Patents by Inventor Stephen CROMAR

Stephen CROMAR 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: 10989041
    Abstract: Systems and methods of logging in a well include utilizing a solidifying fluid, such as magnetorheological fluid, in at least one annulus surrounding a logging tool. Given production tubing may remain in the well during the logging as desired for efficiency, space between the production tubing and a casing string may form the annulus. Filling the annulus with the solidifying fluid and selective activation of the solidifying fluid to a solidified state during the logging limits interference in data collected as a result of transmitting across the annulus. Deactivation of the solidifying fluid to a liquefied state enables recovery of the solidifying fluid from the well after the logging. Embodiments employ the logging in various applications, such as assessing a cemented casing string in well abandonment operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen Cromar, Ian Milne
  • Patent number: 10883336
    Abstract: A method of cementing an oil or gas well for abandonment comprises cutting the production tubing 6 above the production packer 8, setting a tubing plug 9 in the tubing and then cutting the tubing. A bridge plug may be installed at the level of the cut, which spans the full diameter of the well casing 3. An agitator assembly 20 comprising an agitator 24, packer 21 and burst sub 23, with a running tool fitted to the top, is run down the tubing on wire line. Cement is then injected into the tubing 6, which flows through the agitator assembly and causes the tubing to vibrate. The cement fills the tubing but also flows back up the A annulus between the casing and production tubing. Vibration of the tubing assists the formation of a good quality cement plug extending all around the annulus over a substantial length of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Prieur, Andrew Hood, Ian Milne, Stephen Cromar
  • Publication number: 20180313201
    Abstract: Systems and methods of logging in a well include utilizing a solidifying fluid, such as magnetorheological fluid, in at least one annulus surrounding a logging tool. Given production tubing may remain in the well during the logging as desired for efficiency, space between the production tubing and a casing string may form the annulus. Filling the annulus with the solidifying fluid and selective activation of the solidifying fluid to a solidified state during the logging limits interference in data collected as a result of transmitting across the annulus. Deactivation of the solidifying fluid to a liquefied state enables recovery of the solidifying fluid from the well after the logging. Embodiments employ the logging in various applications, such as assessing a cemented casing string in well abandonment operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen CROMAR, Ian MILNE
  • Publication number: 20170016305
    Abstract: A method of cementing an oil or gas well for abandonment comprises cutting the production tubing 6 above the production packer 8, setting a tubing plug 9 in the tubing and then cutting the tubing. A bridge plug may be installed at the level of the cut, which spans the full diameter of the well casing 3. An agitator assembly 20 comprising an agitator 24, packer 21 and burst sub 23, with a running tool fitted to the top, is run down the tubing on wire line. Cement is then injected into the tubing 6, which flows through the agitator assembly and causes the tubing to vibrate. The cement fills the tubing but also flows back up the A annulus between the casing and production tubing. Vibration of the tubing assists the formation of a good quality cement plug extending all around the annulus over a substantial length of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Jean-Marie PRIEUR, Andrew HOOD, Ian MILNE, Stephen CROMAR