Rotary Valve Control Patents (Class 367/84)
  • Patent number: 11913327
    Abstract: A downhole connection includes a rotating member and an independently rotating member. A solenoid is connected to the independently rotating member and a moving member is connected to the rotating member. The moving member is movable by the solenoid and connected to an actuation valve of a downhole tool on the rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Edward Richards
  • Patent number: 11499420
    Abstract: Methods and systems for generating pulses in drilling fluid are described. The methods include driving rotation of a rotor relative to a stator of a pulser assembly in an oscillatory manner. The oscillatory manner includes rotating an obstructing element from a middle position to a first blocking angle position and rotating the obstructing element from the first blocking angle position to a second blocking angle position such that selective obstruction occurs. Rotation of the at least one obstructing element selectively obstructs a stator flow passage when drilling fluid is flowing through the drill string to generate a pressure pulse in the drilling fluid and the oscillatory manner is an oscillation of the obstructing element between the first blocking angle position and the second blocking angle position such that a single oscillation is between two obstructed states of the stator flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Volker Peters, Detlef Hahn, Heiko Eggers, Heige Brand
  • Patent number: 11371343
    Abstract: A system for fluidic siren based telemetry is provided. The system includes a non-rotating restrictor and a rotating restrictor positioned relative to the non-rotating restrictor that is configured to control a flow passage to the non-rotating restrictor. The system includes a turbine coupled to the rotating restrictor and configured to rotate in response to fluid flow along a flow path. The system also includes a generator coupled to the turbine and a controller device electrically coupled to the generator. The controller device is configured to provide one or more encoded signals to the generator to adjust a rotational velocity of the rotating restrictor and causing the rotating restrictor to create different acoustic signatures through the flow passage for wireless communication of a telemetry signal to a surface based on the adjusted rotational velocity of the rotating restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Michael Linley Fripp, Richard Decena Ornelaz
  • Patent number: 11339649
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating pressure variances in a flowing fluid includes a first member having a body and a second member. The second member is displaceable about a rotational axis to at least partially block fluid flow through one or more channels in the first member and at least partially reduce the blockage of this fluid flow. The second member has a hub and at least one section extending axially and radially from the hub relative to the rotational axis of the second member. A related method includes guiding fluid across the first member using the channel(s); selectively blocking the fluid flow through the channel(s) using at least one section of a second member; and moving the second member using an actuator to reduce the blockage of the flow of fluid through the channel(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Bastian Sauthoff, Arne Deiters, Jens Teuchgraber, Thomas Wettmarshausen
  • Patent number: 11326419
    Abstract: A downhole rotating machine includes a stator having stator windings and corresponding magnetic flux guides and a rotor having a plurality of magnets configured to cooperate with the stator windings and the corresponding magnetic flux guides to generate a magnetic field in a magnetic gap that is substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotor, wherein the magnetic gap provides a magnetic gap separation between the plurality of magnets and the corresponding magnetic flux guides that is at least five percent of an overall diameter of the downhole rotating machine. A method of operating a downhole tool in a wellbore and a downhole tool are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Decena Ornelaz, Michael Linley Fripp
  • Patent number: 10914119
    Abstract: A drilling tool includes a tubular housing, a bit drive shaft configured to rotate in the housing and support a rotary drill bit at a lower end of the bit drive shaft, and a plurality of bracing devices arranged in the housing. The drilling tool also includes a control device configured to actuate the bracing devices, wherein the bracing devices include anchoring elements and an actuator assembly to which the anchoring elements are coupled The anchoring elements are distributed over the circumference of the housing, wherein the anchoring elements are movable radially outwardly and inwardly and are configured to be retracted into grooves in the housing The radial movability of said anchoring elements is temperature-controlled by the actuator assembly which includes at least one heat-expandable pressure medium, and wherein the pressure medium includes at least one of a gas and a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventor: Werner Vorhoff
  • Patent number: 10808505
    Abstract: A measurement while drilling (MWD) tool includes a sensor, an encoder operably connected to the sensor and a modulator operably connected to the encoder. The modulator includes a first stator, a rotor and a second stator. The rotor is optimally positioned between the first and second stator. The use of a second stator amplifies the pressure pulse signal produced by the modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: PRIME DOWNHOLE MANUFACTURING LLC
    Inventors: Wilson Chun-Ling Chin, Kamil Iftikhar
  • Patent number: 10577927
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mud pulse telemetry tool includes a body having a channel, a motor, and a valve coupled to the motor and disposed within the channel. The valve includes a plurality of lobes, with at least one of the plurality of lobes having a cavity formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Olumide O. Odegbami, Larry DeLynn Chambers
  • Patent number: 10246995
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a flow restriction device that that contains a channeling element having a fluid flow passage, a restriction element spaced from the channeling element defining a gap between the restriction element and the channeling element, wherein relative movement between the restriction element and the channeling element obstructs flow of a fluid flowing through the flow passage to increase pressure in the fluid across the device. In one embodiment an activation device displaces one of the channeling element and the restriction element to adjusts or alter gap in response to certain changes in the pressure across the restriction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Cord Simon Huber, Volker Peters, Heiko Eggers
  • Patent number: 10156127
    Abstract: A measurement while drilling (MWD) tool includes a sensor, an encoder operably connected to the sensor and a modulator operably connected to the encoder. The modulator includes a first stator, a rotor and a second stator. The rotor is optimally positioned between the first and second stator. The use of a second stator amplifies the pressure pulse signal produced by the modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: GE Energy Oilfield Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilson Chin, Kamil Iftikhar
  • Patent number: 9915146
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein generally relate to a fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus with a primary seal assembly, back up seal assembly and pressure compensation device. The pressure compensation device comprises a membrane support and a longitudinally extending membrane system. The membrane support has a longitudinally extending bore therethrough for receiving a driveshaft of the fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus. The longitudinally extending membrane system comprising a longitudinally extending outer membrane sleeve and a longitudinally extending inner membrane sleeve with the inner membrane sleeve positioned inside the outer membrane sleeve. The membrane system is sealed to the membrane support to allow flexing of the membrane system in response to fluid pressure on either an inner longitudinal surface of the membrane system or an outer longitudinal surface of the membrane system and to prevent fluid on the inner longitudinal surface mixing with fluid on the outer longitudinal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, Justin C. Logan, David A. Switzer
  • Patent number: 9828852
    Abstract: A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, David A. Switzer, Justin C. Logan, Jili Liu
  • Patent number: 9528371
    Abstract: A fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus including a pulser assembly and a fluid pressure pulse generator and methods of using the fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus. The pulser assembly comprises a motor, a sensor for detecting rotation of the motor, a driveshaft rotationally coupled to the motor, and processing and motor control equipment communicative with the motor and the sensor. The fluid pressure pulse generator is coupled with the driveshaft. The sensor provides an indication of the amount of rotation of the motor and this information can be processed by the processing and motor control equipment to determine the position of the driveshaft and to control rotation of the driveshaft based on a predetermined rotational relationship between the driveshaft and the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Jili Liu, David A. Switzer, Aaron W. Logan
  • Patent number: 9035788
    Abstract: A real time telemetry system is disclosed for use with a drilling system including a rotary valve 28 controlling the supply of drilling fluid or mud to a downhole tool. The system comprises receiving data to be transmitted, encoding the data as a duration, and controlling the rotation the rotary valve 28 such that the rotary valve 28 is rotated for the said duration at a predetermined rotary speed to cause the formation of pressure fluctuations or waves in the drilling fluid or mud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Geoff Downton, Luke Kuwertz
  • Patent number: 9013957
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system described for generating pressure pulses in a drilling fluid utilizing a flow throttling device longitudinally and axially positioned within the center of a main valve actuator assembly is described. The main valve actuator assembly includes a main valve pressure chamber, a magnetic cup encompassing a rotary magnetic coupling, and a pilot actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Teledrill, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabor Vecseri, Benjamin Jennings
  • Patent number: 8893822
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of performing a wellbore operation. The apparatus includes a drill bit that has a cavity at an end thereof and a communication device placed in the cavity. The communication device includes a first section and a second section. An outer dimension of the second section is greater than an outer dimension of the first section. The second section includes a conduit configured to allow passage of a conductor from the drill bit to a location outside the drill bit so as to provide a direct connection of the conductor from the drill bit to an element outside the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tu Tien Trinh, Eric Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140340991
    Abstract: A method of modulating information on pressure fluctuations transmitted via a tubular string can include applying pressure to a piston, thereby axially displacing the piston, axially displacing and rotating an intermediate sleeve in response to the piston displacement, rotating an output member in response to the axial displacement and rotation of the intermediate sleeve, and rotating a variable flow restrictor rotor relative to a stator, the rotor being connected to the output member. A mud pulser can include a variable flow restrictor, and an actuator which operates the flow restrictor and modulates information on pressure fluctuations produced by the flow restrictor, the actuator including a piston which displaces axially in response to a pressure differential, an intermediate sleeve which is both rotated and displaced axially by the piston, and an output member which is rotated by both rotation and axial displacement of the intermediate sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Ricardo Ortiz, Mark Sitka
  • Patent number: 8824241
    Abstract: A method for a pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location includes positioning a valve and a brake in a drilling mud circulation system, initiating flow of drilling mud through the system, sensing flow through the valve and setting the brake at predefined pressure levels, sensing downhole conditions and releasing corresponding percentages of pressure across the valve at time intervals, and determining the downhole conditions at the surface by analyzing those associated time intervals. The method includes activation of the encoding system using drilling mud flow and setting predefined pressure levels, so that the pressure drops in the encoding process are from predefined levels at equilibrium and independent of fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: David Close, Paul Deere
  • Patent number: 8811118
    Abstract: Pressure measurements are made using a pressure sensor in the proximity of the drillbit during drilling operations. A filtered version of the pressure measurements is provided to a pulser for a mud-pulse telemetry system so as to cancel pressure variations due to drilling noise while a telemetry signal is being sent. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Hanno Reckmann
  • Publication number: 20140160891
    Abstract: A drillstring combination pressure reducing and signaling valve assembly uses multiple ball valves mounted in parallel, each having a different bore, to meter the flow through a drillstring. The individual ball valves are maintained in either a fully open or a fully closed position, but can be selectively moved between these two positions. The bores of the individual ball valves are sized so that at a given pressure, a first ball valve has a predetermined flow rate, a second ball valve has twice the flow rate of the first ball valve, a third ball valve has twice the flow rate of the second ball valve, and the remaining ball valves each have twice the flow rate of their predecessor in the valve sequence. This arrangement permits the flow rate and flow pressure drop through the assembly of valves to be digitally controlled by varying the combination of open and closed valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Larry Rayner Russell
  • Patent number: 8693284
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating pressure pulses in the fluid of a bore hole is described. The preferred embodiment takes the form of a mud pulser apparatus having a signalling valve controlled by a variable pilot valve. The forces on the signalling valve are balanced and controlled by the flow of mud through the variable orifice of the pilot valve. The arrangement is such as to act like a hydraulic amplifier, and results in the signalling valve being compensated for variable flow rates. In the preferred embodiment, the pilot valve has rotary vanes that allow it to be self-cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sondex Limited
    Inventors: Victor Laing Allan, William Peter Stuart-Bruges
  • Publication number: 20130250728
    Abstract: A rotary pulser for transmitting information to the surface from down hole in a well by generating pressure pulses encoded to contain information. The pulser includes a rotor having blades that are capable of imparting a varying obstruction to the flow of drilling fluid through stator passages, depending on the circumferential orientation of the rotor, so that rotation of the rotor by a motor generates the encoded pressure pulses. A spring biases the rotor toward the stator so as to reduce the axial gap between the rotor and stator. When the pressure drop across the rotor becomes excessive, such as when increasing drilling fluid flow rate or switching from a high data rate to a low data rate transmission mode, the spring bias is overcome so as to increase the axial gap and reduce the pressure drop across the rotor, thereby automatically reducing the thrust load on the bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: APS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Burgess
  • Patent number: 8514657
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a tool body, stator, and rotor. The tool body is aligned along a tool centerline and includes an aperture therethrough operable to pass a fluid to an exterior of the body. The stator is fixed relative to the tool body and includes a fluid flow restriction operable to pass at least a portion of the fluid from an interior of the stator to the exterior of the body at an adjustable flow rate. The rotor is disposed within the tool body and rotatable relative to the stator and includes an exhaust port selectively aligned with at least one aperture through the tool body by rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. The exhaust port is operable to pass at least a portion of the fluid from an interior of the rotor to the exterior of the body when aligned with the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Sitka
  • Patent number: 8485264
    Abstract: Methods and systems for pulse generation assembly that includes a plurality of staged valves operably coupled serially in a bottomhole assembly of a wellbore tool. The plurality of staged valves are operated in a substantially synchronized manner, thereby generating a series of pressure pulses. The signal strength of the generated pulse signal is multiplied by the number of staged valves in the series, and the pulse generation assembly of the disclosure is less susceptible to jamming, shock, and erosion. Further, by sequentially stopping at least one stage of the assembly and then synchronously rotating other stages, amplitude modulation is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Remi Hutin, Shyam B. Mehta, Amandine Battentier, Han Yu
  • Patent number: 8474548
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus used to transmit information to the surface from a subsurface location during the process of drilling a bore hole comprising a pressure pulse generator or “pulser” coupled to a sensor package, a controller, an active electromagnetic system for subsurface collision avoidance, and a battery power source all of which reside inside a short section of drill pipe close to the bit at the bottom of the bore hole being drilled wherein the apparatus or “MWD Tool” can be commanded from the surface to make a measurement of desired parameters and transmit this information to the surface by encoding data in pressure pulses generated by a pulser valve that includes a stator and a rotor which may be open and closed to create pressure pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Teledrift Company
    Inventors: Allen R. Young, Brad Reeves
  • Patent number: 8467268
    Abstract: A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location include a downhole tool with a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, a brake cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The system associates position of the valve with pressure transduction. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Welltronics Applications, LLC
    Inventor: David Close
  • Patent number: 8251160
    Abstract: A method and apparatus used to transmit information to the surface from a subsurface location during the process of drilling a bore hole is described. A novel pressure pulse generator or “pulser” is coupled to a sensor package, a controller and a battery power source all of which reside inside a short section of drill pipe close to the bit at the bottom of the bore hole being drilled. The assembled apparatus or “MWD Tool” can be commanded from the surface to make a measurement of desired parameters and transmit this information to the surface by encoding data in pressure pulses generated by a pulser valve that includes a stator and a rotor which may be open and closed to create pressure pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Teledrift, Inc.
    Inventors: Manoj Gopalan, Stephen B. Poe
  • Patent number: 8203908
    Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent pulser driver used for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the pulser driver, a direct current (DC) powered control circuit activates a three-phase DC brushless motor that operates a servo-valve. Opening of the servo-valve equalizes pressure in a plenum causing the operation of a main valve reducing flow area and causing a pressure spike in the mud column. Closing of the servo-valve creates a reduction in mud pressure that operates the main valve and increases the flow area causing an end to the pressure spike. The servo-valve is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Newsco Directional Support Services Inc.
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Axel M. Schmidt, Kenneth A. Lambe
  • Patent number: 8151905
    Abstract: A downhole telemetry system for use in a wellbore including borehole fluid. The system includes a stator including flow channels though the stator and a rotor including flow channels though the rotor. The rotor is rotatable on a drive shaft by the force of the borehole fluid flowing through the rotor. The rotation of the rotor creates pressure variations in the borehole fluid related to the movement of the rotor channels relative to the stator channels, thus forming a carrier wave. A regulating system adjusts the amount of fluid force on the rotor for a given flow rate of borehole fluid to maintain the frequency of the carrier wave within a range of a target frequency. Also, an alternator drivable by the rotation of the drive shaft provides power to the system. The system also includes an encoder capable of adjusting the rotation of the rotor to modulate the carrier wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: HS International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Haoshi Song
  • Patent number: 7881155
    Abstract: A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location include a downhole tool with a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, a brake cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The system associates position of the valve with pressure transduction. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Welltronics Applications LLC
    Inventor: David Close
  • Patent number: 7839719
    Abstract: A shaft protection washer to protect a rotating shaft in a “measurement while drilling” (MWD) tool. Use of the shaft protection washer renders the rotating shaft less susceptible to erosion from the drilling fluid flowing between the rotating component and the stationary component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony R. Dopf, Trang Le, Derek Logan, Timothy Neff, Wendall Siemens, Dave Switzer
  • Patent number: 7808859
    Abstract: An oscillating shear valve system for generating pressure fluctuations in a flowing drilling fluid comprising a stationary stator and an oscillating rotor, both with axial flow passages. The rotor oscillates in close proximity to the stator, at least partially blocking the flow through the stator and generating oscillating pressure pulses. The rotor passes through two zero speed positions during each cycle, facilitating rapid changes in signal phase, frequency, and/or amplitude facilitating enhanced, multivalent data encoding. The rotor is driven by a motorized gear drive. In one embodiment, a torsional spring is attached to the motor and the resulting spring mass system is designed to be near resonance at the desired pulse frequency. The system enables the use of multivalent encoding schemes for increasing data rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Detlef Hahn, Volker Peters, Cedric Rouatbi, Heiko Eggers
  • Publication number: 20100157735
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating pressure pulses in the fluid of a bore hole is described. The preferred embodiment takes the form of a mud pulser apparatus (10) having a signalling valve controlled by a variable pilot valve (34). The forces on the signalling valve are balanced and controlled by the flow of mud through the variable orifice of the pilot valve. The arrangement is such as to act like a hydraulic amplifier, and results in the signalling valve being compensated for variable flow rates. In the preferred embodiment, the pilot valve has rotary vanes that allow it to be self-cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Victor Laing Allan, William Peter Stuart-Bruges
  • Patent number: 7735579
    Abstract: A method and apparatus used to transmit information to the surface from a subsurface location during the process of drilling a bore hole is described. A novel pressure pulse generator or “pulser” is coupled to a sensor package, a controller and a battery power source all of which reside inside a short section of drill pipe close to the bit at the bottom of the bore hole being drilled. The assembled apparatus or “MWD Tool” can be commanded from the surface to make a measurement of desired parameters and transmit this information to the surface by encoding data in pressure pulses generated by a pulser valve that includes a stator and a rotor which may be open and closed to create pressure pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Teledrift, Inc.
    Inventors: Manoj Gopalan, Stephen B. Poe
  • Patent number: 7719439
    Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent rotary pulser for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the rotary pulser, a control circuit activates a brushless motor that rotates a windowed restrictor relative to a fixed housing to act as a shutter and window respectively. Opening of the windowed restrictor allows generally unrestricted mud flow. Closing of the windowed restrictor generally restricts mud flow. The windowed restrictor is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Newsco Directional and Horizontal Drilling Services Inc.
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Kenneth A. Lambe
  • Publication number: 20090285054
    Abstract: A downhole telemetry system for use in a wellbore including borehole fluid. The system includes a stator including flow channels though the stator and a rotor including flow channels though the rotor. The rotor is rotatable on a drive shaft by the force of the borehole fluid flowing through the rotor. The rotation of the rotor creates pressure variations in the borehole fluid related to the movement of the rotor channels relative to the stator channels, thus forming a carrier wave. A regulating system adjusts the amount of fluid force on the rotor for a given flow rate of borehole fluid to maintain the frequency of the carrier wave within a range of a target frequency. Also, an alternator drivable by the rotation of the drive shaft provides power to the system. The system also includes an encoder capable of adjusting the rotation of the rotor to modulate the carrier wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Haoshi Song
  • Patent number: 7564741
    Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent pulser driver used for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the pulser driver, a direct current (DC) powered control circuit activates a three-phase DC brushless motor that operates a servo-valve. Opening of the servo-valve equalizes pressure in a plenum causing the operation of a main valve reducing flow area and causing a pressure spike in the mud column. Closing of the servo-valve creates a reduction in mud pressure that operates the main valve and increases the flow area causing an end to the pressure spike. The servo-valve is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Newsco Directional and Horizontal Drilling Services Inc.
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Axel M. Schmidt, Kenneth A. Lambe
  • Patent number: 7532540
    Abstract: A shaft protection washer to protect a rotating shaft in a “measurement while drilling” (MWD) tool. Use of the shaft protection washer renders the rotating shaft less susceptible to erosion from the drilling fluid flowing between the rotating component and the stationary component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Extreme Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Dopf, Trang Le, Derek Logan, Timothy Neff, Wendall Siemens, Dave Switzer
  • Publication number: 20090086576
    Abstract: A real time telemetry system is disclosed for use with a drilling system including a rotary valve 28 controlling the supply of drilling fluid or mud to a downhole tool. The system comprises receiving data to be transmitted, encoding the data as a duration, and controlling the rotation the rotary valve 28 such that the rotary valve 28 is rotated for the said duration at a predetermined rotary speed to cause the formation of pressure fluctuations or waves in the drilling fluid or mud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Geoff Downton, Luke Kuwertz
  • Patent number: 7468679
    Abstract: An apparatus for mud pulse telemetry for transmitting information from a drill string positioned at a down hole location in a bore hole to a surface location, the drill string having a flow passage through which a drilling fluid flows is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a rotor pulser having an uncompensated drive train comprising a unique uncompensated seal comprising a stacked array of seal elements. The uncompensated drive train provides for the direct coupling of a rotor to a drive motor. The drive motor is located within an internal housing that is filled with gas at atmospheric pressure. Additionally, a method of operating the apparatus is provided. The method includes measuring drilling fluid pressure within the flow passage to determine when a pipe connection is being made to the drill string to initiate the measurement of a down hole parameter. The down hole parameter information is transmitted to the surface through a series of encode pressure pulse generated in the drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Feluch
  • Publication number: 20080267011
    Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent pulser driver used for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the pulser driver, a direct current (DC) powered control circuit activates a three-phase DC brushless motor that operates a servo-valve. Opening of the servo-valve equalizes pressure in a plenum causing the operation of a main valve reducing flow area and causing a pressure spike in the mud column. Closing of the servo-valve creates a reduction in mud pressure that operates the main valve and increases the flow area causing an end to the pressure spike. The servo-valve is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Newsco Directional & Horizontal Drilling Services Inc.
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Axel M. Schmidt, Kenneth A. Lambe
  • Patent number: 7405998
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for generating fluid pressure pulses are disclosed. An example apparatus may include a chamber that can collect fluid and an upstream ported disc coupled to a downstream end of the chamber. The upstream ported disc may rotate about a central axis. The upstream ported disc includes an upstream eccentric port that rotates about the central axis as the upstream ported disc rotates. The example apparatus may include a downstream ported disc coupled to a downstream end of the upstream ported disc such that the downstream ported disc remains substantially rotationally fixed relative to the upstream ported disc. The downstream ported disc includes a downstream eccentric port that may align with the upstream eccentric port to form a passageway for fluid to exit from the chamber to outside of the apparatus, at some time in a rotation cycle of the upstream ported disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl D. Webb, Iosif J. Hriscu, Perry Courville, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 7400262
    Abstract: A system for communicating between a first location and a second location comprises a jointed tubular string having a first section and a second section connected at a connection joint, with the tubular string having a fluid in an internal passage thereof. A first acoustic transducer is mounted in the internal passage of the first section proximate the connection joint, and a second acoustic transducer is mounted in the internal passage of the second section proximate the connection joint. A signal transmitted from the first location to the second location is transmitted across the connection joint as an acoustic signal in the fluid from the first acoustic transducer to the second acoustic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Roland E. Chemali, Volker Krueger, Peter Aronstam, Roger Fincher, Larry Watkins
  • Patent number: 7327634
    Abstract: A rotary pulser for transmitting information to the surface from down hole in a well by generating pressure pulses encoded to contain information. The pressure pulses travel to the surface where they are decoded so as to decipher the information. The pulser includes housing containing a stator forming passages through which drilling fluid flows on its way to the drill bit, a rotor, and a replaceable wear sleeve enclosing the rotor. The rotor has blades that are capable of imparting a varying obstruction to the flow of drilling fluid through the stator passages depending on the circumferential orientation of the rotor, so that rotation of the rotor by a motor generates the encoded pressure pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl A. Perry, Daniel E. Burgess, William E. Turner
  • Publication number: 20080002525
    Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent rotary pulser for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the rotary pulser, a control circuit activates a brushless motor that rotates a windowed restrictor relative to a fixed housing to act as a shutter and window respectively. Opening of the windowed restrictor allows generally unrestricted mud flow. Closing of the windowed restrictor generally restricts mud flow. The windowed restrictor is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Kenneth A. Lambe
  • Patent number: 7280432
    Abstract: An oscillating shear valve system for generating pressure fluctuations in a flowing drilling fluid comprising a stationary stator and an oscillating rotor, both with axial flow passages. The rotor oscillates in close proximity to the stator, at least partially blocking the flow through the stator and generating oscillating pressure pulses. The rotor passes through two zero speed positions during each cycle, facilitating rapid changes in signal phase, frequency, and/or amplitude facilitating enhanced, multivalent data encoding. The rotor is driven by a motorized gear drive. In one embodiment, a torsional spring is attached to the motor and the resulting spring mass system is designed to be near resonance at the desired pulse frequency. The system enables the use of multivalent encoding schemes for increasing data rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Detlef Hahn, Volker Peters, Cedric Rouatbi, Heiko Eggers
  • Patent number: 7250873
    Abstract: A mud pulse telemetry system comprises a surface located fluid supply line having a drilling fluid flowing therein. A non-venting pulser is disposed in the drilling fluid in the supply line, and the non-venting pulser is adapted to generate pressure fluctuations in the flowing drilling fluid. A downhole receiver in hydraulic communication with the non-venting pulser is adapted to detect the pressure fluctuations in the drilling fluid. A method for transmitting pressure signals from a surface location to a downhole location in a wellbore, comprises disposing a non-venting pulser in a surface located fluid supply line having a drilling fluid flowing therein. The non-venting pulser is actuated to generate pressure fluctuations in the flowing drilling fluid according to a predetermined encoding scheme. The pressure fluctuations are detected with a downhole receiver in hydraulic communication with the non-venting pulser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Detlef Hahn, Volker Peters, Cedric Rouatbi, Heiko Eggers
  • Patent number: 7230880
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rotational pulsation system including a rotor having turbine blades to drive the rotor. A centralizer having coils and a stator package positioned to operably communicate with permanent magnets at the rotor and a rotational screen disk/static screen disk disposed at the rotor. A method for communicating in a wellbore includes spinning a rotational pulsation system to create a first frequency and applying and removing an electrical load according to a message to be communicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Jörg Lehr
  • Patent number: 6975244
    Abstract: An oscillating shear valve system for generating pressure fluctuations in a flowing drilling fluid comprising a stationary stator and an oscillating rotor, both with axial flow passages. The rotor oscillates in close proximity to the stator, at least partially blocking the flow through the stator and generating oscillating pressure pulses. The rotor passes through two zero speed positions during each cycle, facilitating rapid changes in signal phase, frequency, and/or amplitude facilitating enhanced, multivalent data encoding. The rotor is driven by a motorized gear drive. In one embodiment, a torsional spring is attached to the motor and the resulting spring mass system is designed to be near resonance at the desired pulse frequency. The system enables the use of multivalent encoding schemes for increasing data rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Detlef Hahn, Volker Peters, Cedric Rouatbi, Heiko Eggers
  • Patent number: RE40944
    Abstract: A telemetry system involving a shear-type mud pulser valve as the preferred embodiment is described. The control system includes a motor driver for the mud pulser which, in essence, moves one movable plate with respect to a stationary plate to create openings of various sizes. Pressure is sensed uphole of the pulser valve and is compared in real time to the desired pressure pulse amplitude. By allowing different relative rotational positions of the rotatable plate with respect to the stationary plate, different amplitudes can be achieved to further enhance the transmission of data to the surface. The control system compensates for wear in the mud pulser valve itself as well as drastic changes in mud flow and pressure. The configuration is simple and not prone to fouling from grit or other particles in the mud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Terry A. Seyler, Macmillan M. Wisler