Patents Examined by Douglas S Wood
  • Patent number: 11965394
    Abstract: A method of actuating a subsea tree comprising opening a valve assembly by transferring a first volume of fluid into a first chamber and closing the valve assembly from the open position to a shear position via a gas charged valve actuator in response to the transfer of fluid out of the first chamber. Shearing a workstring positioned within an axial bore of the valve assembly with the valve via the gas charged valve actuator. Closing the valve from the shear position to a closed position with one or more gas charged push rods to isolate the wellbore above from the wellbore below the closed valve. The shearing force generated from the gas charged valve actuator is greater than the closing force of the one or more push rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Anthony Turner, Kenneth L. Schwendemann, Darrin N. Towers
  • Patent number: 11959359
    Abstract: A shift uphole-to-open sleeve assembly is provided for insertion along a tubular string for multi-stage, selectable wellbore treatment. The sleeve assemblies are very short in length, being too short for in-sleeve engagement, and instead have a downhole shoulder engageable for opening using dogs of a conventional shifting tool. Use of a common J-mechanism having four axial inappropriately places the sealing packer of a downhole tool above the sleeve ports. Multiple extra J-mechanism cycles are required to position the packer downhole thereof. Herein a modified downhole tool is disclosed including a biased repositioning sub to eliminate many of the extra tool cycles. In embodiments the short sleeve can replace casing collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventors: Mark Andreychuk, Per Angman
  • Patent number: 11946356
    Abstract: This application discloses an improved downhole assembly for separating oil and gas in an oil well. A flow through assembly is disclosed wherein separated gas may pass an anchoring device with less restriction. The improved flow through assembly allows for separated gas to pass through the center flow channel of an anchoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: WHITETAIL ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Jordan Binstock
  • Patent number: 11939853
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating hydraulic fracturing units to pump fracturing fluid into a wellhead may include receiving a target flow rate and/or a target pressure for fracturing fluid supplied to the wellhead. The systems and methods may increase a flow rate from the hydraulic fracturing units according to a controlled increasing flow rate schedule toward the target flow rate and/or target pressure. When it has been determined the target flow rate and/or target pressure has been achieved, the systems and methods also may include operating the hydraulic fracturing units to maintain the target flow rate and/or target pressure. When the target flow rate has not been achieved, the systems and methods also may include generating notification signals, and/or when the target pressure has not been achieved, the systems and methods further may include operating the hydraulic fracturing units to maintain a maximum flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 11933153
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating hydraulic fracturing units to pump fracturing fluid into a wellhead may include receiving a target flow rate and/or a target pressure for fracturing fluid supplied to the wellhead. The systems and methods may increase a flow rate from the hydraulic fracturing units according to a controlled increasing flow rate schedule toward the target flow rate and/or target pressure. When it has been determined the target flow rate and/or target pressure has been achieved, the systems and methods also may include operating the hydraulic fracturing units to maintain the target flow rate and/or target pressure. When the target flow rate has not been achieved, the systems and methods also may include generating notification signals, and/or when the target pressure has not been achieved, the systems and methods further may include operating the hydraulic fracturing units to maintain a maximum flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 11927066
    Abstract: A suspension head (11) is provided for connection between a high pressure riser (8) and a subsea wellhead (9), for use in drilling and completion operations in which a jack-up rig (1) is employed and a blowout preventer (7) is installed on the jack-up rather than on the wellhead. The use of the suspension head (11) offers improved safety and convenience, allowing the riser (8) to be isolated from the wellhead (9) in emergencies or for carrying out certain operations which would otherwise require the installation of a temporary plug. (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Eivind Christoffer Eike Halvorsen, Leif Arne Kvarme
  • Patent number: 11920422
    Abstract: A connector system includes a first riser joint configured to form part of a riser. The first riser joint includes a pin. The connector system also includes a connector configured to couple to a wellhead assembly. The connector includes multiple collet segments that are configured to move radially-inwardly to engage the pin of the first riser joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harold Tenorio, John Zahl, Jon Tyler, Ross Stevenson
  • Patent number: 11906082
    Abstract: A gland includes an annular ring, the annular ring defining a gland bore, the gland bore defining a gland axis extending through the annular ring; and a joint restraint assembly, the joint restraint assembly including a restraint base, the restraint base attached to the annular ring, the restraint base defining a restraint pocket, the restraint base including a structural rail; a gripper, the gripper disposed within the restraint pocket and configured to move in the restraint pocket; a spring biasing the gripper to move inwards towards the gland axis; and a cover contacting at least a portion of the restraint base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: Aurelian Ioan Furcoiu
  • Patent number: 11898411
    Abstract: A fracturing fluid delivery system with a fluid conduit having a communication line is provided. In one embodiment, a fracturing system includes a wellhead assembly and a fracturing fluid conduit coupled to the wellhead assembly to enable receipt of fracturing fluid by the wellhead assembly from the fracturing fluid conduit. The fracturing fluid conduit includes a body defining a bore for conveying the fracturing fluid to the wellhead assembly and also includes a communication line. The communication line transmits signals along the body of the fracturing fluid conduit such that the fracturing fluid conduit facilitates transmission of both the fracturing fluid and the signals. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Kirk P. Guidry
  • Patent number: 11859735
    Abstract: Clamping device (1) for axially blocking an axial-symmetrical body (CA); the clamping device (1) comprising at least a support (10) of given angular extension, provided with a plurality of laminar bodies (20) extending longitudinally in a given direction (D), each of which being incorporated in a substantially cylindrical interface (22) (23) made of deformable material so as to copy the outer shape of the axial-symmetrical body (CA) and to generate the tangential force in radial manner; each laminar body (20) having a toothed transverse face (24) to interact superficially with the axial-symmetrical body (CA); the laminar bodies (20) being carried by the support (10) through elongated members (30)(30?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: F.LLI RIGHINI S. R. L.
    Inventors: Renzo Righini, Franco Argelli
  • Patent number: 11851957
    Abstract: A riser sensor unit is used to sense engagement of a subsea riser tool with a riser coupling. The riser sensor unit includes a power supply configured to convert alternating current to direct current, an intrinsic safety barrier connected to the power supply, and a first sensor powered by the intrinsic safety barrier. The first sensor is attached to a sub of the subsea riser tool and is configured to generate a first signal upon detecting contact of a bottom surface of the sub with the riser coupling. The intrinsic safety barrier is configured to receive the first signal from the first sensor and transmit the first signal to a control system located remotely from the intrinsic safety barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Hydril USA Distribution LLC
    Inventors: Amine Abou-Assaad, Joseph Edison Huseman, Juan Sanchez
  • Patent number: 11851981
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a downhole completion device for use in a wellbore and a subterranean production well. In one embodiment, the downhole completion device includes: (1) a hydraulic line controlled device, the hydraulic line controlled device having a control line port and one or more fluid leakage paths, and (2) a density barrier having first and second ends, wherein the first end is coupled to the control line port and the second end is configured to couple to a control line extending from a surface installation, the density barrier having an axial loop relative to the hydraulic line controlled device and positioned below the fluid leakage path, thereby preventing migration of leakage fluid from the one or more fluid leakage paths to the surface installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen P. Breerwood
  • Patent number: 11851980
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of apparatuses and methods that include an annular flow lubricator. In an exemplary embodiment, the annular flow lubricator includes a body housing an internal flow tube such that well flow enters a lower portion of the internal flow tube, travels up the internal flow tube, and exits an upper portion of the internal flow tube. Upon exiting the upper portion of the internal flow tube, well flow then travels in an annulus between the body of the lubricator and a wall of the internal flow tube before exiting an outlet port of the lubricator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: EPIC LIFT SYSTEMS
    Inventor: Shannon Freeman
  • Patent number: 11840909
    Abstract: A technique for providing a fluid conduit between a main bore and a substantially non-producing region of a fracture at a horizontal section of the bore. The technique includes forming a micro-tunnel from a location of the bore adjacent the fracture. The micro-tunnel may be directed at the non-producing region with a angled deflector or in a steerable manner. Additionally, the well may be configured with micro-tunneling at the outset or retrofitted with micro-tunnels as a manner of restoring production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dmitriy Ivanovich Potapenko, William Batzer, Robert Utter, Donald W. Lee, George Alan Waters, Douglas Pipchuk, Ryan Rodgers
  • Patent number: 11840910
    Abstract: A method creates a fluid communication path between a first production well and a second production well. At least one hydraulic fracture intersects the first production well and is separated from the second production well by a wall thereof. The method includes identifying, from the second production well, a location of the hydraulic fracture of the first production well, and perforating the wall of the second production well at the identified location. The perforating creates the fluid communication path between the production wells. Injection of fracking fluid and proppant at the first production well allows for additional fluids to be extracted from the second production well, thus generating a flow between the two production wells through the hydraulic fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: NEUBREX ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Kinzo Kishida, Ge Jin, Dana M. Jurick
  • Patent number: 11840911
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fracturing method with synergistic effects of energy enhancement, oil displacement, huff and puff, imbibition, and displacement, comprising the following steps: selecting a well that has never been fracted as a fracturing well; dividing the target layer into several fracturing intervals; performing perforating operations on each fracturing interval of the fracturing well; injecting pore cleaning fluid into the fracturing well to perform pore cleaning and acidizing pretreatment on each cluster perforation; designing fracturing construction parameters; alternately injecting slick water fracturing fluid and oil-displacement slick water fracturing fluid into each of the fracturing layers. The beneficial effects of this disclosure are: the construction method of slick water fracturing fluid with high pump rate and large displacement can form a more complex fracture network structure, tap the production potential of the target reservoir, and further improve the stimulation effect of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Nanniwan Oil Production Plant, Yanchang Oilfield Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pingtian Fan, Weichu Yu, Yuetian Liu, Ping Li, Yongdong Wang, Baolin Guan, Fengping Yan, Yongtao Song, Wenming Shu, Aibin Wu, Min Sun
  • Patent number: 11834918
    Abstract: Systems and methods for proper orientation of the connections of a tubing hanger and a subsea assembly in a wellhead or tree are provided. The alignment is accomplished with the use of an orientation spool adaptor equipped with positional sensors and an orientation helix. Calibration of the positional sensors at the surface allows for orientation with simple vertical deployment. Positional sensors may provide real time data such as location, speed of installation and orientation back to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. McLaughlin, Gregory D. Williams, Eleazar Herrera, Morris B. Wade, Todd Scaggs
  • Patent number: 11821298
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for processing a mixed proppant at a wellsite for a well, the system including a separator including a screen configured to receive the mixed proppant that includes a proppant meeting a desired size criteria and an oversized proppant exceeding the desired size criteria, sort the proppant from the oversized proppant, direct the proppant along a primary flow path to a blender, and direct the oversized proppant along a diverted flow path to a reducer. The reducer is operable to process the oversized proppant into a processed proppant that meets the desired size criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad A. Fisher
  • Patent number: 11814939
    Abstract: A technique facilitates greasing of valves on a well tree, e.g. a frac tree, according to a simple process which enables selected, individual valves to be greased when desired. In some applications, the greasing process may be automated and controlled via a greasing control system. According to an embodiment, a greasing system is connected with grease ports at a plurality of actuatable valves located in a well tree. The greasing system has a plurality of grease valves which may be associated with each of the actuatable valves, e.g. with each of the grease ports. A pump is used to pump grease to the grease valves and the grease valves are selectively actuated to open positions to provide controlled greasing of desired actuatable valves so as to remove debris from and to lubricate selected actuatable valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Viator, Yang Chen, Payal Desai, Aleem Aman Khokhar, Nivedita Sharma, Jeffery Traylor
  • Patent number: 11796103
    Abstract: A method of coupling a pipe length to a piping element can include arranging a gland over an end of the pipe length, the gland including a joint restraint assembly, the pipe length defining an outer pipe surface; arranging the end of the pipe length within a socket defined by the piping element; fastening the gland to the piping element; and activating the joint restraint assembly by hand to prevent removal of the pipe length from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: Aurelian Ioan Furcoiu