Patents by Inventor Eric E. Maidla
Eric E. Maidla 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: 20240300627Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2024Publication date: September 12, 2024Inventors: Keith K. Millheim, Eric E. Maidla, Charles H. King
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Publication number: 20230219665Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2023Publication date: July 13, 2023Inventors: Keith K. Millheim, Eric E. Maidla, Charles H. King
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Publication number: 20210269129Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: Keith K. MILLHEIM, Eric E. Maidla, Charles H. King
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Publication number: 20190389546Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2019Publication date: December 26, 2019Applicant: Anadarko Petroleum CorporationInventors: Keith K. Millheim, Eric E. Maidla, Charles H. King
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Publication number: 20180194444Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Applicant: Anadarko Petroleum CorporationInventors: Keith K. Millheim, Eric E. Maidla, Charles H. King
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Publication number: 20180096277Abstract: A method for evaluating drilling unit performance includes automatically identifying at least one operating state of a drilling unit during operations thereof that is independent of conditions in a wellbore. Start times and stop times of the at least one operating state are determined. The automatically identifying and determining start and stop times are performed by comparing at least one drilling unit operating parameter measurement to a set of stored measurements corresponding to the operating state. An elapsed time of the at least one operating state is determined from the start times and the stop times. The elapsed time for the drilling unit is compared to a predetermined reference standard.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Eric E. Maidla, Philipp Zoellner, Bouchra Lamik-Thonhauser
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Patent number: 9404307Abstract: A method and system for directionally drilling a wellbore. The method includes measuring an off-bottom rotating torque applied to a drill string in the wellbore. A steerable drilling motor is oriented proximate a bottom of the drill string in a selected direction, and a surface rotational orientation of the drill string is measured. Torque is applied to the drill string at the surface to maintain the surface rotational orientation. The applied torque is automatically increased and decreased by a selected amount related to the measured off-bottom rotating torque.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Eric E. Maidla
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Patent number: 9309760Abstract: A method for directional drilling of a wellbore includes automatically rotating a drill string having a steerable drilling motor at an end thereof in a first direction so that a measured torque related parameter thereon reaches a first value. The drill string is automatically rotated in a second direction so that the measured torque related parameter reaches a second value lower than the first value. A rate of release of the drill string is automatically controlled so that at least one of selected drilling fluid pressure and a range thereof is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Marc Haci, Eric E. Maidla
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Publication number: 20160016647Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2015Publication date: January 21, 2016Applicant: ANADARKO PETROLEUM CORPORATIONInventors: Keith K. Millheim, Eric E. Maidla, Charles H. King
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Publication number: 20150345223Abstract: A method and system for directionally drilling a wellbore. The method includes measuring an off-bottom rotating torque applied to a drill string in the wellbore. A steerable drilling motor is oriented proximate a bottom of the drill string in a selected direction, and a surface rotational orientation of the drill string is measured. Torque is applied to the drill string at the surface to maintain the surface rotational orientation. The applied torque is automatically increased and decreased by a selected amount related to the measured off-bottom rotating torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Eric E. Maidla
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Patent number: 9145768Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes operating at least one motor coupled within a drill string to turn a drill bit at an end thereof. An automatic drill string rotation controller causes rotation of the drill string in a first direction until a measured parameter related to torque on the drill string reaches a first selected value. The automatic drill string rotation controller causes rotation of the drill string in a second direction until the measured parameter related to torque is reduced to a second selected value. The drill string is axially advanced to cause the drill bit to extend the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Andrew Derek Normore, Eric E. Maidla
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Publication number: 20140008126Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes operating at least one motor coupled within a drill string to turn a drill bit at an end thereof. An automatic drill string rotation controller causes rotation of the drill string in a first direction until a measured parameter related to torque on the drill string reaches a first selected value. The automatic drill string rotation controller causes rotation of the drill string in a second direction until the measured parameter related to torque is reduced to a second selected value. The drill string is axially advanced to cause the drill bit to extend the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventors: Andrew Derek Normore, Eric E. Maidla
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Patent number: 8534354Abstract: A method for deploying a completion string in a previously drilled borehole includes rotating the string at the surface while axially urging the assembly deeper into the borehole. This rotation is preferably only partially transferred down the completion string such that a lower portion of the string typically remains rotationally stationary with respect to the borehole. The completion string may be reciprocated upwards and downwards from the surface so as to enable the lower portion of the completion string to rotate. The completion string may alternatively be rotated back and forth, alternating between first and second rotational directions so as to maintain an applied surface torque below a predetermined threshold. The invention has been found to reduce drag between a completion assembly and the wall of a previously drilled borehole.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Eric E. Maidla, Marc Haci
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Patent number: 8047297Abstract: A system for and method of limiting and controlling the unintended subsurface release of an exploration or production riser system is provided including one or more means for anchoring the riser or casing stack at one or more pre-determined points upon the length of the riser, and/or on the housing of an associated buoyancy chamber or the like, and/or on a particular portion of the riser as dictated by the operational environment, and/or on an anchor portion secured in the sea floor; and a network of restraining members disposed on the anchoring means. A lower anchoring portion includes one or more anchors disposed in communication with a wellhead, or with the sea floor or below the sea floor mud line, or with a well casing portion. A network of restraining members forms an essentially continuous connection from the buoyancy member portion to said bottom anchor portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Anadarko Petroleum CorporationInventors: Keith K. Millheim, Eric E. Maidla, Charles H. King
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Publication number: 20110214875Abstract: A method for deploying a completion string in a previously drilled borehole includes rotating the string at the surface while axially urging the assembly deeper into the borehole. This rotation is preferably only partially transferred down the completion string such that a lower portion of the string typically remains rotationally stationary with respect to the borehole. The completion string may be reciprocated upwards and downwards from the surface so as to enable the lower portion of the completion string to rotate. The completion string may alternatively be rotated back and forth, alternating between first and second rotational directions so as to maintain an applied surface torque below a predetermined threshold. The invention has been found to reduce drag between a completion assembly and the wall of a previously drilled borehole.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Eric E. Maidla, Marc Haci
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Publication number: 20110135390Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: ANADARKO PETROLEUM CORPORATIONInventors: Keith K. Millheim, Eric E. Maidla, Charles H. King
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Patent number: 7886845Abstract: A system for monitoring auxiliary operations on a drilling unit includes at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter related to a start time and a stop time of at least one auxiliary operation on the drilling unit. The system includes a data acquisition device configured to determine a start time and a stop time of the at least one auxiliary operation from measurements made by the at least one sensor. The data acquisition device includes a data recorder for recording elapsed time between the start time and the stop time.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Nexen Data Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Charles H. King, Eric E. Maidla
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Patent number: RE45898Abstract: A method of and system for directional drilling reduces the friction between the drill string and the well bore. A downhole drilling motor is connected to the surface by a drill string. The drilling motor is oriented at a selected tool face angle. The drill string is rotated at said surface location in a first direction until a first torque magnitude without changing the tool face angle. The drill string is then rotated in the opposite direction until a second torque magnitude is reached, again without changing the tool face angle. The drill string is rocked back and forth between the first and second torque magnitudes.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Eric E. Maidla, Marc Haci
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Patent number: RE46090Abstract: A method of and system for directional drilling reduces the friction between the drill string and the well bore. A downhole drilling motor is connected to the surface by a drill string. The drilling motor is oriented at a selected tool face angle. The drill string is rotated at said surface location in a first direction until a first torque magnitude without changing the tool face angle. The drill string is then rotated in the opposite direction until a second torque magnitude is reached, again without changing the tool face angle. The drill string is rocked back and forth between the first and second torque magnitudes.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Eric E. Maidla, Marc Haci
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Patent number: RE47105Abstract: A method of and system for directional drilling reduces the friction between the drill string and the well bore. A downhole drilling motor is connected to the surface by a drill string. The drilling motor is oriented at a selected tool face angle. The drill string is rotated at said surface location in a first direction until a first torque magnitude without changing the tool face angle. The drill string is then rotated in the opposite direction until a second torque magnitude is reached, again without changing the tool face angle. The drill string is rocked back and forth between the first and second torque magnitudes.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Eric E. Maidla, Marc Haci