main passage, and an actuator which is movable generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main passage, the actuator being engaged with the valve member such that movement of the actuator generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main passage causes the valve member to rotate between its open and dosed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Managed Pressure Operations Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: James Bisset, Rae Younger, Jonathan Buckland, Baptiste Gougeon, Stuart Rothnie, Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Publication number: 20140144706
    Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by advancing the tubular string longitudinally into the wellbore; stopping drilling by holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; adding a tubular joint or stand of joints to the tubular string while injecting drilling fluid into a side port of the tubular string, rotating the tubular string, and holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; and resuming drilling of the wellbore after adding the joint or stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. BAILEY, Mark A. MITCHELL, David PAVEL, Lev RING, Ram K. BANSAL, David IBLINGS
  • Patent number: 8672042
    Abstract: Fluid circulation valve is provided for use with a well drilling operation, so that a drill joint may be added to or removed from the drill string while continuously circulating fluid into the well. Valve housing has a central flow path therein, a housing side port, and upper and lower threaded connectors for engagement with the drill joint and the drill string, respectively. A rotatable ball is positioned within the flow path in the valve housing and a port in the ball is in fluid communication with the housing side port when the ball is closed. A coupling is provided for engaging the valve housing and sealing between an interior of the valve housing and the radially external flow line, which passes fluid into the well when a drill joint is being connecting to the upper end of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: TIW Corporation
    Inventor: Britt O. Braddick
  • Patent number: 8627890
    Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by advancing the tubular string longitudinally into the wellbore; stopping drilling by holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; adding a tubular joint or stand of joints to the tubular string while injecting drilling fluid into a side port of the tubular string, rotating the tubular string, and holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; and resuming drilling of the wellbore after adding the joint or stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Mark A. Mitchell, David Pavel, Lev Ring, Ram K. Bansal, David Iblings
  • Patent number: 8590640
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining constant circulation of drilling fluid includes a valve section (5) at the top of each section of drill pipes to be connected to or removed from the drill string. The valve section (5) has a top inlet for axial circulation and a side inlet (5b) for radial circulation. Two separate valves (5c, 5d) within the valve section controls flow through the inlets. An external valve control device (4) has a circulation adapter (4b) for connecting drill fluid at operational pressure to the side inlet (5b) and separate activating adapters (4c, 4d) connecting to the couplings for opening or closing the valves (5c, 5d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Per Olav Haughom
  • Publication number: 20130228376
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a main housing having a central bore therethrough, an upper valve subassembly disposed within the main housing, the upper valve subassembly including an upper seat configured to contact a corresponding lower seat of a lower valve subassembly, and a flow diverter ring disposed proximate the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly, wherein the flow diverter ring is configured to direct a fluid flow radially away from the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Mohon, Vishal Saheta
  • Publication number: 20130228380
    Abstract: A clog free waste removal system for removing waste or drilling cuttings from a wellbore at the rate that waste is being produced having an incoming transportation system, a rig buffer, and optional surge tank, an outgoing transportation system, and post treatment device or transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: KMC OIL TOOLS B.V.
    Inventors: Joseph Daniel Farrar, Perry Don Lyman
  • Patent number: 8505635
    Abstract: A device for a top drive drilling machine, in which a drive shaft (14), which is arranged for releasable connection to a drive (12) and to a first end portion (51) of a drill pipe (5), is provided with a center bore (141) extending therethrough and arranged for fluid communication between the drilling mud plant (6) and a fluid bore (53) in the drill pipe (5). First and second releasable, drive-shaft-surrounding, respectively drill-string-surrounding, pressure seals (1311c, 1321) and a valve (133) which is arranged to provide, in an open position, a passage (1331) for the drill pipe (5) or drive shaft (14), form a first and a second chamber. A drilling mud inlet (1323) is arranged for the second chamber (132) and is arranged for fluid communication between the drilling mud plant (6) and connection housing (13). A method for the continuous supply of drilling mud to a drill string (4) by the use of the drilling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Per A. Vatne
  • Patent number: 8490720
    Abstract: A mud saver valve is constructed so that the valve seats self align preventing the loss of fluid when the valve is in the closed position. One or both seats can skew their longitudinal axes to get the alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Tace Parley Hart, Albert Augustus Mullins
  • Patent number: 8443876
    Abstract: This invention is a top drive having an inside blowout preventer connected with a rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer includes a hydraulically actuatable arm. An inside blowout preventer with a rotatable stem is connected to the top drive rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer has a hydraulically actuatable arm, a hydraulic cylinder, a tubular body having a tubular bore, and a valve operator assembly surrounding the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • Patent number: 8443877
    Abstract: A drilling rig with a top drive having an inside blowout preventer for drilling in a wellbore, the drilling rig having a derrick and a crown, a torque track suspended from the crown, a travelling block hanging from a cable, a drawworks for raising or lowering the travelling block, and a top drive with a rotatable stem suspended from the travelling block. The top drive has a motor mounted to the top drive housing and is connected to the rotatable stem. An inside blowout preventer with a rotatable stem is connected to the top drive rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer has a hydraulically actuatable arm, a hydraulic cylinder, a tubular body having a tubular bore, and a valve operator assembly surrounding the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Larry G. Keast
  • 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.
  • Publication number: 20130068532
    Abstract: A flow sub for use with a drill string includes: a tubular housing having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough and a flow port formed through a wall thereof; a bore valve operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the bore valve allows free passage through the bore in the open position and isolates an upper portion of the bore from a lower portion of the bore in the closed position; and a sleeve disposed in the housing and movable between an open position where the flow port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the flow port and the bore; and a bore valve actuator operably coupling the sleeve and the bore valve such that opening the sleeve closes the bore valve and closing the sleeve opens the bore valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Ram K. BANSAL, Joe NOSKE, Miroslav MIHALJ, Bill MENARD, Thomas F. BAILEY, David PAVEL, Gerald Wes Don BUCHANAN, Geoff GEORGE, David VIERAITIS
  • Publication number: 20130032396
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device for use in wellbore drilling includes at least one pressure vessel having a fluid port at a bottom thereof for entry and discharge of a working fluid and a fluid port at a top thereof for entry and discharge of a power fluid. The pressure vessel has no physical barrier between the power fluid and the working fluid. Valves are coupled to the power fluid port for selective introduction of the power fluid into the at least one pressure vessel. Valves are coupled to the working fluid port such that the working fluid is constrained to flow in only one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Sverre Stave
  • Patent number: 8360154
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a main housing having a central bore therethrough, an upper valve subassembly disposed within the main housing, the upper valve subassembly including an upper seat configured to contact a corresponding lower seat of a lower valve subassembly, and a flow diverter ring disposed proximate the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly, wherein the flow diverter ring is configured to direct a fluid flow radially away from the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Mohon, Vishal Saheta
  • Patent number: 8100199
    Abstract: Fluid circulation valve (10) is provided for use with a well drilling operation, so that a drill joint may be added to or removed from the drill string while continuously circulating fluid into the well. Valve housing (12, 18) has a central flow path therein, a housing side port (87), and upper and lower threaded connectors for engagement with the drill joint and the drill string, respectively. A rotatable ball (30) is positioned within the flow path in the valve housing and a port (87) in the ball is in fluid communication with the housing side port (15) when the ball is closed. A coupling (60) is provided for engaging the valve housing and sealing between an interior of the valve housing and the radially external flow line, which passes fluid into the well when a drill joint is being connecting to the upper end of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: TIW Corporation
    Inventor: Britt O. Braddick
  • Publication number: 20110308860
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining continuous flow through a drill string during drill pipe connection includes establishing drilling fluid flow axially through the length of a tubular sub attached to the top of a drill string. The sub is then engaged with a collar disposed at least partially around the perimeter of the sub so as to define an exterior flow path along the exterior of the sub. Radial flow is then initiated into the sub through said collar and along said exterior flow path. Axial flow is then terminated through the length of the tubular sub while maintaining radial flow into the sub. A pipe joint is then attached to the top of the tubular sub, axial flow is reestablished through the length of the tubular sub, radial flow is terminated into the sub, and the collar is disengaged from the sub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Luc deBoer
  • Patent number: 8033338
    Abstract: Systems and methods for continuously circulating fluid, e.g., drilling mud, through a wellbore tubular string, the systems in certain aspects including a sub positionable in fluid communication with the tubular string, the sub with a body, a plug releasably closing off a side opening of the body, and a closure apparatus for selectively closing off flow from the top of the sub into and through the body, while flow is permitted below the closure apparatus through the side opening down through the body into the tubular string; and, in certain aspects, such systems and methods including tubular manipulation apparatus, e.g. an iron roughneck and working with wellbore tubulars with the tubular manipulation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Frank Benjamin Springett
  • Patent number: 8025108
    Abstract: A subterranean method of processing a hydrocarbon fluid-containing deposit includes, from a subterranean room, providing a borehole into a deposit containing formation fluid comprising fluid hydrocarbon. The borehole has a first end at a wall of the subterranean room, and a second end remote from the subterranean room and received within the deposit. The first end is elevationally lower than the second end. A string of pipe is provided within the borehole from the subterranean room. A cuttings removal fluid is injected from the string of pipe into the borehole and against a wall of the borehole in underbalanced pressure conditions. One of drilling, reaming, or jetting is conducted within the borehole during said injecting of the cuttings removal fluid. Formation fluid comprising fluid hydrocarbon is flowed from the deposit into the borehole during said injecting of the cuttings removal fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: New Era Petroleum, LLC.
    Inventors: Joseph McPhie, Clint Spence, Marty Fell, Greg Vandersnick, Brian Lunan, Albert Cerenzie
  • Publication number: 20110192649
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a main housing having a central bore therethrough, an upper valve subassembly disposed within the main housing, the upper valve subassembly including an upper seat configured to contact a corresponding lower seat of a lower valve subassembly, and a flow diverter ring disposed proximate the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly, wherein the flow diverter ring is configured to direct a fluid flow radially away from the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Mohon, Vishal Saheta
  • Patent number: 7987915
    Abstract: A circulator sub tool and fluid saver with a system and method for dispensing and circulating fluid in a well bore having a threaded packer sub with a quick coupler body, and wherein diameters for each annulus of the quick coupler body and the sub body are substantially identical enhancing laminar flow through the threaded packer sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Express Energy Services Operating, LP
    Inventors: Richard Jay Wiggins, Truman Randall Davis
  • Publication number: 20110083904
    Abstract: The short mud saver, which can be used with “top drive” of “Kelly/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: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Reddoch, SR.
  • Patent number: 7857077
    Abstract: An improved cuttings system located adjacent a drilling rig's shale shaker system utilizing a vacuum collection/gravity fed processing system, thereby eliminating expensive and complicated cuttings transfer systems. The use of a vacuum cuttings collection system combined within a common fluid-filled open tank and submersible grinding pumps eliminate the need for extensive circulating and holding systems. Cuttings are sized and chemically prepared within the same tank and fed directly to an injection pump for discharge to cuttings transport tanks or injected down hole. Other improvements include non-restrictive cuttings sizing, filtering, and an injection pump cuttings relief system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Reddoch, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7828081
    Abstract: A method of drilling a bore hole in a fractured formation. A drill pipe is deployed into the borehole, whereby an annular space is formed between the drill pipe and the borehole wall. A drilling fluid is pumped, by means of primary pumps, into the borehole via an internal conduit of the drill pipe and a drill pipe fluid outlet present in the vicinity of a distal end of the drill pipe. The annular space is pressure sealed using a pressure seal such as a rotating head on a BOP. A well control fluid is pumped into the annular space via a well control conduit that fluidly connects the annular space, in a location between the pressure seal and the drill pipe fluid outlet, to a backpressure system. The well control fluid is pressure-balanced against the pressure seal and the backpressure system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: At-Balance Americas LLC
    Inventor: Donald Gordon Reitsma
  • Publication number: 20100252272
    Abstract: The invention regards an apparatus and method for maintaining constant circulation of drilling fluid during the entire drill process. A cylindrical valve section (5) is adapted to be included in the drill string, and included at the top of each section of drill pipes to be connected to or removed from the drill string. The valve section (5) has a top inlet for axial circulation and a side inlet (5b) for radial circulation. Two separate valves (5c, 5d) within the valve section controls flow through the inlets. Each valve is operated through couplings on an outer surface of the valve section (5). An external valve control device (4) is operated by remote control, and comprises a circulation adapter (4b) for connecting drill fluid at operational pressure to the side inlet (5b) and separate activating adapters (4c, 4d) connecting to the couplings for opening or closing the valves (5c, 5d).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Per Olav Haughom
  • Publication number: 20100155143
    Abstract: Fluid circulation valve (10) is provided for use with a well drilling operation, so that a drill joint may be added to or removed from the drill string while circulating fluid into the well. Valve housing (16, 12) has a central flow path therein, a housing side port (87), and upper and lower threaded connectors for engagement with the drill joint and the drill string, respectively. A rotatable ball (24) is positioned within the flow path in the valve housing and a ball side port (15) in fluid communication with the housing side port (87) when the ball is closed. A tool (80) is provided for engaging the valve housing and sealing between an interior of the valve housing and the radially external flow line, which passes fluid into the well when a drill joint is being connecting to the upper end of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Britt O. Braddick
  • Publication number: 20100096190
    Abstract: A drill pipe having a tubular body through which is provided a main bore, a side port provided in an exterior surface of the body, a side bore extending through the body from the main bore to the side port, and a valve member which is movable between a closed position in which fluid flow through the side bore is substantially prevented and an open position in which fluid flow through the side bore is permitted, wherein the movement of the valve member between the closed position and the open position comprises translational movement, and the valve member is located at least predominantly within the side bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: MANAGED PRESSURE OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Rae Younger, Alex MacGregor, Adrien Bouillet, Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Patent number: 7699071
    Abstract: A method of controlling one or more operating pressures within a subterranean borehole that includes a choke assembly is disclosed. The choke assembly may include a housing having an inlet passage, an axial bore, and a chamber, wherein a portion of the axial bore forms an outlet passage, and a choke member adapted for movement in the housing to control the flow of a fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage. The method may include applying a closing force to move the choke member toward a closed position, and applying a bias force to the choke member when in the closed position to reduce an overpressure required to initiate movement of the choke member from the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Alan Wayne Burkhard, Nicolas Christopher Wade Thiessen
  • Publication number: 20090205837
    Abstract: A hydraulic connector to provide a fluid tight connection between a fluid supply and a downhole tubular includes an engagement assembly configured to extend and retract a seal assembly disposed at a distal end of the hydraulic connector into and from a proximal end of the downhole tubular, and a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow the fluids to communicate between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular through the seal assembly when in the open position, and wherein the valve assembly is configured to prevent fluid communication between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular when closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicants: Frank's International, Inc., Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Robert Large
  • Patent number: 7575072
    Abstract: An improved cuttings system located adjacent a drilling rig's shale shaker system utilizing a vacuum collection/gravity fed processing system, thereby eliminating expensive and complicated cuttings transfer systems. The use of a vacuum cuttings collection system combined within a common fluid-filled open tank and submersible grinding pumps eliminate the need for extensive circulating and holding systems. Cuttings are sized and chemically prepared within the same tank and fed directly to an injection pump for discharge to cuttings transport tanks or injected down hole. Other improvements include non-restrictive cuttings sizing, filtering, and an injection pump cuttings relief system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Reddoch, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20090200038
    Abstract: A hydraulic connector to direct fluids between a lifting assembly and a bore of a downhole tubular includes an engagement assembly configured to selectively extend and retract a seal assembly disposed at a distal end of the hydraulic connector into and from a proximal end of the downhole tubular and a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow the fluids to communicate between the lifting assembly and the downhole tubular through the seal assembly when in the open position, and wherein the valve assembly is configured to prevent fluid communication between the lifting assembly and the downhole tubular when closed position, and a one-way valve to allow fluid communication from the downhole tubular to the lifting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Burney J. Latiolais, JR.
  • Patent number: 7562723
    Abstract: A method for controlling formation pressure during drilling includes pumping a drilling fluid through a drill string in a borehole, out a drill bit at the end of the drill string into an annular space. The drilling fluid is discharged from the annular space proximate the Earth's surface. At least one of a flow rate of the drilling fluid into the borehole and a fluid flow rate out of the annular space is measured. Pressure of the fluid in the annular space proximate the Earth's surface and pressure of the fluid proximate the bottom of the borehole are measured. Pressure of the fluid proximate the bottom of the borehole is estimated using the measured flow rate, annular space pressure and density of the drilling fluid. A warning signal is generated if difference between the estimated pressure and measured pressure exceeds a selected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: At Balance Americas, LLC
    Inventor: Donald G. Reitsma
  • Patent number: 7461698
    Abstract: Disclosed is a remotely operable top drive safety valve assembly having first and second valve elements. An actuator sleeve moves longitudinally on the main body of the top drive safety valve assembly under the influence of an operating arm. When operating the first valve element, a lock plate is preferably installed over the second valve element stem, and an arm is externally fixed to the stem of the first valve element and is disposed in a cutout in the wall of the actuator sleeve. Movement of the actuator sleeve up and down moves the arm, and thereby moves the first valve element between open and closed positions. When operating the second valve element, the arm on the upper valve element stem is removed, a lock plate is preferably installed over the first valve element stem, an arm is installed on the second valve element stem, and a linkage assembly is installed which operationally engages the second valve element stem arm with the actuator sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Michael R. Klipstein
  • Patent number: 7419012
    Abstract: A drive system for wellbore operations, the drive system, in certain, but not necessarily all aspects, including a main body, a motor apparatus, a main shaft extending from the main body and rotatable by the motor, the main shaft having a top end and a bottom end, and an item, the item non-threadedly connected to the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventor: James Edward Lynch
  • Patent number: 7360611
    Abstract: A strainer system having two separate strainers positioned in parallel, where one strainer can be cleaned while still permitting normal flow through the other strainer. The system flow circuit is arranged so that a high pressure backwashing flow can be applied to one strainer while the other strainer is providing its normal straining function. The backwashed strainer is then isolated by valves so that its access flange can be removed and the particulate buildup within the valve plug cleaned out. The strainer is then returned to service following the replacement of the access flange. In this manner, it is possible to alternate between the two strainers so that continuous flow can be maintained to the hydraulic choke located downstream of the strainer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Expro Americas, L.P.
    Inventors: Donald Glynn Sims, Michael James Taylor, Robert Frank Schmidt, David Anthony Schmidt, John Walton McCaskill
  • Patent number: RE42772
    Abstract: A choke for removing large diameter particulate matter from an oil or natural gas well includes a housing having a chamber with an integral solids receptacle. The chamber is in communication with a flow stream outlet and a flow stream inlet. The flow stream inlet is located below the flow stream outlet. The flow stream inlet directly adjoins the integral solids receptacle in the chamber. The choke includes a solids removal outlet located below the flow stream inlet in communication with the chamber for flowing particulate from the chamber when actuatedby a user. The choke includes a needle disposed in a bonnet connected to the chamber above the flow stream inlet for controlling the flow stream from the flow stream inlet to the flow stream outlet by engaging a choke face of a seat with the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Harvey McGee