Patents by Inventor David D. Hearn
David D. Hearn 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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Patent number: 12152461Abstract: Method of plugging a hydrocarbon well by a through-tubing technique are described. The method allows the tubing to be left in place. Only a short (<2 m) section is cut, milled, perforated, ruptured and expanded, or combinations thereof. A blocking device is sent downhole to block a bottom of the plug section, and bismuth alloy pellets dropped onto the blocking device. A heater is deployed to melt the bismuth alloy pellets. Next, the alloy liquid is allowed to cool and solidify. During solidification, the alloy expands and fills the section of well to be plugged or a portion thereof. Once primary and secondary barriers are in place, the well can be closed and the Christmas tree removed. A rock-to-rock plug can be set by removing or partially removing the tubular and outer casing, or just inner casing/tubulars can be removed if the exterior cement and casing are of sufficient quality.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2022Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Dan Mueller, Geir Ove Titlestad, David D. Hearn, Curtis G. Blount, Rick D. Watts, Randall S. Shafer, Dale R. Doherty
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Patent number: 12129735Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and method of sealing perforations on a well casing inside a subterranean well. The device comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve having an open top and a closed bottom; a heater located inside the sleeve, the heater comprising a thermite mixture; an ignition mechanism that ignites the thermite mixture upon actuation; and a string connected to the heater ignition and detachably engages the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2022Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: David D. Hearn, Casey Hirschmann, Randall S. Shafer, Stewart M. Robertson, Dan Mueller
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Publication number: 20240318524Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and method of sealing perforations on a well casing inside a subterranean well. The device comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve having an open top and a closed bottom; a heater located inside the sleeve, the heater comprising a thermite mixture; an ignition mechanism that ignites the thermite mixture upon actuation; and a string connected to the heater ignition and detachably engages the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2022Publication date: September 26, 2024Inventors: David D. HEARN, Casey HIRSCHMANN, Randall S. SHAFER, Stewart M. ROBERTSON, Dan MUELLER
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Patent number: 12010970Abstract: A composition for a plug for use in wellbores undergoing plugging and abandonment operations, as well as plugs made with the composition, wherein the composition includes a first molten metal produced by igniting nano-thermite clusters of <500 nm average diameter admixed with a second molten metal that is produced by melting the wellbore's production tubing and casing.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2022Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: David D. Hearn, Casey Hirschmann, Randall S. Shafer
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Publication number: 20230371454Abstract: A composition for a plug for wellbores undergoing plugging and abandonment operations is described. Methods of setting the plug are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2022Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: David D. HEARN, Casey HIRSCHMANN, Randall S. SHAFER
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Patent number: 11480026Abstract: A composition and methods for setting a plug for well bores undergoing plugging and abandonment operations is described. Methods of setting the plug are also described include placing a blocking device below the plug location and creating a void space above the blocking device; placing a heat resistant base plate above the blocking device and introducing nano-thermite clusters and expandable bismuth alloy pellets into the void space; igniting the thermite and cooling the melted alloy to form a permanent plug in the void space.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIS COMPANYInventors: David D. Hearn, Casey Hirschmann, Randall S. Shafer
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Publication number: 20220307343Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and method of sealing perforations on a well casing inside a subterranean well. The device comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve having an open top and a closed bottom; a heater located inside the sleeve, the heater comprising a thermite mixture; an ignition mechanism that ignites the thermite mixture upon actuation; and a string connected to the heater ignition and detachably engages the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Inventors: David D. HEARN, Casey HIRSCHMANN, Randall S. SHAFER, Stewart M. ROBERTSON, Dan MUELLER
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Publication number: 20220290526Abstract: Method of plugging a hydrocarbon well by a through-tubing technique are described. The method allows the tubing to be left in place. Only a short (<2 m) section is cut, milled, perforated, ruptured and expanded, or combinations thereof. A blocking device is sent downhole to block a bottom of the plug section, and bismuth alloy pellets dropped onto the blocking device. A heater is deployed to melt the bismuth alloy pellets. Next, the alloy liquid is allowed to cool and solidify. During solidification, the alloy expands and fills the section of well to be plugged or a portion thereof. Once primary and secondary barriers are in place, the well can be closed and the Christmas tree removed. A rock-to-rock plug can be set by removing or partially removing the tubular and outer casing, or just inner casing/tubulars can be removed if the exterior cement and casing are of sufficient quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Dan MUELLER, Geir Ove TITLESTAD, David D. HEARN, Curtis G. BLOUNT, Rick D. WATTS, Randall S. SHAFER, Dale R. DOHERTY
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Patent number: 11441384Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and method of sealing perforations on a well casing inside a subterranean well. The device comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve having an open top and a closed bottom; a heater located inside the sleeve, the heater comprising a thermite mixture; an ignition mechanism that ignites the thermite mixture upon actuation; and a string connected to the heater ignition and detachably engages the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: David D. Hearn, Casey Hirschmann, Randall S. Shafer, Stewart M. Robertson, Dan Mueller
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Patent number: 11377925Abstract: Method of plugging a hydrocarbon well by a through-tubing technique are described. The method allows the tubing to be left in place. Only a short (<2 m) section is cut, milled, perforated, ruptured and expanded, or combinations thereof. A blocking device is sent downhole to block a bottom of the plug section, and bismuth alloy pellets dropped onto the blocking device. A heater is deployed to melt the bismuth alloy pellets. Next, the alloy liquid is allowed to cool and solidify. During solidification, the alloy expands and fills the section of well to be plugged or a portion thereof. Once primary and secondary barriers are in place, the well can be closed and the Christmas tree removed. A rock-to-rock plug can be set by removing or partially removing the tubular and outer casing, or just inner casing/tubulars can be removed if the exterior cement and casing are of sufficient quality.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2018Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Dan Mueller, Geir Ove Titlestad, David D. Hearn, Curtis G. Blount, Rick D. Watts, Randall S. Shafer, Dale R. Doherty
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Publication number: 20210087904Abstract: A composition and methods for setting a plug for well bores undergoing plugging and abandonment operations is described. Methods of setting the plug are also described include placing a blocking device below the plug location and creating a void space above the blocking device; placing a heat resistant base plate above the blocking device and introducing nano-thermite clusters and expandable bismuth alloy pellets into the void space; igniting the thermite and cooling the melted alloy to form a permanent plug in the void space.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: David D. HEARN, Casey HIRSCHMANN, Randall S. SHAFER
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Patent number: 10871050Abstract: A composition and methods for setting a plug for well bores undergoing plugging and abandonment operations. Methods include placing a blocking device below the plug location and creating a void space above the blocking device; placing a heat resistant base plate above the blocking device and introducing nano-thermite clusters and expandable bismuth alloy pellets into the void space; igniting the thermite and cooling the melted alloy to form a permanent plug in the void space.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: David D. Hearn, Casey Hirschmann, Randall S. Shafer
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Publication number: 20200381403Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and method of sealing perforations on a well casing inside a subterranean well. The device comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve having an open top and a closed bottom; a heater located inside the sleeve, the heater comprising a thermite mixture; an ignition mechanism that ignites the thermite mixture upon actuation; and a string connected to the heater ignition and detachably engages the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventors: David D. HEARN, Casey HIRSCHMANN, Randall S. SHAFER, Stewart M. ROBERTSON, Dan MUELLER
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Patent number: 10760374Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and method of sealing perforations on a well casing inside a subterranean well. The device comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve having a open top and a closed bottom; a heater located inside the sleeve, the heater comprising a thermite mixture; an ignition mechanism that ignites the thermite mixture upon actuation; and a string connected to the heater ignition and detachably engages the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: David D. Hearn, Casey Hirschmann, Randall S. Shafer, Stewart M. Robertson, Dan Mueller
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Publication number: 20190128092Abstract: Method of plugging a hydrocarbon well by a through-tubing technique are described. The method allows the tubing to be left in place. Only a short (<2 m) section is cut, milled, perforated, ruptured and expanded, or combinations thereof. A blocking device is sent downhole to block a bottom of the plug section, and bismuth alloy pellets dropped onto the blocking device. A heater is deployed to melt the bismuth alloy pellets. Next, the alloy liquid is allowed to cool and solidify. During solidification, the alloy expands and fills the section of well to be plugged or a portion thereof. Once primary and secondary barriers are in place, the well can be closed and the Christmas tree removed. A rock-to-rock plug can be set by removing or partially removing the tubular and outer casing, or just inner casing/tubulars can be removed if the exterior cement and casing are of sufficient quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2018Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventors: Dan MUELLER, Geir Ove TITLESTAD, David D. HEARN, Curtis G. BLOUNT, Rick D. WATTS, Randall S. SHAFER, Dale R. DOHERTY
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Publication number: 20180148991Abstract: This disclosure describes a device and method of sealing perforations on a well casing inside a subterranean well. The device comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve having a open top and a closed bottom; a heater located inside the sleeve, the heater comprising a thermite mixture; an ignition mechanism that ignites the thermite mixture upon actuation; and a string connected to the heater ignition and detachably engages the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2017Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: David D. Hearn, Casey HIRSCHMANN, Randall S. Shafer, Stewart M. ROBERTSON, Dan MUELLER
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Publication number: 20180094504Abstract: A composition for a plug for wellbores undergoing plugging and abandonment operations is described. Methods of setting the plug are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: David D. Hearn, Casey HIRSCHMANN, Randall S. Shafer
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Patent number: 9371694Abstract: The present invention relates to drilling lateral wells or sidetrack wells from a primary wellbore to enhance the efficiency and productivity of oil and gas wells.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: David D. Hearn, Lamar L. Gantt, Dan E. Venhaus, John G. Eller
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Publication number: 20160090804Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce flow in front of the drill bit while milling improve milling debris size. Reducing flow on the drill bit face while milling allows the drill cuttings to remain at the drilling surface longer and reduce the size of the cuttings. The smaller cuttings increase the ease and speed of cutting removal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Scott A. GRUBB, Jason M. SKUFCA, David D. HEARN
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Patent number: 8430187Abstract: Drilling a sidetrack wellbore out of the side of an existing wellbore utilizing a drillable billet having a path formed in the billet to lead a bi-centered drillbit to kick-out from the wellbore and form a sidetrack wellbore. The bi-centered bit is arranged for the lands of the pilot section to follow the path of the billet while the wings of the ream out a portion of the billet and also ream out the earth to form the full dimension sidetrack wellbore. The bi-centered bit is used to drill the sidetrack wellbore to the target zone so that the entire drilling process extends from the existing wellbore to the target zone without a mandatory withdrawal of the drillstring from the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventor: David D. Hearn