Patents by Inventor Nicholas J. Clem
Nicholas J. Clem 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: 10267112Abstract: A bottom hole assembly (BHA) contains a motor and a section mill for milling in an uphole direction after blade extension with circulating fluid through the BHA. Below the section mill is sensing equipment to detect location of a bridge formed by the cuttings or swarf from the section mill. A secondary mill oriented for cutting in a downhole direction is located at the bottom of the BHA for use in removal of the bridge. The sensing equipment delivers in real time data as to the density of the bridge so that decisions to interrupt the section milling and to lower the secondary mill to the bridge can be made in real time. Cement is pumped and displaced by a wiper plug to plug and abandon the hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Nicholas J. Clem, Lei Fang
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Patent number: 10088047Abstract: A seal assembly includes a first tubular having a sealing surface, and a seal element run with the first tubular and displaced from the surface. The seal element initially having a radial dimension that forms a radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular for enabling the first tubular to be sealed with a second tubular radially disposed with the first tubular. A mechanism is triggerable by axial movement for reconfiguring the radial dimension of the seal element. The sealing surface of the first tubular operatively forming the radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular when the radial dimension of the seal element has been reconfigured for enabling the sealing surface of the first tubular to receive a second seal element. The seal element is axially compressed and released to change the radial dimension of the seal element.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Jason A. Allen, Nicholas J. Clem, Robert S. O'Brien, Aaron C. Hammer
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Publication number: 20180128071Abstract: A bottom hole assembly (BHA) contains a motor and a section mill for milling in an uphole direction after blade extension with circulating fluid through the BHA. Below the section mill is sensing equipment to detect location of a bridge formed by the cuttings or swarf from the section mill. A secondary mill oriented for cutting in a downhole direction is located at the bottom of the BHA for use in removal of the bridge. The sensing equipment delivers in real time data as to the density of the bridge so that decisions to interrupt the section milling and to lower the secondary mill to the bridge can be made in real time. Cement is pumped and displaced by a wiper plug to plug and abandon the hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2016Publication date: May 10, 2018Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: NICHOLAS J. CLEM, LEI FANG
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Patent number: 9650881Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium for estimating a life expectancy of a tool used in a pumping operation is disclosed. A property of the tool is obtained and a pumping parameter of the downhole operation is selected. The pumping parameter is related to erosion of the tool. A value of the pumping parameter is measured during the pumping operation. The life expectancy of the tool is estimated during the pumping operation using the obtained property of the downhole tool and the measured value of the pumping parameter. The value of the pumping parameter may then be changed to a new value in order to affect the life expectancy.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Nicholas J. Clem
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Patent number: 9574422Abstract: A treatment system including a first tubular having at least one port therein. A valve member is disposed with the first tubular and operatively arranged to control fluid flow through the at least one port. A second tubular is disposed radially within the first tubular and terminates at an end opening into an interior passage of the first tubular for enabling a treatment media to be supplied through the second tubular into the first tubular, and through the at least one port when the at least one port is open. A seal assembly is disposed between the first and second tubulars for fluidly sealing an annulus formed between the first and second tubulars from the end of the second tubular. A tool is disposed with the second tubular for controlling operation of the valve member.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Mark Kendall Adam, Michael H. Johnson, Nicholas J. Clem, Jason A. Allen
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Patent number: 9567829Abstract: A method of completing a subsea borehole including connecting a first vessel to a subsea wellhead assembly via a riser. A borehole is drilled with a drill string communicated to the subsea wellhead assembly through the riser. A lower completion assembly is run on a service string into the borehole through the riser. At least two barrier valves of the lower completion assembly are set with the service string in order to form a mechanical barrier to fluid flow with each of the at least two barrier valves. The riser is disconnected from the subsea wellhead assembly. An upper completion string is run through open water to the borehole and connected to the lower completion assembly. An lower completion assembly for a subsea borehole is also included.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Eguaoje J. Pogoson, Charles T. Kirkpatrick, Nicholas J. Clem, Ian M. LeBlanc, Jonathan N. Croy, Andres Garcia, Kenneth J. Chauvin
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Publication number: 20160201800Abstract: A seal assembly includes a first tubular having a sealing surface, and a seal element run with the first tubular and displaced from the surface. The seal element initially having a radial dimension that forms a radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular for enabling the first tubular to be sealed with a second tubular radially disposed with the first tubular. A mechanism is triggerable by axial movement for reconfiguring the radial dimension of the seal element. The sealing surface of the first tubular operatively forming the radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular when the radial dimension of the seal element has been reconfigured for enabling the sealing surface of the first tubular to receive a second seal element. The seal element is axially compressed and released to change the radial dimension of the seal element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2016Publication date: July 14, 2016Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Jason A. Allen, Nicholas J. Clem, Robert S. O'Brien, Aaron C. Hammer
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Patent number: 9334702Abstract: A seal assembly including a first tubular having a sealing surface and a seal element run with the first tubular and displaced from the surface. The seal element initially has a radial dimension that forms a radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular for enabling the first tubular to be sealed with a second tubular radially disposed with the first tubular. A mechanism is included that is triggerable for reconfiguring the radial dimension of the seal element. The sealing surface of the first tubular operative forms the radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular when the radial dimension of the seal element has been reconfigured for enabling the sealing surface of the first tubular to receive a second seal element. A method of sealing tubulars is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Jason A. Allen, Nicholas J. Clem, Robert S. O'Brien, Aaron C. Hammer
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Publication number: 20150322765Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium for estimating a life expectancy of a tool used in a pumping operation is disclosed. A property of the tool is obtained and a pumping parameter of the downhole operation is selected. The pumping parameter is related to erosion of the tool. A value of the pumping parameter is measured during the pumping operation. The life expectancy of the tool is estimated during the pumping operation using the obtained property of the downhole tool and the measured value of the pumping parameter. The value of the pumping parameter may then be changed to a new value in order to affect the life expectancy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: November 12, 2015Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Nicholas J. Clem
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Publication number: 20150218906Abstract: A zone isolation system comprising an isolation flow path arranged radially outwardly with respect to an internal bore of a production tubing. An isolation valve assembly is arranged in the isolation flow path. The isolation flow path is fluidly connected to a screen flow path defined by the annular space between a filtering assembly and a basepipe. The isolation flow path may traverse one or more zones and can extend to the wellhead, connecting to an isolation pump. The basepipe may further comprise an inflow control device such as a sliding sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2014Publication date: August 6, 2015Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Nicholas J. Clem, Wilfred Provost
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Patent number: 9016371Abstract: An apparatus for performing a wellbore operation, such as a gravel packing, includes a tool body, a flow passage formed in the tool body, the flow passage connecting a first space with a second space; and a flow control device positioned along the flow space. The flow control device may include a valve element configured to allow uni-directional; and a flow control element configured to allow flow in bi-directional flow. The valve element and the flow control element may be arranged to form a split flow path between the first space and the second space.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Nicholas J. Clem
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Publication number: 20140332224Abstract: A method of completing a subsea borehole including connecting a first vessel to a subsea wellhead assembly via a riser. A borehole is drilled with a drill string communicated to the subsea wellhead assembly through the riser. A lower completion assembly is run on a service string into the borehole through the riser. At least two barrier valves of the lower completion assembly are set with the service string in order to form a mechanical barrier to fluid flow with each of the at least two barrier valves. The riser is disconnected from the subsea wellhead assembly. An upper completion string is run through open water to the borehole and connected to the lower completion assembly. An lower completion assembly for a subsea borehole is also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Eguaoje J. Pogoson, Charles T. Kirkpatrick, Nicholas J. Clem, Ian M. LeBlanc, Jonathan N. Croy, Andres Garcia, Kenneth J. Chauvin
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Publication number: 20140116694Abstract: A gravel packing system includes at least two packers with at least one of the two packers being sealable to an open hole, a barrier sealably engaged with the at least two packers defining an annular space between the open hole and the barrier, a cross-over tool operably connectable to at least one of the at least two packers and the barrier, and at least one regulator in operable communication with the barrier configured to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the annular space while gravel is packed at a location downstream of at least one of the at least two packers, downstream being defined by a direction of travel of gravel being packed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Nicholas J. Clem, Daniel J. Turick, William N. Triplett, Andres Garcia, Colin Patrick Andrew, Kenneth J. Chauvin
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Patent number: 8678079Abstract: Wear is reduced in abrasive slurry service at an outlet into an annular space defined by the wellbore and around the tool. In a gravel packing application with a crossover, the slurry exits a central passage and goes into an internal annulus in the tool. Turning vanes that make at least one full turn and that have a height at least partially the height of the annular space are there to impart a swirl movement to at least a portion of the slurry stream. The swirling motion has beneficial effects of reducing turbulence which allows a velocity reduction for a comparable output volume.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Nicholas J. Clem, Martin P. Coronado
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Publication number: 20140014347Abstract: A treatment system including a first tubular having at least one port therein. A valve member is disposed with the first tubular and operatively arranged to control fluid flow through the at least one port. A second tubular is disposed radially within the first tubular and terminates at an end opening into an interior passage of the first tubular for enabling a treatment media to be supplied through the second tubular into the first tubular, and through the at least one port when the at least one port is open. A seal assembly is disposed between the first and second tubulars for fluidly sealing an annulus formed between the first and second tubulars from the end of the second tubular. A tool is disposed with the second tubular for controlling operation of the valve member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Mark Kendall Adam, Michael H. Johnson, Nicholas J. Clem, Jason A. Allen
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Patent number: 8528641Abstract: A fracturing and gravel packing tool has features that prevent well swabbing when the tool is picked up with respect to a set isolation packer. An upper or multi-acting circulation valve allows switching between the squeeze and circulation positions without risk of closing the low bottom hole pressure ball valve. The low bottom hole pressure ball valve can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed direction that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time to allow movement that arms the low bottom hole pressure ball valve. The multi-acting circulation valve can prevent fluid loss to the formation when being set down with the crossover tool supported or on the reciprocating set down device and the multi-acting circulation valve is closed without risk of closing the wash pipe valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Nicholas J. Clem, Martin P. Coronado, Jeffery D. Kitzman, Jeffry S. Edwards
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Patent number: 8522877Abstract: Systems and methods for locking a sliding sleeve valve in an open position and/or a closed position to prevent inadvertent operation of the sleeve valve during other operations. A sliding sleeve valve locking assembly includes an outer housing defining a locking bore portion with a first locking groove formed therein, a sliding sleeve collet member having a collet finger with a tab shaped and sized to reside within the first locking groove. The sliding sleeve valve locking assembly also includes a collet locking member that is moveably disposed within the sliding sleeve collet member to selectively lock the sliding sleeve collet member within the locking bore portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Clay Chambers, Jobby T. Jacob, Nicholas J. Clem, Hugo Figueroa, Travis E. Cochran
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Publication number: 20130140041Abstract: A seal assembly including a first tubular having a sealing surface and a seal element run with the first tubular and displaced from the surface. The seal element initially has a radial dimension that forms a radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular for enabling the first tubular to be sealed with a second tubular radially disposed with the first tubular. A mechanism is included that is triggerable for reconfiguring the radial dimension of the seal element. The sealing surface of the first tubular operative forms the radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular when the radial dimension of the seal element has been reconfigured for enabling the sealing surface of the first tubular to receive a second seal element. A method of sealing tubulars is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Jason A. Allen, Nicholas J. Clem, Robert S. O'Brien, Aaron C. Hammer
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Patent number: 8371369Abstract: A crossover tool that resists the erosive forces of high velocity slurry streams of gravel in downhole fracturing and gravel packing operations employs hardened inserts that protect the inside face of the housing as well as the openings through the crossover housing wall. The inserts have an extending portion that goes through housing openings preferably to the outer surface of the housing. The inserts also have inboard flanged surfaces that preferably abut or overlap to give preferably full inner wall protection to the housing from the flow of abrasive slurry. The inserts can be secured to each other or to the interior of the housing to hold them firmly in place.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Nicholas J. Clem, Martin P. Coronado, Steve Rosenblatt
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Patent number: 8235114Abstract: A fracturing and gravel packing tool has features that prevent well swabbing when the tool is picked up with respect to a set isolation packer. An upper or jet valve allows switching between the squeeze and circulation positions without risk of closing the wash pipe valve. The wash pipe valve can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed direction that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time to allow movement that arms the wash pipe valve. The jet valve can prevent fluid loss to the formation when being set down whether the crossover tool is supported on the packer or on the smart collet.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Nicholas J. Clem, Martin P. Coronado, Jeffery D. Kitzman, Jeffry S. Edwards