Patents Issued in August 30, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070199673
    Abstract: Disclosed is a metallic-molding-material runner system that includes a collection of branches. The collection of branches is configured to substantially equilibrate flow of a metallic-molding material from a molding system into a mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Jan Manda
  • Publication number: 20070199674
    Abstract: A metering device for a hot chamber die-casting machine includes a casting container attachable to a crucible of the hot chamber die-casting machine, a riser channel in a riser channel area, and a casting piston unit for metered conveying of melt out of the crucible via the riser channel. A heating device is provided with a flameless heating unit for active heating of at least a part of the riser channel area. The heating unit is placed inside a piston rod leadthrough bore, electrically insulated from the riser channel in a riser bore containing the riser channel, or in a heater receiving space specially provided in the casting container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Oskar Frech GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Erhard, Ulrich Schraegle
  • Publication number: 20070199675
    Abstract: A device for moving a metal cope towards and apart from a stationary metal drag, used in a metal mold casting device that uses the metal cope and drag, comprising: an upper die plate (9) for carrying the metal cope; a frame (5; 25); a metal mold opening and closing device (6) mounted on the frame for carrying and vertically moving the upper die plate relative to the frame so as to move the metal cope attached to the upper die plate between a position that is above and relatively near the metal drag and a position that is at the metal drag; and an actuator (3; 23, 23) connected to the frame for moving the frame so as to move the metal cope attached to the upper die plate between the position that is above and relatively near the metal drag and a position that is relatively far from the metal drag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Takahiro Tamura, Fumikazu Shiose
  • Publication number: 20070199676
    Abstract: Composite mold for use in casting a metal or alloy includes an inner mold region that includes a mold cavity and a fugitive metallic outer backup mold region residing on the inner mold region, wherein the metallic material of the backup mold region has such a melting temperature that the backup mold region melts from the inner mold region after the molten metal or alloy is cast and at least partially solidified in the mold. The inner mold region can comprise a non-metallic refractory or ceramic shell mold, while the backup mold region can comprise tin or other relatively low melting point metal or alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: George Wolter
  • Publication number: 20070199677
    Abstract: This invention discloses a manufacturing method and the structure for a heat sink fin. This heat sink fin structure includes an attachment and a plurality of heat sink fins. The plurality of heat sink fins is often used in conducting the waste heat from a chip. The plurality of heat sink fins and the attachment can be made of a special thermal conduction material, including the metal and a bracket structure of carbon element which have high thermal conductivity, so as to improve the efficiency of heat conduction. The corresponding manufacturing method for this thermal conduction material can be made with chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, electroplating or the other materials preparation method. The bracket structure of carbon element can be coated on a metal surface and can be mixed into the metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Ming-Hang Hwang, Yu-Chiang Cheng, Chao-Yi Chen, Ping-Feng Lee, Hsin-Lung Kuo, Bin-Wei Lee, Wei-Chung Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20070199678
    Abstract: This invention discloses a manufacturing method and the structure for a surface coating film on a heat dissipation metal. The surface coating film structure on the heat dissipation metal includes a heat dissipation metal and a thin film. The surface coating film structure on the heat dissipation metal is often used in dissipation the waste heat from the electronic apparatuses. The thin film is composed of a bracket structure of carbon element which has high thermal conductivity, so as to improve the efficiency of heat dissipation of the heat dissipation metal. The corresponding manufacturing method for the thin film can be made with chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition or the other material preparation methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Ming-Hang Hwang, Yu-Chiang Cheng, Chao-Yi Chen, Hsin-Lung Kuo, Bin-Wei Lee, Wei-Chung Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20070199679
    Abstract: This invention discloses a chip heat dissipation system for chip heat dissipation and a manufacturing method and structure of heat dissipation device thereof. The chip heat dissipation system includes a heat dissipation device, a heat exchange device, a pump assembly device and at least two pipes. The heat dissipation device is used for receiving a waste heat from the chip, and the heat dissipation device is composed of a thermal conduction material, including a metal material and a bracket structure of carbon element; the heat exchange device is used for discharging the waste heat; the at least two pipes are used for connecting at least two joints of the heat dissipation device and the heat exchange device; and the pump assembly device is used for circulating a fluid between the heat dissipation device and the heat exchange device by the at least two pipes. The bracket structure of carbon element has high thermal conductivity, so as to improve the heat conduction efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Ming-Hang Hwang, Yu-Chiang Cheng, Chao-Yi Chen, Ping-Feng Lee, Hsin-Lung Kuo, Bin-Wei Lee, Wei-Chung Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20070199680
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frame part for a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. The frame parts should be designed so that given a simplified producibility of the frame parts, a complete compensation for expansion in the longitudinal direction as well as in the transverse direction of the frame part is nevertheless ensured. According to the invention, a frame part for a shell-and-tube heat exchanger comprises a number of tubes, which are parallel to one another, form a tube body, and are flowed through by a heat exchanging medium. The tube body is surrounded by frame parts at least on two sides that are parallel to the tubes. At least one thermal expansion element is formed at least in the frame parts that are oriented parallel to the tubes. The thickness of this thermal expansion element is at least a multiple of that of the material of the frame part where it deviates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Werner Helms, Roland Hemminger, Volker Kurz, Chi-Duc Nguyen, Wolfgang Reier, Michael Spieth
  • Publication number: 20070199681
    Abstract: This invention discloses a manufacturing method and the structure for a dissipation heat pipe. This dissipation heat pipe includes a hollow closed pipe, a type of fluid and a wick structure. The dissipation heat pipe is often used in conducting the heat from a chip. The dissipation heat pipe can be made of a special thermal conduction material, including the metal and a bracket structure of carbon element which have high thermal conductivity, so as to improve the heat conduction efficiency. The corresponding manufacturing method for this heat conduction material can be made by chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, electroplating or the other materials preparation method. The bracket structure of carbon element can coat on the metal surface and can also be mixed into the metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Ming-Hang Hwang, Yu-Chiang Cheng, Chao-Yi Chen, Ping-Feng Lee, Hsin-Lung Kuo, Bin-Wei Lee, Wei-Chung Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20070199682
    Abstract: This invention discloses a manufacturing method and the structure for a dissipation heat pipe. The dissipation heat pipe includes a hollow closed pipe, a column, a type of fluid and a wick structure. The dissipation heat pipe is often used in conducting the heat from the chip. The dissipation heat pipe can be made of a special thermal conduction material, including the metal and a bracket structure of carbon element which have high thermal conductivity so as to improve the heat conduction efficiency. The corresponding manufacturing method for this thermal conduction material can be made with chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, electroplating or the other materials preparation method. The bracket structure of carbon element can coat on the metal surface and also can be mixed into the metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Ming-Hang Hwang, Yu-Chiang Cheng, Chao-Yi Chen, Hsin-Lung Kuo, Bin-Wei Lee, Wei-Chung Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20070199683
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooler having means for directing a cooling medium, means for directing a medium to be cooled, and an essentially axially symmetrical housing. The means for directing the medium to be cooled is arranged in such a way that the medium to be cooled, in at least one first region, flows in an essentially axial direction, and the medium to be cooled, in at least one second region, flows in a direction having a radial component. The invention also relates to a method of cooling a medium and to various uses of a cooler according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Karsten Emrich
  • Publication number: 20070199684
    Abstract: An internally grooved heat transfer tube for a cross fin tube type heat exchanger of a refrigerating air-conditioning water supply apparatus using a high-pressure refrigerant, wherein an intra-tubular heat transfer rate is improved while maintaining a sufficient strength for pressure resistance. A heat transfer tube formed of copper or copper alloy has internal fins between internal grooves. In the tube, t/D is not smaller than 0.041 and not greater than 0.146, d2/A is not smaller than 0.75 and not greater than 1.5, where D [mm] is an outside diameter of the tube, t [mm] is a groove bottom thickness, d [mm] is a depth of each groove, and A [mm2] is a cross sectional area of each groove. N/Di is not smaller than 8 and not greater than 24 where N is a number of grooves, and Di is a maximum inside diameter corresponding to an inside diameter of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Sumitomo Light Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoe SASAKI, Takashi Kondo, Shiro Kakiyama
  • Publication number: 20070199685
    Abstract: A two-fold combo cooler comprising non gas cooler and gas cooler portions, is provided, particularly for use in an assembly. An assembly having a gas combo-cooler has been found especially useful in automotive applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Valeo, Inc.
    Inventor: Zaiqian Hu
  • Publication number: 20070199686
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes flat tubes and corrugated fins. The corrugated fin includes peak portions contacting the adjacent tubes, and flat portions for making air to pass therebetween in an air flow direction. The flat portion has a first area including pairs of end louvers provided in end portions of the flat portion in a width direction between the adjacent tubes, and a flat part provided between the end louvers in the width direction. The pairs of the end louvers are arranged in the flat portion in the air flow direction. The first area is provided at least one of an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion of the flat portion in the air flow direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Okinotani, Hirokazu Takeuchi, Akira Yanagida, Shizuo Maruo
  • Publication number: 20070199687
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stacked-plate heat exchanger, particularly an in-tank oil cooler, which is mounted in a coolant casing of a coolant cooler for vehicles. The heat exchanger comprises a number of stacked and interconnected, particularly soldered, elongated plates (71-77), each consisting of two plate halves and enclosing a hollow space though which a medium to be cooled, such as oil, passes in a longitudinal direction of the plates. In order to create a stacked-plate heat exchanger that can be economically produced, each of the plate halves have a multitude of grooves extending from one longitudinal side to the opposite longitudinal side of the plate half.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Jens Richter
  • Publication number: 20070199688
    Abstract: In devices known in the art, “conventional firetube” and “waste heat recovery” boilers each require many small tubes making successive passes within the boiler. In one embodiment of the invention, however, an enhanced conduit replaces numerous conventional small tubes. In some embodiments, the enhanced conduit incorporates a plurality of fins, each of which extends through a wall of the conduit. In other embodiments, the enhanced conduit incorporates a plurality of tubes along its outer surface, through which a heat transfer medium flows. Both designs enhance the heat transfer relationship between the hot fluid and the heat transfer medium by providing a continuous heat transfer relationship with the heat transfer medium, increasing the surface area involved in the heat transfer relationship and enhancing convection/conduction couples. For some applications, all of the tube banks of other devices in the art can be replaced by one continuous enhanced conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: John Okonski, John Okonski
  • Publication number: 20070199689
    Abstract: A lightweight thermal heat transfer apparatus, including a core section and a laminate composite section. The core section is substantially similar to a diamond shape. The laminate composite section has a plurality of thermally conductive fibers, which are disposed around the core section and oriented at a configuration similar to the core section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Steve Thoman, Ronald Trabocco, Mary Donnellan
  • Publication number: 20070199690
    Abstract: A connector system is provided for connecting parts of an apparatus. A first part having one or more bayonet connectors and one or more retention pin receptacles cooperatively mates to a second part having one or more mating bayonet connectors. The second part further provides one or more retention pin bores. The first and second parts assemble to form a bayonet connection such that at least one pin retention bore aligns with at least one retention pin receptacle. At least one retention pin assembly disposed through the at least one pin retention bore selectively engages the retention pin receptacle to secure the connection of the first part to the second part of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: John Williams
  • Publication number: 20070199691
    Abstract: A zone isolation assembly (22) for a subsurface well (12) that includes a riser pipe (30) having a fluid zone includes a movable docking receiver (48), a fluid inlet structure (31) and a sealer (56). The docking receiver (48) is adapted to be positioned within the riser pipe (30). The fluid inlet structure (31) is coupled to the docking receiver (48). The fluid inlet structure (31) allows a first fluid from the fluid zone into the fluid inlet structure (31). The sealer (56) is coupled to the docking receiver (48). The sealer (56) selectively forms a seal with the riser pipe (30) to divide the fluid zone into a first zone (26) and a second zone (28) when the sealer (56) is in a first position. In the first position, the first zone (26) is not in fluid communication with the second zone (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Noah Heller, Peter Moritzburke
  • Publication number: 20070199692
    Abstract: A marginal oil extraction system having an upper extraction unit, an extraction container, and a lower valve assembly. The marginal oil extraction system uses at least some of these components to cheaply extract oil from a stripper oil well. In some cases the system is capable of separating the oil from the water in the well with a solid barrier and can cheaply remove the oil from above the solid barrier. The system is cheap to install, easy to maintain and provides efficient access to what would otherwise be an inaccessible asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Grant
  • Publication number: 20070199693
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seal element for a wellbore which includes a support member, a bag positioned on the support member and a eutectic material positionable in the bag. The bag may be axially compressed and axially extended along the support member thereby permitting sealing and unsealing of an annulus in a wellbore. The eutectic material may be a phase changing salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: INNICOR SUBSURFACE TECHNOLOGIES INC
    Inventor: DALE KUNZ
  • Publication number: 20070199694
    Abstract: A guide shoe that utilizes an eccentric nose attached to a cylindrical body that has spiraled, ridged blades extending outward from the body. An orientation system is attached between the body and a hollow shaft. The orientation system is designed to allow free rotation of the body and nose about the shaft during the insertion of the tubing into the hole. It does this by providing clearance between a pawl and notches on the cylindrical body. Indexing of the eccentric nose is provided by a slight retraction of the tubing string in the well hole. Friction between the well hole and ridged blade causes the cylindrical body to rotate about the shaft and lock into an oriented position. The guide shoe is attached to the tubing string by a threaded female connection mating to the matching male connection on the tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Bradley Frazier, Ronald Schlappy
  • Publication number: 20070199695
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating and propagating a vertical hydraulic fracture in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments from a single bore hole to control the fracture initiation plane and propagation of the hydraulic fracture, enabling greater yield and recovery of petroleum fluids from the formation. An injection casing with multiple fracture initiation sections is inserted and grouted into a bore hole. A fracture fluid carrying a proppant is injected into the injection casing and opens the fracture initiation sections to dilate the formation in a direction orthogonal to the required fracture azimuth plane. Propagation of the fracture is controlled by limiting the fracture fluid injection rate during fracture initiation and propagation and maintaining a minimum fracture fluid viscosity. The injection casing initiation section remains open after fracturing providing direct hydraulic connection between the production well bore, the permeable proppant filled fracture and the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199696
    Abstract: An automatic control system that protects downhole equipment and surface equipment from high temperatures resulting from the breakthrough of injection vapor. The system operates to derive an estimate of the temperature of production fluid at a location upstream from the downhole equipment. An alarm signal is generated in the event that this temperature exceeds a threshold temperature characteristic of injection vapor breakthrough. Electric power to the downhole equipment is automatically shut off in response to receiving the alarm signal. A bypass valve selectively directs production fluid to a bypass path. The system operates to derive an estimate of the temperature of the production fluid at a location upstream from the surface equipment. An alarm signal is generated when this temperature exceeds a threshold temperature characteristic of injection vapor breakthrough. The bypass valve is automatically controlled to direct production fluid to the bypass path in response to receiving the alarm signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Merrick Walford
  • Publication number: 20070199697
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by injection of a steam and hydrocarbon vaporized solvent in contact with the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ. Multiple propped hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant. Steam, a hydrocarbon solvent, and a non-condensing diluent gas are injected into the well bore and the propped fractures. The injected gas flows upwards and outwards in the propped fractures contacting the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The steam condenses on the cool bitumen and thus heats the bitumen by conduction, while the hydrocarbon solvent vapors diffuse into the bitumen from the vertical faces of the propped fractures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199698
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by injection of a steam and hydrocarbon vaporized solvent in contact with the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ. Multiple propped hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant. Steam, a hydrocarbon solvent, and a non-condensing diluent gas are injected into the well bore and the propped fractures. The injected gas flows upwards and outwards in the propped fractures contacting the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The steam condenses on the cool bitumen and thus heats the bitumen by conduction, while the hydrocarbon solvent vapors diffuse into the bitumen from the vertical faces of the propped fractures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199699
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by injecting a hydrocarbon solvent vapor in contact with the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation. The hydrocarbon solvent vapor and a non-condensing diluent gas are injected into the well bore, fill the hydraulic fractures, and thus contact and diffuse into the in situ bitumen. The hydrocarbon solvent vapors diffuse into the bitumen from the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The bitumen softens and flows by gravity to the well bore, exposing fresh surface of bitumen for the process to progressively soften and mobilizes the bitumen in a predominantly circumferentially, i.e. orthogonal to the propped fracture, diffusion direction at a nearly uniform rate into the oil sand deposit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199700
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by in situ combustion of the hydrocarbon deposit, from injection of an oxygen rich gas and drawing off a flue gas to control the rate and propagation of the combustion front to be predominantly vertical and propagating horizontally guided by the vertical highly permeable hydraulic fractures. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant containing hydrodesulfurization and thermal cracking catalysts. The oxygen rich gas is injected via the well bore into the top of the propped fractures, the in situ hydrocarbons are ignited by a downhole burner and the generated flue gas extracted from the bottom of the propped fractures through the well bore and mobile oil gravity drains through the propped fractures to the bottom of the well bore and pumped to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199701
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by in situ combustion of the hydrocarbon deposit, from injection of an oxygen rich gas and drawing off a flue gas to control the rate and propagation of the combustion front to be predominantly horizontal and propagating vertically downwards guided by the vertical highly permeable hydraulic fractures. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant containing hydrodesulfurization and thermal cracking catalysts. The oxygen rich gas is injected via the well bore into the top of the propped fractures, the in situ hydrocarbons are ignited by a downhole burner, and the generated flue gas extracted from the bottom of the propped fractures through the well bore and mobile oil gravity drains through the propped fractures to the bottom of the well bore and pumped to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199702
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by in situ combustion of the hydrocarbon deposit, from injection of an oxygen rich gas and drawing off a flue gas to control the rate and propagation of the combustion front to be predominantly horizontal and propagating vertically downwards guided by the vertical highly permeable hydraulic fractures. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant containing hydrodesulfurization and thermal cracking catalysts. The oxygen rich gas is injected via the well bore into the top of the propped fractures, the in situ hydrocarbons are ignited by a downhole burner, and the generated flue gas extracted from the bottom of the propped fractures through the well bore and mobile oil gravity drains through the propped fractures to the bottom of the well bore and pumped to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199703
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for reducing entrained and dissolved gasses from a well fluid. The system includes a well fluid, at least one process tank into which the well fluid flows, wherein a first process tank comprises a weir arrangement over which the well fluid spills, a mechanical degasser coupled to the at least one process tank and configured to receive the well fluid, and an aeration device disposed in the at least one process tank that generates bubbles in the well fluid. The present invention also provides a method of reducing entrained and dissolved gases from a well fluid that includes flowing a well fluid into a process tank, exerting a centrifugal force on the well fluid, and generating bubbles in the well fluid in the process tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Michael Freeman, Eric Hand
  • Publication number: 20070199704
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating and propagating a vertical hydraulic fracture in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments from a single bore hole to control the fracture initiation plane and propagation of the hydraulic fracture, enabling greater yield and recovery of petroleum fluids from the formation. An injection casing with multiple fracture initiation sections is inserted and grouted into a bore hole. A fracture fluid carrying a proppant is injected into the injection casing and opens the fracture initiation sections to dilate the formation in a direction orthogonal to the required fracture azimuth plane. Propagation of the fracture is controlled by limiting the fracture fluid injection rate during fracture initiation and propagation and maintaining a minimum fracture fluid viscosity. The injection casing initiation section remains open after fracturing providing direct hydraulic connection between the production well bore, the permeable proppant filled fracture and the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199705
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by injecting a hydrocarbon solvent vapor in contact with the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation. The hydrocarbon solvent vapor and a non-condensing diluent gas are injected into the well bore, fill the hydraulic fractures, and thus contact and diffuse into the in situ bitumen. The hydrocarbon solvent vapors diffuse into the bitumen from the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The bitumen softens and flows by gravity to the well bore, exposing fresh surface of bitumen for the process to progressively soften and mobilizes the bitumen in a predominantly circumferentially, i.e. orthogonal to the propped fracture, diffusion direction at a nearly uniform rate into the oil sand deposit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199706
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by convective heating of the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ by a downhole electric heater. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a diluent. The heater and downhole pump force thermal convective flow of the heated diluent to flow upward and outward into the propped fractures and circulating back down and back towards the well bore heating the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The diluent now mixed with produced products from the oil sand re-enters the bottom of the well bore and passes over the heater element and is reheated to continue to flow in the convective cell. Thus the heating and diluting of the in place bitumen occurs predominantly circumferentially, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199707
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by convective heating of the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ by a downhole electric heater. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a diluent. The heater and downhole pump force thermal convective flow of the heated diluent to flow upward and outward into the propped fractures and circulating back down and back towards the well bore heating the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The diluent now mixed with produced products from the oil sand re-enters the bottom of the well bore and passes over the heater element and is reheated to continue to flow in the convective cell. Thus the heating and diluting of the in place bitumen occurs predominantly circumferentially, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199708
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating and propagating a vertical hydraulic fracture in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments from a single bore hole to control the fracture initiation plane and propagation of the hydraulic fracture, enabling greater yield and recovery of petroleum fluids from the formation. An injection casing with multiple fracture initiation sections is inserted and grouted into a bore hole. A foam fracture fluid carrying a proppant is injected into the injection casing and opens the fracture initiation sections to dilate the formation in a direction orthogonal to the required fracture azimuth plane. Propagation of the fracture is controlled by limiting the fracture fluid form to that of a stable foam fracturing fluid during the fracturing process. The injection casing initiation section remains open after fracturing providing direct hydraulic connection between the production well bore, the permeable proppant filled fracture and the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199709
    Abstract: Methods are provided of producing a heater cable. An electrical conductor is coated with a preceramic resin. At least a portion of the coated electrical conductor is deployed into a operational location. The preceramic resin is pyrolyzed while the portion of the coated electrical conductor is in the operational location to convert the preceramic resin into a ceramic insulator disposed to electrically insulate the electrical conductor from the sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Composite Technology Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Hooker, Michael Stewart, Paul Fabian, Michael Tupper
  • Publication number: 20070199710
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by convective heating of the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ by a downhole electric heater. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a diluent. The heater and downhole pump force thermal convective flow of the heated diluent to flow upward and outward into the propped fractures and circulating back down and back towards the well bore heating the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The diluent now mixed with produced products from the oil sand re-enters the bottom of the well bore and passes over the heater element and is reheated to continue to flow in the convective cell. Thus the heating and diluting of the in place bitumen occurs predominantly circumferentially, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199711
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by injecting a hydrocarbon solvent vapor in contact with the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation. The hydrocarbon solvent vapor and a non-condensing diluent gas are injected into the well bore, fill the hydraulic fractures, and thus contact and diffuse into the in situ bitumen. The hydrocarbon solvent vapors diffuse into the bitumen from the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The bitumen softens and flows by gravity to the well bore, exposing fresh surface of bitumen for the process to progressively soften and mobilizes the bitumen in a predominantly circumferentially, i.e. orthogonal to the propped fracture, diffusion direction at a nearly uniform rate into the oil sand deposit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199712
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by injection of a steam and hydrocarbon vaporized solvent in contact with the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ. Multiple propped hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant. Steam, a hydrocarbon solvent, and a non-condensing diluent gas are injected into the well bore and the propped fractures. The injected gas flows upwards and outwards in the propped fractures contacting the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The steam condenses on the cool bitumen and thus heats the bitumen by conduction, while the hydrocarbon solvent vapors diffuse into the bitumen from the vertical faces of the propped fractures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199713
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating and propagating a vertical hydraulic fracture in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments from a single bore hole to control the fracture initiation plane and propagation of the hydraulic fracture, enabling greater yield and recovery of petroleum fluids from the formation. An injection casing with multiple fracture initiation sections is inserted and grouted into a bore hole. A fracture fluid carrying a proppant is injected into the injection casing and opens the fracture initiation sections to dilate the formation in a direction orthogonal to the required fracture azimuth plane. Propagation of the fracture is controlled by supplying fracture fluid independent to the two opposing wings of the hydraulic fracture. The injection casing initiation section remains open after fracturing providing direct hydraulic connection between the production well bore, the permeable proppant filled fracture and the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Grant Hocking
  • Publication number: 20070199714
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for handling fluids returning from a well. The fluids are introduced into a separator and a separated gas stream is recovered or recycled. The gas stream may comprise more than one phase. The separated gas stream is urged through a multiphase pump before it is recovered. Alternatively, the return fluids may pass through a multiphase pump before it is introduced into the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Gregory Chitty, Jeffrey Saponja, David Hosie
  • Publication number: 20070199715
    Abstract: A method is provided for at least one of evaluating and intervening in a subsea well. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a pipeline connecting a platform to the subsea well; coupling a locomotion module with one or more tools; activating the locomotion module to convey the one or more tools from the platform to the subsea well through the pipeline; and operating the one or more tools to perform at least one of an evaluation operation and an intervention operation on the subsea well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph Ayoub, Matthew Billingham
  • Publication number: 20070199716
    Abstract: A connector for severed pipes in a wellbore has an elongated tubular mandrel, a sealing pack-off ring mounted on the mandrel, an activator ring for pressing against the pack-off ring and causing the pack-off ring to seal an interior of a casing above a shut-off valve. A grapple member is slidable mounted on the mandrel above the activator ring; the grapple member has an enlarged diameter plate, which rests on an upper edge of a severed casing. A production pipe, control lines abd production casing can be lowered through the large opening in the mandrel and re-establish connection with the severed casing and production pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: David Ruttley, Harry McGraw
  • Publication number: 20070199717
    Abstract: An improved, unattended, liquid pumping device for oil and gas wells featuring a bellows controlled flow valve that opens and closes at preset pressures. The liquid pumping device may operate within a liner suspended into the well. The liquid pumping device may also include sealing elements configured to deform radially to allow the pumping device to pass through restrictions in the well or liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Gerald Swoyer, Paul Yaniga, Richard Bordogna, Charles Hunt
  • Publication number: 20070199718
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a wireline on a drilling rig. The apparatus includes a main body having first and second entry ports, and wherein the first entry port is configured to receive the wireline. A bearing nut is operatively attached to the main body. A mandrel is partially disposed within the bearing nut, and wherein the mandrel is capable of rotating. A sleeve, disposed within a receptacle bore, is also included. The sleeve may have an inner conical surface. A method of performing wireline work is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Anthony Boyd
  • Publication number: 20070199719
    Abstract: Radially expanding a tubular such as a liner or casing, especially in a downward direction. The apparatus includes at least one driver device such as a piston that is typically fluid-actuated, and an expander device is attached to the or each driver device. Actuation of the or each driver device causes movement of the expander device to expand the tubular. One or more anchoring devices, which may be radially offset, are used to substantially prevent the tubular from moving during expansion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Alan MacKenzie
  • Publication number: 20070199720
    Abstract: (1) A steel pipe that is expanded radially in a state wherein it was inserted in a well such as an oil well, characterized in that the non-uniform wall thickness ratio E0 (%) before expanding satisfies the following expression {circle around (1)}. E0?30 /(1+0.018?)??{circle around (1)} Wherein ? is the pipe expansion ratio (%) calculated by the following expression {circle around (2)}. ?=[(inner diameter of the pipe after expanding?inner diameter of the pipe before expanding)/inner diameter of the pipe before expanding]×100??{circle around (2)} (2) A steel pipe that should be expanded radially in a state wherein it is inserted in a well, such as an oil well, characterized in that the eccentric non-uniform wall thickness ratio is 10% or less. When the embedding-expanding method is performed with use of the steel pipe of (1) or (2), lowering of collapse strength of the expanded steel pipe is prevented and bending thereof can be decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Yuji Arai, Kunio Kondo, Hisashi Amaya, Akihito Yamane
  • Publication number: 20070199721
    Abstract: A method for performing oilfield operations for an oilfield having a subterranean formation with an underground reservoir therein, the oilfield being provided with at least one wellsite with oilfield equipment for extracting fluid from the underground reservoir, involving collecting data comprising trajectory and earth properties associated with a planned well for a geoscience application to obtain a geoscience model, invoking a well planning system integrated with the geoscience application, extracting the trajectory and earth properties from the geoscience model to obtain an extracted trajectory and extracted earth properties, determining at least one parameter for the planned well based on the extracted trajectory and the extracted earth properties, and displaying the at least one parameter associated with the planned well within a geological context of the geoscience application to allow refinement of the planned well for efficient fluid extraction from the underground reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kris Givens, Daan Veeningen, James Brady
  • Publication number: 20070199722
    Abstract: A Christmas tree fire extinguisher includes a source of fire retardant, a fire retardant dispersal element coupled to the source, a valve movable between a closed position and an open position permitting fire retardant to move forcibly from the source to the fire retardant dispersal element, a combustion sensor coupled to the valve in signal communication, and the valve movable from its closed position to its open position in response a sensing of combustion by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald Bridge