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).

  • Publication number: 20240344423
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Applicant: Swellfix UK Limited
    Inventors: Benn VOLL, Jonathan BROWN, James ANDERSON, Charles BRODIE, Tomas GAIZEVSKIS, Nathan SUSSEX
  • Publication number: 20240344422
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Applicant: Swellfix UK Limited
    Inventors: Benn VOLL, James ANDERSON, Jonathan ABBOTT, Li JIANG
  • Patent number: 10753173
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Swellfix B.V.
    Inventors: Benn Voll, Barry Huffer, Colin Mackie, Neil Anderson
  • Patent number: 10605062
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Swellfix UK Limited
    Inventors: Benn Voll, Ismarullizam Mohd Ismail
  • Patent number: 10605046
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Swellfix B.V.
    Inventors: Ismarullizam Mohd Ismail, Benn Voll, Steven Fipke, Stephen Lee Crow
  • Publication number: 20170306738
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Benn VOLL, Ismarullizam Mohd ISMAIL
  • Publication number: 20160333664
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Ismarullizam Mohd ISMAIL, Benn VOLL, Steven FIPKE, Stephen Lee CROW
  • Publication number: 20160177659
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Benn VOLL, Barry HUFFER, Colin MACKIE, Neil ANDERSON
  • Patent number: 8925634
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: FloTech Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Sam Simonian, Giovanni Salerno, Benn Voll
  • Patent number: 8789587
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paulo Tubel, Brian Bidigare, Michael Johnson, John Harrell, Benn Voll
  • Publication number: 20120227979
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Sam Simonian, Giovanni Salerno, Benn Voll
  • Publication number: 20100212895
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Euin H. Vickery, Benn Voll, Eugene Ratterman, Eddie Bowen, John T. Broome
  • Publication number: 20090188665
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paulo Tubel, Brian Bidigare, Michael Johnson, John Harrell, Benn Voll
  • Publication number: 20040043501
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: C. Mitch Means, Alan Clemmit, Benn Voll
  • Publication number: 20030205083
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paulo Tubel, Brian Bidigare, Michael Johnson, John Harrell, Benn Voll
  • Patent number: 6588266
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paulo Tubel, Brian Bidigare, Michael Johnson, John Harrell, Benn Voll
  • Patent number: 6581688
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Benn Voll, Hang Nguyen, Kelvin Smejkal
  • Patent number: 6409219
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Todd Broome, Benn Voll, Perry Douglas Baycroft, Elmer Richard Peterson, Bobby Edward Hall
  • Publication number: 20020066309
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Paulo Tubel, Brian Bidigare, Michael Johnson, John Harrell, Benn Voll
  • Publication number: 20010047865
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Benn Voll, Hang Nguyen, Kelvin Smejkal