Patents Examined by Wei Wang
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Patent number: 10619450Abstract: A system for controlling flow in a wellbore can include a down-hole control module that is hydraulically coupled to multiple components of the system. The control module can include a computer, which can be preprogrammed to operate the various components in a particular sequence, and communicate confirmation or error signals to a surface location. The control module can also include a micro-hydraulic motor and pump that can that can be instructed by the computer to selectively deliver hydraulic fluid to one or more of the components of the system. The system can include isolation members such as packers, hydraulic pressure maintenance devices (PMDs), hydraulic sheer joints, inflow control devices or valves (ICDs or ICVs) and a three-position valve that can be actuated by the control module without necessitating communication with a surface location.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: William M. Richards, Syed Hamid
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Patent number: 10612352Abstract: Autonomously conveyable and actuatable wellbore completion tool assemblies and methods for using the same, comprising: an onboard controller and location sensing device, a plurality of adaptable perforation sealing devices comprising a primary sealing portion and at least one secondary sealing portion extending radially outward from the primary sealing portion to form a secondary seal in the perforation; an autonomously actuatable transport member for supporting the plurality of adaptable sealing devices during conveyance of the tool assembly within the wellbore, and an on-board controller configured to send an actuation signal to actuate at least release of the plurality of adaptable perforation sealing devices from the transport member, wherein the tool assembly comprises a friable material and self-destructs within the wellbore in response to a signal from the on-board controller that affects self-destruction.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Randy C Tolman, Timothy G. Benish
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Patent number: 10612361Abstract: A method of verifying swelling of a swellable material in a well can include connecting a transmitter to a sensor which senses a parameter indicative of degree of swelling of the swellable material, and conveying a receiver into an interior of a tubular string. The transmitter transmits to the receiver an indication of the degree of swelling of the swellable material. A packer swelling verification system can include a swellable material which swells in a well, and a well tool which is conveyed to the packer in the well. The well tool receives an indication of a degree of swelling of the swellable material. A method of verifying whether a swellable material has swollen in a well can include positioning a conductor proximate the swellable material, whereby the conductor parts in response to swelling of the swellable material, and detecting whether the conductor has parted.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ronald L. Hinkie, Kurtis W. Price, Alf. K. Sevre, Scott Wendorf
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Patent number: 10598001Abstract: A removable modular control assembly includes a structure including a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion. A first interlock feature is arranged at the first end portion and a second interlock feature is arranged at the second end portion spaced from the first end portion. At least one shell member includes a first end section, a second end section and an intermediate section having at least one control module receiving section formed therein. The first end section includes a first interlock element engageable with the first interlock feature and the second end section includes a second interlock element engageable with the second interlock feature. The at least one shell member is configured to be strain locked to the structure through a lengthening of the intermediate portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Joachim Treviranus, Hans Oppelaar, Henning Melles, Hendrik Joerns
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Patent number: 10597964Abstract: A multi-stage stimulating system is provided. The system is wireline deployed comprises one or more hydraulic sealing devices, hydraulic anchors and a mechanical cutter or a shifting tool, further comprising an accumulator-pump unit in the system to provide a fluid source for hydraulically actuating the sealing devices, anchors and cutter. A method is further provided of stimulating multiple intervals of a subterranean formation by running a bottom hole assembly down a wellbore casing on a wireline.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Inventors: Dayln Keith Beazer, Paul Bernard Lee, Sean Patrick Grant Hervo
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Patent number: 10590706Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for establishing hydraulic communication between a relief wellbore and a target wellbore during relief well applications are provided. Present embodiments include a perforating gun that uses an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) to establish hydraulic communication between a relief well and the target well for well kill operations. The EFP may be detonated downhole according to the Misznay-Schardin effect, thereby releasing a projectile toward the target well to form a relatively large hole through the casing/cement between the wellbores. The EFP may be positioned in a desired orientation with respect to the target well, in order that the projectile may be directed from the relief well directly into the target well. In some embodiments, the disclosed perforating gun may include several EFP charges positioned along one side of the gun at approximately 0 to 10 degree phasing from each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Eli Hess, Thomas Earl Burky, Andrew John Cuthbert
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Patent number: 10590758Abstract: A pressure wave system having a tubular member, a signal source, a sensor, and a source of noise, has a noise interference system employing one or more a lateral branches to cancel pressure noise, and/or amplify or filter the pressure wave signal. A related method generates the pressure wave signal, connects the lateral branch or branches to amplify or filter the signal and/or cancel noise from the system, and receives the signal or a response of the system to the signal. The lateral branches are simple pipe stubs or loops that can be made using ordinary piping components, or are more complex designs.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Rod William Shampine, Adam Keilers, Andrey Bogdan
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Patent number: 10584536Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods according to which a geosteering trajectory change is efficiently communicated by presenting, on a first human-machine interface, a plurality of selectable trajectory types, each of the trajectory types representing a potential trajectory of a wellbore, selecting, via the first human-machine interface, the selectable trajectory type most closely representing a desired trajectory of the wellbore, the selected trajectory type including one or more data fields adapted to receive one or more task parameters needed to drill the wellbore along the desired trajectory, entering, via the first human-machine interface, the one or more task parameters into the one or more data fields of the selected trajectory type, and pushing the selected trajectory type and/or the one or more entered task parameters to a control system adapted to control drilling equipment to drill the wellbore along the desired trajectory.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Viens
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Patent number: 10584563Abstract: A system for controlling flow in a wellbore can include a down-hole control module that is hydraulically coupled to multiple components of the system. The control module can include a computer, which can be preprogrammed to operate the various components in a particular sequence, and communicate confirmation or error signals to a surface location. The control module can also include a micro-hydraulic motor and pump that can that can be instructed by the computer to selectively deliver hydraulic fluid to one or more of the components of the system. The system can include isolation members such as packers, hydraulic pressure maintenance devices (PMDs), hydraulic shear joints, inflow control devices or valves (ICDs or ICVs) and a three-position valve that can be actuated by the control module without necessitating communication with a surface location.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: William M. Richards, Syed Hamid, William D. Henderson
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Patent number: 10584544Abstract: An inground isolator and associated method can provide an electrically isolated break in a drill string using electrical insulating members/isolators that are supported by a housing. During drill string operations, the isolators are subject only compressive forces responsive to both extension (pushing) and retraction (pulling) by the drill string. The isolators can be formed from an electrically insulating material such as a ceramic material. An interchangeable inground tool system is described which integrally serves to provide an electrically isolating gap in the drill string.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Kenneth J. Theimer
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Patent number: 10570701Abstract: A system includes a support structure that is configured to be positioned at a fixed location relative to a component of a mineral extraction system. The system also includes a drive assembly having a drive motor and a valve attachment, and the drive assembly is configured to move about the support structure and to actuate multiple valves of the component of the mineral extraction system.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Stuart Robinson, Delbert Edwin Vanderford
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Patent number: 10570729Abstract: A method of increasing hydrocarbon production by hydraulic fracturing in shale formations by using an a-seismic process of cyclic injection of cooled aqueous fluid at a low rate with shut-in periods to induce tensile failure in the formation and create a fracture network of high and very high conductivity fractures with sufficient lateral extension in a completed well. A final single cycle of aqueous fluid and proppant is used in which the volume of proppant has been determined from measurements of the downhole pressure. Further fracture parameters being: volume of the very high conductivity fractures, lateral extension of the very high conductivity fractures, surface of the very high conductivity fractures and estimation of the global fracture network shape are determined and analysed after each injection cycle.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: GEOMEC ENGINEERING LIMITEDInventor: Frederic Joseph Santarelli
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Patent number: 10563480Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively actuating a downhole tool in a tubular conduit. An actuator tool has an actuator mandrel having an actuator bore through and a profile key to selectively engage the downhole tool. The downhole tool has one or more profile receivers adapted to actuate the downhole tool. The actuator tool is conveyed into the tubular conduit and the actuator tool and the downhole tool are engaged if the profile key and the profile receiver match, and the actuator tool and the downhole tool are non-engaged if the profile key and the profile receiver do not match. Fluid may be circulated through the actuator bore to flush or wash ahead of the actuator tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Inventors: Sean Patrick Campbell, Darryl Firmaniuk, Lennard Sihlis
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Patent number: 10563481Abstract: A system for controlling flow in a wellbore can include a down-hole control module that is hydraulically coupled to multiple components of the system. The control module can include a computer, which can be preprogrammed to operate the various components in a particular sequence, and communicate confirmation or error signals to a surface location. The control module can also include a micro-hydraulic motor and pump that can that can be instructed by the computer to selectively deliver hydraulic fluid to one or more of the components of the system. The system can include isolation members such as packers, hydraulic pressure maintenance devices (PMDs), hydraulic sheer joints, inflow control devices or valves (ICDs or ICVs) and a multi-position valve that can be actuated by the control module without necessitating communication with a surface location.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventor: William M. Richards
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Patent number: 10557313Abstract: An earth-boring bit includes a bit body threaded at its upper extent for connection to a drill string and a plurality of blades on the bit body, each blade having a leading edge and a trailing edge. A plurality of cutting elements is arranged on the leading edge of each blade and a junk slot is defined between pairs of adjacent blades. A surface texture may be formed on the surface of the junk slot, the surface texture being selected to alter a flow of drilling fluid through the junk slot. At least one milling element may extend at least partially across the junk slot between the trailing edge and leading edge of adjacent blades, wherein flow of cuttings generated by the cutting elements is impeded until the cuttings are disintegrated to a selected size.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2019Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Inventors: Jacob Wendt, Neal Bowden
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Patent number: 10538981Abstract: A setting tool for use in setting plugs downhole using opposing pistons to axially compress a plug, thereby causing it to radially expand.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Inventors: Johnny Covalt, Rick Smith
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Patent number: 10538996Abstract: A wire cross-sectional shape for a wire wrap screen provides a primary and secondary gap with a contained circumferential volume in between. The secondary gap extends screen life by taking the place of the primary gap if erosion opens the primary gap and lets the larger solids get past. The closed space between the primary and secondary gaps also has the effect of reducing velocity due to the enlarged volume before the secondary gap is reached while also creating turbulence between the gaps to slow the fluid velocity to protect the secondary gap. All or parts of the wire outer surface can optionally be coated to extend service life.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Chance E. Mann, Bennett M. Richard, Michael H. Johnson, Steve Rosenblatt
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Patent number: 10513893Abstract: A joint connects casing sections of a casing string for transporting fluids and/or gases. The joint includes a first longitudinal part arranged to be at least partly overlapping a second longitudinal part or a casing section. The first longitudinal part is connected with the second longitudinal part or with the casing sections in a mounted state with the first longitudinal part adapted to move axially relative to the second longitudinal part or the casing sections in an operative state. The joint includes at least one shear member with a predefined shear value and the shear member is adapted to shear when an axial force exceeding the total shear value of the shear member is exerted, allowing a relative axial movement between the first longitudinal part and the second longitudinal part or the casing sections.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: VANGUARD OIL TOOLS & SERVICES LLCInventors: Borre Loviknes, Mats Johansson, Len Barton
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Patent number: 10508521Abstract: A process for determining the productivity index of a multilateral completion using data from individual laterals and data from commingled well tests is disclosed. The process includes 1) determining the productivity index for each single lateral by iteratively altering the productivity index until the individual lateral flowrate based on a known reservoir pressure is matched and 2) further determining the productivity index by iteratively altering the productivity index until the commingled flowrate is matched. The productivity index may be used to set wellhead pressures and inline control valve (ICV) settings for production.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Ahmad T. Shammari, Hassan A. Hussain, Obiomalotaoso L. Isichei, Bayan A. Momtan
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Patent number: 10502028Abstract: A method includes severing a liner positioned in a first wellbore at least partially lined with casing and thereby providing a severed end, conveying a mid-completion assembly into the first wellbore and receiving the severed end within a tail pipe assembly of the mid-completion assembly, wherein a smallest inner diameter of the mid-completion assembly is greater than or equal to a smallest inner diameter of the liner and thereby permits tools sized for operations in the liner to pass through the mid-completion assembly, actuating an expandable device of the mid-completion assembly to sealingly engage an inner surface of the casing uphole from the severed end, and drilling a second wellbore extending from the first wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Douglas Glenn Durst