Patents Assigned to NCS Multistage Inc.
  • Patent number: 11959370
    Abstract: A valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing having a plurality of frac ports for establishing fluid communication between a central passage and the reservoir. The valve assembly includes a bottom sleeve operatively mounted within the valve housing configured to selectively open the frac ports, and a top sleeve operatively mounted within the valve housing slidable between (i) a first position defining a first fluid pathway whereby fluid is flowable down into the central passage and into the reservoir via the frac ports, and (ii) a tracing position defining a second fluid pathway whereby fluid is flowable from the reservoir into an annulus defined between the top sleeve and the housing. The valve assembly also has a tracer compartment defined within the annulus forming part of the second fluid pathway and accommodating a tracer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignees: NCS MULTISTAGE INC., NCS MULTISTAGE, LLC., REPEAT PRECISION, LLC.
    Inventors: Dustin Ellis, Shan Zi, John Ravensbergen, Craig Harty, Brock Gillis, Stanley Mberia, Anna Cruse, Rio Whyte
  • Patent number: 11927075
    Abstract: There is provided a bottomhole assembly that is deployable downhole within a wellbore via a conveyance system. The conveyance system includes a fluid conductor for effecting fluid communication between the surface and the bottomhole assembly. The bottomhole assembly includes an actuator tool and a shifting tool. In some embodiments, for example, the actuator tool is disposed for receiving transmission of a compressive force being applied to the conveyance system from the surface, and transmitting the compressive force for actuating the shifting tool. In some embodiments, for example, the actuator includes an anchoring tool configured for hydraulic actuation, via fluid pressure forces communicated by the fluid conductor of the conveyance system, for becoming retained relative to the wellbore string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Juan Montero, Rio Whyte, Brock Gillis, Timothy Johnson
  • Patent number: 11867025
    Abstract: A flow control apparatus for producing hydrocarbon material from a subterranean formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a housing passage, and a flow communicator that extends through the housing for effecting fluid communication between the housing passage and the subterranean formation. The apparatus includes a flow controller within the housing for modulating flow communication between the housing passage and the subterranean formation via the flow communicator. The flow controller includes a filter medium-defining counterpart and a shroud-defining counterpart, and the filter medium-defining counterpart has a filter medium. The flow controller is configurable for disposition relative to the flow communicator to open, close, or screen the flow communicator. While the filter medium and the flow communicator are not aligned, the housing and shroud-defining counterpart shields the filter medium from the housing passage and the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Stanley Mberia, Doug Brunskill
  • Patent number: 11821292
    Abstract: There is provided a flow control apparatus configured for optimizing use of available space within the wellbore for conducting of fluids between the surface and the subterranean formation. The flow control apparatus is useable for conducting all forms of fluid, such as, for example, liquids, gases, or mixtures of liquids and gases. As well, the flow control apparatus is useable for effecting injection of fluid (e.g. a fluid for stimulating hydrocarbon production via a drive process, such as, for example, waterflooding, or via a cyclic process, such as “huff and puff”) into the subterranean formation, and for receiving production of fluid (e.g. hydrocarbon material) from the subterranean formation (including production that is stimulated by gas lift).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Johnson, Masoud Kalantari
  • Patent number: 11821286
    Abstract: There is provided a flow control apparatus configured for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation and useable for effecting production of hydrocarbon material by providing flow communication for injection of treatment material for stimulating the reservoir and then receiving hydrocarbon material from the stimulated reservoir, and also for effecting production of hydrocarbon material by providing flow communication for injection of a displacement fluid for displacing hydrocarbon material to a second wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventors: John Ravensbergen, Lyle Laun, Michael Werries, Tim Johnson, Juan Montero, Brock Gillis
  • Patent number: 11808099
    Abstract: There is provided a downhole tool comprising a locator. The locator includes a wellbore coupler for becoming releasably retained relative to a locate profile; and a wellbore coupler release opposer configured for opposing release of the wellbore coupler from the retention relative to the locate profile. While the opposing of the release of the wellbore coupler from the retention relative to the locate profile is being effected by the wellbore coupler release opposer, relative displacement between the wellbore coupler release opposer and the wellbore coupler is effectible, with effect that the opposing is defeated. The locator also includes a displacement impeder for impeding the relative displacement between the wellbore coupler release opposer and the wellbore coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Johnson, Michael Werries
  • Patent number: 11732559
    Abstract: Oil recovery can include providing a tubing string and isolation devices to define isolated intervals for an existing well previously operated using plug-and-perf and primary production. Valve assemblies are installed in respective isolated intervals, each valve assembly including at least two valves. The valve can be operated in open and closed configurations, and at least one open configuration provides choked flow via an elongated passage. The valves can have a housing and a shiftable sleeve. The valve assemblies can be operated to provide a desired openness based on the injectivity or other properties by shifting the sleeves of the valves. Different flow resistance levels can be provided to facilitate enhanced operations for water flooding and other oil recovery processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Johnson, Michael Werries, Lyle Laun
  • Patent number: 11697968
    Abstract: A rupture disc assembly and a float tool incorporating the rupture disc assembly is disclosed. The rupture disc assembly may include a rupture disc assembly comprising a rupture disc, an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular portion, and a securing mechanism for holding the rupture disc between the upper and lower tubular portions. A float tool for creating a buoyant chamber in a casing string may include the rupture disc assembly and a sealing device for sealing the lower end of the casing string, the buoyant, sealed chamber may be created there between. In operation, applied fluid pressure causes the rupture disc to move downward. The rupture disc may be shattered by contact with a surface on the lower tubular portion. Full casing internal diameter may be restored in the region where the rupture disc formerly sealed the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Donald Getzlaf, Marty Stromquist, John Ravensbergen, David Devlin, Douglas Braden, Travis Harris
  • Patent number: 11578589
    Abstract: A method of fault detection and recovery in a tubing string located in a hydrocarbon well, a method of fault protection in a tubing string located in a hydrocarbon well, and an apparatus and system for same. In one aspect, there is provided a method of fault detection and recovery in a tubing string located in a hydrocarbon well, the tubing string having a plurality of valves, each valve having a control unit, each control unit being connected in series to a power-line providing power and communication, each of the control units being independently controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Williamson, Ramin Tajallipour
  • Patent number: 11549344
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for controlling production of hydrocarbon material disposed within a subterranean formation are provided. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing hydrocarbon material by displacement via flow communication station of a production well. Working states of the production well are analyzed by setting the flow communication stations in the working state, producing hydrocarbon material while in the working state, and sensing a characteristic of the produced material while in the working state. A working state that optimizes operating parameters of the of the production well is determined based on the sensed characteristic, and the production well is subsequently operated in that working state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Marty Stromquist, John Edward Ravensbergen, Lyle Laun, Tim Johnson
  • Patent number: 11525333
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of controlling flow communication with an apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a flow communicator, a flow control member, an uphole-disposed flow interference effector uphole of the flow communicator, and a downhole-disposed flow interference effector downhole of the flow communicator. While each of the uphole-disposed flow interference effector and the downhole-disposed flow interference-effector, independently, is contacting the flow control member, the flow communicator is closed. Displacement of the flow control member, relative to the flow communicator, in the downhole direction, opens the flow communicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventor: Juan Miguel Montero Fernandez
  • Patent number: 11492879
    Abstract: There is provided a flow control apparatus configured for optimizing use of available space within the wellbore for conducting of fluids between the surface and the subterranean formation. The flow control apparatus is useable for conducting all forms of fluid, such as, for example, liquids, gases, or mixtures of liquids and gases. As well, the flow control apparatus is useable for effecting injection of fluid (e.g. a fluid for stimulating hydrocarbon production via a drive process, such as, for example, waterflooding, or via a cyclic process, such as “huff and puff”) into the subterranean formation, and for receiving production of fluid (e.g. hydrocarbon material) from the subterranean formation (including production that is stimulated by gas lift).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Johnson, Masoud Kalantari
  • Patent number: 11434735
    Abstract: There is provided a flow control apparatus configured for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation and useable for effecting production of hydrocarbon material by providing flow communication for injection of treatment material for stimulating the reservoir and then receiving hydrocarbon material from the stimulated reservoir, and also for effecting production of hydrocarbon material by providing flow communication for injection of a displacement fluid for displacing hydrocarbon material to a second wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventors: John Ravensbergen, Lyle Laun, Michael Werries, Tim Johnson, Juan Montero, Brock Gillis
  • Publication number: 20220170344
    Abstract: A valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a subterranean reservoir is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing having one or more injection ports for establishing fluid communication between a central passage and the reservoir. The valve assembly includes a valve sleeve operatively mounted within the valve housing and comprising a fluid channel adapted to establish fluid communication between the central passage and the injection ports, and configured to create a fluid flowrate restriction. The valve assembly has a flow adjuster connectable to the valve sleeve, and is selectively arranged to align an opening with the fluid channel and allow fluid to flow from the fluid channel through the opening to the injection port, wherein connecting the flow adjuster to the valve sleeve defines a flow length of the fluid channel to adjust the fluid restriction created by the fluid channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventors: Brock GILLIS, Juan MONTERO, Jonathan RAASCH
  • Publication number: 20220145738
    Abstract: Oil recovery can include providing a tubing string and isolation devices to define isolated intervals for an existing well previously operated using plug-and-perf and primary production. Valve assemblies are installed in respective isolated intervals, each valve assembly including at least two valves. The valve can be operated in open and closed configurations, and at least one open configuration provides choked flow via an elongated passage. The valves can have a housing and a shiftable sleeve. The valve assemblies can be operated to provide a desired openness based on the injectivity or other properties by shifting the sleeves of the valves. Different flow resistance levels can be provided to facilitate enhanced operations for water flooding and other oil recovery processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Applicant: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Johnson, Michael Werries, Lyle Laun
  • Patent number: 11306560
    Abstract: A flow control apparatus is provided comprising: a housing including a port; a housing passage disposed within the housing; a flow control member, displaceable, relative to the port, for effecting opening of the port; and a co-operating member. The flow control member and the co-operating member are co-operatively configured such that displacement of the flow control member, relative to the port, is with effect that a force is applied by the flow control member to the co-operating member, with effect that a seating surface is obtained for receiving a flow communication interference body that is being conducted through the housing passage. The seating surface is obtained in response to a deformation effected by the applied force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Werries, Brock Gillis, Tim Johnson, Ramin Tajallipour
  • Patent number: 11261715
    Abstract: Oil recovery can include providing a tubing string and isolation devices to define isolated intervals for an existing well previously operated using plug-and-perf and primary production. Valve assemblies are installed in respective isolated intervals, each valve assembly including at least two valves. The valve can be operated in open and closed configurations, and at least one open configuration provides choked flow via an elongated passage. The valves can have a housing and a shiftable sleeve. The valve assemblies can be operated to provide a desired openness based on the injectivity or other properties by shifting the sleeves of the valves. Different flow resistance levels can be provided to facilitate enhanced operations for water flooding and other oil recovery processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Johnson, Michael Werries, Lyle Laun
  • Patent number: 11255169
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for controlling flow in a well bore, comprising: a housing defining a fluid passage; a flow control device sealing an outlet of said fluid passage; an actuator for manipulating said flow controller control device to an open condition to permit fluid flow through said outlet; a controller for selectively activating said actuator; an acoustic receiver in communication with said controller, said acoustic receiver configured to receive acoustic signals comprising programming instructions for said controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Ramin Tajallipour, Lyle Laun, Michael Werries, Roman Vakulin
  • Publication number: 20210363864
    Abstract: There is provided a flow control apparatus configured for optimizing use of available space within the wellbore for conducting of fluids between the surface and the subterranean formation. The flow control apparatus is useable for conducting all forms of fluid, such as, for example, liquids, gases, or mixtures of liquids and gases. As well, the flow control apparatus is useable for effecting injection of fluid (e.g. a fluid for stimulating hydrocarbon production via a drive process, such as, for example, waterflooding, or via a cyclic process, such as “huff and puff”) into the subterranean formation, and for receiving production of fluid (e.g. hydrocarbon material) from the subterranean formation (including production that is stimulated by gas lift).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Tim JOHNSON, Masoud KALANTARI
  • Patent number: 11180958
    Abstract: A rupture disc assembly and a float tool incorporating the rupture disc assembly is disclosed. The rupture disc assembly may include a rupture disc assembly comprising a rupture disc, an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular portion, and a securing mechanism for holding the rupture disc between the upper and lower tubular portions. A float tool for creating a buoyant chamber in a casing string may include the rupture disc assembly and a sealing device for sealing the lower end of the casing string, the buoyant, sealed chamber may be created there between. In operation, applied fluid pressure causes the rupture disc to move downward. The rupture disc may be shattered by contact with a surface on the lower tubular portion. Full casing internal diameter may be restored in the region where the rupture disc formerly sealed the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Donald Getzlaf, Marty Stromquist, John Ravensbergen, David Devlin, Douglas Braden, Travis Harris