Patents Issued in December 16, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100314072
    Abstract: Base plate apparatus for mounting IGBT modules, the base plate apparatus includes a base plate with a mounting surface and an opposed surface. A tailored coefficient of thermal expansion interface layer is directly bonded to the mounting surface of the base plate and forms a mounting surface for mounting IGBT modules. The interface layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion ranging from approximately 4 ppm/° C. to approximately 12 ppm/° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Hsing-Chung Lee, Rajiv Tandon, Ralph Remsburg
  • Publication number: 20100314073
    Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a heat sink, a positioning member and a wire clip. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of fins. Two of the fins each form a hook. The positioning member includes a seat and two positioning arms each forming two opposite fingers. A receiving groove is defined under the seat, and a positioning slot is defined through a central portion of the seat. The seat is laterally sandwiched between the two fins and vertically sandwiched between the base and the hooks. Each of the two fins is sandwiched between the two fingers. The wire clip includes a resisting portion forming a protrusion and two clipping arms. The resisting portion rests on the base and is received in the receiving groove. The protrusion is received in the positioning slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicants: FU ZHUN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHEN ZHEN) CO., LTD., FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: PIN-QUN ZHAO, DONG-BO ZHENG, MENG FU, CHUN-CHI CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100314074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for depressurisation of high pressure pipeline fluids. The system may provide for net power generation without the pressurised fluid undergoing liquefaction or solidification or unacceptable temperature reduction as a result of a Joule-Thompson process. The system is particularly relevant for depressurising high pressure natural gas pipelines in an energy efficient manner whilst making possible net power generation. The system for depressurisation of a pressurised fluid in a pipeline comprises at least one depressuriser for expanding the fluid in the pipeline to a lower pressure; and a transcritical heat pump for circulating a supercritical fluid, wherein the supercritical fluid undergoes cooling so as to release heat for transmission to the pressurised fluid in the pipeline prior to at least one expansion of said pressurised fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: THERMONETICS LTD.
    Inventor: Paul Sikora
  • Publication number: 20100314075
    Abstract: A cooling plate configured so that the cooling efficiency can be improved, the weight can be reduced, high corrosion resistance can be provided, the work efficiency can be improved, and furthermore the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and a manufacturing method for the cooling plate is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Satoshi TAKAHASHI, Seiji Matsushima
  • Publication number: 20100314076
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for rapid cooling of a large substrate in a vacuum environment. A first cooled plate is brought into close proximity with one surface of a flat substrate. The spatial volume between the first cooling plate and the substrate is sealed and brought to a higher pressure than the surrounding vacuum level to increase the cooling efficiency. A second cooled plate is brought into close proximity with the opposite surface of the flat substrate. A second spatial volume between the second cooling plate and the substrate is sealed and the gas pressure is equalized to the gas pressure in the first spatial volume. The equalization of the gas pressure on both sides of the flat substrate eliminates deflection of the substrate and bending stress in the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Kurt L. Barth, Robert A. Enzenroth, Walajabad S. Sampath
  • Publication number: 20100314077
    Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a heat source includes: a base unit configured with a fluid containing passage therein; a heat-conductive fluid container mounted on a mounting side of the base unit, formed with a fluid-receiving space therein in spatial communication with the fluid containing passage in the base unit, and having an outer contacting side adapted to be placed in thermal contact with the heat source; and a heat exchanging fluid contained in the fluid-receiving space in the fluid container and the fluid containing passage in the base unit, the heat exchanging fluid being capable of changing into fluid vapor when absorbing heat generated by the heat source, the fluid vapor being capable of changing into fluid condensate when cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Wen-Jiun HUANG
  • Publication number: 20100314078
    Abstract: A method for making heated plane of a cooler obtain better flatness and roughness includes a grinder with a grinding plate and a fixture. Then, the cooler is arranged onto the fixture. Next, the abrasive is injected into the gap between the grinding plate and the heated plane, making the fixture press and clamp the cooler in a way, such that the heated plane of the cooler contacts the abrasive closely. Finally, the grinding plate is rotated to make at least one grinding process to the heated plane, making the heated plane obtain a surface with better roughness and flatness, further enhancing the contact tightness between the heated plane and a heating element, and therefore promoting the thermally conductive efficiency between the cooler and the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Kuo-Len LIN, Chen-Hsiang LIN, Jui-Ho LIU, Chih-Hung CHENG, Ken HSU
  • Publication number: 20100314079
    Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a housing internally divided by a partition plate into an upper and a lower space; at least one heat pipe bank having a condensing section and a vaporizing section located above and below the partition plate, respectively; and a blower fan assembly located in the housing corresponding to the vaporizing section. The housing has a first air inlet and a first air outlet located above the partition plate, and outdoor air entering into the housing via the first air inlet to flow through and exchange heat with the condensing section before exiting the housing via the first air outlet; and a second air inlet and a second air outlet located below the partition plate, and indoor air entering into the housing via the second air inlet to flow through and exchange heat with the vaporizing section before exiting the housing via the second air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Ko-Ching LIAO
  • Publication number: 20100314080
    Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a heat conducting board for being attached to an electronic component mounted on a printed circuit board, a fin unit disposed on the heat conducting board, a fixing module and a fan secured on the fixing module. The fixing module includes two supporting frames located at two opposite lateral sides of the fin unit respectively, a fan holder spanning over the fin unit and pivotally fixed to the two supporting frames, and a fastening member extending through the fan holder and a corresponding supporting frame and being capable of fixing the fan holder at different positions relative to the fin unit of the heat sink. The fan is fixed to the fan holder of the fixing module and provides airflow towards the fin unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicants: FU ZHUN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHEN ZHEN) CO., LTD., FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: LEI CAO, MIN LI
  • Publication number: 20100314081
    Abstract: A graphite-based heat exchanger, especially for use as a solar energy receptor as part of the thermal process in a solar power system, including an energy collection panel, a heat spreader, and a thermal element, wherein the heat spreader is formed of flexible graphite having a density of at least about 0.6 g/cc and a thickness of less than about 10 mm, and the heat spreader further has a first side and a second side, wherein the heat spreader is in a thermal transfer relationship with the thermal element, and wherein the energy collection panel includes at least one sheet or block of graphite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Bradley E. Reis, Mark Segger, James T. Petroski, Robert Anderson Reynolds, III, Julian Norley, Marco Napolitano, Martin David Smalc, Kim E. Fledderman, Andrew Justin Francis, Victor William Leight, David M. Kaschak
  • Publication number: 20100314082
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft nacelle that comprises a discharge means (50) for establishing a communication between the inside of the nacelle and the outside thereof, and a junction area between two members (54, 56), and at which the two members are superimposed, both members each having a surface defining the outer surface of the nacelle on either side of the junction area, characterised in that said discharge means (50) includes a dual-portion shim (52), i.e. a first portion provided between the superimposed panels and including at least one protruding and/or recessed member for forming a passage between said panels in order to establish a communication between the inside and the outside of the nacelle, and a second portion at the level of only one panel, i.e. that located inside at the junction area, in order to protect the same against excessive temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Alain Porte, Gilles Chene, Arnaud Hormiere
  • Publication number: 20100314083
    Abstract: A condenser shell internal support structure includes horizontal rails and vertical beams which can individually support a variety of shapes and configurations of tube bundle modules. Each module includes an end frame and longitudinal framework members that hold each of the parallel tube bundle support plates. The reinforcement framework supports at least one tube bundle and also opposing sidewalls of the shell. The framework further comprises laterally disposed crossbeams extending between and affixed to the opposing shell sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: George Williams
  • Publication number: 20100314084
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes board members layered with each other, and a sintered member. A first passage and a second passage are alternately defined between the layered board members. The sintered member adsorbs or desorbs first fluid flowing through the first passage. Second fluid flowing through the second passage has a pressure higher than that of the first fluid. The sintered member is layered on a first face of the board member defining the first passage. The sintered member is pressurized on the first face of the board member in a direction of layering the board members. All outer periphery of the second passage is sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinsuke Takeuchi, Hisao Nagashima
  • Publication number: 20100314085
    Abstract: An inexpensive heat exchanger is disclosed, wherein the heat exchanger is made up of a plurality of plates and each plate has at least one channel defined in the plate. The plates are stacked and bonded together to form a block having conduits for carrying at least one fluid and where the exchanger includes an expansion device enclosed within the unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Phillip F. Daly, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche
  • Publication number: 20100314086
    Abstract: An inexpensive heat exchanger is disclosed, wherein the heat exchanger is made up of a plurality of plates and each plate has at least one channel defined in the plate. The plates are stacked and bonded together to form a block having conduits for carrying at least one fluid and where the exchanger includes an expansion device enclosed within the unit. The plates include construction to thermally insulate the expansion region from the heat exchange region to improve efficiency of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Phillip F Daly, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche
  • Publication number: 20100314087
    Abstract: An inexpensive heat exchanger is disclosed, wherein the heat exchanger is made up of a plurality of plates and each plate has at least one channel defined in the plate. The plates are stacked and bonded together to form a block having conduits for carrying at least one fluid and where the exchanger includes an expansion device enclosed within the unit. The plates include construction to thermally insulate the sections of the heat exchanger to control the heat flow within the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Phillip F. Daly, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche
  • Publication number: 20100314088
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchanger configured by laminating layers having micro-channels by adapting a micromachining, wherein the micro-channels having uniform length and cross section are constructed within a heat exchanger body in a curved outer shape, thereby minimizing deviation for each channel and improving heat transfer efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Young June Yoo, Jin Shik Lim, Seong Ki Min, Geun Hong Park, Sang Wook Jin, Kwang Yoon Oh
  • Publication number: 20100314089
    Abstract: Reverse flow heat exchangers including one or more pairs of contiguous ducts are provided. An intake duct conveys particle laden air, such as engine exhaust, to a combustion chamber and an exit duct conveys the purified air away from the combustion chamber. The exit duct is shaped such that the cross sectional area thereof varies as function of the length thereof, for example, the cross sectional area can increase as a function of distance from the combustion chamber. The intake duct can also be shaped to have a varying cross sectional area. A combustion purifier is formed by the combination of the combustion chamber with the reverse flow heat exchanger. When used in combination with an engine, the shapes of the ducts can serve to increase the power or efficiency of the engine by further reducing backpressure, as compared to a reverse flow heat exchanger without the shaped ducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Lincoln Evans-Beauchamp
  • Publication number: 20100314090
    Abstract: A heat exchanger (100a) includes a plurality of tubes (4), an entrance header (1) for distributing a refrigerant to the tubes (4), and an exit header (2) for collecting the refrigerant from the tubes (4). The entrance header (1) includes a circulating conduit (10) capable of circulating at least part of the refrigerant that has flowed into the entrance header (1), and the plurality of tubes (4) are fluidly connected to the outward channel (10a) of the circulating conduit (10). The entrance header (1) also includes an ejector 11 that uses the refrigerant flowing into the entrance header to draw and mix at least part of the refrigerant that has flowed into the entrance header and spray out the mixed refrigerant. The entrance header (1) can supply refrigerant more uniformly to the tubes (4) connected to the circulating conduit (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: GAC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Moriya, Takahide Maezawa, Tadashi Nakabou
  • Publication number: 20100314091
    Abstract: A water cooled panel includes a continuous coil having a plurality of straight pipe sections and “U” shaped 180° elbow sections that are integral part of the pipe, the continuous coil included by a pipe having a wall thickness of from 0.270 inches to 0.600 inches and an outer diameter of from 2.375 inches to 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: MELTER S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Antonio URIBE QUINTANILLA, Jorge Carlos GONZALEZ CRUZ
  • Publication number: 20100314092
    Abstract: A heat transfer tube (101) for a heat exchanger. The wall (120) of the heat transfer tube comprising at least one axially extending wing-shaped protrusion (104, 105) to provide the tube with additional heat transfer surface area. The wing shaped protrusion is formed by a process comprising at least one of: (i) folding the wall of the tube; and (ii) extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jorg Kirchner, Carlo Balli, Ignacio Catalan
  • Publication number: 20100314093
    Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for thermally managing a heat generating device. In one aspect, a method of thermally managing a heat generating device is provided that includes placing a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the heat generating device. The heat exchanger has an interior space. A membrane is in the interior space between a first chamber and a second chamber. The membrane has a gas impermeable portion and at least one gas permeable portion to enable vapor bubbles in the second chamber to pass through the membrane at the at least one gas permeable portion and into the first chamber. A liquid is moved through the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Gamal Refai-Ahmed, Milnes David, Amy Marconnet, Josef Miler, Roger Flynn, Kenneth E. Goodson
  • Publication number: 20100314094
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling N heat-producing devices, where AT is an integer no smaller than one, using a cooling fluid that may be supplied at a temperature below the dew-point temperature of ambient air. To avoid condensation on the heat-producing devices, the cold fluid is warmed, upstream of the heat-producing devices, to a temperature T0 that is above the dew-point. The warming is accomplished, in a heat exchanger, by the warm fluid returning from the heat-producing devices. The amount of warming is controlled by periodically measuring T0 as well as the N temperatures downstream of the N heat-producing devices, and sending these N+1 temperature measurements to a control element that implements a control algorithm whose purpose is to achieve a set-point value of T0 by regulating, via N control valves, the flow of fluid to the N heat-producing devices. Also provided is a method for cooling the N heat-pro during devices pursuant to the inventive apparatus by a temperature control over the cooling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shawn A. Hall
  • Publication number: 20100314095
    Abstract: During the production of crude oil, naturally occurring paraffin can be deposited on the inside surfaces of production tubing. These wax deposits reduce the cross sectional area of the tubing and can reduce or completely halt the flow of oil from the well. Currently there are many different methods employed in oil fields around the world to combat paraffin problems, but none are one hundred percent effective. When the available methods fail completely, costly removal and replacement of the tubing must be performed in order to resume oil production. The hot anti-wax knife tool provides a previously unavailable method of melting a hole through the paraffin deposits in the production tubing in order to restore production. The tool utilizes rechargeable batteries in a novel arrangement which provides sufficient power to melt through paraffin using a uniquely designed heating element and cutting head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel Ray Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20100314096
    Abstract: An electrically-enabled semi-stiff wellbore rod and guide nose system is provided, the system including at least one electrical cable disposed in a semi stiff wellbore intervention rod, a termination housing having one end connected to the end of the rod, the termination housing containing fiber optic sensors and the at least one electrical cable, a crossover connected to the other end of the termination housing, a ported coupling connected to the end of the crossover on one end of the ported coupling and having a lower termination for connection to devices on the other end of the ported coupling, where the at least one electrical cable extends through the interior of the crossover from the termination housing and to the ported coupling, one or several pressure-tight tubing(s) surrounding the at least one electrical cable in the interior of the crossover, where the at least one electrical cable is not in pressure communication with the interior of the interior of the crossover, the at least one electrical cab
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Ziebel US, Inc.
    Inventors: Henning Hansen, Kaj Stokkeland
  • Publication number: 20100314097
    Abstract: A casing annulus is remediated by inserting a hose into a casing annulus, the hose having a nozzle on its lower end. An acoustic signal is directed into the annulus. A sensor in the hose receives the acoustic signal and transmits data from the sensor to the surface. The data represents the acoustic signal arrival time to the sensor, and an analyzer estimates the sensor depth based on the data. The hose is inserted from a reel into a wellhead above the annulus. An electrical transducer mechanically coupled to the hose creates the acoustic signal. The signal is propagated along the hose and transferred to the fluid in the annulus, where it then propagates further into the annulus. The transducer can be installed on a hose roller along which the hose is fed into the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventor: Charles E. Jennings
  • Publication number: 20100314098
    Abstract: A system for delivering a cable through a tubing string to a downhole location in a well, includes a plug and a receiver. The plug includes a first connector configured to be operably connected to the cable and further includes a plug housing adapted to fit within the tubing string. A check valve operably associated with a passage in the plug housing restricts fluid flow through the passage in a downhole direction and allows fluid flow through the passage in an uphole direction. The receiver is configured to be positioned at the downhole location and includes a receiver housing and a second connector configured to be operably connected to a downhole device. The second connector is adapted to communicate with the first connector when the receiver and plug housings are engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zupanick
  • Publication number: 20100314099
    Abstract: A stuffing box assembly for a wellhead intervention has a stuffing box and an adjustable sheave assembly. The stuffing box has a body with a collar for connecting to a wellhead and with a passage for running wireline therethrough. A frame connected to the body has first and second side plates. A hub assembly disposed on the frame has first and second hubs that are rotatable about a first axis of rotation on the side plates. An axle interconnects the two hubs and supports the axle between the side plates. The sheave can rotate about the second axis of rotation of the axel to run the wireline into and out of the stuffing box. The hub assembly can be rotated about its axis of rotation and can thereby adjust the location of the axle's axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: James Fogg, Jeremy Ward
  • Publication number: 20100314100
    Abstract: A multi-function sub is connected between a top drive of a drilling rig and a casing gripper. The sub has telescoping upper and lower members that rotate with each other. A sleeve is mounted to one of the members. That sleeve is prevented from rotation with the upper and lower members by an anti-rotation device. A piston is located on the other member and reciprocally carried within the sleeve. An external pump is connected to the sleeve for supplying pressurized fluid into the sleeve to act against the piston. This fluid provides compensation for thread makeup when a new joint of casing is being secured to a string of casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Tesco Corporation
    Inventors: Radovan Tepavac, Milo Markovic
  • Publication number: 20100314101
    Abstract: An anchoring and expanding unit comprising an anchoring device (20, 20?) and an expanding device (30, 30?), reciprocally removably constrained, the anchoring device (20, 20?) being of the expandable type, wherein the expanding device (30, 30?) includes a series of expanding means (33a, 33b) which can be extracted and blocked in at least two different operative positions, wherein the expanding means (33a, 33b) protrude radially from the expanding device (30, 30?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Spallini
  • Publication number: 20100314102
    Abstract: A method of determination of oil- and gas-productive layers in a well, includes performing a first logging in a well having a casing over a potentially promising depth of a well from a space inside the casing radially outwardly through the casing by sending transmitting signals into layers near the well and receiving reflected signals, with perforations in the casing and in the layers in condition of presence of a filtrate in the layers in the near-well zone, insulating the perforations in the layers from an interior of the well, maintaining the perforations of the layers insulated from the interior of the well over a time sufficient for migration of the filtrate away from the near-well zone and accumulating in the near-well zone of the layers oil or gas, performing a second logging in condition when the near-well zone of the layers no longer contains the filtrate but can contain oil or gas, and comparing the reflected signals obtained from the second logging with the reflected signals obtained from the first
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: David Yerusalimsky, Yakov Basin, Vilen S. Neiman
  • Publication number: 20100314103
    Abstract: A method of operating an electrical submersible pumping system that includes realtime monitoring of the wellbore fluid and adjusting pump speed so the fluid entering the pump remains subcooled. The method can include adding sensors within the wellbore and digitally storing fluid data accessible by a pump controller. The pump speed can be increased or decreased by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power delivered to the pump motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Alexander Crossley, John L. Bearden
  • Publication number: 20100314104
    Abstract: A method of designing a response to a fracture behavior of a formation during re-injection of cuttings into a formation, the method including obtaining a pressure signature for a time period, interpreting the pressure signature for the time period to determine a fracture behavior of the formation, determining a solution based on the fracture behavior of the formation, and implementing the solution is disclosed. A method of assessing a subsurface risk of a cuttings re-injection operation, the method including obtaining a pressure signature for a time period, interpreting the pressure signature to determine a fracture behavior of the formation, characterizing a risk associated with the determined fracture behavior of the formation, and implementing a solution based on the characterized risk is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Talgat A. Shokanov, Kenneth G. Nolte, Francisco Fragachan, Adriana P. Ovalle
  • Publication number: 20100314105
    Abstract: An injection backflow technique for measuring fracture surface area adjacent to a wellbore is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method comprises measuring an initial temperature profile along the length of a wellbore. A tracer composition is injected into the wellbore at an initial concentration. The tracer composition includes a reactive tracer and a secondary tracer that is less reactive than the reactive tracer. The tracer composition diffuses within subterranean reservoir for a time. A secondary tracer concentration and a reactive tracer concentration are measured as a function of time. A reservoir fracture surface area is calculated using a reservoir fluid flow model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Peter E. Rose
  • Publication number: 20100314106
    Abstract: A downhole system comprises (a) a wellbore deployable container comprising an operational control circuit and a power source operationally in communication with the operational control circuit, each disposed within the container; a wellbore deployable, controllable downhole electronic frac fluid flow control module further comprising a wellbore deployable container receiving seat; and a data handling circuit; (b) a wellbore deployable, data transmission capable gauge deployable near the control module; and (c) a surface system operatively in communication with the operational control circuit and/or the control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Paulo Tubel
  • Publication number: 20100314107
    Abstract: A method and device for a running tool for drilling or cleaning and setting a lining and a completion string in an underground borehole, The running tool comprising a drilling tool, an expandable casing, an expansion tool, a packer arranged to seal against the wall of the borehole, and at least one conduit extending up to the surface. The drilling tool is releasably connected to the lower portion of the expanding casing, and the expansion tool and the packer are releasably connected to the upper portion of the expanding casing. The running tool is arranged to communicate with the surface through at least one pipe conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: REEL WELL AS
    Inventor: Ola Michael Vestavik
  • Publication number: 20100314108
    Abstract: Dual-function nano-sized particles or nanoparticles may be effective at fixating or reducing fines migration and they may facilitate identification of a particular zone in a well having more than one zone. In some embodiments the dual-function nanoparticles are tagged with a detectable material that is distinguishable from the composition of the primary nanoparticle component. In these embodiments, the taggant material rather than the primary component of the nanoparticles may be used to enable identification of a particular zone. The nanoparticles (with or without taggant) may be added to a treatment fluid containing carrier particles such as proppant. The treatment fluid is pumped downhole to one of the zones; each zone receiving its own unique or uniquely-tagged nanoparticles. Should one of the zones fail, the composition of the nanoparticles (or its taggant) produced on the carrier particles may be correlated to the zone from which it was received, and hence produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James B. Crews, Tianping Huang, Othon Monteiro
  • Publication number: 20100314109
    Abstract: A technique enables an efficient, dependable approach to gravel packing lateral wellbores. The technique employs alternate path gravel placement technology which includes alternate path equipment deployed along a gravel pack screen positioned in an open hole lateral wellbore disposed above a lower lateral wellbore. A crossover system is positioned in the lateral wellbore, and the alternate path is provided by connecting a shunt tube or other appropriate alternate path equipment to the crossover system. A flow of gravel slurry is directed along an exterior of the gravel pack screen through the alternate path equipment to enable uniform distribution of the gravel pack along the gravel pack screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jose F. Garcia, Ian Mickelburgh, Jeremie Fould, Steve Bissonnette
  • Publication number: 20100314110
    Abstract: Subterranean formation treatment methods incorporating a rheology model which enables prediction of fluid rheology properties during a treatment operation, where the foundation of the model is a description of the reaction chemistry which describes how the number of crosslinks and broken polymer linkages develops in time under the influence of crosslinkers, breakers, and/or thermally induced effects and pressure effects. In one aspect, when used as a tool for simulating the fluid viscosity, the model can help optimizing the fluid design and optional breaker schedule for a hydraulic fracturing treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Lindvig, Murtaza Ziauddin, Michael D. Parris
  • Publication number: 20100314111
    Abstract: Methods of subterranean cementing involving cement compositions comprising particulate foamed elastomers and associated methods are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise introducing a cement composition into a subterranean location, wherein the cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, a particulate foamed elastomer, and an aqueous fluid; and allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean location. In one embodiment, the particulate foamed elastomer may comprise polyurethane foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Karcher, Benjamin J. Iverson, Christopher L. Gordon, Robert P. Darbe
  • Publication number: 20100314112
    Abstract: A two step process for treating an oil or gas well. The first step uses a cross linking agent, such as borax, as a preliminary wash for the well following drilling. The cross linking agent cleans the well of excess mud and pre-coats the tubing and the formation surfaces with the cross linking agent. The second step introduces a cement-polymer mixture into the well. A polymer, such as for example polyvinyl alcohol, that undergoes cross linking when exposed to the cross linking agent is employed. When the polymer comes into contact with the cross linking agent in the well, cross linking of the polymer occurs. This cross linking helps to prevent fluid loss into the formation. Also, because the cross linking agent wash previously cleaned the surfaces of the tubing and the formation, better bonding between the cement and the surfaces of the tubing and the formation occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Lloyd Byron Spangle
  • Publication number: 20100314113
    Abstract: Incorporating water-based polymer breakers, such as oxidizers, enzymes and/or acids, into a mixture of an oil and oil-soluble surfactants creates an emulsion that can then perform as a dual-functional breaker for reducing the viscosity of hybrid fluids gelled with both a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) and a polymer. The outer phase of the dual-functional breaker emulsion is oil, e.g. a mineral oil, containing an oil-soluble surfactant that will, over time and with heat, break the VES portion of the gel. As it does so, the polymer breaker in the internal aqueous phase will be released to then break the polymer portion of the gel. The polymer breaker will not start to break the polymer gel before the oil-soluble surfactant starts to break the VES gel. The overall breaking using the emulsion is slower as compared to introducing the polymer breaker and the oil-soluble surfactant in a non-emulsified form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tianping Huang, James B. Crews
  • Publication number: 20100314114
    Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers and methods for making same. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having anionic sites and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid and a cationic crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the particle on degradation of the labile crosslinker and exposure of the anionic sites so as to form a gel. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into target zone and when the heat and/or suitable pH of the target zone cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and the particle expands, the cationic crosslinker crosslinks the polymer to form a gel, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicants: ConocoPhillips Company - IP Services Group, University of Kansas
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, James H. Hedges, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, Huili Guan, Jenn-Tai Liang, Cory Berkland, James P. Johnson, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully
  • Publication number: 20100314115
    Abstract: The invention is directed to long lasting crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having cationic sites as well as labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a target zones in the reservoirs and when the heat and/or a suitable pH in the reservoir cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the cationic sites in the polymer adsorb to negative sites of the rock in the formation, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery. However, many other uses are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicants: ConocoPhillips Company - IP Services Group, University of Kansas
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, James H. Hedges, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, Huili Guan, Jenn-Tai Liang, Cory Berkland, James P. Johnson, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully
  • Publication number: 20100314116
    Abstract: The productivity of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-bearing calcareous or siliceous formations is enhanced by contacting the formation with a well treatment composition which contains a hydrofluoric acid source, a boron containing compound and a phosphonate acid, ester or salt thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Mingjie Ke, Qi Qu
  • Publication number: 20100314117
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods of removing an organic deposit including introducing a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises at least two non-polar organic solvents and at least two polar organic solvents; allowing the fluid to dissolve at least a portion of the organic deposit; and removing at least a portion of the fluid. This invention relates to compositions and methods of removing an organic deposit including introducing a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises at least two non-polar organic solvents and at least two polar organic solvents, wherein the non-polar organic solvents comprise aromatic naphtha, terpenes, kerosene, and combination thereof, and wherein the polar solvents comprise heavy aromatic naphtha, cyclohexanone, N-2-methyl pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, and combination thereof, allowing the fluid to dissolve at least a portion of the organic deposit, and removing at least a portion of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jack Li, Syed A. Ali, Oscar Bustos, Matthew J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100314118
    Abstract: Fluids containing liquid crystal-forming surfactants or polymeric surfactants, or polymers, or complex polymers or copolymers, or graphite nanotubes or Janus particles in a polar and/or non polar liquid, and optionally, co-surfactants, are useful in drilling, completion and production operations to give increased viscosity (solids suspension ability) and/or decreased fluid loss, as compared to otherwise identical fluids absent the liquid crystals. These liquid crystal compositions contain organized micelles. The liquid crystal-containing fluids are useful in completion fluids, fracturing fluids, formation damage remediation, waste management, lost circulation, drilling optimization, reducing trapped annular pressure during the hydrocarbon production process, well strengthening, friction and drag reducers, fluids introduced through an injection well, for geothermal wells, and the controlled release of additives into a wellbore, at a subterranean formation or at the oil production facilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Lirio Quintero, David E. Clark, Antonio Enrique Cardenas, Hartley H. Downs, Christopher T. Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20100314119
    Abstract: An apparatus for modifying the wall surface of a borehole drilled through an underground formation. The apparatus comprises a tool body that can be introduced into the borehole using a conveyance system so as to be moveable along the borehole, and one or more members arranged so as to be able to be urged against, and moved across at least part of the borehole wall in order to work the surface thereof and modify its properties. A method of modifying the wall surface comprises positioning the tool body in the borehole at a location of interest using the conveyance system, urging the members against the borehole wall with sufficient force to modify the properties of the surface thereof, and moving the members across the surface of the borehole wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Jacques Orban, Claude Vercaemer
  • Publication number: 20100314120
    Abstract: A downhole tool is hydraulically actuated through a control system that features rod piston(s) that are double acting. The piston bore is in a single housing component with an annular cavity that provides access to all piston bores to move the pistons in a first direction. The housing component that has the piston bore also includes an internal sleeve in a passage in the housing. A second control system connection communicates with a sealed annular space defined between the sleeve and the passage wall that holds the sleeve. A series of radial ports communicate from the annular space into each piston bore on the opposite side of each piston from the annular cavity so that each piston is double acting with a bore in a single housing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin R. Plunkett, John D. Lindemann
  • Publication number: 20100314121
    Abstract: Well apparatus comprises a tower, and a support for supporting well intervention, completion, testing, or drilling equipment, the support being attached to the tower and being movable laterally from a parked position on the tower, where preparation of the equipment can be carried out without occupying an operational area where the equipment is to operate on the well, and an operational position in the operational area, and the support being arranged to be lowered or lifted, the apparatus further comprising a guide mechanism for guiding the support so that as the support is—lowered or lifted it is guided along a path involving lateral movement from the parked position to the operational position in the operational area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Bjørn Bro Sørenson, Jan-Erik Totland