Patents Assigned to Bakers Hughes Incorporated
  • Disintegrating Compression Set Plug with Short Mandrel
    Publication number: 20160290092
    Abstract: A compression set sealing element preferably 85A-95A TDI-Ester Polyurethane is compressed axially and retained against extrusion by CEM anti-extrusion rings. The compressed state of the sealing element is locked in by a degradable lock ring assembly. The mandrel is secured to an upper end of a slip cone and a breakable slip ring is secured by a wireline setting tool until the set position is reached. The slip ring breaks into segments that are pulled up the slip cone as the setting tool pushes on a sleeve to axially compress the sealing element and lock in the set. The sealing element is retained against extrusion by CEM anti-extrusion rings. When the setting tool is removed a ball seat is exposed for delivery of a ball to build pressure into the formation for fracturing. The entirety of the plug then disintegrates from well fluid exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, Yingqing Xu, Barbara A. Pratt, Gary L. Anderson, David S. Bishop, Antonio C. Ruffo, Robert J. Taylor, David K. Acquaye
  • Disintegrating Compression Set Plug with Short Mandrel
    Publication number: 20160290093
    Abstract: A compression set sealing element preferably 85A-95A TDI-Ester Polyurethane is compressed axially and retained against extrusion by CEM anti-extrusion rings. The compressed state of the sealing element is locked in by a degradable lock ring assembly. The mandrel is secured to an upper end of a slip cone and a breakable slip ring is secured by a wireline setting tool until the set position is reached. The slip ring breaks into segments that are pulled up the slip cone as the setting tool pushes on a sleeve to axially compress the sealing element and lock in the set. The sealing element is retained against extrusion by CEM anti-extrusion rings. When the setting tool is removed a ball seat is exposed for delivery of a ball to build pressure into the formation for fracturing. The entirety of the plug then disintegrates from well fluid exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, Yingqing Xu, Barbara A. Pratt, Gary L. Anderson, David S. Bishop, Antonio C. Ruffo, Robert J. Taylor, Anton David, David K. Acquaye
  • COMPRESSED TELEMETRY FOR TIME SERIES DOWNHOLE DATA USING VARIABLE SCALING AND GROUPED WORDS
    Publication number: 20160290128
    Abstract: A method for transmitting data from a downhole location to a location at the surface of the earth includes determining a minimum value and a maximum value of M-samples of data values, determining a keycode for the M-samples of data values that provides an indication of the maximum and minimum values of the M-samples, and encoding the keycode and the data values into one or more encoded words. The one or more encoded words are then transmitted as an acoustic signal in drilling fluid by modulating a mud-pulser. The acoustic signal is received by a transducer uphole from the mud-pulser and converted into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is demodulated into a received encoded word, which is decompressed into the M-samples in accordance with the keycode. The M-samples are then received by a computer processing system disposed as the surface of the earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Bryan C. Dugas
  • FRACTURING FLUIDS AND METHODS OF TREATING HYDROCARBON FORMATIONS
    Publication number: 20160289542
    Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprises: forming a fracturing composition comprising a carrier fluid; and a superabsorbent polymer component comprising one or more of the following: a first composite of a proppant and a first superabsorbent polymer in an unhydrated form, the first superabsorbent polymer being at least partially embedded in a void area of the proppant; a coated superabsorbent polymer; a superabsorbent material having a three-dimensional network; or a second composite of a second superabsorbent polymer and a slow-release breaker; and pumping the hydraulic fracturing composition into the subterranean formation to create or enlarge a fracture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Scott Gregory Nelson, Jia Zhou, Leiming Li
  • METHODS OF USING SUPERABSORBENT POLYMERS FOR FRACTURING AND SAND CONTROL APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20160289547
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation comprises forming a storable aqueous suspension comprising a carrier fluid, a superabsorbent polymer, a proppant the proppant being suspended in the carrier fluid as a substantially perfectly supported particulate; diluting the storable aqueous suspension in-line to a desired concentration; and introducing the diluted storable aqueous suspension into the subterranean formation. A sand control method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Scott G. Nelson
  • Methods for pre-emptively controlling undesirable water production from an oil or gas well
    Patent number: 9458370
    Abstract: A method for pre-emptively reducing the production of water in an oil and gas well is provided. In one embodiment, a drill-in fluid having a relative permeability modifier (RPM) capable of impeding the production of water is introduced into the wellbore during drilling operations. In a second embodiment, a completion fluid having a relative permeability modifier (RPM) capable of impeding the production of water is introduced into the wellbore during completion operations. The drill-in fluid or completion fluid may further include an organosilicon compound to increase flow resistance and extend the effective RPM permeability application range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Harold Dean Brannon, Leonard John Kalfayan, Jeffrey Carl Dawson
  • Apparatus and method for controlling a completion operation
    Patent number: 9458685
    Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium and apparatus for delivering a material to a downhole location in a formation is disclosed. A device is operated at a surface location to produce an action at the downhole location related to delivery of the material to the formation. A downhole parameter is measured at the downhole location, wherein the downhole parameter is affected by the operation of the device at the surface location. The downhole parameter is measured using a sensor proximate the downhole location. The measured downhole parameter is used to alter operation of the device at the surface location to deliver the material to the formation at the downhole location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sidney D. Huval, Michael J. Blackman
  • Borehole abandonment method using retrievable inflatable bridge plug with separate seal and anchor components
    Patent number: 9458693
    Abstract: A retrievable inflatable plug system features distinct seal and anchor elements where the seal element features overlapping ribs preferably metallic and preferably overlapping. The ribs extend the substantial length of the packer and are disposed under the annularly shaped sealing element. The anchor features exposed continuous ribs extending from opposed ends with one or more stiffener rings disposed on the exposed ribs. The elements can be inflated separately or together and include valving systems to allow deflation for selective removal of the plug to put a well back into service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher R. Matthews-Ewald, Halit Dilber, John M. Sprott, Babajide Jagunna, Kent S. Meyer
  • Multiple use termination system
    Patent number: 9458705
    Abstract: Systems and methods for electrically connecting conductors of a downhole electric system using connector bodies that includes an outer housing, one or more inner conductors and an inorganic insulating material such as a glass-ceramic material which forms a fluid-tight seal between the outer housing and the inner conductor. The insulating material may be bonded to the outer housing and to the inner conductor. The insulating material may alternatively have an interference fit with the outer housing and the inner conductor. The connector bodies may have standardized connector interfaces to facilitate connection to complementary standardized connector interfaces on cable-end connectors, etc. Connector bodies may be formed as motor heads, mandrels for cable splices, penetrators, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ryan P. Semple, Jeffrey G. Frey
  • Method of using gelled fluids with defined specific gravity
    Patent number: 9458960
    Abstract: Gelled barrier fluids preventing the ingress of undesired fluids from subsurface environments into subsurface apparatus have a specific gravity which is within ±0.05 of the specific gravity of the undesired fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory E. Casey, Angel Hoover, Andrew J. Barden
  • Earth-boring tools including shaped cutting elements, and related methods
    Patent number: 9458674
    Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool. The cutting element comprises a substrate base, and a volume of polycrystalline diamond material on an end of the substrate base. The volume of polycrystalline diamond material comprises a generally conical surface, an apex centered about a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the substrate base, a flat cutting surface extending from a first point at least substantially proximate the apex to a second point on the cutting element more proximate a lateral side surface of the substrate base. Another cutting element is disclosed, as are a method of manufacturing and a method of using such cutting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Lyons
  • METHODS FOR PREPARING ANTI-FRICTION COATINGS
    Publication number: 20160281015
    Abstract: An article comprises a substrate; a coating comprising a carbon composite; and a binding layer disposed between the substrate and the coating. The carbon composite comprises carbon and a binder containing one or more of the following: SiO2; Si; B; B2O3; a metal; or an alloy of the metal; and the metal comprises one or more of the following: aluminum; copper; titanium; nickel; tungsten; chromium; iron; manganese; zirconium; hafnium; vanadium; niobium; molybdenum; tin; bismuth; antimony; lead; cadmium; or selenium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Lei Zhao, Zhiyue Xu
  • METHOD OF MAKING AND USING A FUNCTIONALLY GRADIENT COMPOSITE TOOL
    Publication number: 20160279709
    Abstract: A method of making a composite downhole article is disclosed. The method include forming at least one removable core member comprising a first metallic material that is removable in a wellbore fluid at a first removal rate; and disposing at least one outer member on the core member, the outer member comprising a second material that is removable in the wellbore fluid at a second removal rate, wherein the removable core member has a composition gradient or a density gradient, or a combination thereof, and wherein the first removal rate is substantially greater than the second removal rate. A method of using a composite downhole article is also disclosed. The method includes forming a composite downhole article as described above; using the article to perform a first wellbore operation; exposing the article to the wellbore fluid; and selectively removing the second removable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Zhiyue Xu, Michael Johnson
  • Self-Adjusting Directional Drilling Apparatus and Methods for Drilling Directional Wells
    Publication number: 20160281431
    Abstract: An apparatus for drilling curved and straight sections of a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a drilling assembly configured to include a drill bit at an end thereof that can be rotated by a drive in the drilling assembly and by the rotation of the drilling assembly, and wherein the drilling assembly includes: a deflection device that (i) tilts a section of the drilling assembly within a selected plane when the drilling assembly is substantially rotationally stationary to allow drilling of a curved section of the wellbore by rotating the drill bit by the drive; and (ii) straightens the section of the drilling assembly when the drilling assembly is rotated to allow drilling of a straight section of the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Volker Peters
  • INDICATOR AND METHOD OF VERIFYING A TOOL HAS REACHED A PORTION OF A TUBULAR
    Publication number: 20160281495
    Abstract: An indicator including a body configured to be run within a tubular from a first portion to a second portion of the tubular. A sensor disposed at the body configured to detect when a tool run through the tubular has reached the body. A signal generator configured to send notification that the tool has reached the body; and a plunger configured to cause the signal generator to send notification upon being urged relative to the body. A method of verifying a tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Holger Mathiszik
  • APPLICATION OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE TO SUBSURFACE WELLS
    Publication number: 20160280988
    Abstract: A method of treating a subsurface well comprises: introducing a treatment fluid comprising a viscosity modifying agent and chlorine dioxide into a well, and wherein the chlorine dioxide is present in an amount of greater than about 1,000 ppm based on the total weight of the treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy Underwood, Brandon M. Vittur
  • Multi-stage Fracturing with Smart Frack Sleeves While Leaving a Full Flow Bore
    Publication number: 20160281464
    Abstract: Fracking ports are initially obstructed with respective biased sleeves that have an associated release device responsive to a unique signal. The signal can be electronic or magnetic and delivered in a ball or dart that is dropped or pumped past a sensor associated with each release device. Each sensor is responsive to a unique signal. When the signal is received the release device allows the bias to shift the sleeve to open the fracture port and to let a flapper get biased onto an associated seat. The flapper and seat are preferably made from a material that eventually disappears leaving an unobstructed flow path in the passage. The method calls for repeating the process in an uphole direction until the entire zone is fractured. The flapper and seat can dissolve or otherwise disappear with well fluids, thermal effects, or added fluids to the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ewoud J. Hulsewe, Edward T. Wood
  • WATER SATURATION DETERMINATION USING AN OXYGEN ESTIMATE AND FORMATION LITHOLOGY
    Publication number: 20160282506
    Abstract: Borehole logging methods for estimating a parameter of interest using nuclear radiation. Methods include estimating a water saturation of the formation from gamma radiation from at least the formation detected in the borehole using a radiation detector, the gamma radiation responsive to a pulsed neutron source and resulting from at least one of: (i) decay of nitrogen-16 formed by activation of oxygen-16, and ii) inelastic scattering of neutrons from oxygen. This may include using at least one processor to: obtain a gamma ray count measurement, representing gamma rays from one of (i) the decay of nitrogen-16 (ii) and the inelastic scattering, and estimate the water saturation using the gamma ray count measurement and a model comprising a relationship between measured gamma ray counts and modeled gamma ray counts from each of a fully water saturated formation and a minimally water saturated formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: DAVID M. CHACE, RAFAY ZAHID ANSARI, FEYZI INANC, W. ALLEN GILCHRIST, MICHAEL W. BRUNER
  • METHOD OF MANUFACTURING CARBON NANOTUBES AND FIBERS USING CATALYTIC METAL OXIDE NANOPARTICLES
    Publication number: 20160280546
    Abstract: A method for producing carbon nanotubes and/or fibers, such as carbon nanotubes, involves sparging a gas (such as carbon dioxide) through a liquid hydrocarbon (such as crude oil) in the presence of an effective amount of metal oxide particles (such as MgO, Al2O3, CeO2, and/or SiO2 nanoparticles having a size in the range from about 2 nm to about 10 microns, and which may have a bimodal particle size distribution) at a temperature in a range of between about 70 to about 350° C. to produce carbon nanotubes and fibers having a size range of from about 50 nm to about 20 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: CORINA L. SANDU
  • Downhole drive force generating tool
    Patent number: 9453381
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a drive force in a downhole environment includes chambers of a reactant and a catalyst, respectively, that are maintained separate until selectively exposed to one another. Once exposed, the reactant and catalyst produce expanding fluid pressure and sometimes heat. The products of the reaction are directed to a drive member to carry out a desired operation in the downhole environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Peter Barnes Moyes