Patents Issued in January 29, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150027658
    Abstract: A hybrid ceramic/sand casting method of manufacturing a metal part. The method is especially suitable for manufacturing engine cylinder blocks or cylinder head, which have very small internal passages or other very small internal features. These parts are formed using a hybrid core having at least one ceramic section and at least one sand section, with the ceramic section being used to create the internal feature. A mold cavity is created for the part, and the hybrid core is positioned in the mold. Molten metal is introduced into the mold, and after the metal cools, the core is removed, thereby forming the part with the internal feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Barry E. Westmoreland, Douglas A. McKee, Marc C. Megel, Mark A. Tussing, Thomas E. Reinhart, David P. Branyon
  • Publication number: 20150027659
    Abstract: Controllable variable inertia water storage system for heating and/or cooling, comprising: a plurality of water storage volumes for storing and heating water, these being either a vessel comprising sub-volumes or independent multiple vessels, said volumes being interconnected in series; a water inlet and outlet connect to the interconnected volumes; an independent water heater and/or cooler for each volume. Method for operating said system comprising: defining target sub-temperatures for each volume, wherein said target sub-temperatures are sequentially higher for each volume, in the direction of the water flow from inlet to outlet; increasing the target sub-temperatures in periods of forecasted higher demand, and, inversely, decreasing the target sub-temperatures in periods of forecasted lower demand; heating the volumes up to the target sub-temperatures, when the user indicates so or when a source of heat is available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: João Paulo MARQUES DIAS PINTO, Pedro Emanuel MARQUES DIAS PINTO, João Pedro SILVA DE CARVALHO
  • Publication number: 20150027660
    Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner having an improved frame structure in which a refrigerant pipe that connects an outdoor unit and the indoor unit can be easily connected. The indoor unit of the air conditioner includes: a frame; a heat exchanger mounted on the frame and having a refrigerant pipe in which a refrigerant flows; a hanger plate mounted on a rear surface of the frame and fixing the frame onto a wall surface; and a holder plate mounted on a lower portion of the frame, fixing the frame and the hanger plate, and supported by a fixing member of the wall surface. The holder plate selectively opens/closes the lower portion of the frame so that a pipe connection operation can be easily performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung June CHO, Jee Ho PARK, Hyun Dal KIM
  • Publication number: 20150027661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-contained trolley for temperature conditioning and distribution of meal trays (13) comprising two compartments separated by an insulating wall (11), namely a compartment for heating, called the hot compartment, and a compartment for chilling, called the cold compartment, receiving at least one stack of meal trays arranged so that one part of each meal tray (13) is located in the hot compartment and the other part thereof is located in the cold compartment, wherein the heating of the hot compartment and the chilling of the cold compartment are simultaneously obtained by means of a thermochemical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: COLDWAY
    Inventors: Laurent Rigaud, Francis Kindbeiter
  • Publication number: 20150027662
    Abstract: The invention relates to a climate system comprising at least one latent heat storage heat exchanger assembly, said latent heat storage heat exchanger assembly comprising: —a channel part having an inlet end with a flow cross sectional A1, an outlet end a flow cross sectional area A2, and said inlet end defining an incoming air direction; —at least one latent heat storage heat exchanger comprising a plurality of plate shaped PCM units that comprise a container holding PCM, said PCM units positioned parallel at a spacing d behind one another; —a frame unit providing a support plane for holding said at least one latent heat storage heat ex changer in said channel part, said frame unit mounted with said support plane at an angle ? between 5 and 45 degrees with respect to the incoming air direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Antonius Henricus Hubertus Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20150027663
    Abstract: A steam generator anti-vibration bar (AVB) that extends across multiple rows of tubes and contains a string of sensors is disclosed and claimed. The instrumented anti-vibration bar includes a housing and cover that cooperate to enclose the sensors. The sensors capture data resulting from the fluid flow passing through the steam generator during plant operation. Exemplary sensors that may include: strain gauges to measure loads imposed on the AVBs by the tubes; temperature sensors to sample thermal-hydraulic conditions within the tube bundle; pressure and flow detectors to sample hydraulic conditions within the tube bundle; inductive coils to measure in-plane and out-of-plane motion; and accelerometers to measure AVB motions imposed by surrounding tubes. The captured data is transmitted out of the steam generator in known fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce Marlow, Mark W. Broaddus, Christopher D. Waskey
  • Publication number: 20150027664
    Abstract: Retainers are described that comprise at least one center body component comprising a plurality of center body troughs, and at least one compatible component comprising a plurality of compatible troughs, wherein at least part of the plurality of the compatible troughs couple with at least part of the plurality of center body troughs. In addition, thermal displacement devices are described that incorporate at least one retainers and at least one additional component, wherein the at least one retainer is coupled at least in part to the at least one additional component through a contact area or a substrate, surface or combination thereof, wherein the at least one retainer is coupled with the substrate, surface or combination thereof through a contact area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: James Charles Calder
  • Publication number: 20150027665
    Abstract: A temperature regulation device dispenses a fluid at a unique temperature. The device achieves the unique temperature by blending an ambient temperature of the fluid with a cooled temperature of the fluid to form a blended temperature of the fluid. The cooled temperature of the fluid is reached by passing a portion of the ambient temperature fluid through a cooling apparatus. The cooled fluid and the ambient fluid can then be blended through a series of valves and choke lines to form the desired blended temperature for the fluid. A plurality of individual fluids can simultaneously pass through the device and have different dispensing temperatures based on adjustments to the blend between ambient temperature fluid and cool temperature fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Stewart Petrie
  • Publication number: 20150027666
    Abstract: A heat exchanger including a tubular core case, a pair of end plates for closing opposite ends of the core case, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes supported at opposite ends thereof by the end plates and allowing flow of a first heating medium inside thereof. One end plate is disposed on an upstream side of the first heating medium as an upstream end plate while the other end plates is disposed on a downstream side of the first heating medium as a downstream end plate. The downstream end plate comprises a downstream bottom surface part for supporting downstream end parts of the heat exchange tubes, and a downstream wall part formed integrally with and rising from a peripheral edge of the downstream bottom surface part, and a top end part of the downstream wall part is oriented toward upstream of the flow of the first heating medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Toru HISANAGA, Kozue SUZUKI, Takashi WAGATSUMA
  • Publication number: 20150027667
    Abstract: A condensing heat recovery unit for a portable fluid heater has a heat exchanger with a plurality of hollow rectangular heat recovery panels, a flue gas collection hood that funnels flue gas from the portable fluid heater into one side of the heat exchanger, and a condensate collector connected to the opposite side of the heat exchanger that collects flue gas condensate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Cale Patrick Collins Kaupp
  • Publication number: 20150027668
    Abstract: A vapor chamber structure is disclosed and includes a main body and a working fluid. The main body has a condensation section and an evaporation section and a chamber. The condensation section and the evaporation section are respectively disposed on two sides of the chamber. The evaporation section has a first face and a second face. A raised section is formed on the first face. The working fluid is filled in the chamber. The raised section is formed by means of mechanical processing as a support structure for enhancing the structural strength of the vapor chamber structure. The vapor chamber structure is manufactured at a much lower cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hsiu-Wei Yang
  • Publication number: 20150027669
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed which includes a plurality of heat exchanger plates. Each plate has a plurality of hollowed out pins arranged in a pin fin pattern. Each plate also includes an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture in fluid communication with one another. A plurality of heat pipes are defined by several of the plurality of hollowed out pins. A wicking material is arranged within the several hollowed out pins. A heat transfer fluid at least partially fills each heat pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jay W Kokas, Leo J Veilleux, JR., Rudolph Thomas Beaupre
  • Publication number: 20150027670
    Abstract: An outdoor machine of an air conditioner includes a fan motor mount including a fan motor support plate, and a top plate. The fan motor support plate is formed with: a plurality of props; a prop horizontal plane; a prop front plane; a fitting portion, which is provided on the prop horizontal plane and fitted to a rear end of the top plate; and a first screw hole, which is provided on the prop front plane to fix the top plate. The top plate is formed with: a screw fixing piece, which has a shape parallel to the prop front plane and is provided with a second screw hole corresponding the first screw hole. The fitting portion is fitted to the rear end of the top plate, and the screw fixing piece is located on the front side of the prop front plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki JINNAI, Toshiyuki KUBONO, Kazuhiro OOISHI
  • Publication number: 20150027671
    Abstract: A steel covering layer according to the present invention includes a surface layer formed of a low surface energy material and formed on the surface of a heat transfer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Sakurai, Seiji Kagawa, Tsuyoshi Miyachi, Takuya Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20150027672
    Abstract: In a heat exchanger, each of flat tubes (31) has an end portion inserted in a header-collecting pipe (70). When the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, a refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state upwardly flows in a subspace (71a) located in the header-collecting pipe (70). An effective cross-sectional area A of the subspace (71a) in the header-collecting pipe (70) is set based on a mass flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the subspace (71a) in the header-collecting pipe (70). The effective cross-sectional area A is obtained by subtracting a projected area A1 which corresponds to a portion of each flat tube (31) located in the subspace (71a) and is projected onto a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the header-collecting pipe (70) from an area A0 of a cross section of the subspace (71a) which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the header-collecting pipe (70).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masanori Jindou, Yoshio Oritani, Yoshimasa Kikuchi, Yasuhiro Sasai, Hiroharu Kubo, Satoshi Inoue, Hyunyoung Kim, Hirokazu Fujino
  • Publication number: 20150027673
    Abstract: A heat exchanger (1) for gases, in particular for the exhaust gases of an engine, comprising a bundle of tubes (2) arranged inside a casing (3) defining a gas inlet (4) and outlet (5), said tubes (2) being intended for the circulation of the gases with a view to exchanging heat with a coolant, and said tubes (2) being distributed in at least one column having a plurality of rows defining a plurality of spaces (8) between the rows, and comprising a coolant inlet pipe (9) and outlet pipe (10) connected to the casing (3). Said exchanger (1) comprises a bypass channel (11) incorporated into the casing (3) capable of connecting the spaces (8) defined between the rows of tubes (2) located in front of said channel (11) with one of the coolant pipes (10), in such a way as to improve the distribution of the coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Valeo Termico, S.A.
    Inventors: Juan Carlos De Francisco Moreno, Carlos Rodrigo Marco, Yolanda Bravo Rodriguez, Fernando Puertolas Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20150027674
    Abstract: A layer heat exchanger for high temperatures is provided that includes a layer block having layer plates and cover plates and a housing that accommodates the layer block. The housing has a high heat resistance, combined with a high stiffness, and the layer block has a core that is soft and tough relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Hans-Heinrich ANGERMANN
  • Publication number: 20150027675
    Abstract: A heat exchanging device has a main chamber, two sub-chambers, an inlet and an outlet. The sub-chambers extend outwardly from both planar walls of the main chamber. Disposed within main chamber and the sub-chambers is a medium directing insert. The insert has an angled surface on ends facing the inlet and the outlet, first directing the flow of the heat exchange medium into the main chamber, so that the heat exchange medium is dispersed within the main chamber, then directing the heat exchange medium out of the device through the outlet. The medium directing insert is bonded to the lateral walls of the sub-chambers to enhance the structural integrity of the device. The lateral walls of the medium directing insert cooperate with the planar and lateral walls of the main chamber to form channels for directing flow of the heat exchange medium within the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: MiKuTAY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minoru Nitta, Takeyoshi Nitta
  • Publication number: 20150027676
    Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of heat transfer modules disposed side by side so as to define a multilayer body of the heat exchanger. Each heat transfer module has at least one heat transfer medium channel configured to allow a flow of a heat-carrying medium therethrough. At least one portion of the multilayer body of the heat exchanger has a curvature configured to allow the heat exchanger to be used as a curved outer skin section of a craft. Adjacent heat transfer modules of the at least one portion of the multilayer body are arranged with a tilt angle of their central axes towards each other such that each heat transfer module is aligned towards the center of a local osculating circle defined by an outer surface of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Florian Eilken, Uwe Auer, Martin Moegel
  • Publication number: 20150027677
    Abstract: A multiple tube flattened heat exchange tube assembly includes a first flattened tube segment, a second flattened tube segment and a web member interconnecting the trailing edge of the first flattened tube segment and the leading edge of the second flattened tube segment. The web member may be provided with one or more retained water drainage openings. A multiple slab flattened tube heat exchanger is provided that includes a plurality of the multiple tube flattened heat exchange tube assemblies disposed in spaced parallel relationship. A method for fabricating a flattened tube finned heat exchanger having a first heat exchanger slab and a second heat exchanger slab is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Michael F. Taras, Arindom Joardar, Mel Woldesemayat, Bruce J. Poplawski
  • Publication number: 20150027678
    Abstract: A heat exchanger and a method and apparatus for manufacturing the same are provided. The heat exchanger may include a refrigerant tube, through which a refrigerant may flow, at least one heat-exchange fin, into which the refrigerant tube may be inserted, a plurality of tube treatments provided on a surface of the refrigerant tube, and a plurality of fin treatments provided on a surface of the at least one heat-exchange fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyunsoo SONG, Jangseok Lee, Sung Jhee
  • Publication number: 20150027679
    Abstract: A finned tube assembly for an air cooled condenser and method for forming the same. The finned tube assembly comprises a flow conduit in the form of a bare steel tube and at least one set of fins bonded directly to the tube. In one embodiment, the tube has a non-circular cross section and the fins have a serpentine configuration. An oil based carrier and flux mixture is used in one embodiment to braze the fins onto the bare tubes, A braze filler metal may he introduced proximate to the bonding site by several different delivery mechanism. The braze filler metal may be aluminum or aluminum silicon. The finned tubes assemblies are combined in tube bundles and assembled to form an air cooled condenser which may be used in power generation, station, and other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Krishna P. Singh, Frank David Sanderlin, William G. Schofield, Dmitiy Yakov Kats, Joseph Paul Mosher, Robert Charles Sloan, Thomas G. Haynes, III
  • Publication number: 20150027680
    Abstract: An on-off valve and a bypass pipe which bypasses the on-off valve are connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe of a humidity control circuit. A pressure-reducing valve is connected to the bypass pipe. Before switching a four-way valve, a degree of opening of the pressure-reducing valve is reduced to reduce a pressure difference between high and low pressure in the humidity control circuit. After that, the on-off valve is closed for pressure equalization between the high and low pressure in the humidity control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Eguchi, Gakuto Sakai
  • Publication number: 20150027681
    Abstract: An HVAC controller may be programmed to control an HVAC system according to a comfort mode and an economy mode. When the HVAC system is operating according to the comfort mode, the HVAC system may primarily draw energy from a locally generated energy source or local energy storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Amy Ragland, David Quam, Brad Paine
  • Publication number: 20150027682
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for maintaining a steady flow rate and pressure of a carbon dioxide stream at high pressure when a low-pressure source of the carbon dioxide varies with time. Liquid level in an accumulator that is sized to accommodate variations in supply rate is controlled by sub-cooling of liquid entering the accumulator and heating in the accumulator, the sub-cooling and heating being controlled by a pressure controller operable in the accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Denbury Resources Inc.
    Inventor: Peter D. Guerra
  • Publication number: 20150027683
    Abstract: A heat exchange device includes a thermoactuator usable over a long period of time is disclosed. The thermoactuator includes a case. In the case, there is formed a stopper providing an advancement limit of a rod to limit an opening degree of a valve of the thermoactuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Toru HISANAGA, Tomoyuki UCHIDA, Teruaki HYODO
  • Publication number: 20150027684
    Abstract: A centralizer for centralizing a pipe downhole in a well is provided. The centralizer includes a plurality of arcuate cuffs having first and second ends. The cuffs are affixed adjacent to the pipe's exterior wall, and positioned circumferentially adjacent around the pipe. The cuffs are flexible so as to be positioned in a first condition wherein the cuffs are retracted radially inward so as to be substantially flat against the pipe's exterior wall. The centralizer includes a lock for maintaining the cuffs substantially flat against the pipe's exterior wall until the centralizer has been transported downhole. Further, the centralizer includes an actuator for unlocking the lock so as to allow the cuffs to expand radially outward to form a loop wherein the loop has a central axis parallel to pipe's longitudinal axis. Preferably, the centralizer includes a collar causing the cuffs to all expand or retract together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: SCOTT E. JEWETT, DAVID G. DUCKWORTH
  • Publication number: 20150027685
    Abstract: A tubular section and a system including the tubular section are described. The tubular section includes a first tubular member including a threaded pin section and a second tubular member, the second tubular member including a threaded box section configured to mate with the threaded pin section. The tubular section also includes a shoulder ring disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member, wherein a wall thickness of at least a portion of the shoulder ring is greater than a smallest wall thickness of the threaded pin section of the first tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Volker Peters, Detlev Benedict, Robert Buda, Stephan Mueller, Henning Rahn, Rene Schulz
  • Publication number: 20150027686
    Abstract: A crude oil lifting system and a method utilizing a vane pump for conveying a fluid. The crude oil lifting system comprises: an oil pipe and an oil pump connected to the oil pipe. The oil pump is the vane pump. The vane pump is provided with a cylindrical stator. The stator has arranged therein a drive shaft and a rator sleeved onto the drive shaft. The drive shaft is arranged within the stator along the direction parallel to the length of the stator. An intake plate is arranged at the lower end of the stator. A discharge plate is arranged at the upper end of the stator. The intake plate, the discharge plate, and the stator form a cylindrical cavity. The rotor is arranged between the intake plate and the discharge plate. An intake opening for taking in the crude oil is arranged on the intake plate. A discharge opening for discharging the crude oil is arranged on the discharge plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Zhongxian Hao, Zejun Shen, Lixin Zhang, Xiaohan Pei, Quanbin Wang, Zheng Tong, Tongbin Wang, Jingwei Jin
  • Publication number: 20150027687
    Abstract: A downhole wireless actuation based pipe lifting system with wireless communications and data acquisition capabilities for lifting casing from a well formation. The system may be deployed along a casing string with centralizers in the closed position to prevent any resistance that would be created by the centralizers. Upon reaching the proper location in the well, one or more pipe lifting systems may be actuated to lift the pipe from the well formation thereby providing a path for cement to flow around the casing. The system may collect, and store data before, during, and after the cementing process is performed, and may transmit the data wirelessly or by cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Tubel, LLC.
    Inventor: Paulo Tubel
  • Publication number: 20150027688
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Sokol, Danny W. Wagoner, Thomas F. Bailey, Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Don M. Hannegan
  • Publication number: 20150027689
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of expandable bullnose assemblies for use in a well system. One well system includes a deflector arranged within a main bore of a wellbore and defining a first channel that exhibits a predetermined diameter and communicates with a lower portion of the main bore, and a second channel that communicates with a lateral bore, and a bullnose assembly including a body and a bullnose tip arranged at a distal end of the body, the bullnose tip being actuatable between a default configuration, where the bullnose tip exhibits a first diameter, and an actuated configuration, where the bullnose tip exhibits a second diameter different than the first diameter, wherein the deflector is configured to direct the bullnose assembly into one of the lateral bore and the lower portion of the main bore based on a diameter of the bullnose tip as compared to the predetermined diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Bradley Stokes, Borisa Lajesic
  • Publication number: 20150027690
    Abstract: A system for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean well including a wellbore extending from a surface into a subterranean formation, the system including a wellhead disposed at the surface. In addition, the system includes a production tree coupled to the wellhead. Further, the system includes a casing coupled to the wellhead and extending into the wellbore. Still further, the system includes a first plurality of production tubing strings extending into the casing from the wellhead to a first production zone. Each of the first plurality of production tubing strings is configured to provide a fluid flow path for gases from the first production zone. The production tree is configured to selectively and independently control fluid flow through each of the first plurality of production tubing strings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Elgie Aman, Paul A. Edwards, Timothy Idstein
  • Publication number: 20150027691
    Abstract: An apparatus has an elongate body defining an interior chamber and a gas passage in communication with the interior chamber. The elongate body further includes a base defining a liquid opening and a cap defining an outlet opening. The liquid opening is adapted to receive a liquid disposed in a wellbore. The gas passage is adapted to receive a gas. An outlet of the gas passage is disposed a first distance from the base and an inner conduit is disposed in the interior chamber. The inner conduit includes a first open end in communication with the liquid opening and a second open end in communication with the interior chamber. The second open end is disposed a second distance from the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: The Southern Ute Indian Tribe d/b/a Red Willow Production Company
    Inventor: Michael Scull
  • Publication number: 20150027692
    Abstract: A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation and having a casing string disposed therein, the casing string comprising a plurality of points of entry, wherein each of the plurality of points of entry provides a route a fluid communication from the casing string to the subterranean formation, introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation via a first flowpath, and diverting the treatment fluid from the first flowpath into the formation to a second flowpath into the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Loyd Eddie EAST, Sharlene Dawn LINDSAY, Nicholas Hubert GARDINER
  • Publication number: 20150027693
    Abstract: A method for producing gas from a well including a wellbore extending from a surface into a subterranean formation, wherein the well also produces liquid, the method including: (a) producing gas from a production zone in the subterranean formation through an annulus extending within the wellbore at a first velocity that is greater than a critical velocity, and (b) pumping liquid through a liquid tubing string after (a) to reduce a level of the liquid within the wellbore. The method also includes: (c) shutting in the annulus after (a) after the first velocity decreases below the critical velocity, wherein the annulus has a first cross-sectional area and the first production string has a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area, and (d) producing gas from the production zone through the first production tubing string after (c) at a second velocity being greater than the critical velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Edwards, Timothy Idstein
  • Publication number: 20150027694
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to heater patterns and related methods of producing hydrocarbon fluids from a subsurface hydrocarbon-containing formation (for example, an oil shale formation) where a heater cell may be divided into nested inner and outer zones. Production wells may be located within one or both zones. In the smaller inner zone, heaters may be arranged at a relatively high spatial density while in the larger surrounding outer zone, a heater spatial density may be significantly lower. Due to the higher heater density, a rate of temperature increase in the smaller inner zone of the subsurface exceeds that of the larger outer zone, and a rate of hydrocarbon fluid production ramps up faster in the inner zone than in the outer zone. In some embodiments, a ratio between a half-maximum sustained production time and a half-maximum rise time of a hydrocarbon fluid production function is relatively large.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: GENIE IP B.V.
    Inventors: Harold Vinegar, Scott Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20150027695
    Abstract: A system and method for forming a cavern in a formation beyond a cased wellbore utilizes a locator to position a perforating gun in the wellbore for forming axially aligned, spaced-apart perforations through the casing. The locator has a stationary portion, run in and anchored in the wellbore below a zone of interest. The perforating guns have a moveable portion of the locator at a downhole end and are run in and coupled with the stationary portion. Where two or more guns are used to form the perforations, the guns are indexed relative to one another for forming the offset perforations. The guns are tripped from the wellbore and a wash tool having a moveable portion of the locator at a downhole end is run in and coupled in the wellbore. The locator acts to delimit a reciprocation of the wash tool along the space-apart perforations for delivering a non-abrasive fluid therethrough for forming the cavern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce MITCHELL, Richard BENNETT
  • Publication number: 20150027696
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method of collecting samples and an apparatus thereof. The method of collecting a sample using a multi-packer includes (A) dropping a sample collecting container into a borehole to collect a sample; (B) confirming whether the dropped sample collecting container arrives at a predetermined depth; (C) allowing a first packer surrounding an outer portion of a top end of the sample collecting container and a second packer surrounding an outer portion of a bottom end of the sample collecting container to adhere closely to a wall of the borehole by expanding the first and second packers when the dropped sample collecting container arrives at the predetermined; (D) collecting the sample at an outside of a casing constituting the borehole; (E) separating the first and second packers from each other when the collecting of the sample is completed; and (F) retrieving the sample collecting container filled with the sample from the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Jeong-Chan KIM, Ki-Sung SUNG, Gi-Tak CHAE, Byoung-Woo YUM
  • Publication number: 20150027697
    Abstract: A completion system includes a first borehole structure having a first section formed proximate to a volume of methane hydrate located at a subsurface location. A second borehole structure has a second section formed proximate to the volume of methane hydrate, the first section positioned deeper than the second section with respect to gravity. A first string is positioned in the first borehole structure and arranged to convey a heat-bearing fluid through the first string into contact with a volume of methane hydrate in order to liberate methane from the methane hydrate. A second string is positioned in the second borehole structure and arranged to produce the methane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: XiaoWei Wang, Terry Bussear, Larry A. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20150027698
    Abstract: In a well, the method of lifting oil to the surface that utilizes the hydrostatic pressure, the stored energy in a column of fluid in a tubing string to power a down hole pump that is controlled by a directional switching control valve that selectively directs said hydrostatic pressure to said pump resulting in a flow of production fluid into another string of tubing that conducts that fluid up to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: JOHN SPLAWN PAGE, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150027699
    Abstract: A well treatment fluid comprising a Pickering particle emulsion comprising particles of a first liquid phase dispersed in a continuous second liquid phase, and comprising a plurality of colloidal particles adsorbed to a liquid-liquid interface between the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase. Methods, equipment and/or systems for treating a subterranean formation utilizing such treatment fluids are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Loiseau, Yiyan Chen
  • Publication number: 20150027700
    Abstract: A technique facilitates a well operation employing at least one dehydration tube. The at least one dehydration tube is located along an exterior of a plurality of screen assemblies deployed in a wellbore and is fluidly coupled to a base pipe of at least one of the screen assemblies. The fluid coupling provides fluid access to the base pipe through a base pipe opening. Fluid flow along the at least one dehydration tube is controlled with a flow control mechanism. Additionally, an inflow of fluid from an exterior to an interior of select screen assemblies is separately controlled with an inflow control device associated with each select screen assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Edvin E. Riisem, Pavel Petukhov, Andrzej Tunkiel, Aurelien Mainy, Terje Moen, Michael D. Langlais
  • Publication number: 20150027701
    Abstract: In a method of gravel packing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, the wellbore having a cased section and an uncased section, the method may include pumping into the wellbore a gravel pack composition having gravel and a carrier fluid, where the carrier fluid includes an oleaginous fluid and an inorganic solid aggregator material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Balakrishnan Panamarathupalayam, Hui Joyce Zhang, Balkrishna Gadiyar, William E. Foxenberg, Charles Svoboda, Alhad Phatak
  • Publication number: 20150027702
    Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation are disclosed that include placing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid containing a one or more polymers capable of consolidating to form a polymeric structure at a downhole location. Also disclosed are treatment fluids including a polymeric structure for treating a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Jazmin Godoy-Vargas, Sergey Makarychev-Mikhailov, Brent Busby, Philip Sullivan, Patrice Abivin, Marie Cambournac
  • Publication number: 20150027703
    Abstract: A composition comprising, and methods of producing a solid state dispersion comprising particles dispersed in a water soluble polymer. Treatment fluids comprising, and methods of using the solid state dispersion are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shitong Sherry Zhu, Yiyan Chen, John David Rowatt, Francois M. Auzerais, Huilin Tu, Miranda Amarante, Meng Qu, Simone Musso
  • Publication number: 20150027704
    Abstract: A packer can include an end ring positioned proximate a seal element on a base pipe, and a gripping device which is compressed radially inward by a surface formed in the end ring, the surface encircling the base pipe. A method of constructing a packer can include positioning an end ring on a base pipe proximate a seal element, and radially compressing a gripping device in the end ring, so that the gripping device grips the base pipe, radial compression of the gripping device resulting from longitudinal displacement of the gripping device relative to the end ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Kristian Andersen
  • Publication number: 20150027705
    Abstract: A method is for zone isolation in a subterranean well. The well is provided with a pipe body at least in a portion. The method includes providing a plug over a longitudinal section of the well, the plug covering substantially the entire cross section of the well at least in a portion of the longitudinal section, so that the plug fills the inside, of a pipe body and an annulus between the outside of the pipe body and a surrounding well body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: HYDRA SYSTEMS AS
    Inventors: Arne Gunnar Larsen, Patrick Andersen, Roy Inge Jensen, Arnt Olav Dahl, Morten Myhre
  • Publication number: 20150027706
    Abstract: A cementing port collar has an opening sleeve biased from a closed position to an opened position relative to the collar's exit port, and a first restraint temporarily holds the opening sleeve closed. The collar also has a closing sleeve biased from an opened position to a closed position, and a second restraint temporarily holds the closing sleeve opened. During cementing, the first restraint is electronically activated with a first trigger to release the opening sleeve opened so cement slurry can pass out of the collar's exit port to the borehole annulus. When cementing is completed, the second restraint is electronically activated with a second trigger to release the closing sleeve closed to close off the collar to the borehole so the cement can set. The restraints can include bands of synthetic fiber, which are burned by fuses activated by a controller of the collar responding to passage of RFID tags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Wealtherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua V. Symms
  • Publication number: 20150027707
    Abstract: A method of wellbore strengthening may include providing a wellbore strengthening fluid comprising a drilling fluid, a particulate, and a fiber; introducing the wellbore strengthening fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; and forming a plug comprising the particulate and the fiber in a void near the wellbore, the plug being capable of maintaining integrity at about 1000 psi or greater overbalance pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Arunesh Kumar, Sharath Savari, Donald L. Whitfill, Dale E. Jamison