Patents Examined by Steven MacDonald
  • Patent number: 11293260
    Abstract: A buoyancy assist tool has an outer case and a rupture disk connected in the outer case. A sleeve is disposed in the outer case and movable from first to second position in the outer case. A rupture disk membrane of a rupture disk prevents the sleeve from moving to the second position prior to the rupture disk membrane rupturing. The outer case is configured to be connected in a well casing. A lock ring holds the sleeve in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Avinash Gopal Dharne, Stephen Allen Yeldell, Frank Vinicio Acosta, Min Mark Yuan, Kevin Wendell Ardoin
  • Patent number: 11286732
    Abstract: A filter sub which includes a tubular sub housing and a strainer insert. The strainer insert has (i) a tubular strainer body, (ii) a plurality of helical grooves formed through a sidewall of the strainer body, and (iii) at least one of the helical grooves extending at least 360° around the strainer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Stabil Drill Specialties, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Sorin Gabriel Teodorescu
  • Patent number: 11286727
    Abstract: The multifunction wellbore conditioning tool (100, 200, 300) is installed in the bottom hole assembly of a drill string and performs the functions of a cutting tool, keyseat wiper, roller reamer, keyseat wiper, and stabilizer during drilling operations, precluding the need for multiple different tools in the drill string. The tool (100, 200, 300) has a working sleeve (114, 214, 314) captured concentrically on the driveshaft (102, 202, 302) between opposed spring sets (134, 136; 234, 236; 334, 336). The sleeve (114, 214, 314) remains rotationally stationary about the rotating driveshaft (102, 202, 302) when in its central or neutral position on the driveshaft (102, 202, 302). When the sleeve (114, 214, 314) shifts axially on the driveshaft (102, 202, 302) it engages a clutch mechanism that allows it to rotate with the driveshaft (102, 202, 302) so that the rotating working sleeve (114, 214, 314) conditions the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: MODUS OILFIELD INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Shehab Ahmed, Mohamed Al-Jahwari, Sena Dorvlo, Mohamed Abdelaal
  • Patent number: 11280155
    Abstract: A method includes deploying a downhole tool within a wellbore. While the downhole tool is within the wellbore, the method also includes slotting or perforating a casing of the wellbore at the target interval to expose formation surrounding the wellbore. Further, the method includes flushing the target interval to remove wellbore debris from the target interval. Furthermore, the method includes pacing a cement or sealant plug at the target interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Quero, Eric Bivens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11268341
    Abstract: Wellbore plugs that include an interrogation device, hydrocarbon wells that include the wellbore plugs, and methods of operating the hydrocarbon wells are disclosed herein. The wellbore plugs include a plug body, an interrogation device, and a sealing structure. The interrogation device is contained within the plug body and includes a sensor configured to detect at least one parameter of the hydrocarbon well. The hydrocarbon wells include a wellbore, a downhole tubular, the plug, and a communication device configured to receive communication data from the interrogation device. The methods include releasing an interrogation device from a plug, detecting at least one parameter within the hydrocarbon well with the interrogation device, transmitting communication data from the interrogation device, and receiving the communication data with a communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Rami Jabari, Timothy J. Hall, P. Matthew Spiecker, Michael C. Romer
  • Patent number: 11268348
    Abstract: A system for successively uncovering a plurality of contiguous ports in a tubing liner within a wellbore, or for successively uncovering individual groups of ports arranged at different but adjacent locations along the liner, to allow successive fracking of the wellbore at such locations. Sliding sleeves in the tubing liner are provided, having a circumferential groove therein, which are successively moved from a closed position covering a respective port to an open position uncovering such port by an actuation member placed in the bore of the tubing liner. Each actuation member comprises a dissolvable plug which in one embodiment is retained by shear pins at an uphole end of a collet sleeve, the latter having radially-outwardly biased protuberances (fingers) which matingly engage sliding sleeves having cylindrical grooves therein, based on the width of the protuberance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: SC ASSET CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Nordheimer
  • Patent number: 11261690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole method for providing a zonal isolation at a predetermined position in an annulus between a wall of a borehole and a well tubular metal structure having a longitudinal extension in an existing well, comprising inserting a downhole tool in the well tubular metal structure, positioning the downhole tool opposite the predetermined position, separating a first section of the well tubular metal structure from a second section of the well tubular metal structure by machining into and along a circumference of the well tubular metal structure, inserting an unexpanded annular barrier between the first section and the second section, and expanding the annular barrier for providing zonal isolation at the predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Welltec A/S
    Inventor: Christian Krüger
  • Patent number: 11255148
    Abstract: Included are wellbore sealing systems and methods of use. An example wellbore sealing system comprises a rigid sealing device capable of expansion and having an exterior having holes disposed therethrough; and an expandable sealing layer disposed around the rigid sealing device. The expandable sealing layer comprises an elastomeric layer and a reinforcing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Michael Linley Fripp, Pete Clement Dagenais
  • Patent number: 11255153
    Abstract: A seal apparatus and method of use is described. The seal apparatus comprises a seal assembly comprising a plurality of elements assembled together to form a ring structure around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements is operable to be moved between the expanded and collapsed conditions by sliding with respect to one another along respective contact surfaces. Each of the plurality of elements is a compound element comprising a substrate and at least one seal member disposed on a part of a surface of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gareth Edward George Brown
  • Patent number: 11255145
    Abstract: A rigid chain actuator (201) including a tool body (203) having a bore (204) with a chain (206) at least partially disposed in a housing (211) coupled to the tool body. Additionally, the rigid chain actuator includes a chain extension/retraction mechanism to extend the chain from the housing into the bore and recoil the chain from the bore into the housing. Furthermore, the chain may translate a force onto at least one wellbore tool through the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Simen Christian Florus Rønne, Josué Vasconcelos Monteiro, Jr., Lincoln Facundo, H. Brian Skeels, Ole Eddie Karlsen, Luis Felipe, Vidar Sten-Halvorsen
  • Patent number: 11255157
    Abstract: A chemical injection valve can include a valve stem, flow between sections of a flow passage being prevented and permitted in respective closed and open positions of the valve stem, a resilient primary seal that prevents flow through an annular gap surrounding the valve stem in the closed position, and a bypass passage in communication with the annular gap and a flow passage section, and in communication with another flow passage section in the open position. A chemical injection system can include a chemical treatment pumped through a chemical injection valve and into an interior of a tubular string, and the chemical injection valve including a valve stem and a bypass passage extending between a flow passage section and an annulus surrounding the valve stem, the annulus being positioned longitudinally between a resilient primary seal and a metal secondary seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Zlatko X. Salihbegovic, Lance Racca, Donald M. King
  • Patent number: 11255139
    Abstract: Sealing/locking rod safety clamp systems and components are provided. In some embodiments, the systems can comprise a locking rod clamp, a lockable drive motor shaft, and locking shaft rams. Methods of use of sealing/locking rod safety clamp systems and components are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: RISUN OILFLOW SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Andrew Wright
  • Patent number: 11236592
    Abstract: A valve system for use in a wellbore, comprising a side pocket mandrel having a main bore for alignment with a wellbore tubular and a laterally offset side pocket bore separated from the main bore by an internal wall, the laterally offset side pocket bore comprising a first receptacle for a first device and a second receptacle for a second device, the internal wall having an opening through which each of the first device and the second device is independently retrievable. There is also provided a side pocket mandrel, a hydrocarbon well and a method of operating a hydrocarbon well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY COMPANY AS
    Inventor: Kristian Korbøl Josefsen
  • Patent number: 11236597
    Abstract: System and methods for customizing fracturing fluids downhole for real-time optimization of micro-fracturing operations are provided. Downhole operating conditions are monitored during a micro-fracturing operation along a portion of a wellbore within a subterranean formation, based on downhole measurements collected by sensors of a downhole formation tester. Injection parameters for a fracturing fluid to be injected from a bulk storage chamber of the downhole formation tester into the subterranean formation are determined based on the downhole operating conditions. Signals for customizing the fracturing fluid using one or more fluid additives stored within corresponding fluid storage chambers of the downhole formation tester are transmitted to a controller of the downhole formation tester, based on the injection parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Syed Muhammad Farrukh Hamza, Anthony Van Zuilekom, Loan Vo, Dipti Singh
  • Patent number: 11230920
    Abstract: A technique facilitates detection of tubing leaks. The technique provides early detection of tubing leaks based on downhole sensing in a borehole, e.g. a wellbore. For example, a downhole sensor or sensors may be positioned to obtain downhole measurements of desired parameters, such as flowing pressure and flow rate. The downhole sensing may be used to identify departures from baseline parameters. Monitoring of those departures enables early detection of tubing leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventor: Lawrence Camilleri
  • Patent number: 11230905
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus comprises a casing string with a removable plug therein to block flow therethrough. A flow barrier is positioned in the casing below the removable plug and the removable plug and the flow barrier define a buoyancy chamber therebetween. A debris barrier positioned above the removable plug has a plurality of fragments interspersed in a stretchable material and includes a frangible disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lonnie Carl Helms, Min Mark Yuan, Mayur Narain Ahuja, Ishwar Dilip Patil, Byong Jun Kim, Rajesh Parameshwaraiah
  • Patent number: 11208869
    Abstract: Provided is a packer plug. The packer plug, in this example, may include an engagement member having a no go feature configured to engage a no go shoulder of an associated packer assembly. The packer plug, in the example, further includes a nose cone having one or more nose cone openings coupled proximate a downhole end of the engagement member, and a check valve coupled proximate the engagement member. The check valve, engagement member, and nose cone, in this example, create a fluid path between a lower end and an upper end of the packer plug. Further to this example, the check valve is configured to allow downhole fluid to pass uphole through the fluid path as the packer plug is being pushed downhole, but substantially prevent uphole fluid from passing downhole through the fluid path as the packer plug is being pulled uphole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Owen Roane, Antonio Rosas, Zheng Guan
  • Patent number: 11208873
    Abstract: A switch sub adapter configured to connect a switch sub to a perforating gun assembly. The switch sub adapter includes a tubular body having first threads that connect to the switch sub and second threads that connect to the perforating gun assembly; a first internal chamber formed at a first end of the adapter; a second internal chamber formed at a second end of the adapter; a conduit connecting the first internal chamber to the second internal chamber; and a dart having a tip located in the conduit and a base part located in the second internal chamber. The dart is formed from a compliant material that deforms in response to pressure resulting from detonation of charges associated with the perforating gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Bakken Ball Retrieval LLC
    Inventor: Shelby Lee Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11209558
    Abstract: Method for characterizing subterranean formation is described. One method involves injecting a fluid into an active well of the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to induce one or more hydraulic fractures. Measuring, via a pressure sensor, a poroelastic pressure response caused by inducing of the one or more hydraulic fractures. The pressure sensor is in at least partial hydraulic isolation with the one or more hydraulic fractures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventor: Nicolas Patrick Roussel
  • Patent number: 11208865
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole straddle assembly for straddling over a zone downhole in a well, the straddle assembly comprising a plurality of tubular sections mounted end to end in succession to form one tubular pipe having a first end tubular section forming a first open end of the tubular pipe, and a second end tubular section forming a second open end of the tubular pipe, said tubular pipe having an outer diameter, wherein the tubular section mounted to the first end tubular section is a first expandable metal sleeve being more pliant than the first end tubular section, and the tubular section mounted with the second end tubular section is a second expandable metal sleeve being more pliant than the second end tubular section. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a downhole straddle system for straddling over a zone downhole in a well and to a downhole straddle method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: WELLTEC OILFIELD SOLUTIONS AG
    Inventor: Paul Hazel