Patents Represented by Attorney Robert Van Someren
  • Patent number: 8220547
    Abstract: A method enables stimulation of a well having a plurality of lateral wellbores. The method comprises deploying fracturing equipment downhole for isolated interaction with each lateral wellbore of the plurality of lateral wellbores. The method and the fracturing equipment are designed to enable fracturing of the plurality of lateral wellbores during a single mobilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Skeates Craig, Gary E. Gill, Abbas Mahdi
  • Patent number: 8123888
    Abstract: A technique facilitates construction of high temperature fiber reinforced polymer oilfield tubulars. The technique comprises a method of combining a fiber material and a high temperature thermoset resin to create a high performance composite material. The composite material is formed into an oilfield tubular that can be used in a variety of downhole applications. The method of combining the high performance materials with low modulus, high temperature coating materials during the manufacturing process produces composite tubular products that can survive prolonged exposure to deleterious well fluids in high temperature and high pressure downhole environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmed Hammami, Todd Yakimoski, Bernadette Craster, J.R. Anthony Pearson
  • Patent number: 8113274
    Abstract: A technique is provided for pumping fluids from a wellbore. An electric submersible pumping system is deployed in a wellbore on a tubing. Free gas can potentially accumulate around the electric submersible pumping system, but a gas vent is positioned to remove free gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Olegario Rivas, Patricia A. Kallas
  • Patent number: 8056628
    Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate use of a service tool at a downhole location. The service tool has different operational configurations that can be selected and used without moving the service string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Whitsitt, Jason K. Jonas, Gary L. Rytlewski, Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 7757775
    Abstract: A technique distributes localized stress acting on a tubular. The tubular is formed with an inner layer and an outer layer that is compliant relative to the inner layer. A force distribution material is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer to spread any concentrated loads acting against the tubular. The compliant nature of the outer layer causes it to distort against the force distribution material when acted on by a concentrated external load. The outer compliant layer and the force distribution material cooperate to isolate and protect the inner layer from displacements of the surrounding subterranean material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmed Hammami, Scott Jacobs, Bernadette Craster, Todd Yakimoski, J.R. Anthony Pearson
  • Patent number: 7669482
    Abstract: A technique enables testing of a wellbore tubular under simulated well conditions. The wellbore tubular is mounted in a fixture for testing. Controllable systems are used to subject the wellbore tubular to a variety of predetermined conditions simulating potential downhole environments. The controllable systems include manipulators able to place the wellbore tubular under predetermined load, displacement, temperature, and pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Jacobs, Ahmed Hammami, Todd Yakimoski
  • Patent number: 7458420
    Abstract: A system and method is provided to measure a pressure or other characteristic at a source (e.g. a hydraulic power supply) and in or near a downhole tool. A comparison of the measurements is then made to verify that the system is operating according to desired parameters. In specific applications, the comparison can be made to ensure the supply of hydraulic fluid is reaching the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Emmanuel Rioufol, Brian W. Cho, Mark W. Brockman, Philippe Gambier
  • Patent number: 7451813
    Abstract: A technique facilitates release of pressure from a well, and/or surface treating lines, via a bleed-off mechanism. The bleed-off mechanism is in fluid communication with a flow path extending from a wellhead valve or wellbore and designed for connection with a vacuum truck. The bleed-off mechanism can be opened to enable venting of trapped pressure from the wellbore and/or flow path. The bleed-off mechanism is also designed to contain any liquid that escapes during release of the trapped pressure. Once the pressure is relieved, the vacuum truck can be used to clean out fluid from the wellbore and/or surface treating lines without exposure to excess pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumber Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Alexander Day
  • Patent number: 7407007
    Abstract: A technique is provided to selectively control flow along shunt tubes, such as those used in gravel pack operations. The technique utilizes a swellable material valve that comprises a swellable material deployed along the shunt tube flow path. When flow through a specific shunt tube is no longer desired, the swellable material valve can be exposed to a substance that induces swelling of the swellable material. The expanded or swollen material blocks further flow along the shunt tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Tibbles
  • Patent number: 7387164
    Abstract: An in-line flow control device for a well chokes flow through a conduit while allowing access therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pringle, Arthur J. Morris
  • Patent number: 7373972
    Abstract: A piloting actuator valve controls flow in a well. The piloting actuator valve is combined with a downhole completion and utilizes a pilot valve to control actuation of a main valve. A controllable actuator is coupled to the pilot valve and enables selective control over the pilot valve which, in turn, controls the state of the main valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Murat Ocalan
  • Patent number: 7353869
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for sensing a variety of parameters in well-related environments. A skin sensor is deployed in downhole applications to obtain data used in analyzing well characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney J. Wetzel, Randolph J. Sheffield, Rashmi B. Bhavsar, Philippe Gambier
  • Patent number: 7347261
    Abstract: Magnetic locator systems and methods of using same at a wellhead are described. The magnetic locator systems include a magnetic field generator on an oilfield tool component, such as a deployment bar, adapted to be moved through an oilfield pressure control component, such as a blow-out preventer, lubricator, riser pipe, or wellhead, and a magnetic field sensor located outside of the pressure control component adapted to detect the magnetic field and thus the position of the tool component in the pressure control component. The systems and methods of the invention provide safer and more efficient operation of oil and gas well pressure control systems. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. 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 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel C. Markel, Rodger Anderson, Richard I. Luht, III
  • Patent number: 7296624
    Abstract: Pressure control in an isolated lower wellbore annulus, defined by a conduit sealably positioned within an isolated lower wellbore segment, is achieved while gravel packing by sensing the pressure within the isolated lower annulus while gravel packing and admitting fluid from the isolated lower annulus into the conduit at one or more discrete locations along the conduit when the sensed pressure corresponds to one or more threshold pressure conditions. The annulus pressure is sensed while gravel packing using a pressure-sensitive device disposed in the annulus, e.g., positioned by the conduit at a high-pressure location. The pressure-sensitive device actuates one or more valves carried along the conduit to admit fluid from the annulus into the conduit at one or more of the discrete locations, and thereby control the pressure in the isolated lower annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent F. E. Rodet, Ian S. Murley, Samuel Tocalino, Matthe Contant
  • Patent number: 7284603
    Abstract: A well completion having an expandable tubular. The expandable tubular having a tubular base and a conforming layer. The conforming layer being radially expandable singularly or in combination with expansion of the tubular base. The expandable tubular being perforated or non-perforated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Herve Ohmer
  • Patent number: 7231971
    Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a subterranean well includes a safety valve assembly and a pressure/temperature sensor. The safety valve assembly is controllable to selectively isolate a formation of a well from the surface of the well. The pressure/temperature sensor is located in the safety valve assembly to measure a pressure/temperature near the safety valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David E. McCalvin
  • Patent number: 7228912
    Abstract: A control line can be positioned in a downhole completion. For example, the control line can be deployed in a protected position along a stinger to reduce the potential for damaging the control line during installation, removal or operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Gilles H. Dessoulavy, Matthew R. Hackworth
  • Patent number: 7219728
    Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well includes a first tubular member that is adapted to receive a flow of a first fluid. The system includes a second tubular member that is located in the flow and is substantially flexible to be moved by the flow to establish a pressure on a second fluid located inside the tubular member. A mechanism of the system uses this pressure to actuate a downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony F. Veneruso, Thomas D. MacDougall
  • Patent number: 7216713
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating a downhole tool is provided. The apparatus of the present invention includes a remotely energized actuator device that facilitates storage of energy needed to actuate a downhole tool after the device is placed downhole. By energizing the tool downhole, surface exposure to potential safety hazards is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis M. Read, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7217107
    Abstract: A system and method for protecting a motor for a submersible pumping system. A variety of motor protectors are provided for application in variable temperature environments and multiple wellbore orientations. The motor protectors may include one or more of a positively pressurized bellows, a relatively balanced pressure bellows free of sliding seals, and a multi-orientable labyrinth. Each of these motor protectors also may have various moisture absorbents, filters, particle shedders and various conventional motor protector components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Lawrence C. Lee, Arunkumar Arumugam, Ashley C. Kishino