Patents Issued in June 12, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140158322
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioning system for controlling the temperature of components and of the interior of a motor vehicle, comprising a first water pump (C.3) that drives a first coolant circuit (100), a second water pump (C.4) that drives a second coolant circuit (200), a compressor (A.1) that drives a refrigerant circuit (300) that has a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side, an air-water heat exchanger (C.5) connected to the first coolant circuit (100) on the water side and arranged upstream from the interior on the air side, a first refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger (A.2) connected to the refrigerant circuit (300) on the refrigerant side and arranged upstream from the air-water heat exchanger (C.5) on the water side, and a second refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger (A.10) connected to the refrigerant circuit (300) on the refrigerant side and located downstream from the potential heat sources on the water side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Gregor Homann, Matthias Fürll, Stefan Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20140158323
    Abstract: An exemplary heat sink assembly includes a heat sink, a connecting member, and a mounting member. A mounting hole and a receiving hole are defined in the heat sink and communicating with each other. The connecting member is adapted for fixing the heat sink. The connecting member includes a connecting section and an extending section extending from the connecting section. The mounting member fixes the connecting member to the heat sink. The connecting section is received in the receiving hole of the heat sink, the extending section is protruding from the heat sink, and the mounting member extends through the mounting hole and engaging with the connecting section to fix the connecting member to the heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicants: FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., FURUI PRECISE COMPONENT (KUNSHAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: ZHEN TANG, JIN-HUAI ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20140158324
    Abstract: A liquid coolant supplying header is configured on a central portion in the width direction between an upper portion heatsink and a partitioning plate, a liquid coolant discharging header is configured on a central portion in the width direction between a lower portion heatsink and the partitioning plate so as to be parallel to the liquid coolant supplying header, vertical flow channels are formed so as to pass through the partitioning plate vertically on two sides in the width direction so as to be parallel to the liquid coolant supplying header, a liquid coolant distributing structural body is disposed inside the liquid coolant supplying header, and an external shape of the liquid coolant distributing structural body is formed such that flow channel cross-sectional area of the liquid coolant supplying header becomes gradually smaller from an upstream end toward a downstream end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigenobu TOCHIYAMA, Seiji HAGA, Masayoshi TAMURA, Satoshi ISHIBASHI, Shinsuke IDENOUE
  • Publication number: 20140158325
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a heat pipe configured to cool a heat-generating device, and a heat exchanger. The heat pipe includes an outer structure containing aluminum, coolant disposed within the outer structure, and a barrier layer disposed between the coolant and the outer structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Gwin
  • Publication number: 20140158326
    Abstract: A fluid heat exchanger includes: a heat spreader plate including an intended heat generating component contact region; a plurality of microchannels for directing heat transfer fluid over the heat spreader plate, the plurality of microchannels each having a first end and an opposite end and each of the plurality of microchannels extending substantially parallel with each other microchannel and each of the plurality of microchannels having a continuous channel flow path between their first end and their opposite end; a fluid inlet opening for the plurality of microchannels and positioned between the microchannel first and opposite ends, a first fluid outlet opening from the plurality of microchannels at each of the microchannel first ends; and an opposite fluid outlet opening from the plurality of microchannels at each of the microchannel opposite ends, the fluid inlet opening and the first and opposite fluid outlet openings providing that any flow of heat transfer fluid that passes into the plurality of microc
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: COOLIT SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Geoff Sean Lyon
  • Publication number: 20140158327
    Abstract: A water cooling apparatus is disposed outside an electronic apparatus equipped with a heat generating part to cool heat generated from the heat generating part by using a coolant. The water cooling apparatus includes a plurality of hollow tubes through which the coolant receiving the heat of the heat generating part flows to be cooled. Each hollow tube is formed in a shape of a quadratic curve. The water cooling apparatus further includes at least one radiator that includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins coupled to the plurality of hollow tubes and is arranged to be separated from each other along the plurality of hollow tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ZALMAN TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Woong PARK, Do Hyun KIM, Hyun Woo LEE
  • Publication number: 20140158328
    Abstract: A plate for a heat exchanger for heat exchange between a first and a second medium has a first side and an opposing second side. The first side is configured with at least one heat transferring elevation and with at least one heat transfer surface surrounding the elevation. Dimples are provided at either or both of the heat transferring elevation and the heat transfer surface to permit provision of a through-flow duct for the first medium. The second side is configured with at least one heat transferring depression corresponding to the elevation. The depression is configured to define a part of a through-flow duct for the second medium. The second side has at least one bonding surface corresponding to the heat transfer surface and surrounding the depression. A heat exchanger includes a stack of the above-mentioned plates and an air cooler includes such a heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Sven Persson, Marcello Masgrau
  • Publication number: 20140158329
    Abstract: A thermal energy transfer device is described. The device includes a silicon-based base plate and a silicon-based plate structure. The base plate includes a first primary surface and a second primary surface opposite the first primary surface. The plate structure includes a first primary surface, a second primary surface opposite and substantially parallel to the first primary surface, and a plurality of edges that are between the first and the second primary surfaces. A first edge of the edges of the plate structure is disposed on the first primary surface of the base plate at an angle greater than 0 degree between the first primary surface of the base plate and the first primary surface of the plate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Gerald Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20140158330
    Abstract: A heat exchanger has a clad thin sheet material, a clad thick sheet material that is disposed so as to define a passage between the clad thick sheet material and the clad thin sheet material, and that has a sheet thickness greater than that of the clad thin sheet material, and an inner fin held between the clad materials. The clad thick sheet material and the clad thin sheet material have Zn-containing brazing filler metal layers on their passage sides, respectively, and the post-brazing surface Zn amounts are set so as to satisfy specific conditions. Further, certain conditions concerning the compositions of each of the layers that constitute the clad materials, and the inner fin are set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shu Kuroda, Michihide Yoshino, Kazutaka Ohno, Tomo Fukami, Yuji Sugino
  • Publication number: 20140158331
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brazing method for a tube of an air heater. The method includes the steps of: folding a metal band such as to form at least one tube, providing inside the tube a disturbance insert having a thickness substantially lower than or equal to 150 ?m, with the metal band and/or the insert includes a plating layer on at least one surface to be brazed such that the ratio of the volume of the plating layer to the volume to be brazed is either substantially higher than or equal to a predetermined threshold on the basis of the average gap between the insert and the tube, and brazing the tube and the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Laurent Moreau, Alain Bauerheim, Philippe Metayer
  • Publication number: 20140158332
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a heat exchanger which optimizes the heat exchanger capacity, including a first manifold and a second manifold. A fluid drawing device is provided in the second manifold. The fluid drawing device is in fluid communication with an outlet, the fluid drawing device drawing liquid refrigerant from a lowest vertical portion of the second manifold, permitting only liquid refrigerant located near the lowest vertical portion to flow into the fluid drawing device and creating a continuous liquid seal, allowing the second manifold to behave as a receiver and orifice, allowing excess liquid refrigerant to continually accumulate in the second manifold. Vertically oriented tubes extend in fluid communication between the first manifold and the second manifold. The heat exchanger is capable of operating in either a condenser mode or an evaporator mode with virtually no adverse effect on system performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ALCOIL USA LLC
    Inventor: Steven Michael WAND
  • Publication number: 20140158333
    Abstract: A heat exchanger and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. With the method, a tube may be inserted into a through hole formed in at least one fin coated with a filler metal, and the tube and a fin collar of the at least one fin may be joined through the filler metal by a brazing processing. A flange may not be formed on or at a top of the at least one fin collar, which protrudes vertically from a central longitudinal plane of the at least one fin. The tube may be made of aluminum (Al), and an interval between an outer circumferential surface of the tube and an inner circumferential surface of the fin collar of the at least one fin may be approximately 0.1 mm or less. Accordingly, contact resistance occurring when fabricating a fin-tube heat exchanger using a mechanical tube expansion method may be reduced, and heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger may be improved because grooves formed within the tube may not be deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: JUHYOK KIM, Hongseong Kim, Hanchoon Lee, Sangyeul Lee
  • Publication number: 20140158334
    Abstract: A thermal management system configured to be installed between a heat source and a heat sink, including a first heat conductor and a second heat conductor, a thermal switch configured to allow or prevent thermal connection between the first and second heat conductors, the thermal switch including at least one thermally conductive material that can connect the first and second conductors by a change in its volume, and the thermal switch including a controller configured to transfer thermal energy to the phase-change material to change a connection state. The connection is made when the heat source goes above a critical temperature, since the connection enables a heat flux to be established between the heat source and the heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux ene alt
    Inventors: Olivier Dellea, Philippe Coronel, Jérôme Gavillet, Emmanuel Ollier, Helga Szambolics
  • Publication number: 20140158335
    Abstract: A clad material for a cooler is provided by executing production of a tensile strain of 3 to 10% or rolling at a finish rolling ratio of 10 to 25%, and optionally performing a heat treatment for 1 to 8 hours at a temperature within a range from 150 to 400° C., on a clad raw material having a three layer structure of a core material, a first brazing filler metal layer that covers one side (the surface on the side of a cooling water passage) of this core material, and a second brazing filler metal layer that covers the other side (the surface on the opposite side from the cooling water passage). Specific ranges are prescribed for certain properties before and after brazing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shu Kuroda, Michihide Yoshino, Kazutaka Ohno, Tomo Fukami, Yuji Sugino
  • Publication number: 20140158336
    Abstract: An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence KATES
  • Publication number: 20140158337
    Abstract: An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: NEST LABS, INC.
    Inventor: Lawrence KATES
  • Publication number: 20140158338
    Abstract: An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence KATES
  • Publication number: 20140158339
    Abstract: Cooling apparatuses and methods are presented for facilitating dissipation of heat generated by one or more electronic components. The apparatuses include, for instance, a coolant-cooled heat sink and a thermostat-controlled valve. The heat sink includes one or more coolant-carrying channels and one or more valve wells intersecting the channels. The thermostat-controlled valve is disposed, at least partially, within a respective valve well so as to intersect a respective coolant-carrying channel, and includes a valve disk and a thermal-sensitive actuator mechanically coupled to rotate the valve disk. The valve disk is rotatable between an open position where coolant is allowed to flow through the respective coolant-carrying channel, and a closed position where coolant is blocked from flowing through the respective channel. The actuator rotates the valve disk between the open position and the closed position, dependent on heating of the thermal-sensitive actuator by the electronic component(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Milnes P. DAVID, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, Jr., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Roger R. SCHMIDT, Robert E. SIMONS
  • Publication number: 20140158340
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cooling an energy storage module using passive and active cooling techniques. Passive cooling is provided by storing heat in a phase change material that is contact with the energy storage cells of the energy storage module. Active cooling is provided by circulating coolant through coolant passages that are in thermal contact with the energy storage cells. A control system for determining the temperature of the energy storage module and controlling coolant flow when the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Dixler, Wellington Kwok
  • Publication number: 20140158341
    Abstract: Methods are presented for facilitating dissipation of heat generated by one or more electronic components. The methods include providing a coolant-cooled heat sink and a thermostat-controlled valve. The heat sink includes one or more coolant-carrying channels and one or more valve wells intersecting the channels. The thermostat-controlled valve is disposed, at least partially, within a respective valve well so as to intersect a respective coolant-carrying channel, and includes a valve disk and a thermal-sensitive actuator mechanically coupled to rotate the valve disk. The valve disk is rotatable between an open position where coolant is allowed to flow through the respective coolant-carrying channel, and a closed position where coolant is blocked from flowing through the respective channel. The actuator rotates the valve disk between the open position and the closed position, dependent on heating of the thermal-sensitive actuator by the electronic component(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140158342
    Abstract: A rig includes a base structure in contact with an operating surface and configured to support the rig on the operating surface. A transportation system is operatively coupled to the base structure and is configured to position the rig over an extraction point. A raised platform is connected to the base structure by a plurality of support beams. A hoisting device is connected to the raised platform. A drawworks is supported on the base structure and is operatively connected to the hoisting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Shawn R. SMITH, Harlan B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140158343
    Abstract: A downhole separator (10) separates gas from well fluids which are pumped intermittently to the surface. The separator includes an outer tubular housing (12) and an inner flow tube (22) for passing well fluids to the surface after separation of the gas from the well fluids. A vortex flow generator or spiral gas separator (20) imparts a helical flow to effect separation of the gas from the well fluids. Gas from the gas chamber flows upward past the vortex flow generator when the pump is not pumping well fluids to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Delwin E. Cobb, Roy Arterbury
  • Publication number: 20140158344
    Abstract: A new method separating sand, solids, and produced particulates down-hole in a well producing hydrocarbons. The separation assembly can include ether one, two, or more segments or stages of varying lengths depending upon the individual application. The assembly is installed into the tubing string or delivery conduit of a well producing hydrocarbons. One stage can consist of a velocity chamber whereby separation of particulates occurs by increasing the downward velocity of particulates and reducing the upward velocity of hydrocarbons thereby allowing the particulates to “fall-out” into a lower chamber where the particulates are captured. Another stage can consist of a filter whereby particulates are captured in a chamber that can consist of filtering materials such as gravel, rock, sand, wood, or manmade materials. Each of the stages can be employed individually or in combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Spirit Global Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Raglin
  • Publication number: 20140158345
    Abstract: Methods comprising conveying a downhole tool within a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises a first pump and a second pump, and wherein at least one operational capability of the first and second pumps is substantially different. A fracture is initiated in the subterranean formation by pumping fluid into the formation using the first pump. The fracture is propagated in the subterranean formation by pumping fluid into the formation using the second pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: In Chul Jang, Mark Milkovisch
  • Publication number: 20140158346
    Abstract: Analyzing wells of mature field. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: gathering data about a group of wells; determining a condition of each well; creating an initial prioritization; creating a secondary prioritization based on at least one criteria provided by the client and the initial prioritization; analyzing at least some of the wells selected based on priority of each well in the secondary prioritization; interfacing with a service providing entity; providing to the client a first recommendation regarding corrective action, the first recommendation without regard to the service providing entity's availability to perform services; providing to the client a second recommendation regarding corrective action, the second recommendation taking into account the service providing entity's availability of crews and equipment; and performing at least one corrective action on at least one well, the performing based from the first or second recommendations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert M. HULL, Sung Hyun KIM, Darrin S. SEULAKHAN, Michael L. BOOTHE
  • Publication number: 20140158347
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensing wellbore conditions in artificial lift wells using low profile sensors that are installed on down hole production equipment that makes them easier to install and retrieve. In one embodiment, low profile sensors are installed on a rod string making their insertion and removal much easier than it would be if they were mounted on production tubing. The sensors can be attached directly to the rod string or can be attached to a cable that is attached to the rod string. The sensors can transmit their data electrically through the cable or through the rod string. Alternatively, the sensors can transmit their data acoustically through the rod string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ESP COMPLETION TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lance I. FIELDER, Robert P. FIELDER, III
  • Publication number: 20140158348
    Abstract: A weight down system comprises a wellbore comprising a plurality of restrictions, and a weight down tool. The weight down tool comprises a central mandrel configured to be coupled to a wellbore tubular, an outwardly extending indicator disposed about the central mandrel, and a plurality of radially expandable weight down lugs configured to selectively transition between an expanded position and a retracted position. The indicator is configured to expand the weight down lugs into the expanded position in response to moving through one or more restrictions of the plurality of restrictions in an upwards direction, and the weight down lugs are configured to retract to the retracted position in response to the weight down lugs moving through one or more restrictions of the plurality of restrictions in an upwards direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC
    Inventors: William Mark Richards, Thomas Jules Frosell
  • Publication number: 20140158349
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a plunger lift system in a well is provided. The methods can include: opening a control valve and allowing a plunger to rise to a top of the well; determining an actual rise time of the plunger based on a time it takes the plunger to rise to the top of the well; using actual rise time of the plunger and a target rise time calculating adjustments to the afterflow time or close time; and allowing the afterflow time to pass before closing the control valve and keeping the valve closed for the close time. The methods are repeated, each time calculating a new adjusted afterflow time or adjusted close time to incrementally alter these times to improve the operation of the plunger lift system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Mark David Scantlebury, Clint Edward Mason
  • Publication number: 20140158350
    Abstract: An apparatus for flowing a tool string along a wellbore tubular may include a flow restrictor having a diametrically expanded position and a diametrically retracted position. The flow restrictor may include at least one sealing element that sealingly engages the wellbore tubular when in the diametrically expanded position. The apparatus also includes an actuator configured to move the at least one sealing element to at least a position intermediate of the open and the closed position. The actuator may be responsive to a control signal that is generated locally or transmitted from a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Homero C. Castillo, Otto N. Fanini, Steven R. Radford, Jeffrey B. McMeans, John G. Evans
  • Publication number: 20140158351
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: placing a first device at a first location in the wellbore, wherein the first device includes a plurality of circumferentially placed tags at known orientations in the wellbore, conveying a second device in the wellbore, the second device including a sensor that provides signals in response to detecting signals from each of the tags in the first device, determining from the signals from the sensor orientation of the second device in the wellbore. In another aspect the method may include a plurality of axially placed tags on a first device and the sensor on a second device, wherein the sensor provides signals when it passes proximate each of the axially spaced tags and determining from the sensor signals location of the second device relative to the first device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Larry Thomas Palmer
  • Publication number: 20140158352
    Abstract: Three-phase separation is achieved downhole in a production well by forming an oil/liquid separation zone in the well between two packers which are positioned between producing and disposal zones. Gas is permitted to separate above the top packer. A pump is used to pump an oil/water mixture from above the top packer into the separation zone. Adequate residence time is permitted in the separation zone to achieve the separation. A check valve in the bottom packer is used to provide pressure to raise the oil to the wellhead. A control valve at the wellhead is used to control pressure in the separation zone and the relative sizes of the streams issuing therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: MICHAEL C. RAMSEY, MICHAEL L. FINLEY
  • Publication number: 20140158353
    Abstract: Methods and systems relate to the in-situ removal of heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, etc., from produced fluids such as gases and crudes from a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation. A sufficient amount of a fixing agent is injected into formation with a dilution fluid. The fixing agent reacts with the heavy metals forming precipitate, or is extracted heavy metals into the dilution fluid as soluble complexes. In one embodiment, the heavy metal precipitates remain in the formation. After the recovery of the produced fluid, the dilution fluid containing the heavy metal complexes is separated from the produced fluid, generating a treated produced fluid having a reduced concentration of heavy metals. In one embodiment, the dilution fluid is water, and the wastewater containing the heavy metal complexes after recovery can be recycled by injection into a reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Sujin Yean, Darrell Lynn Gallup, Lyman Arnold Young, Russell Evan Cooper, Matthew Bernard Zielinski, Mark Anthony Emanuele, Brian Christopher Llewellyn, Dennis John O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20140158354
    Abstract: A method of treating a well the method including the steps of: (A) forming a fluid including: (i) a shear-thinning aqueous liquid phase; and (ii) an inorganic setting material; wherein the fluid is shear-thinning, pumpable, and settable; and (B) introducing the fluid into the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Arunesh Kumar, Sharath Savari, Jason T. Scorsone, Rajendra A. Kalgaonkar
  • Publication number: 20140158355
    Abstract: The invention is directed to polymer-enhanced proppant transport fluids, comprising a suspension fluid comprising a crosslinked synthetic polymer gel formulation, and a plurality of proppant particles. The invention also encompasses methods for improving production from an oil or gas well, methods of water blocking or water shutoff in an oil or gas well, methods of enhancing oil recovery from an oil source, methods of treating a petroleum-containing formation to reduce sand production, and methods of displacing fluid from a wellbore by viscous plug flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Philip Wuthrich, Robert P. Mahoney, David S. Soane, Rosa Casado Portilla
  • Publication number: 20140158356
    Abstract: An apparatus usable with a well includes an explosive pellet that is adapted to be communicated into the well via a fluid and includes an explosive material that is adapted to be detonated downhole in the well. The apparatus further includes an encapsulant to encapsulate the explosive pellet to inhibit unintended detonation of the explosive material. The encapsulant is adapted to be at least partially removed from the explosive pellet in response to the explosive pellet being communicated into the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Al Andrzejak, Jorge E. Lopez De Cardenas, Gary L. Rytlewski, Carlos Abad, Javier Sanchez Reyes
  • Publication number: 20140158357
    Abstract: A downhole hydraulic tool employing multiple nozzles in a selectable fashion from an oilfield surface. At least one of the nozzles of the tool is equipped with a burst disk such that fluid pressure directed from the surface may be utilized in activating the nozzle. The pressure may be driven to exceed a predetermined level for sake of the activating by way of sealing off access to other nozzle(s) therebelow, for example, by way of standard ball drop techniques. Thus, nozzle selectivity may be taken advantage of when a first nozzle wears out without requiring time consuming removal of the tool from the well for sake of remedial repairs or replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: VICTOR LYASHKOV, MARK C. OETTLI
  • Publication number: 20140158358
    Abstract: A reagent processing vessel is disclosed comprising: an outer container; a reaction chamber disposed in the outer container; a mixing chamber disposed in the outer container for allowing transfer of a substance between the reaction chamber and the mixing chamber; a delivery chamber disposed in the outer container for allowing transfer of a substance between the mixing chamber and the delivery chamber; and at least one of a mixing motor and a delivery pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: John Pantano
  • Publication number: 20140158359
    Abstract: Methods for increasing the permeability of a portion of a subterranean formation surrounding a wellbore using non-hydrolyzed liquid esters to attack carbonates within acid-soluble formations without requiring the use of a catalyst or enzyme. Some methods comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising a non-hydrolyzed liquid ester in a base fluid; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation at matrix flow rates to allow the non-hydrolyzed liquid ester to penetrate into at least a portion of the subterranean formation; and leaving the treatment fluid in contact with the subterranean formation for a period of time during which at least a portion of the non-hydrolyzed liquid ester hydrolyzes to produce an acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Davidson, Steven Ray Blattel
  • Publication number: 20140158360
    Abstract: Minimizing circulating pressure loss and/or reducing friction in drilling fluid operations to minimize equivalent circulating density (ECD) and maximize flow for borehole cleaning, tool optimization and efficient drilling may be achieved by the addition of friction improvers or drag reducers while circulating drilling fluids. Suitable drag reducers may include, but not necessarily be limited to, poly(alpha-olefins); polyisobutylene; condensation polymers of dicarboxylic acids or anhydrides, or polyols and monocarboxylic acids, addition polymers of unsaturated esters; copolymers of alpha-olefins with unsaturated esters; polystyrene acylated with long chain fatty acids; polyalkylene oxides; copolymers of alkyl acrylates with N-containing olefins; and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: WILLIAM S. HALLIDAY, DENNIS C. CLAPPER, RONALD G. BLAND
  • Publication number: 20140158361
    Abstract: A frac sleeve system includes an outer sleeve with openings, an inner sleeve with ports, a pressure seat, a bottom locking device and a spring device. In a closed configuration of the inner sleeve, the openings and ports are not aligned for any fluid connection. In an opened configuration, at least one opening is aligned with at least one port for a fluid connection through the system. The inner sleeve shifts back and forth between configurations according to the pressure seat and the spring. The interaction of a guide pin on the outer sleeve and the guide slot on the inner sleeve controls the rotational and longitudinal movement of the inner sleeve along the common axis of the inner sleeve and outer sleeve so that there is unlimited shifting between configurations. The locking devices and spring device are also reuseable for the multiple shifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: CNPC USA Corp.
    Inventors: Peng CHENG, Marvin Allen GREGORY
  • Publication number: 20140158362
    Abstract: A flapper equalizer plunger embodies a unitary coiled spring that is compressed by the flow tube to shift the plunger to equalize pressure across the flapper before the flow tube tries to move the flapper. The hydraulic control system then need only to overcome the force of a flapper pivot spring to swing the flapper 90 degrees to an open position behind the flow tube. The integral spring is produced with a wire EDM technique and can be symmetrical or asymmetrical around its periphery as a way of offsetting off-center impact from the bottom of the flow tube. The plunger can be rotationally locked if it is asymmetrical. The pitch can be constant or variable and the output force greatly exceeds the force provided by an independent coiled spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mark S. Megill, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20140158363
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore within a subterranean formation comprising providing a drill string disposed within the wellbore having one or more tubulars associated therewith and forming one or more annuli around the drill string; placing an insulating packer fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a viscosifying agent into at least one of the one or more annuli surrounding the drill string; and performing a drill stem test while the insulating packer fluid is in place. A method of servicing a wellbore within a subterranean formation comprising placing an insulating packer fluid in an annular space between a tubular and a marine riser extending from a surface vessel or platform and a subsea wellhead, wherein the insulating packer fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a viscosifying agent and has a thermal conductivity of from about 0.008 BTU/(hr·ft·F) to about 0.245 BTU/(hr·ft·F).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Larry R. DEEN
  • Publication number: 20140158364
    Abstract: A method of separating a multiphase fluid, the fluid including a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, that includes introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multiphase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid of predetermined thickness within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region. Fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core. A separation system employing the method is also provided. The method and system are particularly suitable for the separation of solid debris from the fluids produced by a subterranean oil or gas well at wellhead flow pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Hans Paul Hopper
  • Publication number: 20140158365
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and to a method for blocking the outflow of a pressurized fluid from an underwater well, in particular, for blocking the outflow of crude oil and/or of natural gas, for carrying out an operation of closure of the well. In particular, the invention relates to a device and to a method for quickly stopping the flow and closing the well in case of incident and/or in case of fault of emergency shut-off devices of the underwater well, such as “blowout preventer” (“BOP”) systems, in order to reduce harm to the environment and economic losses due to fluid outflow from the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Stefano Favilli, Matteo Bertolini, Giacomo Iarrusso
  • Publication number: 20140158366
    Abstract: A subsea completion for a well is presented that includes a tubing spool, a tubing hanger, a fluid coupling, an electrical coupling, a control system, a valve, and a production tree. The tubing spool includes a central bore, a side wall, and a fluid supply passage extending through the tubing spool. An electrical supply passage can also extend through the side wall of the tubing spool. The tubing hanger includes a fluid control passage. The tubing hanger can also include an electrical control passage. The control system includes a fluid control conduit to provide fluid to the tubing spool fluid supply passage from outside the tubing spool. The valve is connectable to the outside of the tubing spool to control fluid flow between the control system fluid conduit and the tubing spool fluid supply passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen C Smith, David R June
  • Publication number: 20140158367
    Abstract: A wellhead latch assembly may include one or more latches for attaching to a wellhead and allowing removal of the wellhead during a well abandonment process. The wellhead latch assembly may include an inner core coupled to the latches, and an outer sleeve for selectively latching and unlatching the latches to the wellhead. The inner core may abut the wellhead and can include a groove having circumferential and/or longitudinal features. The outer sleeve may include a pin which travels within the groove and a set of cut-outs for alignment with the latches. When the cut-outs align with the latches, the latches may expand radially outward and disengage the wellhead. As the outer sleeve moves axially or rotationally relative to the inner core, the latches may fall out of alignment with the cut-outs and move radially inwardly to engage or capture the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Stokes, James R. Ford, Stephen Hekelaar, Michael T. Wardley
  • Publication number: 20140158368
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for re-directing fluid flow from the interior of tubing placed in a well to the exterior of the tubing by use of selectively actuatable valves operable by engagement of a plug on a plug seat. The devices, systems, and methods disclosed may provide a flowback bypass for the flow of fluids around obstructions in the tubing when those obstructions occur at a predicted location within the tubing. The systems, devices and methods may also include a locking system operable by, among other things, plug and plug seat valves, and such locking system may be used to prevent opening of the flowback bypass until after a predetermined event has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, William Sloane Muscroft, Bryan Fitzhugh
  • Publication number: 20140158369
    Abstract: An apparatus for flowing a tool string along a wellbore tubular includes a flow restrictor having a diametrically expanded position and a diametrically retracted position. The flow restrictor sealingly engages the wellbore tubular when in the diametrically expanded position. The apparatus also includes a joint connected to the flow restrictor. The joint actuates the flow restrictor between the expanded position to the retracted position while moving between an open and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Jeffery B. McMeans, John G. Evans
  • Publication number: 20140158370
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, comprising a sleeve system comprising a ported case, a sliding sleeve within the case and movable between a first sleeve position in which the sleeve restricts fluid communication via the case and a second sleeve position in which the sleeve does not, a radially divided segmented seat movable between a first seat position in which the seat restricts movement of the sleeve and a second seat position in which the seat does not, and a sheath covering a portion of the seat, the sleeve system being transitionable from a first, to a second, to a third mode, in the first mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its first position, in the second mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its second position, and, in the third mode, the sleeve is in its second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Cale PORTER, Kendall Lee PACEY, Matthew Todd HOWELL, William Ellis STANDRIDGE
  • Publication number: 20140158371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disconnecting tool (1) for disconnecting a drill pipe from a lower casing in a bore-hole and having an axial extension along a centre line (2), comprising an axial force generator (4) comprising a first part (5) and a second part (6) and providing an axial movement of the second part in relation to the first part along the axial extension, a wireline (3) powering the axial force generator, and an element (7) comprising a leading part (8) and a trailing part (9), the second part being connected with the trailing part, wherein a fluid channel (10) extends from the leading part to the trailing part for letting fluid through or pass the element when the second part is moved in relation to the first part of the force generator during disconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk