Patents by Inventor David J. Steele

David J. Steele 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: 20120305266
    Abstract: A method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include connecting at least two tubular strings to one opposite end of a tubular string connector with similarly dimensioned oriented connections, whereby the tubular strings are interchangeably connectable to the connector by the oriented connections. A wellbore junction assembly can include at least two tubular strings and a tubular string connector having opposite ends. Each of the tubular strings may be secured to one opposite end of the connector by oriented connections, whereby each of the tubular strings has a fixed rotational orientation relative to the connector. A well system can include a tubular string connector, each of first and second tubular strings being secured to the connector, and a support which reduces bending of the second tubular string which results from deflection of the second tubular string from one wellbore section into another wellbore section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: David J. STEELE, Jean-Michel RANJEVA
  • Publication number: 20120305267
    Abstract: A method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include inserting a tubular string into a deflector, and opening a flow control device in response to the inserting. A well system can include a deflector positioned at an intersection between at least three wellbore sections, and a tubular string connector having at least two tubular strings connected to an end thereof, one tubular string being received in the deflector and engaged with a flow control device positioned in a wellbore section, and another tubular string being received in another wellbore section. Another method of installing a wellbore junction assembly in a well can include inserting a tubular string into a deflector positioned at a wellbore intersection, then sealingly engaging the tubular string, and then opening a flow control device in response to the inserting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: David J. Steele
  • Patent number: 8286707
    Abstract: A system for treating a subterranean zone includes a combustion driven compressor in communication with a supply of a component of a combustion mixture. The compressor is configured to compress the component of the combustion mixture and has a combustion exhaust. A source of treatment fluid for treating the subterranean zone is coupled to the combustion exhaust to supply the treatment fluid in heat transfer communication with the combustion exhaust. In certain instances, compressor is driven by combusting the combustion mixture. In certain instances, the combustion mixture is combusted in separate combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender
  • Patent number: 8286701
    Abstract: A device has a first elongate tubular body and a second elongate tubular body coupled to the first tubular body, both adapted to reside in the wellbore. The device is changeable between the first tubular body axially fixed against movement in a first direction relative to the second tubular body and axially moveable in the first direction relative to the second elongate tubular body in response to temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, David J. Steele
  • Patent number: 8276688
    Abstract: An oilfield downhole cutting tool comprises a tool body that comprises a non-cutting stabilizing section. The cutting tool further comprises a plurality of cutters coupled to the tool body forward of the non-cutting stabilizing section, wherein a maximum cutting diameter defined by the cutters is less than 1.1 times a diameter defined by the non-cutting stabilizing section. The cutting tool further comprises a cutting rate limiting component coupled to the tool body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley P. Dietz, David J. Steele
  • Publication number: 20120193106
    Abstract: A device has a first elongate tubular body and a second elongate tubular body coupled to the first tubular body, both adapted to reside in the wellbore. The device is changeable between the first tubular body axially fixed against movement in a first direction relative to the second tubular body and axially moveable in the first direction relative to the second elongate tubular body in response to temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, David J. Steele
  • Patent number: 8096362
    Abstract: Phase-controlled well flow control. A well system includes a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid in the well system, the flow control device being responsive to both pressure and temperature in the well system to regulate flow of the fluid. A flow control device includes a flow regulator for regulating flow of a fluid through the flow control device, and an actuator which is operative to actuate the flow regulator in response to a predetermined relationship between a phase of the fluid and both pressure and temperature exposed to the actuator. A method of controlling a phase change of a fluid in a well system includes the steps of: flowing the fluid through a flow control device in the well system; and adjusting the flow control device in response to both pressure and temperature in the well system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Publication number: 20110240283
    Abstract: Assemblies that can be disposed in a subterranean bore are described. An assembly can include a body and a member that is made from a different material that the material from which the body is made. The member can be located in an opening in the body and can be coupled to the body. The member coupled to the body can define an inner diameter and form a seal for the inner diameter. The member can be milled to access an environment exterior to the member and the body for example to create a branch wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Dan Parnell Saurer
  • Publication number: 20110186291
    Abstract: Assemblies that can be disposed in a subterranean bore are described. Certain assemblies can be used to orient a second pipe with respect to a first pipe in a bore. A second pipe can be rotationally oriented without breaking one or more control lines that may be associated or included with the second pipe by using a tool that orients the second pipe as the second pipe is moved toward a surface of the bore. In some embodiments, assemblies can be used to orient multiple portions of the second pipe with respect to multiple windows of the first pipe. The first pipe may be a casing string and the second pipe may be a tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Loc Lang, David J. Steele, Dan P. Saurer
  • Publication number: 20110073295
    Abstract: Phase-controlled well flow control. A well system includes a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid in the well system, the flow control device being responsive to both pressure and temperature in the well system to regulate flow of the fluid. A flow control device includes a flow regulator for regulating flow of a fluid through the flow control device, and an actuator which is operative to actuate the flow regulator in response to a predetermined relationship between a phase of the fluid and both pressure and temperature exposed to the actuator. A method of controlling a phase change of a fluid in a well system includes the steps of: flowing the fluid through a flow control device in the well system; and adjusting the flow control device in response to both pressure and temperature in the well system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Publication number: 20110036576
    Abstract: A well system includes a main wellbore extending from a terranean surface toward a subterranean zone. A first lateral wellbore extends from the main wellbore into the subterranean zone. A second lateral wellbore extends from the main wellbore into the subterranean zone. A liner junction device resides in the main wellbore and has a first leg extending into the first lateral wellbore and a second leg extending downhole in the main wellbore. A treatment fluid injection string extends from in the main wellbore through the liner junction and into the first lateral wellbore and terminates in the first lateral wellbore. A seal in the first lateral wellbore seals against flow toward the main wellbore in an annulus adjacent an outer surface of the treatment fluid injection string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Steven Ronald Fipke, Aditya Shailesh Deshmuk, David J. Steele, Jorge Enrique Velez, Eulalio Rosas Fermin
  • Publication number: 20110005755
    Abstract: An oilfield downhole cutting tool is provided. The cutting tool comprises a tool body that comprises a non-cutting stabilizing section. The cutting tool further comprises a plurality of cutters coupled to the tool body forward of the non-cutting stabilizing section, wherein a maximum cutting diameter defined by the cutters is less than 1.1 times a diameter defined by the non-cutting stabilizing section. The cutting tool further comprises a cutting rate limiting component coupled to the tool body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Wesley P. Dietz, David J. Steele
  • Patent number: 7866400
    Abstract: Phase-controlled well flow control. A well system includes a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid in the well system, the flow control device being responsive to both pressure and temperature in the well system to regulate flow of the fluid. A flow control device includes a flow regulator for regulating flow of a fluid through the flow control device, and an actuator which is operative to actuate the flow regulator in response to a predetermined relationship between a phase of the fluid and both pressure and temperature exposed to the actuator. A method of controlling a phase change of a fluid in a well system includes the steps of: flowing the fluid through a flow control device in the well system; and adjusting the flow control device in response to both pressure and temperature in the well system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 7814978
    Abstract: Casing expansion and formation compression for permeability plane orientation. A method of forming at least one increased permeability plane in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; expanding the casing section in the wellbore; and then injecting a fluid into the formation, the injecting step being performed after the expanding step is completed. Another method includes the steps of: applying an increased compressive stress to the formation, the compressive stress being radially directed relative to a wellbore intersecting the formation; and then piercing the formation radially outward from the wellbore, thereby initiating the increased permeability plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, John C. Gano, Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20100163250
    Abstract: A device has a first elongate tubular body and a second elongate tubular body coupled to the first tubular body, both adapted to reside in the wellbore. The device is changeable between the first tubular body axially fixed against movement in a first direction relative to the second tubular body and axially moveable in the first direction relative to the second elongate tubular body in response to temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, David J. Steele
  • Publication number: 20100086425
    Abstract: A method for use in producing a stator for a progressing cavity apparatus which includes the use of electroforming to produce the stator tube. A stator tube for a progressing cavity apparatus which is produced using electroforming and a stator for a progressing cavity apparatus which includes a stator tube produced using electroforming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: David J. Steele
  • Publication number: 20090218089
    Abstract: Phase-controlled well flow control. A well system includes a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid in the well system, the flow control device being responsive to both pressure and temperature in the well system to regulate flow of the fluid. A flow control device includes a flow regulator for regulating flow of a fluid through the flow control device, and an actuator which is operative to actuate the flow regulator in response to a predetermined relationship between a phase of the fluid and both pressure and temperature exposed to the actuator. A method of controlling a phase change of a fluid in a well system includes the steps of: flowing the fluid through a flow control device in the well system; and adjusting the flow control device in response to both pressure and temperature in the well system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Publication number: 20090008096
    Abstract: A system for treating a subterranean zone includes a combustion driven compressor in communication with a supply of a component of a combustion mixture. The compressor is configured to compress the component of the combustion mixture and has a combustion exhaust. A source of treatment fluid for treating the subterranean zone is coupled to the combustion exhaust to supply the treatment fluid in heat transfer communication with the combustion exhaust. In certain instances, compressor is driven by combusting the combustion mixture. In certain instances, the combustion mixture is combusted in separate combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender
  • Publication number: 20080251250
    Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, John C. Gano, William D. Henderson, Paul I. Herman, Marion D. Kilgore, Jody R. McGlothen, Ronald J. Powell, Alex Procyk, Thomas W. Ray, Michael W. Sanders, Roger L. Schultz, David J. Steele, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd, Cynthia Tuckness
  • Patent number: 7404437
    Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, John C. Gano, Paul I. Herman, Marion D. Kilgore, Ronald J. Powell, Thomas W. Ray, David J. Steele, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd, Cynthia Tuckness