Patents Assigned to Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130306327
    Abstract: A bridge plug can be deployed downhole and retrieved using a retrieval tool disposed on jointed or coiled tubing or on another bridge plug. Internally, the bridge plug has a sleeve that is movable on a stem of the plug's tailpiece. When in a first position, the sleeve prevents fluid communication through ports in the stem so that circulated fluid from the retrieval tool can be used to clear debris from the plug during retrieval. When the retrieval tool engages the sleeve in the plug, pulling up on the tool moves the sleeve to an intermediate position in which fluid pressure is equalized across the plug. Further pulling up on the tool locks the sleeve in a further position on the stem so that circulated fluid from the retrieval tool will pass directly to the stem's ports. Movement of the sleeve by the retrieval tool also releases the engaged slips and packing element on the bridge plug's mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: Scott Williamson
  • Publication number: 20130299183
    Abstract: An automatic vent valve and method for use is provided equalizing the pressure in at least two lines. A housing has a first piston that compresses a bias device when the second pressure source supplies sufficient pressure. Upon a sufficient reduction in pressure the first piston releases a second internally held coaxial piston to allow fluid to flow from a first pressure source towards a second pressure source, thereby equalizing the pressure between the two pressure sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: Ronald Williams
  • Patent number: 8569702
    Abstract: Method and apparatus enable direct measurement of at least one flow velocity for one or more phases within a multiphase fluid mixture flowing in a conduit. Some embodiments provide determination of actual individual phase flow rates for three phases (e.g., oil, water and gas) that are distinct from one another within the fluid mixture. A multiphase flowmeter according to embodiments of the invention includes at least two optical sensors spatially distributed along a length of the conduit and designed to detect light interactions with the fluid mixture unique to the phases such that detected time-varying signals can be processed via cross-correlation or an array processing algorithm to provide desired individual phase flow velocity for oil, water and/or gas phases. This flow velocity can be applied to phase fraction measurements, which can be obtained utilizing the same flowmeter or another separate device, to calculate the flow rates for the phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Espen S. Johansen
  • Patent number: 8569686
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring a phase fraction of a flow stream are disclosed. An infrared phase fraction meter includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared radiation that includes first and second wavelength bands. The first wavelength band substantially transmits through first and second phases of the flow stream and is substantially absorbed by a third phase. In contrast, the second wavelength band is substantially absorbed by the second phase relative to the first and third phases. One or more detectors simultaneously detect attenuation of the first and second wavelength bands upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream, and a phase fraction of the second phase is determined based on the attenuation. As an example, the first, second and third phases are gas, water and oil, respectively, produced from a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: John Lievois, David Atkinson
  • Patent number: 8567515
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Michael J. Lynch, Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 8567512
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore. A tubular handling system having a tubular gripping apparatus having a gripping mechanism and a sensor adapted to track movement of the gripping mechanism, wherein the sensor sends a signal to a controller when the gripping apparatus is in a position that corresponds to the gripping apparatus being engaged with the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert C. Odell, II, Richard Lee Giroux, Tuong Thanh Le, Gary Thompson, Karsten Heidecke, Joerg Lorenz, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Michael Hayes
  • Publication number: 20130277052
    Abstract: A screening assembly with a swellable packer incorporated onto the exterior of the screen that swells in the presence of water or hydrocarbons. The swellable packer swells at a rate that allows the gravel pack operation to proceed without hindering the gravel pack operation but then swells to seal the annular region around the exterior of a blank tubular at the upper end of the screen. By running in a swellable packer with the screen assembly at least one additional trip into the wellbore may be eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: John Broussard
  • Patent number: 8552360
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the active control of a wavelength-swept light source used to interrogate optical elements having characteristic wavelengths distributed across a wavelength range are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Domino Taverner, Trevor MacDougall, Paul E. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8549906
    Abstract: A method of expanding a tubular downhole comprises mounting a sensing device in a downhole tubular to be expanded, expanding at least a portion of the tubular and then engaging the sensing device with a retrieving device. The sensing device is then translated through the expanded tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Annabel Green, Simon John Harrall
  • Publication number: 20130255940
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using multi-component geophones and/or multi-component geophone arrays to measure flow-induced acoustic energy produced in wellbores are provided. With the use of the multi-component geophones, the measured acoustic energy may be resolved into its directional components. The computed directional energy components may be mathematically compared to numerically highlight ambient flow conditions (e.g., leaks in casing or other conduit, points of fluid entry/exit/restrictions between the casing and the formation). The use of an array of multi-component geophones allows for the use of geophone move-out curves to further identify acoustic energy source locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Rochford, John Arbeau, Jim Rangel
  • Publication number: 20130259647
    Abstract: A wiper assembly may be used to prevent wellbore debris from entering an operating region of a pump. The wiper assembly may include a housing, a wiper member, a backing member, and a biasing member. The biasing member may bias the backing member into engagement with the wiper member, and thereby bias the wiper member into engagement with a tapered surface of the housing. The wiper member may include a corresponding tapered surface, which thereby forces the wiper member radially inward into engagement with an operating member of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: John Edward Stachowiak, JR.
  • Patent number: 8544549
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable reliable and improved isolation between two portions of a bore extending through a casing string disposed in a borehole. A downhole deployment valve (DDV) may provide the isolation utilizing a valve member such as a flapper that is disposed in a housing of the DDV and is designed to close against a seat within the housing. The DDV includes an operating mechanism for opening/closing the DDV. In use, pressure in one portion of a well that is in fluid communication with a well surface may be bled off and open at well surface while maintaining pressure in another portion of the casing string beyond the DDV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Noske, David Iblings, David Pavel, David J. Brunnert, Paul Smith, Michael Brian Grayson
  • Patent number: 8540035
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Jake Xu, Albert C. Odell, II, Simon J. Harrall, Thomas M. Redlinger, Christopher M. Vreeland, Andrew Antoine, David J. Brunnert, Tommy L. Laird, Michael J. Moody, Frederick T. Tilton
  • Publication number: 20130245953
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for calculating production of each of a plurality of fractured intervals (or fractures) and monitoring changes in the fracture contribution with time. Such real-time monitoring and analysis may be performed by combining temperature distribution (and pressure) measurements, a real-time surface multiphase flow measurement, and an inflow model for each fractured interval (or fracture). In this manner, the industry may be able to understand the behavior of fractures and, in turn, optimize the number of stages (i.e., fractured intervals), the number of fractures, and the spacing between fractures and stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Luis E. Gonzales, Rajan N. Chokshi
  • Patent number: 8534362
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable reliable and improved isolation between two portions of a bore extending through a casing string disposed in a borehole. A downhole deployment valve (DDV) may provide the isolation utilizing a valve member such as a flapper that is disposed in a housing of the DDV and is designed to close against a seat within the housing. The DDV includes an operating mechanism for opening/closing the DDV. In use, pressure in one portion of a well that is in fluid communication with a well surface may be bled off and open at well surface while maintaining pressure in another portion of the casing string beyond the DDV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Noske, David Iblings, David Pavel, David J. Brunnert, Paul Smith, Michael Brian Grayson
  • Patent number: 8534379
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley
  • Publication number: 20130233548
    Abstract: An expandable tubular assembly includes an expander for expanding a tubular. The expander may be hydraulically actuated. A bore obstruction object may be received in a receptacle sleeve that is a modular component of the expandable tubular assembly. In this respect, the expandable tubular assembly may be quickly fitted with a receptacle sleeve designed to receive selected type of bore obstruction object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Darren Richard Santeler, Derek Slater Payne, Mike A. Luke
  • Publication number: 20130236152
    Abstract: An optical transducer is provided. A “measuring” portion of the transducer may be exposed to a high pressure and fluids when the optical transducer is deployed (e.g., in a wellbore or other industrial setting). The transducer may include an optical waveguide with a first portion that forms a first seal that isolates an “instrumentation” portion of the transducer from exposure to the high pressure and fluids to which the measuring portion may be exposed. The transducer may also include a second seal with a “stack” of material elements that contact a second portion of the optical waveguide to also isolate the instrumentation portion of the transducer from exposure to the high pressure and fluids to which the measuring portion may be exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Bryan Boemmels, Guy Daigle
  • Publication number: 20130233547
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a casing bit drive assembly may be used with a casing drilling system. The casing bit drive assembly may include one or more of the following: a retrievable drilling motor; a decoupled casing sub; a releasable coupling between the motor and casing bit; a releasable coupling between the motor and casing; a cement diverter; and a casing bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. TWARDOWSKI, Albert C. ODELL, II, Jose A. TREVINO
  • Publication number: 20130233557
    Abstract: A method of treating production fluid in a wellbore includes deploying a capillary string into the wellbore. The capillary string has a plurality of injection valves. The method further includes pumping treatment fluid through the capillary string and into the wellbore. The injection valves have a cumulative set pressure greater than or equal to a hydrostatic pressure of the treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: Roddie R. SMITH