Patents Issued in March 21, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130068426
    Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a centrifugal fan and a fin assembly aside the centrifugal fan. The centrifugal fan includes a casing and an impeller received in the casing, the casing defines an air outlet at one side thereof. The fin assembly is located at the air outlet of the centrifugal fan. The fin assembly includes a plurality of fins parallel to and spaced from each other. Each of the fins includes a main body and an extending portion extending form the main body toward the air outlet of the centrifugal fan. Each extending portion includes a side edge facing the air outlet of the centrifugal fan, the side edge is arc shaped and inwardly concaved toward the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIH-HAO YANG, LI-KAN YEH, CHING-YI SHIH
  • Publication number: 20130068427
    Abstract: A thermal management system is provided which comprises (a) a synthetic jet actuator; and (b) a frame having at least one element therein which pressingly engages said synthetic jet actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Randall P. Williams, Lee M. Jones, Andrew Poynot, John Stanley Booth, Brandon Lee Noska, Raghavendran Mahalingam, Markus Schwickert, Robert G. Diamond, Stephen P. Darbin, Daniel N. Grimm, Donald G. Doss, Elise Hime, Samuel N. Heffington, Robert T. Reichenbach, James Kelly, Matthew B. Ernst, Rick Ball
  • Publication number: 20130068428
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plate package for a plate heat exchanger and a plate heat exchanger made of materials with improved anti-corrosion properties for highly corrosive fluids such as hydrochloric acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventors: Mats Nilsson, Maribel Nilsson, Jesper Bergh
  • Publication number: 20130068429
    Abstract: Disclosed are a heat radiation dissipation film structure and a method of making the same. The heat radiation dissipation film structure includes a substrate which is electrically insulated and a heat radiation dissipation film disposed on the substrate. The difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of the substrate and the heat radiation dissipation film is not greater than 0.1%. The heat radiation dissipation film contains the crystal of at least one metal and nonmetal with a specific microscopic surface structure which is formed by spraying and coating the heated mixture onto the substrate under high pressure. The heat radiation from the heat radiation dissipation film is directed from the interface of the heat radiation dissipation film and the substrate towards the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: JINGDEZHEN FARED TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jeong-Shiun Chen
  • Publication number: 20130068430
    Abstract: An accumulator arrangement suitable for use in a cooling system designed for operation with two-phase refrigerating medium, includes an accumulator vessel with a receptacle for receiving a refrigerating medium. A liquefier of the accumulator arrangement is adapted to liquefy refrigerating medium to he received into the receptacle of the accumulator vessel before fed in the receptacle of the accumulator vessel and includes a refrigerating medium outlet for discharging refrigerating medium which liquefied in the liquefier from the liquefier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Markus Piesker
  • Publication number: 20130068431
    Abstract: A process for cooling a tube side stream in a main heat exchanger is described. The process comprises: a) supplying a first mass flow of a tube side stream to a first zone of individual tubes in the tube bundle; b) supplying a second mass flow of the tube side stream to a second zone of individual tubes in the tube bundle, the second zone being offset from the first zone; c) supplying a refrigerant stream on the shell side for cooling the first and second mass flows; d) removing the evaporated refrigerant stream from the warm end of the main heat exchanger; and, e) adjusting the first mass flow of the tube side stream relative to the second mass flow of the tube side stream to maximise the temperature of the removed evaporated refrigerant stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Siew-Mung Patricia Ho, Derek William Hodges, Christiane Kerber, Manfred Steinbauer, Markus Hammerdinger
  • Publication number: 20130068432
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a vehicle is disclosed. The heat exchanger may include: a heat radiating portion provided with first and second connecting lines formed alternately by stacking a plurality of plates, and receiving first and second operating fluids respectively into the first and second connecting lines, the first and second operating fluids heat-exchanging with each other during passing through the first and second connecting lines; and a bifurcating portion connecting an inflow hole for flowing one operating fluid of the first and second operating fluids with an exhaust hole for exhausting the one operating fluid, adapted for the one operating fluid to bypass the heat radiating portion according to a temperature of the one operating fluid, and mounted at an exterior of the heat radiating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jae Yeon Kim, Wan Je Cho
  • Publication number: 20130068433
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for controlling temperature of electrical or electronic components has at least one flat tube with an inlet port and outlet port. A coolant entering through the inlet port passes through multiple heat sinks located within the flat tube before exiting through the outlet port. The heat exchanger has a first heat sink coupled to the flat plate with multiple fins arranged based on a first fin configuration, a second heat sink coupled to the flat plate with multiple fins arranged based on a second fin configuration, and at least one coupling device. The heat sinks are arranged based on a position of one or more components mounted on the flat tube such that the number of heat sink fins is proportional to heating characteristics of the components mounted on the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Shreekanth Murthy Muthigi, Nishad Poovankavil
  • Publication number: 20130068434
    Abstract: In a heat exchanger, fins are simply and accurately positioned in place and heat is efficiently exchanged without increasing manufacture cost, and the plurality of corrugated plate-like fins are disposed in the flow direction of a coolant in a housing. The heat exchanger has: connecting parts, which connect together the adjacent fins among the fins; protrusions ormed on the connecting parts; and positioning holes for positioning the fins formed in the housing. The adjacent fins are disposed at predetermined intervals in the coolant flow direction with a predetermined offset amount in the direction that orthogonally intersects the coolant flow direction by fitting the protrusions in the positioning holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Yuya Takano, Yasuji Taketsuna, Eisaku Kakiuchi, Katsuhiko Tatebe, Masahiro Morino, Tomohiro Takenaga
  • Publication number: 20130068435
    Abstract: An heat exchanger assembly and a method of use thereof adapted for transferring heat to or from a fluid to a surrounding environment within an apparatus, such as motor vehicle engines, as it enters and leaves a fluid-handling device. The heat exchanger assembly includes first and second manifolds, multiple cooling tubes and a return tube. The first manifold has inlet holes therein and the second manifold has outlet holes therein. The multiple cooling tubes fluidically interconnect the first and second manifolds and the inlet and outlet holes thereof. The return tube passes through the first and second manifolds to fluidically interconnect opposite ends of the heat exchanger assembly. The return tube has a first end adapted to mount the heat exchanger assembly to the apparatus and an oppositely-disposed second end that protrudes from the second manifold and is adapted to secure the fluid-handling device thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: BLISSFIELD MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Bruce Allen Eppink, Frederick David Morrison, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130068436
    Abstract: Provided is a heat exchanger, heat sink or coldwall having a machined manifold for receiving a plurality of individual, modular micro-channel heat exchanger elements. The manifold further includes a parallel flow network or flow distribution network for distributing a cooling fluid uniformly to all micro-channel heat exchanger elements. Each micro-channel heat exchanger element is individually manufactured and tested prior to integration with the manifold. The design of the micro-channel heat exchanger elements may include a straight fin, a high density fin, lanced offset fin, and perforated offset layers fin configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: RAYTHEON COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130068437
    Abstract: Provided is a tube for a heat exchanger in which drainage performance of the tube and the fin is improved while preventing the brazing failure. That is, provided is a tube (110) for a heat exchanger, the tube through which a refrigerant flows being formed into a flat plate shape, the tube including stepped portions (117 and 118) at both end portions (110a and 110b) in a refrigerant flowing direction, respectively, in which the tube has a widthwise length in a region on an end portion (110a or 110b) side with respect to a position of each of the stepped portions (117 and 118), the widthwise length being smaller than a widthwise length in a region between both the stepped portions (117 and 118), and in which the tube further includes a drainage portion (119) at a predetermined position between both the stepped portions (117 and 118) along the refrigerant flowing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Sanden Corporation
    Inventors: Yuuichi Matsumoto, Yusuke Iino
  • Publication number: 20130068438
    Abstract: Provided is a heat exchanger in which drainage performance of a tube and a fin is improved while preventing reduction in heat exchange efficiency. The heat exchanger includes: a tube having flat surfaces opposed to each other at a predetermined interval; and a fin including a bent portion and a flat portion which are alternately formed in a longitudinal direction, the bent portion being joined to the opposing flat surfaces of the tube. The fin has a predetermined lateral range (bent portion) in the bent portion which is brought into contact with one of the opposing flat surfaces, the predetermined lateral range being bent toward another of the opposing flat surfaces and joined to the another of the opposing flat surfaces, thereby forming a communication path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Yuuichi Matsumoto, Yusuke Iino
  • Publication number: 20130068439
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly (216) includes a heat sink (218) having an upper surface (220), a lower surface (222), a non-metal-core circuit board (224) disposed in register with the upper surface (220), and at least one solid state electronic component (SSEC) (226) electrically coupled to the circuit board (224) such that an underside (228) of each SSEC (226) is not in confronting relationship with the circuit board (224). A first thermal interface material (232) is disposed between and thermally coupled to the underside (228) of the SSEC (226) and the upper surface (220), the first thermal interface material (232) being electrically and thermally conductive. A second thermal interface material (236) is disposed in thermal communication with the lower surface (222) and spreads heat to the second heat sink (104), the second thermal interface material (236) being electrically insulating and thermally conductive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventor: Yichong Zeng
  • Publication number: 20130068440
    Abstract: A radiant heating device for a vehicle includes a radiant heater that radiates radiant heat toward a passenger and is provided together with an air-conditioner that selectively introduces air outside a passenger compartment or air inside the passenger compartment and then supplies conditioned air generated from the introduced air into the passenger compartment. The radiant heating device includes a controller that differentiates a radiant energy amount of the radiant heater when the introduced air into the air-conditioner is the air outside the passenger compartment from when the introduced air is the air inside the passenger compartment. According to the radiant heating device, the passenger can be provided with warm comfort feeling both in an outside air intake mode and in an inside air intake mode of the air-conditioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Naohisa Kamiyama
  • Publication number: 20130068441
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus and method are provided for cooling an electronics rack. The cooling apparatus includes an air-cooled cooling station, which has a liquid-to-air heat exchanger and ducting for directing a cooling airflow across the heat exchanger. A cooling subsystem is associated with the electronics rack, and includes a liquid-cooled condenser facilitating immersion-cooling of electronic components of the electronics rack, a liquid-cooled structure providing conductive cooling to electronic components of the electronics rack, or an air-to-liquid heat exchanger associated with the rack and cooling airflow passing through the electronics rack. A coolant loop couples the cooling subsystem to the liquid-to-air heat exchanger. In operation, heat is transferred via circulating coolant from the electronics rack, and rejected in the liquid-to-air heat exchanger of the cooling station to the cooling airflow passing across the liquid-to-air heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the cooling airflow is outdoor air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP
  • Publication number: 20130068442
    Abstract: Apparatus to control a temperature of a device includes: a fluid path adapted to be in thermal contact with the device and to receive thermal transfer fluid from a combined path and to output it fluidly to a pump assembly disposed to output the thermal transfer fluid fluidly to a first path thermally connected to a heating assembly and fluidly connected to the combined path, a second path thermally connected to a cooling assembly and fluidly connected to the combined path, and a third path fluidly connected to the combined path; a temperature sensor in communication with a controller to sense a temperature in response to the fluid path; and first, second and third valves operable in response to the controller in the respective paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CENTIPEDE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas H. Di Stefano
  • Publication number: 20130068443
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system includes an electric powered refrigerant compressing device, an evaporator, an electric heater, an air temperature determining component, a cabin interior temperature controlling component, an upper limit electric power setting component, and an electric power distribution controller. The evaporator receives refrigerant from the compressing device. The heater is downstream of the evaporator in an air passageway. The determining component determines a first air temperature upstream of the evaporator and a second air temperature between the evaporator and the heater. The controlling component sets a vehicle interior discharge air temperature at a position downstream of the heater to a target temperature. The power setting component sets an upper limit for power supplied to the compressing device and the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hsiang Yen, Takayoshi Matsuoka, Takafumi Uehara
  • Publication number: 20130068444
    Abstract: A container data center includes a cooling control system. The cooling control system reads a temperature of a container of the container data center and a direction of wind flowing across the container, and determines whether a first or a second cooling device of the container data center needs to be turned on according to the read temperature. The cooling control system further determines whether the read wind direction is the same to a direction of hot air expelled by the turned on cooling device. When the read wind direction is not the same as a direction of hot air expelled by the turned on cooling device, the cooling control system turns off the turned on cooling device, and turns on the other cooling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YUNG-CHU CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130068445
    Abstract: A thermal energy storage and recovery device is disclosed which includes (a) an arrangement having first and second ends, the arrangement is configured for guiding a flow of heat transfer fluid between the first second ends, (b) a heat storage material thermally coupled to the arrangement such that along a physical extension of the arrangement a thermal interaction region is formed for thermally coupling the heat transfer fluid with the heat storage material, (c) a fluid terminal connected to the arrangement via a branch duct of the arrangement, the branch duct is located between the first and second ends, and (d) a control device coupled to the fluid terminal and configured that a flow of fluid through the fluid terminal is controllable such that within the arrangement a spatial temperature profile along at least a portion of the thermal interaction region is adjustable. A method and system are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Henrik Stiesdal
  • Publication number: 20130068446
    Abstract: A heat sink apparatus for an exothermic element includes a first copper heat plate for accumulating heat of an exothermic element, a copper heat path for conducting the accumulated heat in an extended direction of the copper heat path, a second copper heat plate for dispersing the conducted heat, and a heat fin for discharging the accumulated or discharged heat to the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: YOUNG DONG TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chan-heon Yoon
  • Publication number: 20130068447
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly is provided including a casing and a tubular member mounted over the casing. A flange extends from the tubular member. A generally elongated annular member is provided in the tubular member. The generally elongated annular member has a first end portion above the tubular member and second end portion below the first end portion. A hanger may be suspended within the tubular member. In such case, a seal may be formed between the elongate annular member and the hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SEABOARD INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: SEABOARD INTERNATIONAL INC.
  • Publication number: 20130068448
    Abstract: Device for carrying a replacement safety valve in a well tube, with a straddle structure for placement inside a damaged “Down Hole Safety Valve” nipple seal area. It is comprising a pair of sealing assemblies (15, 16) to be activated upon setting of the device to seal said nipple seal area, and a locking dog assembly (17) for locking the device in the well tube, said elements being carried by a tubular mandrel (12). At least one of the sealing assemblies (15, 16) comprises a expandable element (22; 34) being activated by a pair of annular press elements (19, 20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: INTERWELL TECHNOLOGY AS
    Inventors: Espen Hiorth, Terje Stormo
  • Publication number: 20130068449
    Abstract: A hardfacing composition composed of an Fe—Cr alloy. The alloy is comprised of 80 wt % iron, about 2 wt % to about 20 wt % Cr, less than 1 wt % Si and less than 1 wt % C. The alloy's microstructure is at least 80 vol % martensite; and less than 20 vol % austenite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO,LP.
    Inventors: Raju PILLAI, Jiinjen A. SUE, Parul W. DHALL
  • Publication number: 20130068450
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly comprises an outer tubular wellhead member with a bore having an axis and a concentric inner seal surface, an inner tubular wellhead member for receiving an annular seal landed within the outer tubular wellhead member defining a seal pocket between them, the inner tubular member having a concentric outer seal surface, and a plurality of circumferentially extending, parallel wickers formed in at least one of the seal surfaces of the outer tubular and on the outer surface of the inner tubular. A profile of at least one of the wickers differs from a profile of at least some of the other wicker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Ashutosh Chandrashekhar Phadke, Vikram Tutpet Keshavamurthy, Vikranth Harthikote Nagaraja, Fasalu Rahman B
  • Publication number: 20130068451
    Abstract: A ported tubular is provided for use in casing a wellbore, to permit selective access to the adjacent formation during completion operations. A system and method for completing a wellbore using the ported tubular are also provided. Ports within the wellbore casing may be opened, isolated, or otherwise accessed to deliver treatment to the formation through the ports, using a tool assembly deployed on tubing or wireline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: NCS Oilfield Services Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Getzlaf, Marty Stromquist, Robert Nipper, Timothy H. Willems
  • Publication number: 20130068452
    Abstract: A method of setting the value of an operational parameter of a well is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: John Maclean WINGATE
  • Publication number: 20130068453
    Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons in a subterranean well useful for observing properties of one or more subterranean zones, includes the steps of: (a) installing a lower straddle packer in a vertical well bore below a junction with a lateral well section; (b) installing an upper straddle packer in a vertical well bore above the junction with the lateral well section; (c) conveying hydrocarbons from the from the lateral well to the surface with a tubing; (d) observing pressure information in at least one zone with a pressure gauge located in the vertical well bore below the lower straddle packer; and (e) obtaining information in the at least one zone with logging equipment run through the tubing. A sidetrack window may be installed in the tubing between the lower straddle packer and the upper straddle packer for providing access to the lateral well section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Abdulaziz A. Al-Ajaji, Fahad A. Al-Ajmi, Mohammad S. Kanfar
  • Publication number: 20130068454
    Abstract: A system is provided that is capable of providing heat across a produced interval during oil and gas production to minimize or reduce undesirable formation of gas hydrates in the wellbore. In one embodiment, the configuration provides a means to recycle heat generated by an electrical submersible pump. Heat from the pump may be applied downhole. One configuration is capable of providing for downhole separation of gas from produced fluids to reduce or eliminate gas transit through the pump. A heating element also may apply heat to produced fluids. In one embodiment, a system may provide for the safe containment and control of gas within the wellbore by the utilization of a safety valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron, U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: George T. Armistead
  • Publication number: 20130068455
    Abstract: A downhole well pumping assembly has a shroud with an upper section and a lower section sealed from one another. A submersible pump and a gas separator are housed within the upper section of the shroud. The gas separator has a liquid outlet in fluid communication with an intake of the pump, and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the gas outlet in the shroud. A motor is housed within the lower section of the shroud, the motor being coupled to the gas separator for rotating the gas Separator and the pump. A well fluid lower inlet is in the shroud below the motor and a well fluid lower outlet is in the shroud above the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Donn J. Brown, Brown L. Wilson, Michael J. Fox
  • Publication number: 20130068456
    Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation comprising a well above the formation; a mechanism to inject an enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation, the enhanced oil recovery formulation comprising water and a solvent; a mechanism to produce the water, solvent, oil, and gas from the formation; a separator to separate the oil, water, and a first portion of the solvent from the gas and a second portion of the solvent; and an absorption tower to expose the gas and the second portion of the solvent to water to remove the second portion of the solvent from the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Andreas Nicholas MATZAKOS
  • Publication number: 20130068457
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing surfactants for utilization in petroleum industry operations. The method comprises providing a bio-lipid. The bio-lipid can include one or more medium-chain or long-chain fatty acids, such as Lauric acid, Myristic acid, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Palmitoleic acid, Oleic acid, Ricinoleic acid, Vaccenic acid, Linoleic acid, Alpha-Linoleic acid, or Gamma-Linolenic acid. Fatty acid alkyl esters are produced by reacting the bio-lipid with a low-molecular weight alcohol. The fatty acid alkyl esters are reduced to a fatty alcohol. The fatty alcohol is dimerized to form a Guerbet alcohol, which is a precursor to producing surfactant for utilization in a petroleum industry operation, such as an enhanced oil recovery process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Sophany Thach, Robert Shong, Varadarajan Dwarakanath, Gregory Winslow
  • Publication number: 20130068458
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of recovering heat from hot produced fluids at SAGD facilities that utilize wellpad steam generation such as Direct Steam Generators (DSG).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott Macadam, James P. Seaba, David C. LaMont
  • Publication number: 20130068459
    Abstract: A method of gravel packing a hole in a subterranean formation having a filter cake coated on the surface thereof is disclosed. The method may include: injecting into the hole a gravel pack composition comprising gravel and a carrier fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one alkyl glycoside. Also disclosed is a solution including an aqueous fluid, at least one alkyl glycoside, and gravel which may be used as a composition for a gravel pack operation, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: James F. Donham
  • Publication number: 20130068460
    Abstract: A proppant comprises a particle and a polycarbodiimide coating disposed on the particle. The polycarbodiimide coating comprises the reaction product of an isocyanate reacted in the presence of a phospholene oxide catalyst. A method of forming the proppant comprises the steps of providing the particle, providing the isocyanate, providing the phospholene oxide catalyst, reacting the isocyanate in the presence of the phospholene oxide catalyst to form the polycarbodiimide coating, and coating the particle with the polycarbodiimide coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventor: BASF SE
  • Publication number: 20130068461
    Abstract: A sealing body is provided for use in well operations such as oil/gas well perforation operations. The sealing body comprises a shell defining a closed cavity; the shell is comprised of a metal alloy. The sealing body has neutral or positive buoyancy. In one embodiment, the sealing body further comprises a reinforcement structure in the cavity. The reinforcement structure may comprise one or more pairs of ribs adjoining an inner surface of the shell of the sealing body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: 1069416 AB LTD.
    Inventor: 1069416 AB LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130068462
    Abstract: Methods of resource recovery include reagents placed in a subterranean formation. The reagents generate heat, hydrogen gas and alkalinity which changes fluid flow characteristics. The forces of the reactions create fractures and cracks far from the well bore. These cracks and fractures are sealed if water is being transmitted through or near the reactions. As a result, the targeted fluids more efficiently flow to the well, along with decreased amounts of water waste, while stimulating generation of biogenic gases in the subterranean formations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: John Pantano
  • Publication number: 20130068463
    Abstract: An apparatus having a body including a plurality of packers and a plurality of ports between the packers. The packers and ports are spaced along a longitudinal axis of the body. The apparatus also includes a control module to obtain a density of a formation fluid and, based on the density, determine a direction to pump fluid from an interval defined by the packers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Nathan Landsiedel
  • Publication number: 20130068464
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems and apparatus for circulating fluid within the annulus of a flexible pipe used in a riser in an offshore hydrocarbon production facility. Fluid, such corrosion inhibitors, can be introduced into the annulus by pumping fluid from a storage tank located on a platform or vessel into tubes within the annulus. Use of the system to flow the fluid through the annulus can prevent or reduce corrosion of the steel members within the annulus and increase the fatigue life of the riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio C.F. Critsinelis, Christopher A. Kassner, Farzan Parsinejad, Ahmed Omar
  • Publication number: 20130068465
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process and system for circulating fluid within the annulus of a flexible pipe used in a riser in an offshore hydrocarbon production facility. Fluid, such as corrosion inhibitors, can be circulated in a closed loop which includes the annulus of the riser terminating at a platform or floating vessel, a fluid storage tank located on the platform or vessel and an umbilical tube terminating at the platform or vessel and at a subsea location. Use of the system to flow the fluid through the annulus can prevent or reduce corrosion of the steel members within the annulus and increase the fatigue life of the riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio C.F. Critsinelis, Christopher A. Kassner, Farzan Parsinejad, Ahmed Omar
  • Publication number: 20130068466
    Abstract: A well pipe hanger is run and landed within a subsea wellhead assembly using a latching mechanism with an adjustable preload. The well pipe hanger has a latch ring having upward and downward facing shoulders secured to the outer diameter of the tubing hanger so that the latch ring may expand radially into a groove of the landing sub. The outer and inner diameters of the latch ring are larger at a center of the latch ring than at the upper and lower ends. The latch ring is configured to contract radially from a latched to an unlatched position in response to a predetermined overpull force. The predetermined overpull force is adjustable by adjusting the radial distance between an axial center of the latch ring and the outer diameter of the well pipe hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Milind Appasaheb Ghumre, Murugan Mahalingam
  • Publication number: 20130068467
    Abstract: An inflow control device controls the rate of fluid flow from a subsurface fluid reservoir into a production tubing string. The inflow control device includes a particulate screen to remove particulate matter from the reservoir fluid, and at least two flow restrictors. The flow restrictors are positioned on circumferentially opposite sides of the inflow control device and are connected by an isolated fluid passage. The flow restrictors limit the flowrate of reservoir fluid when the reservoir fluid has a high water or gas-to-oil ratio. The inflow control device also includes at least one pressure drop device that generates a pressure drop for the reservoir fluid in response to fluid pressure in the reservoir. The inflow control device also includes a choking apparatus that allows the flow of reservoir fluid to be shut off and the particulate screen cleaned while the inflow control device is in place in hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Shaohua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130068468
    Abstract: A groundwater sampling and pumping device and system for withdrawing groundwater from a well of small size, not exceeding 1.5 inches I.D. The device includes a hollow outer housing having water inlet ports formed through a bottom thereof and a hollow inner housing sized to be positioned integrally within the outer housing and defining a water flow passage therebetween. An electric motor in the inner housing is connected to a water impeller operably positioned to draw groundwater into the water passage. The water passing upwardly through the water flow passage provides cooling for the motor. Preferably the housing is formed of a polymer material, and/or a metal, such as stainless steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Craig Intelisano
  • Publication number: 20130068469
    Abstract: A pressurized polymer bead such as may be useful as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing is described, including a shell that is substantially impermeable, wherein the shell includes a polyimide polymer. The pressurized polymer bead includes a core region that is at a pressure that is greater than 5 MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Baojiu Lin, Abdel Wadood M. El-Rabaa, Richard S. Polizzotti
  • Publication number: 20130068470
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include performing one or more oil recovery cycles that recovers oil from an oil containing reservoir. The one or more oil recovery cycles can include providing a flow of supercritical carbon dioxide to the oil containing reservoir, injecting a flow of a surfactant to the flow of supercritical carbon dioxide, where the supercritical carbon dioxide and the surfactant form a mixture, forming an emulsion of the mixture in water within the oil containing reservoir to control mobility of the supercritical carbon dioxide in the oil containing reservoir, reducing the flow of the surfactant to a reduced flow while maintaining the flow of the supercritical carbon dioxide to the oil containing reservoir, and recovering the oil displaced from the oil containing reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Michael K. Poindexter, Roger L. Kuhlman
  • Publication number: 20130068471
    Abstract: A throttling valve formed by introducing an elongate tubular body into a tubular member through which fluid is flowing. The tubular body is provided with first and second ends, the first end being adapted for engaging a flow control device and the second end having a beveled end that enables fluid communication between the tubular member and the tubular body. The tubular body is provided with a tapered stem, the outside diameter of the stem proximate the first end of the tubular body being greater than the outside diameter of the stem proximate the second end, for seating against the opening in the end of the tubular member and effecting a seal between the outside surface of the stem and the margin of the opening in the tubular member. An elastomeric or other seal may be mounted on the outside surface of the stem for this same purpose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Bryan L. Collins
  • Publication number: 20130068472
    Abstract: A stroker tool operates a subterranean tool between three operating positions. The stroker tool includes an outer housing defining a piston chamber within. A piston assembly having first and second piston members is moveable within the piston chamber between a first position, a second position, and a third position. A shifting member is operably connected with the piston assembly and is moved to an uppermost axial position when the piston assembly is in the first position, an intermediate axial position when the piston assembly is in the second position, and a lowermost axial position when the piston assembly is in the third position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald P. Lauderdale
  • Publication number: 20130068473
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fluidly communicating between conduit strings and wells through crossovers forming a subterranean manifold string, usable for pressure contained underground hydrocarbon operations, storage and solution mining. Concentric conduits enable fluid communication with one or more subterranean regions through an innermost passageway usable for communicating fluids and devices engagable with a receptacle of the manifold. A wall of the manifold string and/or a selectively placed fluid control device diverts fluid mixture flow streams from one passageway to another radially disposed inward or outward passageway to selectively control pressurized fluid communication, thereby forming a plurality of pressure bathers. The pressure bathers can be used to selectively communicate fluid mixtures to and from a reservoir for hydrocarbon operations, solution mining, and/or control of a storage cushion space during such operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce A. Tunget
  • Publication number: 20130068474
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method relating to a valve assembly for use in a subterranean well for oil, gas, or other hydrocarbons. The valve assembly comprises an engaging element with a resilient portion having a first shape when a first pressure differential is applied across the engaging element in a direction and a second shape when a second pressure differential is applied across the element in the direction; a receiving element having sealing section; wherein the engaging element is engagable with the first receiving element to substantially prevent the flow of fluids through the sealing section a pressure differential is applied to the engaging element that is less than a first pressure differential; wherein the engaging element is extrudable through the first receiving element by applying a second pressure differential that is greater than the first pressure differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, Bryan Fitzhugh, William Sloane Muscroft
  • Publication number: 20130068475
    Abstract: A valve assembly, and related system and method, with an annular sleeve having an inner surface with a diameter, a first cylindrical outer surface, and a plurality of openings extending between the inner surface and the first cylindrical outer surface. The annular sleeve includes a second cylindrical outer surface having a different diameter than the first cylindrical outer surface. A first C-ring having a body with a seating surface, opposing terminal ends, and an outer diameter extending from the body is at least partially within the inner surface of the sleeve. A coil spring is positioned around a portion of the sleeve and in an annular space at least partially defined by an annular body and the second cylindrical outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, William Sloane Muscroft