Patents by Inventor Stephen A. Graham

Stephen A. Graham 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: 11008843
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-lateral wellbore construction and stimulation from cased parent wellbores. Methods and apparatus are provided to facilitate the creation of casing exit openings in the casing of parent wellbores. Methods and systems are provided for azimuthally and longitudinally aligning drilling assemblies through openings in a parent wellbore casing are provided to allow for drilling multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from a parent wellbore. A method of stimulating one or more subterranean zones intersected by multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from one or more patent wellbores includes the steps of: simultaneously injecting a stimulation fluid into the lateral wellbores; and stimulating the zones intersected by the lateral wellbores in response to the stimulation fluid injecting step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Graham, Philip W. Woodard, Robert F. Shelley, Jim B. Surjaatmadja
  • Publication number: 20190242230
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-lateral wellbore construction and stimulation from cased parent wellbores. Methods and apparatus are provided to facilitate the creation of casing exit openings in the casing of parent wellbores. Methods and systems are provided for azimuthally and longitudinally aligning drilling assemblies through openings in a parent wellbore casing are provided to allow for drilling multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from a parent wellbore. A method of stimulating one or more subterranean zones intersected by multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from one or more patent wellbores includes the steps of: simultaneously injecting a stimulation fluid into the lateral wellbores; and stimulating the zones intersected by the lateral wellbores in response to the stimulation fluid injecting step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Graham, Philip W. Woodard, Robert F. Shelley, Jim B. Surjaatmadja
  • Patent number: 10316634
    Abstract: Methods and an apparatus to facilitate the creation of casing exit openings in the casing of parent wellbores. Methods and systems for azimuthally and longitudinally aligning drilling assemblies through openings in a parent wellbore casing to allow for drilling multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from a parent wellbore. A method of stimulating one or more subterranean zones intersected by multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from one or more patent wellbores includes the steps of: simultaneously injecting a stimulation fluid into the lateral wellbores; and stimulating the zones intersected by the lateral wellbores in response to the stimulation fluid injecting step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Graham, Philip W. Woodard, Robert F. Shelley, Jim B. Surjaatmadja
  • Patent number: 10301908
    Abstract: An array of sliding sleeve valves are uniquely addressable without control lines or wires to open for a treatment and then close and then selectively open for production. The discrete movements employ an available pressure source such as tubing pressure and change the piston areas on opposed sides of a sliding sleeve valve to get the desired movements. Access valves to tubing pressure can be actuated in a desired sequence with signals such as acoustic or electromagnetic, for example. Access to one piston area that communicates opposed and offsetting piston areas to the tubing hydrostatic can be achieved with a straddle tool breaking a rupture disc. The piston is then in pressure balanced and can be moved in a desired direction with the straddle tool straddling access locations to the piston from above or below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignees: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC, CHEVRON USA, INC.
    Inventors: John K. Wakefield, Alexander Kendall, Stephen A. Graham, Pete J. Clark
  • Patent number: 10253594
    Abstract: A zone to be treated comprises a plurality of sliding sleeve valves. The sleeve defined opposed chambers charged with pressurized fluid on opposed sides of the sleeve. Valves responsive to a remote signal with no borehole intervention change the pressure balance on the sleeve to get it to open from a closed position and then close and then to reopen for production. One way this is done is by sequential pressure bleeding off from the opposed chambers. A zone having multiple such valves can be treated without need for dropping balls and subsequent milling out, which allows production to commence sooner with reduced restrictions to flow from the ball seats and without the debris associated from a milling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: John K. Wakefield, Robert S. O'Brien, Alexander Kendall, Stephen A. Graham, Peter J. Clark
  • Publication number: 20160115772
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-lateral wellbore construction and stimulation from cased parent wellbores. Methods and apparatus are provided to facilitate the creation of casing exit openings in the casing of parent wellbores. Methods and systems are provided for azimuthally and longitudinally aligning drilling assemblies through openings in a parent wellbore casing are provided to allow for drilling multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from a parent wellbore. A method of stimulating one or more subterranean zones intersected by multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from one or more patent wellbores includes the steps of: simultaneously injecting a stimulation fluid into the lateral wellbores; and stimulating the zones intersected by the lateral wellbores in response to the stimulation fluid injecting step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Graham, Philip W. Woodard, Robert F. Shelley, Jim B. Surjaatmadja
  • Patent number: 9260921
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-lateral wellbore construction and stimulation from cased parent wellbores. Methods and apparatus are provided to facilitate the creation of casing exit openings in the casing of parent wellbores. Methods and systems are provided for azimuthally and longitudinally aligning drilling assemblies through openings in a parent wellbore casing are provided to allow for drilling multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from a parent wellbore. A method of stimulating one or more subterranean zones intersected by multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from one or more parent wellbores includes the steps of: simultaneously injecting a stimulation fluid into the lateral wellbores; and stimulating the zones intersected by the lateral wellbores in response to the stimulation fluid injecting step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Graham, Philip W. Woodard, Robert F. Shelley, Jim B. Surjaatmadja
  • Patent number: 7819187
    Abstract: The system of subterranean wells includes a subsurface flow line 20 having at least a portion within or underlining one or more subterranean formations 12. One or more drainage wells 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 each extend from the surface and intercept at least one of the subterranean formations at a respective interception location. A lower portion of each drainage well is in fluid communication with the subsurface flow line. A recovery well 42 extends from the surface and is also in fluid communication with the subsurface flow line, so that fluids entering the drainage well flow into the subsurface flow line and then into the recovery well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignees: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Dynamic Production, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Graham, Charles E. Graham, III, Jonathon G. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20090288833
    Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-lateral wellbore construction and stimulation from cased parent wellbores. Methods and apparatus are provided to facilitate the creation of casing exit openings in the casing of parent wellbores. Methods and systems are provided for azimuthally and longitudinally aligning drilling assemblies through openings in a parent wellbore casing are provided to allow for drilling multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from a parent wellbore. A method of stimulating one or more subterranean zones intersected by multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from one or more patent wellbores includes the steps of: simultaneously injecting a stimulation fluid into the lateral wellbores; and stimulating the zones intersected by the lateral wellbores in response to the stimulation fluid injecting step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. GRAHAM, Philip W. WOODARD, Robert F. SHELLEY, Jim B. SURJAATMADJA
  • Publication number: 20090038792
    Abstract: The system of subterranean wells includes a subsurface flow line 20 having at least a portion within or underlining one or more subterranean formations 12. One or more drainage wells 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 each extend from the surface and intercept at least one of the subterranean formations at a respective interception location. A lower portion of each drainage well is in fluid communication with the subsurface flow line. A recovery well 42 extends from the surface and is also in fluid communication with the subsurface flow line, so that fluids entering the drainage well flow into the subsurface flow line and then into the recovery well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen A. Graham, Charles E. Graham, III, Jonathon G. Weiss
  • Patent number: 7451814
    Abstract: The system of subterranean wells includes a subsurface flow line 20 having at least a portion within or underlining one or more subterranean formations 12. One or more drainage wells 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 each extend from the surface and intercept at least one of the subterranean formations at a respective interception location. A lower portion of each drainage well is in fluid communication with the subsurface flow line. A recovery well 42 extends from the surface and is also in fluid communication with the subsurface flow line, so that fluids entering the drainage well flow into the subsurface flow line and then into the recovery well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignees: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Dynamic Production, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Graham, Charles E. Graham, III, Jonathon G. Weiss
  • Patent number: 6119776
    Abstract: Methods of stimulating and producing multiple stratified hydrocarbon reservoirs having numerous separate reservoir compartments are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of drilling a first well bore into a lower part of the reservoir having a horizontal portion which intersects a previously drilled second well bore therein. At least one fracture is formed extending into two or more reservoir compartments from the horizontal portion of the third well bore for conducted hydrocarbons in the reservoir into the horizontal portion of the first well bore from where the hydrocarbons flow into the second well bore and are withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Graham, Raymond L. Brown, David S. Stegemeier
  • Patent number: 6095244
    Abstract: Methods of stimulating and producing multiple stratified hydrocarbon reservoirs having numerous separate reservoir compartments are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of drilling a first well bore into a lower part of the reservoir having a horizontal portion which intersects a previously drilled second well bore therein. At least one fracture is formed extending into two or more reservoir compartments from the horizontal portion of the first well bore for conducted hydrocarbons in the reservoir into the horizontal portion of the first well bore from where the hydrocarbons flow into the second well bore and are withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Graham, Raymond L. Brown, David S. Stegemeier
  • Patent number: 5992524
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for flow control in a wellbore in a well having at least one deviated wellbore drilled as an extension of the primary wellbore. More specifically, an assembly is run into the primary wellbore, aligned and anchored and a retrievable or replaceable flow control device is installed within the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Natural Reserves Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Graham
  • Patent number: 5715891
    Abstract: In a cased wellbore having one or more cased and cemented drainholes extending therefrom such that the elliptical shaped opening or junction of each drainhole with the primary well is sealed and cut flush with the inside of the primary well casing, an inventive method is disclosed for: (a) isolating each perforated and/or drainhole completion within the primary wellbore, (b) providing flow control means for each completion to permit selective testing, stimulation, production, or abandonment, and (c) facilitating selective re-entry into any cased drainhole for conducting additional drilling, completion, or remedial work. In a preferred embodiment, a production liner is permanently attached within the primary well casing such that packers straddle permanent flow control devices and precut liner windows which are positioned adjacent to perforated completions and drainhole entrance openings, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Natural Reserves Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Graham
  • Patent number: 5697445
    Abstract: In a well having at least one deviated wellbore drilled as an extension of a primary wellbore, a method and apparatus are disclosed for selectively re-entering a deviated wellbore. The method comprises running a diverter assembly into the primary wellbore proximate the opening at the junction of the primary wellbore and the deviated wellbore, aligning the diverter assembly having an upper whipstock member having a diverter face to position the diverter face to facilitate diversion of tools for re-entry into the deviated wellbore, and anchoring the diverter assembly in the primary wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Natural Reserves Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Graham
  • Patent number: 5337808
    Abstract: A vertical cased well penetrates two or more hydrocarbon bearing formations. A deviated well includes a horizontal drain hole extending a substantial distance into at least one of the formations. A production string is cemented in the horizontal drain hole and is cut off inside the vertical cased well. Perforations through the vertical cased well communicate the well with some or all of the formations. A production assembly in the vertical cased well includes a series of external casing packers isolating the hydrocarbon bearing formations. Wire wrapped port collars between the external casing packers controls flow into the production assembly and upwardly through the well. A resin coated sand may be plated in the annulus between the production assembly and the vertical casing to control the production of formation solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Natural Reserves Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Graham
  • Patent number: 5301760
    Abstract: A horizontal bore hole is sidetracked through a window cut in a cased vertical well or from a vertical open hole shaft extending below the kickoff point. In one embodiment, a whipstock is used. In another embodiment, the cased vertical well provides a drillable joint so the window can be cut with a conventional bent housing mud motor from a cement plug located adjacent the drillable joint at the kickoff point. In yet another embodiment, a cement plug is dressed down to the kickoff point in a vertical open hole and is used to start the curved well bore. After drilling at least the curved bore hole, a production string extending into the vertical well is cemented in the curved bore hole and then cut off inside the vertical cased hole with a conventional burning shoe/wash pipe assembly. The whipstock or cement plug is removed to clear the vertical well to a location below the entry of the horizontal well bore. Multiple horizontal wells may be drilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Natural Reserves Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Graham
  • Patent number: 5289876
    Abstract: A method of completing a horizontal well in an incompetent formation includes running a pipe string into the horizontal well bore, pumping a hardenable permeable material into the horizontal well bore, allowing the hardenable material to set up and then drilling up at least part of the pipe string. The hardenable permeable material may be resin coated sand providing sand control for the incompetent formation. In the event the horizontal bore hole vertically meanders out of a desired path and falls below an oil-water contact or rises above a gas-oil contact, that portion of the pipe string located out of the desired path is not drilled up thereby deterring production of undesired formation fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Natural Reserves Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Graham