Patents by Inventor Simon J. Harrall

Simon J. Harrall 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: 20150101829
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wellbore assembly. The wellbore assembly may comprise a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline; an accumulator system connected to the conveyance member; and a setting tool connected to the accumulator system. The accumulator system may be configured to supply a fluid pressure to actuate the setting tool. A method of operating a wellbore tool may comprise lowering a wellbore assembly into a wellbore using a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline, wherein the wellbore assembly includes an accumulator system and a setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the accumulator system to provide a fluid pressure to the setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the setting tool using the fluid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV, Gary Duron Ingram, Paul James Wilson, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 9004181
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a law profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20150075799
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing debris from a wellbore using a cleaning tool. The tool may comprise an inner mandrel and a cup member coupled to the inner mandrel. The cup member is moveable between a collapsed position where fluid may flow across the exterior of the cup member, and an extended position where fluid is diverted into a flow path disposed between the inner mandrel and the cup member. The fluid is diverted through a filter member that is coupled to the inner mandrel below the cup member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy L. WILSON, Albert C. ODELL, II, Simon J. HARRALL
  • Publication number: 20150034326
    Abstract: A system compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during MPD, tripping, or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a liquid and a gas interface moves along a flow line between a riser and a gas accumulator as the tubular moves up and down. In another embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. In other embodiments, a piston connected with the rig or the riser telescoping joint moves in a fluid container thereby communicating a required amount of the fluid either into or out of the riser annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20150000982
    Abstract: An isolation valve for use in a wellbore includes: a tubular housing; an upper flapper disposed in the housing and pivotable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position; an upper piston operable to open or close the upper flapper; a lower flapper disposed in the housing and pivotable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position; a lower piston operable to open the lower flapper; an opener passage in fluid communication with the pistons and an opener hydraulic coupling; and a closer passage in fluid communication with the pistons and a closer hydraulic coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher L. MCDOWELL, Joe NOSKE, Kyle Allen KING, Simon J. HARRALL
  • Publication number: 20140338976
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Wei Jake XU, Albert C. ODELL, II, Simon J. HARRALL, Thomas M. REDLINGER, Christopher M. VREELAND, Andrew ANTOINE, David J. BRUNNERT, Tommy L. LAIRD, Michael J. MOODY, Frederick T. TILTON
  • Patent number: 8881843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a managed pressure and/or temperature drilling system (300) and method. In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore into a gas hydrates formation is disclosed. The method includes drilling the wellbore into the gas hydrates formation; returning gas hydrates cuttings to a surface of the wellbore and/or a drilling rig while controlling a temperature and/or a pressure of the cuttings to prevent or control disassociation of the hydrates cuttings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Todd, Don M. Hannegan, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 8863858
    Abstract: A system compensates for heave-induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during NIPD, tripping, cementing operations or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. The system also compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a riser telescoping joint located below an RCD is moving between its retracted and extended positions while drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20140251640
    Abstract: A device and method to control the rate of radial expansion of a compressible sealing element on a packer over the longitudinal length of the sealing element. By varying the rate of compression of the element, the rate of radial expansion of the corresponding portions of the element may also be controlled. Additionally, the rate of radial expansion may also be controlled by controlling the direction and amount of radial expansion along the length of the sealing by reinforcing certain portions of the sealing element while decreasing the rigidity of the reinforcement for other portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael C. Derby, Brandon C. Goodman, Paul L. Smith, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 8794354
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Jake Xu, Albert C. Odell, II, Simon J. Harrall, Thomas M. Redlinger, Christopher M. Vreeland, Andrew Antoine, David J. Brunnert, Tommy L. Laird, Michael J. Moody, Frederick T. Tilton
  • Publication number: 20140182943
    Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: David IBLINGS, Thomas F. BAILEY, Ram K. BANSAL, Adrian STEINER, Michael J. LYNCH, Simon J. HARRALL
  • Patent number: 8720545
    Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Iblings, Thomas F. Bailey, Ram K. Bansal, Adrian Steiner, Michael Lynch, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 8540035
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Jake Xu, Albert C. Odell, II, Simon J. Harrall, Thomas M. Redlinger, Christopher M. Vreeland, Andrew Antoine, David J. Brunnert, Tommy L. Laird, Michael J. Moody, Frederick T. Tilton
  • Publication number: 20130192847
    Abstract: Rotating control device related oilfield pressure control is accomplished by upper and lower seal members configured to seal around a tubular, a chamber defined between the upper and lower seal members; and wherein fluid enters and/or exits the chamber via some device or structure. Such a device or structure could be a relief valve, a first accumulator, a pressure control valve, an orifice, and/or a void space in a seal member in a location which contacts the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Danny W. Wagoner, James W. Chambers, Andrew A.W. Barry, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20130118806
    Abstract: A system compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during MPD, tripping, or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a liquid and a gas interface moves along a flow line between a riser and a gas accumulator as the tubular moves up and down. In another embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. In other embodiments, a piston connected with the rig or the riser telescoping joint moves in a fluid container thereby communicating a required amount of the fluid either into or out of the riser annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20130009366
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a law profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, David R. Woodruff, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 8347982
    Abstract: A system compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during MPD, tripping, or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a liquid and a gas interface moves along a flow line between a riser and a gas accumulator as the tubular moves up and down. In another embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. In other embodiments, a piston connected with the rig or the riser telescoping joint moves in a fluid container thereby communicating fluid either into or out of the riser annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 8286734
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The outer diameter of the lateral outlet flange may be substantially the same as the height of the LP-RCD housing and bearing assembly after the bearing assembly is positioned with the LP-RCD housing. The sealing element may be aligned with the lateral outlet, and may be replaced from above. Different embodiments of attachment members for attaching the LP-RCD housing with a lower housing allow the LP-RCD housing to be rotated to align the lateral outlet with the drilling rig's existing line to mud pits or other locations. In one embodiment, the LP-RCD bearings are positioned radially inside the LP-RCD housing. In another embodiment, the LP-RCD bearings are positioned radially outside the LP-RCD housing. One embodiment allows rotation of the inserted tubular about multiple planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, David R. Woodruff, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20120061087
    Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Iblings, Thomas F. Bailey, R. K. Bansal, Adrian Steiner, Michael Lynch, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20120013133
    Abstract: A latch and method for use is provided for latching an item of oilfield equipment. The latch has a housing containing a latch member, and the latch member is movable between a radially engaged position in which it is engaged with the item of oilfield equipment, and a radially retracted position in which it is disengaged from the item of oilfield equipment. An actuator is configured to drive the latch member into the radially engaged position. Further, the actuator is configured to drive the latch member toward the radially retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Thomas F. Bailey, Danny W. Wagoner, Simon J. Harrall