Patents by Inventor Matthew James MERRON

Matthew James MERRON 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: 11655689
    Abstract: A completion section includes a base pipe defining a central flow passage, an injection port, and a production port. A fracturing assembly includes a frac sleeve positioned within the central flow passage adjacent the injection port, a sensor that detects a wireless signal, a first frac actuator actuatable in response to the wireless signal to move the frac sleeve and expose the injection port, and a second frac actuator actuatable based on the wireless signal to move the frac sleeve to occlude the injection port. A production assembly is axially offset from the fracturing assembly and includes a production sleeve positioned within the central flow passage adjacent the production port, a filtration device arranged about the base pipe, and a production actuator actuatable based on the wireless signal or an additional wireless signal to move the production sleeve to an open position where the production ports are exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew James Merron, Zachary William Walton, Michael Linley Fripp
  • Patent number: 11319772
    Abstract: A method includes positioning a completion assembly in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation and conveying a frac plug through the completion assembly. The completion assembly may provide a fracturing assembly. The method further includes detecting a wireless signal provided by the frac plug with a sensor included in the fracturing assembly, actuating a sliding sleeve of the fracturing assembly based on detection of the wireless signal and thereby moving the sliding sleeve to expose one or more flow ports, setting the frac plug in the wellbore downhole from the fracturing assembly, conveying a wellbore projectile through the completion assembly, receiving the wellbore projectile with the frac plug, and thereby sealing the wellbore at the frac plug, and injecting a fluid under pressure into the subterranean formation via the one or more flow ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Zachary William Walton, Michael Linley Fripp, Matthew James Merron
  • Patent number: 11313203
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for performing wellbore completion and production operations in a subterranean formation are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include: disposing an electronic initiator sleeve within a closed wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein the electronic initiator sleeve comprises: a housing having at least one port, a sleeve in a closed position, an actuator, and at least one sensor; increasing fluid pressure within the closed wellbore for a period of time, wherein the sleeve remains in the closed position during the period of time; detecting a signal with the at least one sensor; and actuating the actuator in response to the signal to transition the sleeve from the closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary William Walton, Matthew James Merron, Michael Linley Fripp, Raymundus Jozef Meijs, Matthew Bryan Roseman
  • Patent number: 11306554
    Abstract: Zonal isolation devices, systems, and methods for use are provided. In some embodiments, the zonal isolation device comprises a tubular body having a fluid communication pathway formed along a longitudinal axis comprising: a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore forming at least a portion of the fluid communication pathway; an expansion ring disposed within the bore of the sealing element; a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; and an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge. In certain embodiments, the tubular body further comprises an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew James Merron, Matthew Taylor Nichols
  • Patent number: 11280183
    Abstract: Communication from a well surface location at a well site to a downhole tool positioned within a wellbore may be performed such that fluid flow is not restricted through the downhole tool. For example, a method may include: sending a signal from an uphole location to a downhole tool located in a wellbore, wherein the signal comprises at least one event selected from the group consisting of a magnetic wellbore projectile, an acoustic pulse, and a pressure change; taking measurements with a sensor coupled to the downhole tool, wherein the sensor is at least one selected from the group consisting of a magnetic sensor, an acoustic sensor, and a pressure sensor; identifying the signal based on at least one of the measurements greater than an adaptive threshold value; and actuating the downhole tool from a first configuration to a second configuration upon identification of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary William Walton, Donald G. Kyle, Matthew James Merron, Michael Linley Fripp
  • Patent number: 11268363
    Abstract: Sliding sleeve assemblies may include one or more sliding sleeve tools to stimulate one or more zones in a wellbore. The one or more sliding sleeve tools may be actuated based on an actuation sensor. A property sensor may be disposed adjacent to a sliding sleeve tool to collect data indicative of a wellbore property associated with one or more different zones of a fracture or the actuation sleeve. The property sensor may transmit data to the surface or to other property sensors associated with downhole tools. Configuring or disposing one or more property sensors to a downhole tool may provide real-time feedback regarding the rate of production for a particular zone or area downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Zachary William Walton, Matthew James Merron
  • Patent number: 11114704
    Abstract: Methods and systems for depassivating completion tool batteries are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a completion tool disposed within a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein the completion tool is electrically coupled to an at least partially passivated lithium battery; depassivating the at least partially passivated lithium battery in the wellbore by discharging the lithium battery; and powering the completion tool with the at least partially depassivated lithium battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Zachary William Walton, Matthew James Merron
  • Publication number: 20210254433
    Abstract: A completion section includes a base pipe defining a central flow passage, an injection port, and a production port. A fracturing assembly includes a frac sleeve positioned within the central flow passage adjacent the injection port, a sensor that detects a wireless signal, a first frac actuator actuatable in response to the wireless signal to move the frac sleeve and expose the injection port, and a second frac actuator actuatable based on the wireless signal to move the frac sleeve to occlude the injection port. A production assembly is axially offset from the fracturing assembly and includes a production sleeve positioned within the central flow passage adjacent the production port, a filtration device arranged about the base pipe, and a production actuator actuatable based on the wireless signal or an additional wireless signal to move the production sleeve to an open position where the production ports are exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew James MERRON, Zachary William WALTON, Michael Linley FRIPP
  • Patent number: 11035203
    Abstract: A completion section includes a base pipe defining a central flow passage, an injection port, and a production port. A fracturing assembly includes a frac sleeve positioned within the central flow passage adjacent the injection port, a sensor that detects a wireless signal, a first frac actuator actuatable in response to the wireless signal to move the frac sleeve and expose the injection port, and a second frac actuator actuatable based on the wireless signal to move the frac sleeve to occlude the injection port. A production assembly is axially offset from the fracturing assembly and includes a production sleeve positioned within the central flow passage adjacent the production port, a filtration device arranged about the base pipe, and a production actuator actuatable based on the wireless signal or an additional wireless signal to move the production sleeve to an open position where the production ports are exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew James Merron, Zachary William Walton, Michael Linley Fripp
  • Publication number: 20210054704
    Abstract: Zonal isolation devices, systems, and methods for use are provided. In some embodiments, the zonal isolation device comprises a tubular body having a fluid communication pathway formed along a longitudinal axis comprising: a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore forming at least a portion of the fluid communication pathway; an expansion ring disposed within the bore of the sealing element; a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; and an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge. In certain embodiments, the tubular body further comprises an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew James Merron, Matthew Taylor Nichols
  • Publication number: 20200355054
    Abstract: Sliding sleeve assemblies may include one or more sliding sleeve tools to stimulate one or more zones in a wellbore. The one or more sliding sleeve tools may be actuated based on an actuation sensor. A property sensor may be disposed adjacent to a sliding sleeve tool to collect data indicative of a wellbore property associated with one or more different zones of a fracture or the actuation sleeve. The property sensor may transmit data to the surface or to other property sensors associated with downhole tools. Configuring or disposing one or more property sensors to a downhole tool may provide real-time feedback regarding the rate of production for a particular zone or area downhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Zachary William Walton, Matthew James Merron
  • Patent number: 10822902
    Abstract: A pump down ring is utilized in a downhole tool for use in a subterranean well. The pump down ring is positioned around the outer surface of a sleeve and is slidably disposed thereon. The pump down ring slidably engages the sleeve so as to have a radially-relaxed position and an expanded position where the pump down ring is expanded radially outward from the radially-relaxed position. Accordingly, the pump down ring can be placed in its expanded position to facilitate placement of the downhole tool in a wellbore by use of fluid pressure and can be placed in its radially-relaxed position to facilitate removal of the downhole tool from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Davis, Matthew James Merron
  • Publication number: 20200248531
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for performing wellbore completion and production operations in a subterranean formation are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include: disposing an electronic initiator sleeve within a closed wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein the electronic initiator sleeve comprises: a housing having at least one port, a sleeve in a closed position, an actuator, and at least one sensor; increasing fluid pressure within the closed wellbore for a period of time, wherein the sleeve remains in the closed position during the period of time; detecting a signal with the at least one sensor; and actuating the actuator in response to the signal to transition the sleeve from the closed position to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Zachary William Walton, Matthew James Merron, Michael Linley Fripp, Raymundus Jozef Meijs, Matthew Bryan Roseman
  • Patent number: 10711561
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device includes an elongate mandrel, a sealing element carried by the mandrel, and a slip wedge positioned about the mandrel axially adjacent the sealing element and providing an outer radial surface. A set of slip segments is circumferentially disposed about the mandrel and at least a portion of the slip wedge. An extrusion limiting ring has an annular body that provides a first axial end, a second axial end, and a scarf cut extending at least partially between the first and second axial ends. The extrusion limiting ring is movable between a contracted state, where the extrusion limiting ring is disposed about the sealing element, and an expanded state, where the extrusion limiting ring is disposed about the outer radial surface of the lower slip wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Sevices, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew James Merron, Tyler Joseph Norman
  • Patent number: 10655411
    Abstract: Frangible components like shear pins, rupture disks, retainer rings, and shear rings of downhole tools (e.g., frac plugs, sliding sleeves, darts, packers, expansion joints, valves, and tool-conveyance coupling apparatuses) may be composed of a degradable material that degrades in a wellbore environment at a desired time during the performance of a subterranean formation operation. For example, a tool string may include a conveyance or top adapter sub threadably coupled to a first end of a stinger; a wellbore tool coupled to the stinger via a coupling at a second end opposing the first end of the stinger, wherein the coupling comprises a frangible, degradable shear pin and a frangible, degradable shear ring, wherein the frangible, degradable shear pin and the frangible, degradable shear ring independently comprise a degradable metal alloy selected from the group consisting of a magnesium alloy, an aluminum alloy, and any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Zachary William Walton, Matthew James Merron
  • Publication number: 20190323305
    Abstract: Methods and systems for depassivating completion tool batteries are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a completion tool disposed within a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein the completion tool is electrically coupled to an at least partially passivated lithium battery; depassivating the at least partially passivated lithium battery in the wellbore by discharging the lithium battery; and powering the completion tool with the at least partially depassivated lithium battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Zachary William Walton, Matthew James Merron
  • Publication number: 20190309622
    Abstract: Communication from a well surface location at a well site to a downhole tool positioned within a wellbore may be performed such that fluid flow is not restricted through the downhole tool. For example, a method may include: sending a signal from an uphole location to a downhole tool located in a wellbore, wherein the signal comprises at least one event selected from the group consisting of a magnetic wellbore projectile, an acoustic pulse, and a pressure change; taking measurements with a sensor coupled to the downhole tool, wherein the sensor is at least one selected from the group consisting of a magnetic sensor, an acoustic sensor, and a pressure sensor; identifying the signal based on at least one of the measurements greater than an adaptive threshold value; and actuating the downhole tool from a first configuration to a second configuration upon identification of the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Zachary William Walton, Donald G. KYLE, Matthew James MERRON, Michael Liniey FRIPP
  • Publication number: 20190249520
    Abstract: A completion section includes a base pipe defining a central flow passage, an injection port, and a production port. A fracturing assembly includes a frac sleeve positioned within the central flow passage adjacent the injection port, a sensor that detects a wireless signal, a first frac actuator actuatable in response to the wireless signal to move the frac sleeve and expose the injection port, and a second frac actuator actuatable based on the wireless signal to move the frac sleeve to occlude the injection port. A production assembly is axially offset from the fracturing assembly and includes a production sleeve positioned within the central flow passage adjacent the production port, a filtration device arranged about the base pipe, and a production actuator actuatable based on the wireless signal or an additional wireless signal to move the production sleeve to an open position where the production ports are exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Matthew James MERRON, Zachary William WALTON, Michael Linley FRIPP
  • Publication number: 20190234179
    Abstract: A method includes positioning a completion assembly in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation and conveying a frac plug through the completion assembly. The completion assembly may provide a fracturing assembly. The method further includes detecting a wireless signal provided by the frac plug with a sensor included in the fracturing assembly, actuating a sliding sleeve of the fracturing assembly based on detection of the wireless signal and thereby moving the sliding sleeve to expose one or more flow ports, setting the frac plug in the wellbore downhole from the fracturing assembly, conveying a wellbore projectile through the completion assembly, receiving the wellbore projectile with the frac plug, and thereby sealing the wellbore at the frac plug, and injecting a fluid under pressure into the subterranean formation via the one or more flow ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Zachary William WALTON, Michael Linley FRIPP, Matthew James MERRON
  • Patent number: 10364637
    Abstract: A collapsible baffle sub installable within a casing string of a hydrocarbon well. The collapsible baffle sub includes a movable sleeve and a collapsible baffle. By moving the sleeve from a first to a second position using a setting tool, the collapsible baffle is permitted to collapse within the collapsible baffle sub. Once collapsed, the collapsible baffle may receive an untethered object, such as a ball, forming a seal between the untethered object and the collapsible baffle and isolating sections of the wellbore for treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Zach William Walton, Matthew James Merron, John Todd Broome, Matt Todd Howell