Patents by Inventor Benn Voll
Benn Voll has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240344423Abstract: A flow control device and associated method are provided, the flow control device comprising: a body locatable within a wall of a tubular and defining a primary inlet and a primary outlet, wherein a primary flow path is defined between the primary inlet and primary outlet; a valve member is disposed within the body, the valve member being moveable in reverse first and second directions to selectively vary a flow area of the primary flow path; and, a sealed pilot pressure chamber defining a pilot pressure inlet for receiving a pilot pressure, the valve member being in pressure communication with the sealed pilot pressure chamber such that pilot pressure may act to bias the valve member in one of the first and second directions, wherein the pilot pressure is provided as a function of a property of fluid flowing through the primary flow path.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2021Publication date: October 17, 2024Applicant: Swellfix UK LimitedInventors: Benn VOLL, Jonathan BROWN, James ANDERSON, Charles BRODIE, Tomas GAIZEVSKIS, Nathan SUSSEX
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Publication number: 20240344422Abstract: A fluid intake system is disclosed for use with a flow control device which controls fluid flow into a tubular. The fluid intake system comprises a manifold configured to circumscribe a tubular which includes a flow control device, the manifold comprising a plurality of circumferentially arranged inlet ports for receiving a fluid into the manifold. The system includes a fluid outlet to be arranged in communication with the flow control device to, in use, communicate fluid from the manifold to the flow control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2022Publication date: October 17, 2024Applicant: Swellfix UK LimitedInventors: Benn VOLL, James ANDERSON, Jonathan ABBOTT, Li JIANG
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Patent number: 10753173Abstract: A retrievable packer device for use in a wellbore includes first and second end rings configured to be mounted on a base member and a deformable sleeve extending from the first end ring to the second end ring and configured to extend around the base member. A swellable sleeve is mounted on the deformable sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Swellfix B.V.Inventors: Benn Voll, Barry Huffer, Colin Mackie, Neil Anderson
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Patent number: 10605062Abstract: A downhole flow control device includes a housing, an inlet port, an outlet port and a valve seat surface surrounding the inlet port. A valve plate is mounted within the housing to move between an open position in which the valve plate is separated from the valve seat surface to define a separation flow path therebetween to permit flow in a forward direction from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and a closed position in which the valve plate is engaged with the valve seat surface to close the separation flow path to restrict flow in a reverse direction from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet. At least one of the valve seat and valve plate defines a geometry to encourage an increase in static pressure of fluid flow in the separation flow path when the valve plate is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Swellfix UK LimitedInventors: Benn Voll, Ismarullizam Mohd Ismail
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Patent number: 10605046Abstract: A downhole flow control device includes a body to be secured within a wall of a tubular, wherein the body defines a flow path therethrough, with a nozzle mounted within the flow path. A dissipation structure is positioned on a first side of the nozzle, such that fluid flowing through the body in a first direction will exit the nozzle and impinge on the dissipation structure prior to exit from the flow control device.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Swellfix B.V.Inventors: Ismarullizam Mohd Ismail, Benn Voll, Steven Fipke, Stephen Lee Crow
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Publication number: 20170306738Abstract: A downhole flow control device includes a housing, an inlet port, an outlet port and a valve seat surface surrounding the inlet port. A valve plate is mounted within the housing to move between an open position in which the valve plate is separated from the valve seat surface to define a separation flow path therebetween to permit flow in a forward direction from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and a closed position in which the valve plate is engaged with the valve seat surface to close the separation flow path to restrict flow in a reverse direction from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet. At least one of the valve seat and valve plate defines a geometry to encourage an increase in static pressure of fluid flow in the separation flow path when the valve plate is in the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2015Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Benn VOLL, Ismarullizam Mohd ISMAIL
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Publication number: 20160333664Abstract: A downhole flow control device includes a body to be secured within a wall of a tubular, wherein the body defines a flow path therethrough, with a nozzle mounted within the flow path. A dissipation structure is positioned on a first side of the nozzle, such that fluid flowing through the body in a first direction will exit the nozzle and impinge on the dissipation structure prior to exit from the flow control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2015Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventors: Ismarullizam Mohd ISMAIL, Benn VOLL, Steven FIPKE, Stephen Lee CROW
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Publication number: 20160177659Abstract: A retrievable packer device for use in a wellbore includes first and second end rings configured to be mounted on a base member and a deformable sleeve extending from the first end ring to the second end ring and configured to extend around the base member. A swellable sleeve is mounted on the deformable sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Benn VOLL, Barry HUFFER, Colin MACKIE, Neil ANDERSON
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Patent number: 8925634Abstract: A flow restrictor device for production tubing comprising an obstructing member. The flow restrictor is arranged for movement between a first position where the obstructing member is located so as to form a seal with an edge of an aperture formed in a wall of said production tubing and is arranged to prevent fluid flow through said aperture, and a second position where the obstructing member is located so that the aperture is unobstructed. The flow restrictor further comprises a retaining arrangement for restricting possible locations of said obstructing member to said first position, second position and positions therebetween. The aperture allows fluid communication between the exterior and interior of the production tubing.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: FloTech Holdings LimitedInventors: Sam Simonian, Giovanni Salerno, Benn Voll
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Patent number: 8789587Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling an injection operation is disclosed. A plurality of distributed fiber optic sensors is located in a production well. Fluid is injected into an injection well spaced apart from the production well. A parameter of a formation between the production well and the injection well is determined from measurements from the formation obtained using the fiber optic sensors. At least one of an injection of fluid into the injection well and a flow into the production well is controlled in response to the determined parameter.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo Tubel, Brian Bidigare, Michael Johnson, John Harrell, Benn Voll
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Publication number: 20120227979Abstract: A flow restrictor device (10) for production tubing comprises: an obstructing member (18) arranged for movement between a first position where said obstructing member is located so as to form a seal with an edge of an aperture (14) formed in a wall of said production tubing and is arranged prevent fluid flow through said aperture, and a second position where said obstructing member is located so that the aperture is unobstructed; and a retaining arrangement (16) for restricting possible locations of said obstructing member to said first position, second position and positions therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventors: Sam Simonian, Giovanni Salerno, Benn Voll
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Publication number: 20100212895Abstract: An assembly of inflow control devices on a string along with isolation devices can be delivered into an existing or newly delivered screen assembly that requires inflow control for balanced flow from the formation. In newly delivered screen assemblies, any gravel packing that needs to be done can be accomplished without the presence of the inflow devices for faster circulation and improved gravel deposition. External annular barriers can also be delivered with an original screen assembly in a new well installation. The inflow devices and barriers can be of a variety of designs and the internal string can be removable if the barriers are retrievable to facilitate further drilling or completion below the screen assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Euin H. Vickery, Benn Voll, Eugene Ratterman, Eddie Bowen, John T. Broome
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Publication number: 20090188665Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems utilizing fiber optics for monitoring downhole parameters and the operation and conditions of downhole tools and controlling injection operations based on measurements in an injection well and/or a production well.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo Tubel, Brian Bidigare, Michael Johnson, John Harrell, Benn Voll
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Publication number: 20040043501Abstract: The present invention provides systems utilizing fiber optics for monitoring downhole parameters and the operation of systems for injection of treatment chemicals. In one system, fiber optics sensors are placed in the wellbore to make distributed measurements for determining the fluid parameters including temperature, pressure, fluid flow, fluid constituents and chemical properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: C. Mitch Means, Alan Clemmit, Benn Voll
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Publication number: 20030205083Abstract: The present invention provides systems utilizing fiber optics for monitoring downhole parameters and the operation and conditions of downhole tools. In one system fiber optics sensors are placed in the wellbore to make distributed measurements for determining the fluid parameters including temperature, pressure, fluid flow, fluid constituents and chemical properties. Optical spectrometric sensors are employed for monitoring chemical properties in the wellbore and at the surface for chemical injection systems. Fiber optic sensors are utilized to determine formation properties including resistivity and acoustic properties compensated for temperature effects. Fiber optic sensors are used to monitor the operation and condition of downhole devices including electrical submersible pumps and flow control devices. In one embodiment, a common fluid line is used to monitor downhole parameters and to operate hydraulically-operated devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo Tubel, Brian Bidigare, Michael Johnson, John Harrell, Benn Voll
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Patent number: 6588266Abstract: The present invention provides systems utilizing fiber optics for monitoring downhole parameters and the operation and conditions of downhole tools. In one system fiber optics sensors are placed in the wellbore to make distributed measurements for determining the fluid parameters including temperature, pressure, fluid flow, fluid constituents and chemical properties. Optical spectrometric sensors are employed for monitoring chemical properties in the wellbore and at the surface for chemical injection systems. Fiber optic sensors are utilized to determine formation properties including resistivity and acoustic properties compensated for temperature effects. Fiber optic sensors are used to monitor the operation and condition of downhole devices including electrical submersible pumps and flow control devices. In one embodiment, a common fluid line is used to monitor downhole parameters and to operate hydraulically-operated devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo Tubel, Brian Bidigare, Michael Johnson, John Harrell, Benn Voll
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Patent number: 6581688Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently packing proppant in an extended reach, horizontal, open hole annulus. For a given set of fixed parameters, such as the wellbore size, screen size and formation fracture pressure, the method provides a combination of critical parameter values, including the proppant density, the mixture ratio of proppant and liquid and the pump rate which will yield an efficient and effective placement of the proppant in the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Benn Voll, Hang Nguyen, Kelvin Smejkal
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Patent number: 6409219Abstract: A system for preferable use in gravel packing is disclosed which includes a plurality of transport tubes which are mounted outside of gravel pack screens. The multiplicity of shunt tubes cover a particular zone so that the tubes have a varying length to deposit gravel at different portions of the zone. The tops of the tubes are preferably sealed until ready for use and activated by applied pressure. In the preferred embodiment, rupture discs are found at the tops of each of the tubes, set for different pressures so as to open up the transport tubes to the lower most portion of a particular zone and later in sequence to the higher-most portion. The transport tubes are affixed to each section of pipe and are made up when two sections of pipe are made up to alignment marks. When the marks are aligned, the transport tube segments from each pipe section are in an aligned and sealed relation while the tool joint is properly torqued.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Todd Broome, Benn Voll, Perry Douglas Baycroft, Elmer Richard Peterson, Bobby Edward Hall
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Publication number: 20020066309Abstract: The present invention provides systems utilizing fiber optics for monitoring downhole parameters and the operation and conditions of downhole tools. In one system fiber optics sensors are placed in the wellbore to make distributed measurements for determining the fluid parameters including temperature, pressure, fluid flow, fluid constituents and chemical properties. Optical spectrometric sensors are employed for monitoring chemical properties in the wellbore and at the surface for chemical injection systems. Fiber optic sensors are utilized to determine formation properties including resistivity and acoustic properties compensated for temperature effects. Fiber optic sensors are used to monitor the operation and condition of downhole devices including electrical submersible pumps and flow control devices. In one embodiment, a common fluid line is used to monitor downhole parameters and to operate hydraulically-operated devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Paulo Tubel, Brian Bidigare, Michael Johnson, John Harrell, Benn Voll
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Publication number: 20010047865Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently packing proppant in an open hole annulus. The method provides at least one combination of a plurality of parameters which will provide an efficient and safe packing operation for extended reach horizontal open holes. For a given set of fixed parameters, such as the wellbore size, screen size and formation fracture pressure, the method provides a combination of values of critical parameters, including the proppant density, the mix ratio of proppant and liquid and the pump rate which will yield the most efficient and effective placement of the proppant in the annulus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2001Publication date: December 6, 2001Inventors: Benn Voll, Hang Nguyen, Kelvin Smejkal