Patents by Inventor Michael D. Barry

Michael D. Barry 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: 8215406
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. One apparatus includes a swellable packer element around a primary and a secondary flow path, wherein the packer is configured to block flow in a portion of a wellbore annulus. One method includes disposing sand control devices having shunt tubes and a packer within a wellbore adjacent to a subsurface reservoir. The packer is then set within an interval, which may be an open-hole section of the wellbore. With the packer set, gravel packing of the sand control devices in different intervals may be performed. Then, hydrocarbons are produced from the wellbore by passing hydrocarbons through the sand control devices with the different intervals providing zonal isolation. In some embodiments, intervals may be alternatively packed and plugged, wherein the plugged intervals are not packed. In addition, the method may also include disposing the sand control devices and packer into the wellbore in conditioned drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, Michael D. Barry, Charles S. Yeh, Jon Blacklock, Darren F. Rosenbaum, Michael T. Hecker, David C. Haeberle, Manh V. Phi, Michael J. Siegman
  • Patent number: 8186429
    Abstract: Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upsteam Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, David C. Haeberle, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Jon Blacklock, Ted A. Long, Hans Brekken, Arthur H. Dybevik, Lars Faret, Ole Sveinung Kvernstuen, Terje Moen, Knut H. Nesland, Kjartan Roaldsnes
  • Patent number: 8127831
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing hydrocarbons including a wellbore that accesses a subsurface reservoir; a production tubing string disposed within the wellbore; and sand control devices coupled to the production tubing string. At least one of the sand control devices includes a first tubular member having a permeable section and a non permeable section; a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a plurality of openings and an inflow control device that provides a flow path to the interior. The sand control devices include a sealing mechanism disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member to provide pressure loss during gravel packing operations that is less than the pressure loss during production operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: David C. Haeberle, Charles Yeh, Timothy G. Benish, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Jon Blacklock
  • Publication number: 20120018153
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing zonal isolation in a hydrocarbon well include or utilize a tubular assembly having an upstream manifold, a gravel packing conduit, a transport conduit, a leak-off conduit, and a downstream flow path. The tubular assembly is adapted to receive a gravel-laden slurry and to direct at least a portion of the same to the gravel packing conduit. The gravel-laden slurry exiting the gravel packing conduit packs the annulus between the tubular assembly and the wellbore by dehydrating at least in part through the leak-off conduit. The leak-off conduit is further gravel-packed by the gravel-laden slurry received by the tubular assembly. The leak-off conduit is dehydrated through a flow control valve. Together, the gravel packed annulus and the gravel packed leak-off conduit provide a gravel-based zonal isolation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, David C. Haeberle
  • Patent number: 8011437
    Abstract: A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, David C. Haeberle, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Jon Blacklock, Ted A. Long, Hans Brekken, Arthur H. Dybevik, Lars Faret, Ole Sveinung Kvernstuen, Terje Moen, Knut H. Nesland, Kjartan Roaldsnes
  • Patent number: 7984760
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. The system includes a wellbore that accesses a subsurface reservoir; a production tubing string disposed within the wellbore; and one or more sand control devices coupled to the production tubing string and disposed within the wellbore. At least one of the sand control devices includes a first tubular member having a permeable section and a non permeable section; a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a plurality of openings and an inflow control device that each provide a flow path to the interior of the second tubular member. Also, the at least one of the sand control devices includes a sealing mechanism disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The sealing mechanism is configured to provide a pressure loss during gravel packing operations that is less than the pressure loss during at least some of the production operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: David C. Haeberle, Charles Yeh, Timothy G. Benish, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Jon Blacklock
  • Publication number: 20110162840
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing hydrocarbons including a wellbore that accesses a subsurface reservoir; a production tubing string disposed within the wellbore; and sand control devices coupled to the production tubing string. At least one of the sand control devices includes a first tubular member having a permeable section and a non permeable section; a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a plurality of openings and an inflow control device that provides a flow path to the interior. The sand control devices include a sealing mechanism disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member to provide pressure loss during gravel packing operations that is less than the pressure loss during production operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: David C. Haeberle, Charles Yeh, Timothy G. Benish, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Jon Blacklock
  • Patent number: 7971642
    Abstract: A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons is described. The method includes drilling a wellbore using a drilling fluid, conditioning the drilling fluid, running a production string in the wellbore and gravel packing an interval of the wellbore with a carrier fluid. The production string includes a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end, the load sleeve assembly having at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit disposed therethrough. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, David C. Haeberle, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Ted A. Long
  • Publication number: 20110132596
    Abstract: Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, David C. Haeberle, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Jon Blacklock, Ted A. Long, Hans Brekken, Arthur H. Dybevik, Lars Faret, Ole Sveinung Kvernstuen, Terje Moen, Knut H. Nesland, Kjartan Roaldsnes
  • Publication number: 20110132616
    Abstract: A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, David C. Haeberle, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Jon Blacklock, Ted A. Long, Hans Brekken, Arthur H. Dybevik, Lars Faret, Ole Sveinung Kvernstuen, Terje Moen, Knut H. Nesland, Kjartan Roaldsnes
  • Patent number: 7938184
    Abstract: A method and system associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, David C. Haeberle, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Jon Blacklock, Ted A. Long, Hans Brekken, Arthur H. Dybevik, Lars Faret, Ole Sveinung Kvernstuen, Terje Moen, Knut H. Nesland, Kjartan Roaldsnes
  • Publication number: 20100206553
    Abstract: Provided are coated oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated devices. In one form, the coated oil and gas well production device includes an oil and gas well production device including one or more bodies, and a coating on at least a portion of the one or more bodies, wherein the coating is chosen from an amorphous alloy, a heat-treated electroless or electro plated based nickel-phosphorous composite with a phosphorous content greater than 12 wt %, graphite, MoS2, WS2, a fullerene based composite, a boride based cermet, a quasicrystalline material, a diamond based material, diamond-like-carbon (DLC), boron nitride, and combinations thereof. The coated oil and gas well production devices may provide for reduced friction, wear, corrosion, erosion, and deposits for well construction, completion and production of oil and gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey Roberts Bailey, Erika Ann Ooten Biediger, Narasimha-Rao Venkata Bangaru, Adnan Ozekcin, Hyun-Woo Jin, Charles Shiao-Hsiung Yeh, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Mehmet Deniz Ertas, Swarupa Soma Bangaru
  • Publication number: 20100139919
    Abstract: A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons is described. The method includes drilling a wellbore using a drilling fluid, conditioning the drilling fluid, running a production string in the wellbore and gravel packing an interval of the wellbore with a carrier fluid. The production string includes a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end, the load sleeve assembly having at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit disposed therethrough. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, David C. Haeberle, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Ted A. Long
  • Patent number: 7661476
    Abstract: A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons is described. The method includes drilling a wellbore using a drilling fluid, conditioning the drilling fluid, running a production string in the wellbore and gravel packing an interval of the wellbore with a carrier fluid. The production string includes a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end, the load sleeve assembly having at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit disposed therethrough. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, David C. Haeberle, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Ted A. Long
  • Publication number: 20100032158
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. The method includes disposing a plurality of sand control devices having a primary flow path and a secondary flowpath within a wellbore adjacent to a subsurface reservoir. A packer having primary and secondary flow paths is then coupled between two of the sand control devices such that the primary and secondary flow paths of the packer are in fluid flow communication with the primary and secondary flowpaths of the sand control devices. The packer is then set within an interval, which may be an open-hole section of the wellbore. With the packer set, gravel packing of the sand control devices in different intervals may be performed. The interval above the packer may be packed before the interval below the packer. A treatment fluid may then be injected into the wellbore via the secondary flow paths of the packer and sand control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, Michael D. Barry, Charles S. Yeh, Jon Blacklock, Darren F. Rosenbaum, Michael T. Hecker, David C. Haeberle, Manh V. Phi, Michael J. Siegman, John W. Mohn
  • Publication number: 20090294128
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. One apparatus includes a swellable packer element around a primary and a secondary flow path, wherein the packer is configured to block flow in a portion of a wellbore annulus. One method includes disposing sand control devices having shunt tubes and a packer within a wellbore adjacent to a subsurface reservoir. The packer is then set within an interval, which may be an open-hole section of the wellbore. With the packer set, gravel packing of the sand control devices in different intervals may be performed. Then, hydrocarbons are produced from the wellbore by passing hydrocarbons through the sand control devices with the different intervals providing zonal isolation. In some embodiments, intervals may be alternatively packed and plugged, wherein the plugged intervals are not packed. In addition, the method may also include disposing the sand control devices and packer into the wellbore in conditioned drilling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, Michael D. Barry, Charles S. Yeh, Jon Blacklock, Darren F. Rosenbaum, Michael T. Hecker, David C. Haeberle, Manh V. Phi, Michael J. Siegman
  • Publication number: 20090008092
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. The system includes a wellbore that accesses a subsurface reservoir; a production tubing string disposed within the wellbore; and one or more sand control devices coupled to the production tubing string and disposed within the wellbore. At least one of the sand control devices includes a first tubular member having a permeable section and a non permeable section; a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a plurality of openings and an inflow control device that each provide a flow path to the interior of the second tubular member. Also, the at least one of the sand control devices includes a sealing mechanism disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The sealing mechanism is configured to provide a pressure loss during gravel packing operations that is less than the pressure loss during at least some of the production operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: David C. Haeberle, Charles Yeh, Timothy G. Benish, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Jon Blacklock
  • Publication number: 20080142227
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. The apparatus comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. The joint assembly also includes a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection. The coupling assembly may also include a torque spacer to help control fluid flow relationships.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, David C. Haeberle, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Jon Blacklock, Ted A. Long, Hans Brekken, Arthur H. Dybevik, Lars Faret, Ole Sveinung Kvernstuen, Terje Moen, Knut H. Nesland, Kjartan Roaldsnes
  • Publication number: 20080128129
    Abstract: A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons is described. The method includes drilling a wellbore using a drilling fluid, conditioning the drilling fluid, running a production string in the wellbore and gravel packing an interval of the wellbore with a carrier fluid. The production string includes a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end, the load sleeve assembly having at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit disposed therethrough. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, David C. Haeberle, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Ted A. Long
  • Patent number: 7373978
    Abstract: A method for drilling and completing a gravel packed well is disclosed. The method comprises drilling a wellbore with a drilling fluid, conditioning the drilling fluid, running the gravel packing assembly tools to depth in the wellbore with the conditioned drilling-fluid, and gravel packing a wellbore interval with a completion-fluid. The completion fluid may be the same as the drilling-fluid. This method may be combined with alternate-path sand screen technology to ensure proper distribution of the gravel pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Barry, Jon Blacklock, Karen Chandler, Bruce A. Dale, Matt M. DiPippo, Michael T. Hecker, Ben L. Martin, III, Thomas B. Martin, Darren F. Rosenbaum, Chris E. Shuchart