Patents by Inventor Brian Nutley

Brian Nutley 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).

  • Patent number: 10961131
    Abstract: The invention provides a water treatment apparatus and method of use. The apparatus comprises an inlet configured to be connected to a source of liquid to be treated, and at least one liquid treatment vessel arranged to expose liquid in the vessel to ultraviolet radiation in an advanced oxidation process reaction. A source of ultraviolet radiation comprises a longitudinal axis oriented substantially parallel to a direction of flow of liquid past the source. A boundary surface between the source and a liquid to be treated is provided with one or more cleaning elements arranged longitudinally on the boundary surface. The cleaning elements and the boundary surface are arranged to be rotationally moveable relative to one another around the longitudinal axis of the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Greenthread Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Henderson, Brian Nutley, Kim Nutley, Ross Clarke
  • Patent number: 10696568
    Abstract: The invention provides an injector device for a water treatment apparatus, and a method of use. The injector device comprises a first coupling for fluid connection to a source of liquid to be treated; and a second coupling for fluid connection to at least one liquid treatment vessel arranged to expose liquid in the vessel to ultraviolet radiation in an advanced oxidation process reaction. The device comprises at least one injection port for injecting at least one gas into a liquid flowing through the injector device. The injector device is at least partially formed from a material that is transmissive to ultraviolet radiation. In another aspect, a water treatment apparatus defines a plurality of parallel flow streams between the inlet of the apparatus and the at least one liquid treatment vessel. The injector device comprises an injection port for each of the plurality of parallel flow streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Greenthread Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Henderson, Brian Nutley, Kim Nutley, Ross Clarke
  • Patent number: 10442705
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a liquid treatment process, and a method of use is described. The apparatus comprises an inlet configured to be connected to a source of liquid to be treated and an outlet for discharging liquid from the apparatus. At least one liquid treatment vessel or conduit is disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and is arranged to expose liquid in the vessel to ultraviolet radiation in an advanced oxidation process reaction. A source of ultraviolet radiation extending along the liquid treatment vessel or conduit, such that an annular flow volume is defined in the vessel or conduit around the source of ultraviolet radiation. A rotary device is disposed in the annular flow volume and a drive mechanism drives rotation of the rotary device. The rotary device is operable to induce cavitation in a liquid present in the annular flow volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Greenthread Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Henderson, Brian Nutley, Kim Nutley, Ross Clarke
  • Publication number: 20170320754
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a liquid treatment process, and a method of use is described. The apparatus comprises an inlet configured to be connected to a source of liquid to be treated and an outlet for discharging liquid from the apparatus. At least one liquid treatment vessel or conduit is disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and is arranged to expose liquid in the vessel to ultraviolet radiation in an advanced oxidation process reaction. A source of ultraviolet radiation extending along the liquid treatment vessel or conduit, such that an annular flow volume is defined in the vessel or conduit around the source of ultraviolet radiation. A rotary device is disposed in the annular flow volume and a drive mechanism drives rotation of the rotary device. The rotary device is operable to induce cavitation in a liquid present in the annular flow volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: Greenthread Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Henderson, Brian Nutley, Kim Nutley, Ross Clarke
  • Patent number: 9745818
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for use in a wellbore gravel pack operation. The method comprises providing an apparatus in a downhole annulus. The apparatus comprises a mandrel and a swellable element formed from a material selected to increase in volume when exposed to a downhole stimulus. The method comprises placing a gravel pack below the apparatus via the downhole annulus in which the apparatus is located, and placing a gravel pack above the apparatus. Subsequent to placing the gravel packs, the swellable element is increased in volume to create an annular barrier in the wellbore. The invention allows isolation of multiple intervals of a well in a single gravel pack operation using swellable elastomers, and does not rely on the use of shunt tube alternate path systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: John Broussard, Brian Nutley, Ross Clarke, Kim Nutley
  • Publication number: 20170225973
    Abstract: The invention provides a water treatment apparatus and method of use. The apparatus comprises an inlet configured to be connected to a source of liquid to be treated, and at least one liquid treatment vessel arranged to expose liquid in the vessel to ultraviolet radiation in an advanced oxidation process reaction. A source of ultraviolet radiation comprises a longitudinal axis oriented substantially parallel to a direction of flow of liquid past the source. A boundary surface between the source and a liquid to be treated is provided with one or more cleaning elements arranged longitudinally on the boundary surface. The cleaning elements and the boundary surface are arranged to be rotationally moveable relative to one another around the longitudinal axis of the source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Greenthread Limited
    Inventors: Andrew HENDERSON, Brian NUTLEY, Kim NUTLEY, Ross CLARKE
  • Publication number: 20170225971
    Abstract: The invention provides an injector device for a water treatment apparatus, and a method of use. The injector device comprises a first coupling for fluid connection to a source of liquid to be treated; and a second coupling for fluid connection to at least one liquid treatment vessel arranged to expose liquid in the vessel to ultraviolet radiation in an advanced oxidation process reaction. The device comprises at least one injection port for injecting at least one gas into a liquid flowing through the injector device. The injector device is at least partially formed from a material that is transmissive to ultraviolet radiation. In another aspect, a water treatment apparatus defines a plurality of parallel flow streams between the inlet of the apparatus and the at least one liquid treatment vessel. The injector device comprises an injection port for each of the plurality of parallel flow streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Greenthread Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Henderson, Brian Nutley, Kim Nutley, Ross Clarke
  • Patent number: 9587459
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for use in a wellbore gravel pack operation. The method comprises providing an apparatus in a downhole annulus. The apparatus comprises a mandrel and a swellable element formed from a material selected to increase in volume when exposed to a downhole stimulus. The method comprises placing a gravel pack below the apparatus via the downhole annulus in which the apparatus is located, and placing a gravel pack above the apparatus. Subsequent to placing the gravel packs, the swellable element is increased in volume to create an annular barrier in the wellbore. The invention allows isolation of multiple intervals of a well in a single gravel pack operation using swellable elastomers, and does not rely on the use of shunt tube alternate path systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John Broussard, Brian Nutley, Ross Clarke, Kim Nutley
  • Patent number: 9512691
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus is described comprising a body and a sealing arrangement located on the body. The body has a longitudinal axis and the sealing arrangement comprises at least one elongated sealing member with an axis of elongation extending around the longitudinal axis. The sealing member comprises a material selected to expand on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, such as a hydrocarbon or aqueous fluid encountered in a wellbore. A method of forming the apparatus and methods of use are described. Embodiments of the invention relate to wellbore packers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley, Glen Robitaille
  • Publication number: 20150176364
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for use in a wellbore gravel pack operation. The method comprises providing an apparatus in a downhole annulus. The apparatus comprises a mandrel and a swellable element formed from a material selected to increase in volume when exposed to a downhole stimulus. The method comprises placing a gravel pack below the apparatus via the downhole annulus in which the apparatus is located, and placing a gravel pack above the apparatus. Subsequent to placing the gravel packs, the swellable element is increased in volume to create an annular barrier in the wellbore. The invention allows isolation of multiple intervals of a well in a single gravel pack operation using swellable elastomers, and does not rely on the use of shunt tube alternate path systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: John Broussard, Brian Nutley, Ross Clarke, Kim Nutley
  • Patent number: 8960315
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus and support assembly has a radially expanding portion comprising a swellable elastomeric material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support assembly is operable to be deployed from a first retracted position to a second expanded condition. The support assembly comprises an inner surface arranged to face the radially expanding portion, and at least a portion of the inner surface is concave. The support assembly may be configured to direct a force from the swellable material to boost or energize a seal created between the radially expanding portion and a surrounding surface in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
  • Publication number: 20140224497
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus is described comprising a body and a sealing arrangement located on the body. The body has a longitudinal axis and the sealing arrangement comprises at least one elongated sealing member with an axis of elongation extending around the longitudinal axis. The sealing member comprises a material selected to expand on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, such as a hydrocarbon or aqueous fluid encountered in a wellbore. A method of forming the apparatus and methods of use are described. Embodiments of the invention relate to wellbore packers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley, Glen Robitaille
  • Patent number: 8794339
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
  • Patent number: 8752638
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus, for example a centralizer, comprises a swellable material which expands upon contact with at least one predetermined fluid. In a first aspect of the invention, a centralizer comprises a body and a plurality of formations upstanding from the body. In another aspect, a downhole apparatus comprises a throughbore configured to receive a tubular, a swellable member, and a rigid assembly integrally formed with the swellable member. The rigid assembly provides stand off to the apparatus in use. In a further aspect, the downhole apparatus has a first condition before expansion of the swellable member in which a rigid assembly defines a maximum outer diameter of the apparatus. In a second condition after expansion of the swellable member, the swellable member defines a maximum outer diameter of the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid assembly is designed to flex or deform under an axial or radial load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
  • Publication number: 20140034335
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
  • Patent number: 8636074
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus is described comprising a body and a sealing arrangement located on the body. The body has a longitudinal axis and the sealing arrangement comprises at least one elongated sealing member with an axis of elongation extending around the longitudinal axis. The sealing member comprises a material selected to expand on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, such as a hydrocarbon or aqueous fluid encountered in a wellbore. A method of forming the apparatus and methods of use are described. Embodiments of the invention relate to wellbore packers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley, Glen Robitaille
  • Patent number: 8627894
    Abstract: A ring member for a downhole apparatus includes a swellable material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one triggering fluid. The ring member is configured to cooperate with a swellable member disposed on a body of the apparatus, and may function as a gauge ring or a retaining member. The ring member is secured to the apparatus via a coupling arrangement which couples the body to an adjacent well string section. The ring member is threaded into the well string. Alternately, the ring member may be disposed over an upstanding formation such as a coupling sleeve by clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
  • Patent number: 8590617
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is described, the apparatus having a tubular body and a throughbore which defines a primary fluid path through the apparatus. An expanding element is disposed around the tubular body and is configured to provide an annular barrier in a space between the tubular body and a surrounding wall. A conduit defining a secondary flow path through the apparatus is provided, and is configured to be in fluid communication with at least one alternate path, such as a shunt tube. The conduit is arranged to vary the secondary flow path along a longitudinal direction of the apparatus, for example to redirect the flow path to a radial position closer to the tool body. The conduit is configured to have a reduced effect on the operation of the expanding element, while still allowing the conduit to be coupled to alternate flow paths of adjacent apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
  • Patent number: 8584764
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralizing apparatus are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
  • Publication number: 20130277069
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus and support assembly is described. The downhole apparatus has a radially expanding portion comprising a swellable elastomeric material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support assembly is operable to be deployed from a first retracted position to a second expanded condition. The support assembly comprises an inner surface arranged to face the radially expanding portion, and at least a portion of the inner surface is concave. In another aspect the support assembly is configured to direct a force from the swellable material to boost or energize a seal created between the radially expanding portion and a surrounding surface in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley