Patents Examined by William Neuder
  • Reactive stimulation of oil and gas wells
    Patent number: 7165614
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for stimulating producing strata in oil or gas wells. The formation is penetrated using shaped charges, and an oxygen-rich material then is introduced into the producing formation. Thus, oxygen is available within the formation to sustain an explosive reaction with the existing formation hydrocarbons acting as fuel. This explosive reaction will cause fracturing of the formation and will counteract plugging that often results from the use of conventional shaped charges. In one embodiment, a container encloses shaped charges surrounded by oxygen-rich material. Alternately, the oxygen can be a part of the shaped charge and projected into the formation with the shaped charge to accomplish the same results. Still further, oxygen-rich material can be pumped into the well in bulk in a liquid or paste form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Lesley O. Bond
  • Impact sensing system and methods
    Patent number: 7165612
    Abstract: An impact sensing system for detecting downhole impacts within a toolstring, such as a jarring tool string. The system includes an impact sensing sub that is integrated into the tool string and contains an impact sensor for sensing impacts. Additionally, the sub has means for storing impact-related data and correlating it with time, inclination, and other data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Stuart McLaughlin
  • Method of controlling the direction of propagation of injection fractures in permeable formations
    Patent number: 7165616
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the production of oil or gas from a formation (1) comprising that a first and second drilled production well (105, 110) are formed next to each other that extend essentially horizontally, that, at the drilled production wells, a further drilled well (115) is formed that extends between the first and the second drilled production well (105, 110), that the production of oil or gas is initiated, and that, while oil or gas is being produced, a liquid is conveyed to said further drilled well (115) and out into the formation (1) for a first period of time T1. The invention is characterised in that the pore pressure of the formation is influenced during the period T1 with the object of subsequently controlling the formation of fractures along a drilled well, typically across large distances in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Maersk Olie OG Gas A/S
    Inventor: Ole Jørgensen
  • Boring tool tracking fundamentally based on drill string length, pitch and roll
    Patent number: 7165632
    Abstract: A boring tool moves having a pitch orientation, a yaw orientation and a roll orientation and is steerable underground using the roll orientation. A maximum drill string curvature is established for steering. The boring tool is advanced over a path segment. An averaged roll characteristic is determined for movement of the boring tool along the path segment. A path segment pitch orientation is established based on at least one measured pitch orientation along the path segment. Using the maximum drill string curvature in combination with the averaged roll characteristic and the path segment pitch orientation, the yaw orientation is determined. The averaged roll characteristic is determined based on a series of incremental roll measurements that are spaced across the path segment. A set of coupled ordinary differential equations is used to characterize movement of the boring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Burrows, Guenter W. Brune, John E. Mercer
  • Combined telemetry system and method
    Patent number: 7163065
    Abstract: Telemetry systems and methods are disclosed for real time communication of information between multiple positions in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Zhiyi Zhang, Bruno Best, Gilberto Toffolo
  • Placing fiber optic sensor line
    Patent number: 7163055
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and an apparatus for placing fiber optic control line in a wellbore. In one aspect, a method for placing a line in a wellbore is provided. The method includes providing a tubular in the wellbore, the tubular having a first conduit operatively attached thereto, whereby the first conduit extends substantially the entire length of the tubular. The method further includes aligning the first conduit with a second conduit operatively attached to a downhole component and forming a hydraulic connection between the first conduit and the second conduit thereby completing a passageway therethrough. Additionally, the method includes urging the line through the passageway. In another aspect, a method for placing a control line in a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, an assembly for an intelligent well is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Coon, John R. Setterberg, Jr.
  • Difunctional phosphorus-based gelling agents and gelled nonaqueous treatment fluids and associated methods
    Patent number: 7163060
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating a portion of a subterranean formation, one of which includes: providing a gelled nonaqueous treatment fluid that comprises a nonaqueous base fluid and a difunctional gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of a bisorganophosphinic acid, a polyvalent metal salt of a bisorthophosphoric acid diester, and/or a polyvalent metal salt of a bisorganophosphonic acid monoester; and treating the portion of the subterranean formation. Methods of fracturing, providing some degree of sand control, cleaning a portion of a pipeline, treatment fluid compositions, and difunctional gelling agent compositions also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignees: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Georgetown University
    Inventors: Richard Weiss, Mathew George, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Completion apparatus and methods for use in hydrocarbon wells
    Patent number: 7163057
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cement shoe assembly for use on a string of tubulars in a well. In one aspect of the invention, the cement shoe assembly includes a housing having a lower portion with an enlarged inside diameter and a drillable cement shoe disposed therein. The shoe includes a weakened portion of material adjacent the enlarged inside diameter portion of the housing and ensures that as a cutting tool passes through the housing, all portions of the cement shoe are removed from the enlarged inside diameter portion, leaving a connection surface clear of debris for a subsequent tubular string. When a smaller tubular is expanded into the enclosed diameter portion of the housing, a connection is made therebetween without enlarging the outer diameter of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: John Emile Hebert, Patrick John Seely, Joseph Jude Boudreaux, Thomas A. Dupré
  • Method and system for extraction of resources from a subterranean well bore
    Patent number: 7163063
    Abstract: A method for stimulating production of resources from a coal seam includes forming a drainage well bore in the coal bed that has a first end coupled to a ground surface and a second end in the coal seam. The method further includes inserting a liner into the well bore. The liner has a wall including a number of apertures and a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the drainage well bore such that a gap is formed between the wall of the liner and the well bore. The method also includes collapsing the drainage well bore around the liner to relieve stress in the coal seam proximate to the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: CDX Gas, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas P. Seams
  • Method for releasing stuck drill string
    Patent number: 7163059
    Abstract: A method for releasing a drill string stuck against a wall of a well bore due to pressure differential between the hydrostatic pressure of a fluid in the well bore and the pressure of a formation at the point where the drill string is stuck. The method includes injecting a first fluid into the annulus via the drill string and simultaneously injecting a second fluid into the annulus at an upper end of the annulus. The first fluid and the second fluid are injected into the annulus at a volume and rate sufficient to cause at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid to penetrate the formation and increase the pressure of the formation adjacent the well bore so that the pressure of the formation adjacent the well bore is substantially equalized with the pressure of the well bore. A jarring force is simultaneously exerted to the drill string to cause the drill string to release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Craig J. Elder
  • Drilling system with expandable sleeve
    Patent number: 7159673
    Abstract: A drilling system and method for drilling a borehole into an earth formation is provided. The drilling system has a drill string having a lower section provided with a sleeve which is radially expandable from a retracted mode in which the sleeve extends around the lower drill string section and is releasably connected thereto, to an expanded mode in which the sleeve is released from the lower drill string section and is expanded against the borehole wall. The drilling system further has a control means for selectively releasing the sleeve from the lower drill string section and expanding the sleeve against the borehole wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Robert Albertus Van Dijk
  • Centralizer
    Patent number: 7159668
    Abstract: A centralizer 10 for mounting on a tubular member such as a section of casing, together with one or more stops 42, 48 for retaining the centralizer thereon. The stops 42, 48 are provided with profiles for engaging the centralizer to restrict rotation thereof. The centralizer 10 may be selectively permitted or restricted from rotation by selection of appropriate stops, and by relative movement of the stops and centralizer on the tubular. Certain embodiments of the centralizer 10 may also include blades 14 on the body thereof, the blades being formed such that the velocity and kinetic energy of fluid flow across the blades is altered, so reducing settling of drill cuttings within the bore and on the centralizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Futuretec Ltd.
    Inventor: Derek Frederick Herrera
  • Method to install a cylindrical pipe in a wellbore
    Patent number: 7159666
    Abstract: A method to install a cylindrical pipe in a wellbore through a previously installed casing forming a reduced opening by running a pipe within the casing, the pipe having a first shape having dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the reduced opening; then deforming the pipe to convert the pipe from the first shape to a substantially cylindrical second shape in a cavity having larger dimensions than both the reduced opening and the second shape, and last displacing an expansion mandrel having a circular section to expand, in the plastic range, the pipe having a substantially cylindrical second shape to a cylindrical third shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Philippe Nobileau
  • Electric hydraulic power unit and method of using same
    Patent number: 7156183
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber therein and defining an inlet port and an outlet port and a movable pressure barrier, disposed in the chamber, separating the chamber into first and second portions, the inlet port and the outlet port being in fluid communication with the first portion of the chamber. The apparatus further includes a drive spring disposed in the second portion of the chamber for urging the movable pressure barrier in a pumping direction when in a compressed state, electric means for compressing the drive spring, and a return spring disposed in the first portion of the chamber for urging the movable pressure barrier in a recharging direction when the drive spring is in an uncompressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Williams
  • Expandable tubing and method
    Patent number: 7156180
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. McD. Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Method and apparatus for deploying a line in coiled tubing
    Patent number: 7152685
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for deploying a line in a borehole using coiled tubing are presented. Methods are applicable for use in deploying a line in a coiled tubing when the coiled tubing is spooled on a reel or deployed in a wellbore. A line reel provided in a pressure housing is used to supply a line for deployment using fluid flow in coiled tubing. The line reel assembly and deployments methods are suitable for use under well pressure. The line may comprise fiber optics. Subsequent to deployment of coiled tubing with a line dispose therein, the coiled tubing may be withdrawn, leaving the line in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Sarmad Adnan, Michael G. Gay
  • Method and arrangement for treatment of fluid
    Patent number: 7152681
    Abstract: A method utilizes the energy of water that flows out from a high-pressure reservoir. Water and hydrocarbons are separated in a down-hole separator and are brought separately to the seabed. In a first aspect the energy of the water is utilized to inject the water into an underground formation with a lower pressure. In a second aspect the energy is utilized to drive a turbine which in turn is driving a pump for pressurizing hydrocarbons. The invention utilizes a method and an arrangement to control the separator by control valves on the well head for each phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Aker Kvaerner Subsea AS
    Inventors: Geir Inge Olsen, Gunder Homstvedt
  • Connection rod and method for production thereof
    Patent number: 7152699
    Abstract: A connection rod (1) for rock drilling includes a first rod part (2) whidh has an external thread (4) provided at one end thereof, wherein the end of the rod opposite to the one end includes an end portion (6) which carries an internal thread (5), wherein the end portion (6) is joind to the first rod part (2) by friction welding and wherein the end portion (6) has been heat treated prior to being joined to the first rod part (2). The invention also relates to a method of producing such a connection rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Secoroc AB
    Inventor: Leif Nordfeldt
  • Downhole tool for deforming an object
    Patent number: 7152679
    Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a body defining a fluid chamber, a fluid outlet for directing fluid outwardly of the chamber, and an arrangement for producing a rapid reduction in the volume of the chamber, such that fluid in the chamber is displaced rapidly through the outlet. The fluid may be utilised to deform or perforate a surrounding tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Andrew Abercrombie Simpson
  • Techniques and systems associated with perforation and the installation of downhole tools
    Patent number: 7152676
    Abstract: A technique to install a tool in a well includes running the tool into the well and fixing the tool to the well with a fixing agent without pumping the fixing agent through a central passageway of the tool. The tool may be a perforating gun that includes a casing body that includes a longitudinal axis. The perforating gun may also include a fin and a perforating charge. The fin radially extends from the casing body, and the perforating charge is attached to the fin and is oriented to generate a perforation jet in a radial direction away from the longitudinal axis of the casing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Vella, Joe C. Hromas, Bennie Gill, Larry Grigar, Steven W. Henderson