Patents by Inventor Randy C. Tolman

Randy C. Tolman 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: 20170159403
    Abstract: Sealing devices, wellbore tubulars including the sealing devices, and hydrocarbon wells including the wellbore tubulars are disclosed herein. The sealing devices include a sealing device body that is sized and shaped to operatively engage with an aperture in the wellbore tubular and to form an at least partial fluid seal with the aperture. The sealing device body has a hardness of 55-80 durometer, a tensile strength of 14-24 megapascals (MPa), a percent elongation of 250-500 percent, a 100% tensile stress of 1.4-5.2 MPa, and/or a die C tear resistance of 26-44 kilonewtons/meter (kN/m). The wellbore tubulars include an elongate tubular body, an aperture extending through the elongate tubular body, and a sealing device operatively engaged with the aperture. The hydrocarbon wells include a wellbore and the wellbore tubular extending within the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Timothy J. Hall
  • Publication number: 20170159420
    Abstract: Select-fire, downhole shockwave generation devices, hydrocarbon wells that include the shockwave generation devices, and methods of utilizing the same are disclosed herein. The shockwave generation devices are configured to generate a shockwave within a wellbore fluid that extends within a tubular conduit of a wellbore tubular. The shockwave generation devices include a core, a plurality of explosive charges arranged on an external surface of the core, and a plurality of triggering devices. Each of the plurality of triggering devices is associated with a selected one of the plurality of explosive charges and is configured to selectively initiate explosion of the selected one of the plurality of explosive charges. The methods include methods of generating a shockwave utilizing the downhole shockwave generation devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, P. Matthew Spiecker, Steve Lonnes
  • Publication number: 20170159384
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a method of placing a wireline device in a deviated well having a hydrostatic column, the method comprising placing a positioning device in a wellbore of the deviated well, electrically powering the positioning device, moving the wireline device across a deviated region of the wellbore using the positioning device, wherein moving includes creating a driving force using the positioning device, and wherein the driving force is at least one of: a mechanical driving force and a fluid pressure driving force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Michael C. Romer, Randy C. Tolman
  • Publication number: 20170159397
    Abstract: Downhole devices, wells that include the downhole devices, and methods of utilizing the same are disclosed herein. The downhole devices include a core; a sealing component holder positioned within the core including an opening to an external surface of the core; a plurality of sealing components positioned within the sealing component holder; a metering device; and a cover positioned over the opening. The metering device is constructed and arranged to displace an internal volume of the sealing component holder and discharge through the opening a portion of the plurality of sealing components contained within the sealing component holder. The cover is constructed and arranged to allow the portion of the sealing components to exit the opening upon displacement of the internal volume of the sealing component holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, P. Matthew Spiecker
  • Publication number: 20170159418
    Abstract: Wellbore tubulars including a plurality of selective stimulation ports and methods of utilizing the same are disclosed herein. The wellbore tubulars include a tubular body including an external surface and an internal surface that defines a tubular conduit. The wellbore tubulars also include a plurality of selective stimulation ports, and each selective stimulation port includes an SSP conduit and an isolation device that is configured to selectively transition from a closed state to an open state responsive to a shockwave having greater than a threshold shockwave intensity. The methods include methods of stimulating a subterranean formation utilizing the wellbore tubulars. The methods also include methods of re-stimulating the subterranean formation utilizing the wellbore tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, P. Matthew Spiecker, Steve Lonnes, Timothy J. Hall
  • Publication number: 20170110220
    Abstract: A power cable bundle is provided herein. The power cable bundle includes a spool having an axle, and a power cable wound there around. The power cable comprises a plurality of conductor wires, and a non-conductive, high-strength, synthetic material around the plurality of conductor wires substantially along its length. The power cable has a tensile strength of at least 2,000 MPa, and a weight that is less than 0.1 lb./ft. in air. Preferably, the power cable is at least 2,000 feet in length. A method of pumping fluids from a wellbore using an electrical submersible pump that receives electrical power through the power cable is also provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: MICHAEL C. ROMER, RANDY C. TOLMAN
  • Patent number: 9617829
    Abstract: A tool assembly is provided that includes an actuatable tool such as a valve or a setting tool. And includes a location device that senses the location of the tool assembly within a tubular body based on a physical signature. The tool assembly also includes an on-board controller configured to send an activation signal to the actuatable tool when the location device has recognized a selected location of the tool based on the physical signature. The actuatable tool, the location device, and the on-board controller are together dimensioned and arranged to be deployed in the wellbore as an autonomous unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, Randy C. Tolman, Pavlin B. Entchev, Renzo Moises Angeles Boza, Chris E. Shuchart, Eric R. Grueschow, Charles S. Yeh
  • Publication number: 20170096877
    Abstract: A flushable well screen or filter assembly for placement within a tubular. The assembly includes a well screen or filter having an inlet end and an outlet end; and a velocity fuse positioned downstream of the outlet end of the well screen or filter, the velocity fuse in fluid communication with the well screen or filter. A system for removing fluids from a well and a method for back-flushing an upstream well screen or filter installed within a tubular are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Michael C. Romer
  • Publication number: 20170096868
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing the force required to pull a device from a tubular, the apparatus including a tubular sealing device for mating with a downhole tubular component, the tubular sealing device having an axial length and a longitudinal bore therethrough; and an elongated rod slidably positionable within the longitudinal bore of the tubular sealing device, the elongated rod having a first end, a second end, and an outer surface, the outer surface structured and arranged to provide i) a hydraulic seal when the elongated rod is in a first position within the longitudinal bore of the tubular sealing device, and ii) at least one external flow port for pressure equalization upstream and downstream of the tubular sealing device when the elongated rod is placed in a second position within the longitudinal bore of the tubular sealing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Michael C. Romer, Randy C. Tolman
  • Publication number: 20170051592
    Abstract: A system for deploying and powering an electric submersible pump within a subterranean well. The system includes a tubing string having a wall forming a hollow interior, one end of the tubing string connected to the electric submersible pump; a flowable conductive material at least partially filling the hollow interior of the tubing string, the flowable conductive material forming a first conductive path; and a second conductive path, wherein the first conductive path and the second conductive path form a circuit for supplying power to the electric submersible pump. A method for deploying and powering an electric submersible pump within a subterranean well is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Michael C. Romer, William A. Symington, Randy C. Tolman
  • Publication number: 20170051593
    Abstract: A system for deploying and powering an electric submersible pump within a subterranean well. The system includes a tubing string having a wall forming a first conductive path, one end of which is connected to the electric submersible pump; and a second conductive path, wherein the first conductive path and the second conductive path form a circuit for supplying power to the electric submersible pump. A method for deploying and powering an electric submersible pump within a subterranean well is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Michael C. Romer, William A. Symington, Randy C. Tolman
  • Publication number: 20160298439
    Abstract: Remotely actuated screenout relief valves, systems and methods are disclosed herein. The methods include providing a proppant slurry stream that includes proppant to a casing conduit that is defined by a casing string that extends within a subterranean formation. The methods further include detecting an operational parameter that is indicative of a screenout event within the casing conduit. Responsive to the detecting, the methods include providing a flush fluid stream to the casing conduit, opening the remotely actuated screenout relief valve, and displacing the proppant from the casing conduit into the subterranean formation with the flush fluid stream via the remotely actuated screenout relief valve. The methods may further include closing the remotely actuated screenout relief valve. The systems include hydrocarbon wells that include the remotely actuated screenout relief valve and/or hydrocarbon wells that include controllers that are configured to perform at least a portion of the methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy I. Morrow, Randy C. Tolman, Renzo M. Angeles Boza, Mark M. Disko, Max Deffenbaugh
  • Publication number: 20160168962
    Abstract: Autonomous units and methods for downhole, multi-zone perforation and fracture stimulation for hydrocarbon production. The autonomous unit may be a perforating gun assembly, a bridge plug assembly, or fracturing plug assembly. The autonomous units are dimensioned and arranged to be deployed within a wellbore without an electric wireline. The autonomous units may be fabricated from a friable material so as to self-destruct upon receiving a signal. The autonomous units include a position locator for sensing the presence of objects along the wellbore and generating depth signals in response. The autonomous units also include an on-board controller for processing the depth signals and for activating an actuatable tool at a zone of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Pavlin B. Entchev, Renzo M. Angeles Boza, Dennis H. Petrie, Kevin H. Searles, Abdel Wadood M. El-Rabaa
  • Patent number: 9328578
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for actuating a downhole tool in wellbore includes acquiring a CCL data set or log from the wellbore that correlates recorded magnetic signals with measured depth, and selects a location within the wellbore for actuation of a wellbore device. The CCL log is then downloaded into an autonomous tool. The tool is programmed to sense collars as a function of time, thereby providing a second CCL log. The autonomous tool also matches sensed collars with physical signature from the first CCL log and then self-actuates the wellbore device at the selected location based upon a correlation of the first and second CCL logs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Krishnan Kumaran, Niranjan A. Subrahmanya, Pavlin B. Entchev, Randy C. Tolman, Renzo Moises Angeles Boza
  • Patent number: 9322239
    Abstract: Drag-enhancing structures for downhole operations are included in a downhole assembly that further includes a tool string, extends past a maximum transverse perimeter of the tool string, and increases resistance to fluid flow past the downhole assembly when the downhole assembly is pumped in a downhole direction within a wellbore conduit. The systems and methods include conveying the downhole assembly in the downhole direction within the wellbore conduit. The systems and methods further may include decreasing the resistance to fluid flow past the downhole assembly after the downhole assembly is located within a target region of the wellbore conduit and/or flowing a sealing material past the downhole assembly while the downhole assembly is located within the wellbore conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Renzo M. Angeles Boza, Randy C. Tolman, Abdel Wadood M. El-Rabaa, Christian S. Mayer, Pavlin B. Entchev, Jonathan L. Hollett
  • Publication number: 20160097259
    Abstract: A method of completing a well involving remediating a condition of screen-out that has taken place along a zone of interest. The method includes forming a wellbore, and lining at least a lower portion of the wellbore with a string of production casing and placing a valve along the production casing, wherein the valve creates a removable barrier to fluid flow within the bore. The barrier is removed by moving the valve in the event of a screen-out. This overcomes the barrier to fluid flow, thereby exposing ports along the production casing to the subsurface formation at or below the valve. Additional pumping takes place to pump the slurry through the exposed ports, thereby remediating the condition of screen-out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Timothy I Morrow, Timothy G Benish
  • Publication number: 20160097260
    Abstract: A method of completing a well involving remediating a condition of screen-out that has taken place along a zone of interest. The method includes forming a wellbore, and lining at least a lower portion of the wellbore with a string of production casing and placing a valve along the production casing, wherein the valve creates a removable barrier to fluid flow within the bore. The barrier is removed by moving the valve in the event of a screen-out. This overcomes the barrier to fluid flow, thereby exposing ports along the production casing to the subsurface formation at or below the valve. Additional pumping takes place to pump the slurry through the exposed ports, thereby remediating the condition of screen-out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Timothy I Morrow, Timothy G Benish
  • Patent number: 9284819
    Abstract: Autonomous units and methods for downhole, multi-zone perforation and fracture stimulation for hydrocarbon production. The autonomous unit may be a perforating gun assembly, a bridge plug assembly, or fracturing plug assembly. The autonomous units are dimensioned and arranged to be deployed within a wellbore without an electric wireline. The autonomous units may be fabricated from a friable material so as to self-destruct upon receiving a signal. The autonomous units include a position locator for sensing the presence of objects along the wellbore and generating depth signals in response. The autonomous units also include an on-board controller for processing the depth signals and for activating an actuatable tool at a zone of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Pavlin B. Entchev, Renzo M. Angeles Boza, Dennis H. Petrie, Kevin H. Searles, Abdel Wadood M. El-Rabaa
  • Publication number: 20160069163
    Abstract: Autonomous wellbore devices with orientation-regulating structures and systems and methods including the same. The autonomous wellbore devices include a wellbore tool, a control structure, and an orientation-regulating structure. The wellbore tool is configured to autonomously perform a downhole operation within a wellbore conduit that extends within a subterranean formation. The control structure is programmed to determine that an actuation criterion has been satisfied and to provide an actuation signal to the wellbore tool. The orientation-regulating structure is configured to regulate a cross-sectional orientation of the wellbore tool while the autonomous wellbore device is being conveyed autonomously within the wellbore conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Timothy I. Morrow
  • Publication number: 20160040520
    Abstract: A completion assembly designed to perforate a section of casing along a wellbore, comprises a perforating gun, a canister, and a locator device. The canister contains ball sealers that are dimensioned to seal perforations, while the locator device is a casing collar locator that senses the location of the assembly within the wellbore based on the spacing of casing collars. The completion assembly also includes an on-board controller configured to send an actuation signal to the perforating gun to cause one or more detonators to fire when the locator has recognized a selected location of the completion assembly, thereby perforating the casing, and to release the ball sealers from the canister. Methods for seamlessly perforating and fracturing multiple zones along a wellbore are also provided, using a select-fire perforating gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Pavlin B. Entchev, Timothy I. Morrow