Patents by Inventor Stephen Michael Greci

Stephen Michael Greci 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).

  • MECHANICAL ISOLATION PLUGS FOR INFLOW CONTROL DEVICES
    Publication number: 20210324715
    Abstract: Isolation plugs may be installed in a wellbore flow control device to temporarily close a flow path therethrough. The isolation plugs may be installed in threaded openings often provided to for access to nozzles or other flow restrictors in the flow control devices. The isolation plugs may initially be locked in a closed configuration while being run in hole and may be unlocked in response to the application of a predetermined activation pressure. Once unlocked, the isolation plug may not immediately move to an open configuration but may continue holding pressure to permit circulation and washdown operations to be conducted. The activation pressure may be reduced to a second predetermined threshold to lock the isolation plug in the open configuration wherein flow is permitted through the flow control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Weiqi Yin, William David Henderson, Stephen Michael Greci
  • Methods to dehydrate gravel pack and to temporarily increase a flow rate of fluid flowing from a wellbore into a conveyance
    Patent number: 11143003
    Abstract: Methods to dehydrate a gravel pack and to temporarily increase a flow rate of fluid flowing from a wellbore into a conveyance are disclosed. A method to dehydrate gravel pack includes deploying a valve at a location proximate a gravel pack. The valve includes a rupture disk that ruptures in response to a threshold amount of pressure, and reactive fluid that actuates the valve to a closed position. The method also includes providing a fluid flow path from the gravel pack to the conveyance. The method further includes closing the valve after providing the fluid flow path from the gravel pack to the conveyance for a threshold period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Michael Novelen, Edmund Christopher Williamson, Stephen Michael Greci
  • Shuttle valve for autonomous fluid flow device
    Patent number: 11131161
    Abstract: A fluid control system may comprise a flow control device including one or more floats attached within the flow control device, an outlet within the flow control device that is connected to the one or more floats, a regulatory valve that is fluidly connected to the flow control device, and a blocking element placed within the regulatory valve. An autonomous flow control system may comprise a first flow control device attached to a production tubing at a first location in a wellbore, a second flow control device attached to the production tubing at a second location in the wellbore, a first set of floats attached within the first flow control device, and a second set of floats attached within the second flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Stephen Michael Greci, Hadi Arabnejad Khanouki, Ibrahim El Mallawany
  • Self-locking coupler
    Patent number: 11131152
    Abstract: Self locking couplers, methods to couple adjacent tubing sections, and self-locking coupling assemblies are presented. In one embodiment, the self-locking coupler includes a coupling shroud having an external interface proximate to a first end of the coupling shroud and a set of collet fingers that extends from the first end of the coupling shroud. The self-locking coupler also includes a locking sleeve having an internal interface that complements the external interface of the coupling shroud. The locking sleeve is movable from a first position on the external interface to a second position on the external interface. As the locking sleeve moves from the first position to the second position, the locking sleeve compresses the set of collet fingers into a cavity of a first seal ring coupled to a first tubing section to secure the coupling shroud to the first tubing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Greci
  • Packer setting and real-time verification method
    Patent number: 11125037
    Abstract: This disclosure may generally relate to subterranean operations and, more particularly, to systems and methods for setting a packer. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide real-time verification of setting a packer in order to form a seal within a wellbore. A system for packer setting may comprise a packer, a telemetry module operable to wirelessly receive one or more control signals from a surface location, and a control module coupled to the telemetry module and the packer, wherein the control module is operable to actuate the packer in response to the one or more control signals from the surface location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Thomas Jules Frosell, Michael Linley Fripp, Gary John Geoffroy
  • Compliant screen shroud to limit expansion
    Patent number: 11118435
    Abstract: Compliant wellbores screens may be arranged to radially expand in a wellbore. The screens include an outer shroud layer including a perforation pattern thereon arranged for limiting the degree to which the screens are expand. The perforation patterns may permit the screens to be expanded to a predetermined limit by imparting a stable or relatively low expansion force. Once the predetermined limit is reached, the outer shrouds may require a sharp increase in the expansion force for further expansion. The sharp increase will prevent over-expansion of the screens, particularly where precise control over an expansion force imparted to expand the screens proves difficult. The perforation pattern may include arc-shaped perforations formed in sheet metal, spaces between braided metal strands, or many other arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Michael Linley Fripp, David Grant
  • Well apparatus with remotely activated flow control device
    Patent number: 11118432
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow into a well includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a screen configured to enable fluid flow therethrough between an exterior and an interior of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member is configured to be positionable within the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member is a remotely activated flow control device configured to control fluid flow between an exterior and an interior of the inner tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jules Frosell, Stephen Michael Greci, Gary John Geoffroy
  • Remote control flow path system for gravel packing
    Patent number: 11118424
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a remote control flow path system in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of transceivers spaced in the wellbore; a telemetry module operable to wirelessly receive control signals from a surface location by way of the plurality of transceivers and to wireless transmit signals to the surface location by way of the plurality of transceivers; a control module comprising a controller, a pump, and a reservoir of hydraulic fluid; a plurality of valves; and a plurality of control lines for the hydraulic fluid, wherein the plurality of control lines are disposed between the pump and the plurality of valves; wherein the control module is operable to hydraulically actuate one or more of the valves to open or closed positions in response to the control signals from the surface location to create one or more flow paths in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Thomas Jules Frosell, Michael Linley Fripp, Gary John Geoffroy
  • EXPANDABLE METAL FISHING TOOL
    Publication number: 20210270103
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of an expandable metal fishing tool for use in a wellbore. The expandable metal fishing tool, in one aspect, includes a mandrel. The expandable metal fishing tool, according to this aspect, further includes one or more expandable members positioned at least partially along an interior surface or an exterior surface of the mandrel, wherein the one or more expandable members comprise a metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis, and further wherein a combined volume of the one or more expandable members is sufficient to expand radially to engage a downhole tubular within a wellbore in response to the hydrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Michael Linley Fripp, Rutger Evers
  • COMPLIANT SCREEN SHROUD TO LIMIT EXPANSION
    Publication number: 20210238964
    Abstract: Compliant wellbores screens may be arranged to radially expand in a wellbore. The screens include an outer shroud layer including a perforation pattern thereon arranged for limiting the degree to which the screens are expand. The perforation patterns may permit the screens to be expanded to a predetermined limit by imparting a stable or relatively low expansion force. Once the predetermined limit is reached, the outer shrouds may require a sharp increase in the expansion force for further expansion. The sharp increase will prevent over-expansion of the screens, particularly where precise control over an expansion force imparted to expand the screens proves difficult. The perforation pattern may include arc-shaped perforations formed in sheet metal, spaces between braided metal strands, or many other arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Michael Linley Fripp, David Grant
  • Well screen assembly with extending screen
    Patent number: 11073004
    Abstract: A well screen assembly residing in a well bore has a base pipe and a filtration screen carried on the base pipe. The screen is radially extended with force from fluid while maintaining the base pipe radially unextended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Matthew Franklin, James J. Kang, Aaron James Bonner, Luke William Holderman, Jean-Marc Lopez, Liang Zhao, Michael Fripp
  • ELECTRONIC CONTROL FOR SIMULTANEOUS INJECTION AND PRODUCTION
    Publication number: 20210222531
    Abstract: A flow control device including a housing sized to be disposed within a wellbore; a valve portion disposed within the housing and operable to control the flow of fluid therethrough, the valve portion having at least one valve having a first configuration and a second configuration; an actuator operable to adjust the at least one valve between the first configuration and the second configuration; and a conduit coupled with an exterior surface of the housing and in fluidic communication with the at least one valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael GRECI, Michael Linley FRIPP, Jyotsana VERMA
  • Retrievable Well Assemblies And Devices
    Publication number: 20210222522
    Abstract: A wellbore assembly can include a completion string having a side pocket. A downhole device can be positioned within the side pocket of the completion string. The downhole device can have a first end sized and shaped for coupling to a tool for inserting and removing the downhole device in the side pocket while the completion string is positioned downhole in a wellbore. The downhole device can be an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Michael Linley Fripp
  • Mechanical isolation plugs for inflow control devices
    Patent number: 11066909
    Abstract: Isolation plugs may be installed in a wellbore flow control device to temporarily close a flow path therethrough. The isolation plugs may be installed in threaded openings often provided to for access to nozzles or other flow restrictors in the flow control devices. The isolation plugs may initially be locked in a closed configuration while being run in hole and may be unlocked in response to the application of a predetermined activation pressure. Once unlocked, the isolation plug may not immediately move to an open configuration but may continue holding pressure to permit circulation and washdown operations to be conducted. The activation pressure may be reduced to a second predetermined threshold to lock the isolation plug in the open configuration wherein flow is permitted through the flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Weiqi Yin, William David Henderson, Stephen Michael Greci
  • System, method, and device for powering electronics during completion and production of a well
    Patent number: 11066904
    Abstract: A system, method, and power control device for powering electronics located in a wellbore intersecting a subterranean earth formation. The system comprises a battery, a turbine generator, an electronic device, and a processor. The battery is locatable in the wellbore and the turbine generator is locatable in the wellbore so as to be in fluid communication with a flow path in the wellbore. The electronic device is locatable in the wellbore and electrically coupled to the battery and the turbine generator. The processor determines if a power condition is satisfied to allow the turbine generator to power the electronic device. The method comprises powering an electronic device located in the wellbore using a battery and opening a closed flow path in communication with a turbine generator. The method also comprises powering the electronic device using the turbine generator if a power condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Stephen Michael Greci, Thomas Jules Frosell, Richard Decena Ornelaz
  • METHODS FOR SUPPORTING WELLBORE FORMATIONS WITH EXPANDABLE STRUCTURES
    Publication number: 20210207458
    Abstract: A method to provide support within a wellbore includes underreaming a section of the wellbore at a depth spanning a layer of an unstable formation. The method also includes deploying a bistable structure within the wellbore at the depth of the layer of the unstable formation. Additionally, the method includes actuating an expandable packer within the bistable structure to expand the bistable structure in a radially outward direction from a longitudinal axis of the bistable structure. The bistable structure is in contact with walls of the underreamed section of the wellbore upon expanding in the radially outward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Peter BESSELINK, Wilfried VAN MOORLEGHEM, Stephen Michael GRECI
  • WASHOUT PREVENTION ELEMENT FOR EXPANDABLE METAL SEALING ELEMENTS
    Publication number: 20210198973
    Abstract: Methods for positioning an expandable metal sealing element in the wellbore. An example method includes an expandable metal sealing element having a reactive metal and disposed in a location. The method further includes actuating a washout prevention element, contacting the expandable metal sealing element with a fluid that reacts with the reactive metal to produce a reaction product having a volume greater than the reactive metal, and allowing the washout prevention element to prevent at least a portion of the reaction product from flowing away from the location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Linley FRIPP, Stephen Michael GRECI, Abdel Hamid R ABEIDOH, Christopher Michael PELTO
  • Swellable metal packer with porous external sleeve
    Patent number: 11047203
    Abstract: A method for forming a seal in a wellbore that includes positioning a swell packer that comprises a swellable metal sealing element in the wellbore; wherein a porous layer is disposed about the swellable metal sealing element. The method also includes exposing the swellable metal sealing element to a downhole fluid; allowing or causing to allow the swellable metal sealing element to produce particles; and accumulating the particles within a first annulus formed between the porous layer and the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Stephen Michael Greci, Abdel Hamid R. Abeidoh
  • REACTIVE METAL SEALING ELEMENTS FOR A LINER HANGER
    Publication number: 20210189830
    Abstract: Methods for treating a wellbore. An example method includes positioning a conduit in the wellbore. The conduit is a liner hanger or a tie-back liner. The conduit includes a conduit body and a reactive metal sealing element disposed on the conduit body. The reactive metal sealing element includes a reactive metal having a first volume. The method further includes contacting the reactive metal with a fluid that reacts with the reactive metal to produce a reaction product having a second volume greater than the first volume. The method further includes contacting a surface adjacent to the reactive metal sealing element with the reaction product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Michael GRECI, Michael Linley FRIPP, Emile Edmund SEVADJIAN, Abdolreza GHARESI
  • PRESSURE REDUCING METAL ELEMENTS FOR LINER HANGERS
    Publication number: 20210189842
    Abstract: Liner hangers and methods of use. An example method includes positioning a liner hanger in a wellbore; the liner hanger comprising: two sealing elements disposed on the exterior of the liner hanger and having a void space therebetween, and a pressure reducing metal element disposed between the two sealing elements. The method further includes trapping a wellbore fluid in the void space; wherein the wellbore fluid thermally expands in the void space creating an annular pressure in the void space; and reducing the annular pressure by materially altering the pressure reducing metal element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Michael GRECI, Michael Linley FRIPP, Emile Edmund SEVADJIAN, Abdolreza GHARESI