Patents Examined by Patrick F Lambe
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Patent number: 11761322Abstract: Methods for real-time coiled tubing fatigue monitoring can establish a remaining operational life of a coiled tubing strand. Standard or low-cycle plastic fatigue in bending is measured each time the coiled tubing strand is deployed through a guide arch. Also, smaller, but higher frequency loads, e.g., high cycle loads imparted to the coiled tubing strand due to interaction with an oceanic environment, are also measured. A plurality of weight detectors may be coupled to a support frame below the guide for monitoring the high-cycle loads. The remaining operational life of the coiled tubing strand may be calculated based on both the plastic strains using a low-cycle fatigue analysis and the elastic strains using a high-cycle fatigue analysis. An operator may retire a coiled tubing strand prior to failure based on the calculated remaining operational life.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Galen Roy Hebert
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Patent number: 11739605Abstract: A drilling and production system is provided. In one embodiment, such a system has a plurality of functions that are effectuated at least predominately without hydraulic fluid. The system can be a drilling system having a rig (20) and a subsea stack (14) for performing various drilling functions, in which a majority of the drilling functions are effected electrically without hydraulic control fluid. In another embodiment, the rig is coupled to a subsea wellhead assembly (14) but is not connected so as to provide hydraulic control fluid from the rig to the subsea wellhead assembly to enable drilling functions of the subsea wellhead assembly. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Vikas Rakhunde, Nathan Cooper, Justin Blair, Michael W. Berckenhoff, Michael Mancuso, Matthew Givens
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Patent number: 11739613Abstract: An assembly and a method for stopping a fluid flow through a stuck open inflow control device are described. An inflow control valve includes a valve body with an inlet, an inner sleeve, and an outer sleeve, and an actuation mechanism. The inner sleeve is movably coupled to an inner surface of the valve body to control fluid flow through the valve body. The outer sleeve is coupled to an outer surface of the valve body to stop the fluid flow through the inlet when the inner sleeve is stuck open. The outer sleeve is movable from a position allowing fluid flow through the valve body to a locked position stopping fluid flow through the valve body. The actuation mechanism moves the outer sleeve from the position offset from the inlet to the locked position.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Khaled M. Mutairi, Mohammed A. Eissa, Abdullah M. Haji, Mostafa M. Bori
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Patent number: 11739614Abstract: A method of preventive well maintenance with pumping equipment in the well for well rehabilitation using CO2 with varying lengths of producing intervals utilizing varying methods to deliver cleaning energy and varying porosity of aquifers to determine varying quantities of energy over the entire well structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: SUBSURFACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Neil Mansuy, Steven Catania, Joseph Orlando
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Patent number: 11732540Abstract: An isolation tool is provided that includes an upper elastomer, a lower elastomer. The isolation tool when set provides a circumferential flow path between the elastomers. The isolation tool also includes a longitudinal flow path from above the isolation tool to below the isolation tool. The longitudinal flowpath is preferably sufficiently linear that a solid tool may be passed through the longitudinal flowpath from above the isolation tool to below the isolation tool.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Patriot Research Center, LLCInventors: Craig Cotton, Brandon Cain
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Patent number: 11697981Abstract: Fracturing systems with frac valves for controlling flow of fracturing fluid are provided. In one embodiment, a fracturing apparatus includes a frac valve having a housing with a bore to convey fracturing fluid, a seal disposed within the bore, and an actuator coupled to control movement of the seal. The actuator can be disposed within the bore so as to move the seal between a closed position in which the seal blocks fracturing fluid flow through the bore and an open position that allows fracturing fluid flow through the bore. Additional systems, devices, and methods for fracturing are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Michael Krejci, Pheng Aun Soh, Stuart Robinson, Edward L. Ganzinotti, III
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Patent number: 11692421Abstract: A pumping system for performing a hydraulic fracturing operation includes a first fluid conduit having a central axis, a fluid pump including an outlet configured to be inserted into the first fluid conduit, and a connector assembly including an engagement member having a first position configured to lock the outlet within the first fluid conduit and a second position configured to unlock the outlet from the first fluid conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2019Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: EOG Resources, Inc.Inventor: James G. Nanney
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Patent number: 11644371Abstract: Systems, devices and methods enable generation and monitoring of support platform structural conditions in a manner that overcomes drawbacks associated with conventional approaches (e.g., load cells) for generating and monitoring similar operating condition information. In preferred embodiments, such systems, devices and methods utilize fiber optic strain gauges (i.e., fiber optic sensors) in place of (e.g., retrofit/data replacement) or in combination with conventional load cells. The fiber optic sensors are strategically placed at a plurality of locations on one or more support bodies of a support platform. In preferred embodiments, the fiber optic strain gauges are placed in positions within a hull and/or one or more pontoons of an offshore platform. Such positions are selected whereby resulting operating condition data generated by the fiber optic strain gauges suitably replaces data received by conventionally constructed and located load cells of an offshore platform (e.g., a TLP).Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: ASTRO TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLCInventor: David Verl Brower
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Patent number: 11634960Abstract: Installation for producing fluid such as crude oil having a floating support having at least two tanks, an undersea bottom-to-surface connection pipe having a first pipe portion on the sea bottom from a well head to the bottom end of a second pipe portion at the floating support, a first auxiliary pipe for transporting gas extending from the floating support to the bottom end of the second pipe, and a plurality of valves for isolating or putting into communication the first auxiliary pipe, for isolating or putting into communication the first production pipe portion and the second production pipe portion, end to end, and suitable for isolating or putting into communication the proximal end of the first production pipe portion and the bottom end either of a fourth auxiliary pipe rising directly to the surface, or a bottom portion of the first auxiliary pipe.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: SAIPEM S.A.Inventors: Stéphanie Abrand, Stéphane Anres, Lionel Macauley
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Patent number: 11624253Abstract: A subsea well intervention cap is provided. The subsea well intervention cap includes a frame, a first clamp segment coupled to the frame and configured to be fitted over a horizontally oriented flowpath of a subsea well equipment component, and a second clamp segment having a rim segment configured to interface with the first clamp segment, wherein the second clamp segment is movable with respect to the first clamp segment. The subsea well intervention cap also includes an actuation mechanism coupled to the frame that actuates the second clamp segment in a vertically upward direction and in an axial direction with respect to the frame toward the first clamp segment. The subsea well intervention cap is lightweight and able to be installed on subsea well equipment using a standard remote operated vehicle (ROV).Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Galle
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Patent number: 11624480Abstract: A process system includes a process module, an upstream pipe, a downstream pipe, an inlet pipe with an inlet isolation valve, an outlet pipe with a discharge isolation valve, a bypass with a bypass isolation valve, and a drainage line with a valve. The process module has an inlet, an outlet, and a drainage outlet. The inlet pipe fluidically connects the inlet of the process module to the upstream pipe. The outlet pipe fluidically connects the outlet of the process module to the downstream pipe. The bypass fluidly connects the upstream pipe and the downstream pipe via the bypass isolation valve. The drainage line fluidly connects the drainage outlet of the process module to the downstream pipe via the valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2019Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: AKER SOLUTIONS ASInventors: Anders Lauvdal, Tylar Paul Bunger
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Patent number: 11608712Abstract: An electrically-controlled, pin-pulling valve includes a pull pin (e.g., a pull piston) and a chemical propellant. The valve is configured to, using the pull pin and the chemical propellant, actuate from a closed position to an open position to activate a downhole tool. For instance, the pin-pulling valve may, based on an activation signal, activate the chemical propellant, which may cause the chemical propellant to react. The activation of the chemical propellant may cause the pull pin to withdraw from an extended position to a withdrawn position. The withdrawal of the pull pin may cause the pin-pulling valve to open, allowing hydraulic fluids to flow through a port associated with the downhole tool previously sealed by the pin-pulling valve. The flow of the hydraulic fluids may activate the downhole tool by exerting hydraulic pressure on the downhole tool.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Thomas Werkheiser, Michael Linley Fripp, Zachary William Walton
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Patent number: 11603736Abstract: A downhole apparatus includes a casing string with a fluid barrier connected therein defining a lower end of a buoyancy chamber. A rupture disk is spaced from the fluid barrier and defines an upper end of the buoyancy chamber. A degradable plug is connected in the casing string above the rupture disk. The degradable plug defines a flow path to permit flow therethrough to the rupture disk, and is movable from a first to a second position in the casing string.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2019Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Lonnie C. Helms, Min Mark Yuan, Frank Vinicio Acosta
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Patent number: 11603711Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for transporting, in particular skidding or jacking, a heavy object (4) supported on at least one guide (2), comprising an actuator (7) for effecting transport, in particular at least one hydraulic cylinder, one end of which is configured for connection to the object (4) or a foundation and the other end is connected to a shoe (8) configured for connection to the guide (2). The shoe (8) comprises at least two pins (11) configured to be inserted into openings (9) in the guide (2) to provide, at least in the direction of the guide (2) a positive connection between the shoe (8) and the guide (2).Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Inventors: Cornelis Belder, Quintus Wilhelmus Petrus Maria Zuijdgeest
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Patent number: 11585198Abstract: A system detects an acoustic-wave-producing downhole event associated with a pipe at an uphole location in the presence of surface noise. The system comprises: a first plurality of acoustic sensors located a first axial position along the pipe and oriented symmetrically about the pipe axis; and a second plurality of acoustic sensors located a second axial position along the pipe and oriented symmetrically about the pipe axis, the second axial position spaced apart from the first axial position. A processor is connected to receive the signals from the first and second pluralities of sensors and configured to process the sensor signals to thereby produce an output signal. The processor is configured to adjust the digital processing, based on the sensor signals, to minimize a contribution of the surface noise to the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Cold Bore Technology Inc.Inventors: William Dean Warner, Matthew Johan Zieleman
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Patent number: 11585159Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling a platform to a subsea wellhead are provided. The systems may include a riser extending between the platform and the subsea wellhead. The systems may further include an inner drilling riser tie-back connector (“ITBC”) coupled to an inner riser and having an outer body and an inner body. The inner body is at least partially disposed within the outer body, and the inner body is translatable along a longitudinal axis of the ITBC between a first unlocked position and a second locked position. The systems may additionally include a locking mechanism for the ITBC.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: John E. Nelson, Oscar Maldonado, Bruce J. Witwer
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Patent number: 11585179Abstract: The invention relates to the drilling of subsurface oil and gas wells and the installation of subsurface equipment (11). A lifting vessel 7 brings heavy equipment such as Xmas trees or manifolds and wet parks this equipment (11) on the seafloor (5) during good weather when the significant wave height is low. The equipment (11), once it is underwater, has much lower weight and may easily be moved into place onto a wellhead (10) at an appropriate time using lower capacity lifting gear. The timing of this operation is much less sensitive to weather conditions because the equipment does not need to pass through the splash zone (sea surface). This makes for efficient use of expensive drilling rig time, and allows for acceleration of production of first wells on the template as critical heavy lifts could not else be done until rig has left the location. (FIG. 1).Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Rune Woie, Leif Kvarme
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Patent number: 11585169Abstract: An apparatus includes a variable orifice choke disposed within a riser. The riser is connected between a drilling platform and a wellbore. A control unit is in signal communication with the variable orifice choke. The control unit is operable to control a flow area of the variable orifice choke such that a selected fluid pressure is maintained in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Bastiaan Liezenberg
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Patent number: 11566520Abstract: A tubular string formed by one or more tubulars with a central flow passage for an internal fluid therethrough and an external surface. The tubular having a wall thickness defined between external surface and the central flow passage and at least one sensor port disposed along a longitudinal length of the tubular. At least one sensor includes a main body and=nipple extending from the main body and inserted into the sensor port of the tubular. The nipple extends through the wall thickness sufficient to detect a property of an internal fluid within the central flow passage.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICESInventors: Clint Adam Brown, Suzi Marie Marcuccio, Michael Linley Fripp, Thomas Jules Frosell
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Patent number: 11549318Abstract: An apparatus serves to grip a cable for delivery into a borehole in a surface of a mine passage in connection with an actuator, such as a drill mast having a carriage capable of being advanced and retracted along the drill mast. A pusher is formed from a pair of jaws for engaging the cable. The jaws may be biased toward a first position for engaging the cable during an advance of the carriage, and automatically movable to a second position for releasing from engagement with the cable during a retraction of the carriage. The pusher may be pivotally mounted to a carriage capable of being advanced and retracted along a drill mast, which movement may cause the jaws to self-actuate for engaging and advancing the cable during an upstroke and release therefrom during a downstroke. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: J.H. FLETCHER & CO.Inventors: Gregory E. Hinshaw, Bill Kyslinger, Jaco Steyn