Patents Issued in March 10, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160069145
    Abstract: A system, tool and method of providing the tool downhole is disclosed. The tool is conveyed downhole on a tool string. The tool includes a first member and a second member locked in a first configuration by a locking member. The locking member is dissolvable upon introduction of a dissolving agent to the locking member. Dissolving the locking member allows motion between the second member and the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Adam M. McGuire, Jason A. Allen
  • Publication number: 20160069146
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a coiled tubing operation includes positioning a bottom hole assembly (BHA) connected to a coiled tubing string within a horizontal wellbore. The method includes monitoring a plurality of sensors connected to the BHA via a communication line positioned within the coiled tubing string and determining an optimal injection speed of the coiled tubing string by monitoring the sensors in real-time. The injection speed of the coiled tubing may be changed based on the real-time determination of the optimal injection speed. The sensors may be monitored in real-time to determine an optimal amount of lubricant to be injected into a wellbore or whether the coiled tubing string is forming a helix. The BHA may include a tractor or a vibratory tool to aid in the movement of the BHA along a horizontal wellbore. The communication line may be used to power the sensors, tractor, and vibratory tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Silviu Livescu, John G. Misselbrook
  • Publication number: 20160069147
    Abstract: A method and downhole apparatus including a downhole indexer for cyclically varying a configuration or operational mode of a downhole tool according to a predetermined sequence. The apparatus includes tubular body, an indexing member, and a balance piston. The indexing member is selectively moveable relative to the tubular body between a first axial position and a second axial position in response to a signal. The balance piston supports the indexing member at the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: INTERWELL AS
    Inventor: William Edmund Rolland BROWN
  • Publication number: 20160069148
    Abstract: A system, including a plug, including one or more fluid pathways extending between upstream and downstream sides of the plug, and an internal lock positionable in an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the internal lock is resiliently biased to the locked position upon release from the unlocked position, wherein the locked position is configured to internally secure the plug within a wellhead component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Stephen C. Muse
  • Publication number: 20160069149
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly includes an outer wellhead member, the outer wellhead member having a locking profile on an inner surface. An inner tubular wellhead member lands within the outer wellhead member, defining a seal pocket between the inner tubular wellhead member and the outer wellhead member. A seal ring is located in the seal pocket. A seal energizing ring urges the seal ring into sealing engagement with the outer wellhead member and the inner tubular wellhead member. An annular lock ring is carried with the seal energizing ring and engages the locking profile. A lock energizing ring retains the annular lock ring in engagement with the locking profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Eugene Allen Borak, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160069150
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a housing running tool including an inner sleeve having a first mating surface configured to engage a second mating surface of a housing to rigidly couple the inner sleeve to the housing. The housing running tool also includes an outer sleeve disposed about the inner sleeve and configured to support the inner sleeve in an axial direction. The outer sleeve includes a first mounting feature configured to engage a second mounting feature of the housing such that substantially all torque applied to the housing running tool in a circumferential direction is transferred to the housing via the outer sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Gavin Paul Robottom
  • Publication number: 20160069151
    Abstract: An annular packer to create an annulus seal that includes a solid mandrel with a first end, second end, central bore, and exterior. The annular packer includes first and second sealing elements connected to the exterior. The second sealing element is expanded radially by axial movement of at least a portion of the second sealing element. The annular packer includes a first piston movable from a first position to a second position. Pressure applied exterior of the mandrel moves a portion of the first sealing element away from the mandrel to create a first seal causing a pressure differential. The pressure differential moves the first piston to its second position axially moving at least a portion of the second sealing element to create a second seal against the casing. A port may be opened releasing the first seal, but the second seal remains set against the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: ERIC HALFMANN, KEVEN O'CONNOR, BASIL JACOB JOSEPH
  • Publication number: 20160069152
    Abstract: An isolation tool is presented for use in fluidly isolating first and second sections of tubing and more typically to a bleed valve/port of a gas lift mandrel. The isolation tool is configured for disposition within an interior of a gas lift mandrel. The isolation tool includes one or more resilient elements that may be compressed to expand to and seal against an inside surface of the tubing/mandrel. Such expansion and sealing by the resilient element(s) fluidly isolates sections of the tubing/mandrel. The isolation tool may be removed through the tubing when desired by releasing the compression of the resilient element(s) such that the resilient element(s) disengage the inside surface of the tubing/mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: PCS FERGUSON, INC.
    Inventor: DERRICK EUGENE STRICKLAND
  • Publication number: 20160069153
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of well drilling, and particularly to a gel, a plugging method using the same, and a well killing and plugging method using the same. The gel is a water soluble hydrophobic associated polymer copolymerized by hydrophobic monomer and nonionic monomer, or a water soluble hydrophobic associated polymer copolymerized by hydrophobic monomer, nonionic monomer, and alkene salt monomer. The copolymerization method thereof may be a copolymerization post-hydrolysis method or a copolymerization co-hydrolysis method. The leaking stoppage method using the gel comprises: adding 8-18g of gel to 1 kg of water, and feeding the mixture to a leakage layer; and then feeding a spacer fluid. Based on the plugging method using the gel, the well killing and plugging method using the gel further comprises: feeding heavy mud to a well to kill the well cyclically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Southwest Petroleum University
    Inventors: Pingya Luo, Yongjun Guo, Pingquan Wang, Xinmin Zhang, Rusen Feng
  • Publication number: 20160069154
    Abstract: An apparatus is for a drill rig platform configured to be operative with a casing system having a check valve fixedly positioned in a casing joint. The apparatus includes a casing pressure relief assembly fixedly positionable relative to the check valve positioned in the casing system. The casing pressure relief assembly is configured to actuate the check valve in such a way that the check valve actuatably releases internal pressure from the casing system. In this manner, the internal fluid pressure of the pressurized fluid trapped in the casing system is released once the casing pressure relief assembly actuates the check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Quentin J. REIMER, Colby L. NAFZIGER
  • Publication number: 20160069155
    Abstract: A polymetaphosphate composition and method for temporarily sealing a perforation in a wellbore to facilitate a treatment therein and a well tool which can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The well tool can include a polymetaphosphate composition. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising a polymetaphosphate composition, and incorporating the structure into the well tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Stanley J. Heath
  • Publication number: 20160069156
    Abstract: A wireline retrievable injection valve for an oil or gas well has an internal valve that is initially moved to open a flapper safety valve and also opens to allow fluid flow through the valve. The internal valve includes a sleeve that opens the flapper safety valve and shields the flapper safety valve from fluid. In this manner the flapper valve is protected from being caused to “flutter” or “chatter” due to pressure variations in the fluid flow, thereby damaging the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Tejas Research and Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, JR., Robert C. Henschel
  • Publication number: 20160069157
    Abstract: A tubing string assembly for fluid treatment of a wellbore includes substantially pressure holding closures spaced along the tubing string, which each close at least one port through the tubing string wall. The closures are openable by a sleeve drivable through the tubing string inner bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: DANIEL JON THEMIG, JIM FEHR
  • Publication number: 20160069158
    Abstract: An elongate brush tool for cleaning a bore of a tubular comprising a first end, a second end, a body between the ends, a plurality of necked channels in an radially exterior portion of the body, each necked channel having a proximal end with an opening, a distal end having a stop, a slot between the proximal end and the distal end, and a channel closure member removable securable to the body, and further comprising a plurality of brush elements, each having a head and a plurality of bristles forming a bundle extending from the head, the brush element head being sized for being received through an opening, of a necked channel and into the necked channel with the bundles received within the slot. A plurality of channel closure members prevent removal of the head of the brush elements from the necked channel during use of the brush tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: William E. Coyle, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160069159
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method to clean a matrix-fracture interface of fractured tight sandstone, tight carbonate, and tight shale reservoirs. The method involves the injection of at least one fluid into a reservoir, wherein the fluid is gas, a surfactant, a surfactant solution, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the reservoir has previously been stimulated mechanically by hydraulic fracturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Tadesse Weldu Teklu, Najeeb Alharthy, Waleed Salem AlAmeri, Hossein Kazemi, Romana M. Graves
  • Publication number: 20160069160
    Abstract: Surfaces of well servicing equipment are treated with both a biofilm remover, which can be a mechanical or chemical, and a biocide composition. The biocide composition is designed to be effective to prevent regrowth of bacteria over a period of time in which the equipment is expected to be out of service. Further, the biocide is compatible with the water source available on site for preparation of the biocide composition. The biofilm remover and the biocide composition can be applied or mixed together as a single treatment, if compatible. The biocide is maintained within the equipment or is displaced therefrom, such as with nitrogen and residual biocide composition is effective therein to prevent regrowth. Nitrogen can be maintained within the equipment until put back into service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Scott SHERMAN, Duane Kevin BROWNLEE, Sarkis KAKADJIAN, Jim VENDITTO, Grant FARION
  • Publication number: 20160069161
    Abstract: A swab pumping assembly for use with a casing of a wellbore has a base suitable for positioning at a location adjacent to the wellbore, a reel rotatably positioned on the base, a motor operatively connected to the reel so as to rotate the reel, a line wrapped around the reel and having a portion extending outwardly therefrom, a shaft connected to the line and suitable for movement in the wellbore as the line plays out or plays in, and at least one swab cup affixed to the shaft. The swab cup has a peripheral edge suitable for bearing against an inner wall of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Raj PRASAD
  • Publication number: 20160069162
    Abstract: This invention relates in general to the detection and containment of leaking gas and fluids from around wellheads of a well site. The system comprising: at least one perforated or slotted pipe adapted to be placed adjacent a wellhead and having holes sized to allow the transmission of liquid and gas into the pipe, wherein the liquid or gas are leaking from and around the wellhead conductive pipe and the wellhead; a flexible cover, covering at least the adjacent areas around the wellhead and the at least one perforated or slotted pipe; and a fluid detector in fluid communication with the at least one perforated or slotted pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: FUTURE ENERGY INNOVATIONS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Gary Michael LYNCH
  • Publication number: 20160069163
    Abstract: Autonomous wellbore devices with orientation-regulating structures and systems and methods including the same. The autonomous wellbore devices include a wellbore tool, a control structure, and an orientation-regulating structure. The wellbore tool is configured to autonomously perform a downhole operation within a wellbore conduit that extends within a subterranean formation. The control structure is programmed to determine that an actuation criterion has been satisfied and to provide an actuation signal to the wellbore tool. The orientation-regulating structure is configured to regulate a cross-sectional orientation of the wellbore tool while the autonomous wellbore device is being conveyed autonomously within the wellbore conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Timothy I. Morrow
  • Publication number: 20160069164
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting fluids into a reservoir, wherein the reservoir is floating on a body of water and has an opening in the bottom of the reservoir through which the fluids, such as petro-based products, arrive flowing upward from a submersible structure, such as a riser from a fluid source. The reservoir has a canopy and mechanism connected to the rim of the side walls of the reservoir allowing the canopy to pivot. The pivoting canopy and mechanism attached along the rim of the reservoir restrains the fluids contained inside from spilling over the rim into the body of water, say an ocean, and also restrains the ocean waters from spilling over into the reservoir containing the fluids. The reservoir can be used as a temporary holding vessel for the fluids, whereby the fluids can then be vacuumed into a drillship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Matthew Carl O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20160069165
    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: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: David A. Stokes, James R. Ford, Stephen Hekelaar, Michael T. Wardley
  • Publication number: 20160069166
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole wireline tool for performing an operation in a well at a depth of up to 15 km downhole, the tool being powered by direct current at a predetermined voltage in a first end by a power supply unit which is configured to provide a specific steady-state voltage selected from a plurality of predetermined voltages, comprising an electrical motor being powered by alternating current, a frequency converter arranged between the first end and the motor, and a voltage peak reduction unit adapted to reduce the steady-state voltage of the selected power supplied to the frequency converter from the power supply, the voltage peak reduction unit comprising a capacitor, wherein the capacitor is a high temperature capacitor having a dielectric comprising a material capable of resisting a temperature above 150° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jørgen HALLUNDBÆK, Anders Just NØRGAARD
  • Publication number: 20160069167
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus for use with a traveling valve assembly of a downhole pump for releasing gas and thereby breaking gas locks. The apparatus comprises a piston slidably disposed within a cylindrical housing, the piston being driven by an attached plunger element. On the down stroke of the pump, the piston protrudes through end of the cylindrical housing engaging and opening the adjacent valve. On the up stroke of the pump, the piston retracts into the cylindrical housing, disengaging from the valve allowing it to close. Fluid flows along the outer surface of the apparatus by means of fluid ports connected by defined fluid passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: GLOBAL OIL AND GAS SUPPLIES INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey SCOTT
  • Publication number: 20160069168
    Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, are novel compositions and methods having application in the field of enhanced oil recovery. In particular, the quaternary ammonium compounds and mixtures thereof presented herein can be used, inter alia, for the recovery of a large range of crude oil compositions from challenging reservoirs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Upali P. Weerasooriya, Gary A. Pope, Kishore Mohanty
  • Publication number: 20160069169
    Abstract: A system and method for extracting a resource from a reservoir repeatedly alternates between injecting a fluid and injecting a gas into the reservoir. A rate and/or an amount of each of the fluid and the gas that is injected into the reservoir is defined by a first fluid-and-gas ratio function that designates different ratios as a function of time. The ratios designate the rate and/or the amount of the fluid that is injected into the reservoir to the rate and/or the amount of the gas that is injected into the reservoir. The rate and/or the amount at which the fluid and/or the gas is injected into the reservoir is changed according to the ratios designated by the first fluid-and-gas ratio function as time progresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Naresh Sundaram Iyer, Steven Hector Azzaro, Glen Richard Murrell, Robert Carl Lloyd Klenner
  • Publication number: 20160069170
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a process for extracting shale oil and gas by fracturing and chemical retorting oil shale in in-situ vertical well. A vertical well (1) is drilled towards an underground oil shale stratum (6) and a highly pressurized medium is injected into the oil shale stratum. Cracks of 1 to 3 mm are fractured out in the oil shale stratum with the well serving as a center and are filed with gap fillers, so that oil gas passages (8) are established. Then, a heating apparatus is added into the oil shale stratum to heat the oil shale stratum to 550° C., the oil shale is initially retorted, the shale oil and gas are extracted, and the shale oil and gas are led out of the ground via the oil and gas channel. After that, an oxidizer is introduced for oxidization reaction with a sphaltenes and fixed carbon contained in the oil shale after being retorted, where the heat generated is used as a heat source for subsequent retorting, thus achieving underground in-situ shale oil extraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Jinmin ZHAO
  • Publication number: 20160069171
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for recovering bitumen from a bitumen reserve. The method includes recovering bitumen from an alternative pay region in the bitumen reserve via gravity drainage using an inclined horizontally drilled well drilled from a drainage pit upwardly into the bitumen reserve. The drainage pit has been excavated into an area of an underlying formation that is, at least in part, adjacent to and underlying the bitumen reserve. The alternative pay region includes a region unsuitable for recovering bitumen by surface mining or by in situ recovery using wells that produce bitumen to ground level above the alternative pay region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Russell Peter Warren STANCLIFFE, Grant John DUNCAN, Clayton Robert PHAIR, Gordon Theodore STABB
  • Publication number: 20160069172
    Abstract: A process includes: (a) injecting a steam composition into a subterranean location containing bitumen, the steam composition containing an alkylene glycol ether and steam, wherein the alkylene glycol ether is other than a glycol ether amine; and (b) recovering bitumen from the subterranean location to above the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Naoko Akiya, Paul A. Gillis, Harpreet Singh, Abu Mokhtarul Hassan, Zubin B. Kuvadia
  • Publication number: 20160069173
    Abstract: A method and system of treating a horizontal wellbore having multiple production zones. A bottom hole assembly connected to coiled tubing is positioned within the horizontal wellbore. The friction between the casing of the horizontal wellbore and bottom hole assembly and coiled tubing may prevent the bottom hole assembly from traversing the entire length of the horizontal wellbore. After treating a zone within the wellbore, a flush fluid with a lubricant may be pumped down the annulus between the coiled tubing and the casing. The lubricant may reduce the coefficient of friction between the casing and the coiled tubing permitting the bottom hole assembly to travel farther into the horizontal wellbore. The bottom hole assembly may include a vibratory device that may be actuated to reduce the coefficient of friction between the casing and the coiled tubing permitting the bottom hole assembly to travel farther into the horizontal wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: LUIS A. CASTRO, STEVEN H. CRAIG, THOMAS J. WATKINS, SILVIU LIVESCU, CHRISTOPHER W. THACKER
  • Publication number: 20160069174
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining subterranean fracture closure are disclosed herein. The methods can include electrically energizing a casing of a wellbore that extends from a surface of the earth into a subterranean formation having a fracture that is at least partially filled with an electrically conductive proppant and measuring a first electric field response at the surface or in an adjacent wellbore at a first time interval to provide a first field measurement. The methods can also include measuring a second electric field response at the surface or in the adjacent wellbore at a second time interval to provide a second field measurement and determining an increase in closure pressure on the electrically conductive proppant from a difference between the first and second field measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Chad Cannan, Lewis Bartel, Terry Palisch, David Aldridge, Todd Roper, Steve Savoy, Daniel R. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20160069175
    Abstract: Subterranean formations, such as tight gas formations, may be subjected to hydraulic fracturing by introducing into the formation a fracturing fluid of an aqueous fluid, a hydratable polymer comprising guar or a guar derivative, a borate crosslinking agent and proppant. The fracturing fluid is prepared in a blender and then pumped from the blender into the wellbore which penetrates the formation. The fluid enters the reservoir through an entrance site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Charles Elmer Bell, Harold Dean Brannon
  • Publication number: 20160069176
    Abstract: A method of using an umbilical between a surface location and an underwater location of an underwater fluid extraction well system is provided. The umbilical includes an electrical power conductor configured to transmit electrical power at a first frequency from a source at the surface location to the underwater location. The method comprises detecting that the umbilical has been compromised by the ingress of water. In response thereto, the method comprises converting electrical power from the source to electrical power at a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is lower than the first frequency or DC electrical power; transmitting the electrical power at the second frequency or DC electrical power to the underwater location via the conductor; and converting, at the underwater location, the electrical power at the second frequency or DC electrical power to electrical power at a frequency used by the underwater equipment of the well system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Robert Packham, Hilton Smart
  • Publication number: 20160069177
    Abstract: A downhole tool to make one or more downhole measurements of laser-induced vaporization and/or pyrolysis of hydrocarbons is provided and disposed at a desired location within a wellbore. A tool head of the downhole tool is brought into sealing engagement with the wellbore wall. The fluid within an interior region enclosed by the tool head and the wellbore wall is evacuated and a measurement spot is irradiated with a laser to generate volatile hydrocarbons and/or pyrolytic hydrocarbons. Measurements are made on the volatile hydrocarbons and/or pyrolytic hydrocarbons and one or more formation properties are inferred based on the measurements. A low level of laser radiation intensity, irradiating some or all of the wellbore wall enclosing the interior region, may be used to prevent measurement contamination, and both medium power and high power levels of laser radiation may be used to first vaporize and then pyrolyze the hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: MOHAMMED BADRI, REZA TAHERIAN
  • Publication number: 20160069178
    Abstract: An apparatus for communicating optical signals between an external device located on a first side of a wellbore barrier and a downhole device located on a second side of the well bore barrier includes a first wireless node which is positioned on the first side of the well bore barrier and is in communication with the external device via a first cable. A second wireless node is positioned on the second side of the well bore barrier and is in communication with the downhole device via a second cable. The first and second wireless nodes are configured to communicate wirelessly through the well bore barrier using near field magnetic induction (NFMI) communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: John J. Mulholland, Gabriel Silva, David Kane, Daniel McStay
  • Publication number: 20160069179
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating messages over a three-phase power cable between surface equipment and downhole equipment in a well. A transmitter parses messages into data bit pairs and generates a parity bit for each pair (a triplet). The bits of each triplet are concurrently but separately transmitted over the power cable. Each triplet is received from the power cable by a receiver and is decoded to identify the data bits. The receiver may verify the received bits and/or recover a lost bit in each triplet. The data bits are then reconstructed into the original message. Since each triplet has two bits, the effective data rate is twice the data rate of transmitting a single bit at a time. The parity bit enables recovery of data with a bit error rate of up to 1 in 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Vernon Chronister, Stephen J. Coulston
  • Publication number: 20160069180
    Abstract: A system includes a transmitter for use in conjunction with a horizontal directional drilling system that transmits a multi-bit symbol stream that characterizes sensor symbols for receipt by an aboveground portable device. The portable device receives the symbol stream for aboveground recovery of the sensor signals. The transmitter can precisely place the symbol frequencies at least to avoid a noise environment, as well as to avoid powerline harmonics, and can utilize wave shaping for transmitted symbols at least to provide for transmission power control, spectral content control and wideband antenna matching. The receiver can measure the noise environment to identify the symbol frequencies used by the transmitter. The noise can be scanned at an incremental resolution across a wide frequency bandwidth for display or automatic symbol frequency selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, Gary Garrabrant, Timothy Bayliss, John E. Mercer
  • Publication number: 20160069181
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for evaluating proper cement installation in a well are provided. In one example, a method includes receiving acoustic cement evaluation data having a first parameterization. At least a portion of the entire acoustic cement evaluation data may be corrected to account for errors in the first parameterization, thereby obtaining corrected acoustic cement evaluation data. This corrected acoustic cement evaluation data may be processed with an initial solid-liquid-gas model before performing a posteriori refinement of the initial solid-liquid-gas model, thereby obtaining a refined solid-liquid-gas model. A well log track-indicating whether a material behind the casing is a solid, liquid, or gas-may be generated by processing the corrected acoustic cement evaluation data using the refined solid-liquid-gas model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Robert van Kuijk, Ram Sunder Kalyanraman
  • Publication number: 20160069182
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves a novel way of using drilling vibrations generated by the deformation of a rock formation in response to forces acting on the rock formation, where the forces are related to a drill bit and/or drilling fluid system, to identify the nature and occurrence of fractures, fracture swarms and other mechanical discontinuities (boundaries) such as bedding planes and/or faults that offset or otherwise separate rock formations with different mechanical rock properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Fracture ID, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Christopher Neale, James D. Lakings
  • Publication number: 20160069183
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for obtaining a plurality of fluid samples in a subterranean well includes a carrier, a plurality of sampling chambers and a plurality of pressure sources. The sampling chambers and pressure sources substantially comprises non-metallic materials. One or more of the following: conductors, transducers, power sources, communicators, data memory and processors are embedded in the materials comprising the sampler apparatus. One or more transducers for measuring the temperature, pressure, and volume of the sample are present in at least one of the plurality of sampling chambers. Means for measuring the parameters of the wellbore fluid are also present in the sampler apparatus. Means for communicating measured data to the surface are provided in the sampling apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Teng Thuan Khoo, Adan Hernandez Herrera
  • Publication number: 20160069184
    Abstract: A method for repairing a blade for use in a gas turbine engine, the method comprising removing a distal tip of an airfoil included in the blade to remove damaged portions of the airfoil and to expose previously internal cooling passages. The method further comprising positioning a tip cap in the place of the removed distal tip to cover the internal cooling passages, and welding the tip cap to the airfoil by applying a directed energy beam onto the tip cap and the airfoil at a joint between the tip cap and the airfoil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Brandon D. Ribic, Quinlan Y. Shuck, Pavlo Earle, Jacque S. Bader, Mark C. Nordin
  • Publication number: 20160069185
    Abstract: A method for reconditioning a hot gas path part of a gas turbine in order to flexibly adapt an operation regime of said gas turbine for subsequent operation intervals is disclosed. The method includes providing a hot gas path part to be reconditioned; removing a predetermined area of said hot gas path part, resulting in a cutout at said hot gas path part; and manufacturing a coupon for being inserted into said cutout to replace said removed area of said hot gas path part. The method further includes inserting said coupon into said cutout; and joining said hot gas path part with said inserted coupon. The coupon is manufactured by a selective laser melting (SLM) method resulting in a fine grain sized material with significantly improved low cycle fatigue (LCF) lifetime. The hot gas path part is coated, at least in an area comprising said inserted coupon, with a metallic overlay with improved thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) and oxidation lifetime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Alexander STANKOWSKI, Julien Rene Andre Zimmermann, Simone Hoevel, Piero-Daniele Grasso, Sven Olliges, Sophie Betty Claire Duval
  • Publication number: 20160069186
    Abstract: There is provided a liquid-capturing shaft (30). The shaft is hollow, arranged for rotation about its longitudinal axis (31), and has a cylindrical wall (32) defining an inner surface (33) and an outer surface (34) of the shaft and through which are formed a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inlet openings (35). Each inlet opening (35) has a respective inwardly and axially facing capture surface (40) which extends from the outer surface (34) of the shaft to the inner surface (33) of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Stephen Terence MCDONAGH
  • Publication number: 20160069187
    Abstract: An airfoil of a turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, pressure and suction sides extending in a radial direction from a 0% span position to a 100% span position. The airfoil has a relationship between a gap/chord ratio and span position that defines a curve with a gap/chord ratio having a portion with a negative slope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Edward J. Gallagher, Lisa I. Brilliant, Joseph C. Straccia, Stanley J. Balamucki, Mark A. Stephens, Kate Hudon
  • Publication number: 20160069188
    Abstract: An airfoil structure includes an airfoil that has a leading edge and a platform that includes a first side that is attached to the airfoil and a second side opposite the airfoil. The platform includes a relief cut on the second side of the platform axially aligned with the leading edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Carney R. Anderson, William R. Graves
  • Publication number: 20160069189
    Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine includes a trailing edge tip corner that at least partially defines a trailing edge cavity and a multiple of corner features within the trailing edge cavity, the multiple of corner features splayed along the trailing edge tip corner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: San Quach, Tracy A Propheter-Hinckley, Dominic J Mongillo, JR., Steven Bruce Gautschi
  • Publication number: 20160069190
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a platform that has a gas path side, a non-gas path side, a first mate face, and a second mate face. The second mate face has a beveled edge sloping towards the first mate face. The gas turbine engine also includes a coverplate that includes a first bend, a flat portion substantially parallel to the first mate face and a first wing substantially parallel to the second mate face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: BRANDON W. SPANGLER
  • Publication number: 20160069191
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine component includes a structure that provides a cooling passage. The structure has a turbulator with a pedestal joining opposing first and second surfaces. The turbulator includes first and second legs spaced apart from one another and adjoining the pedestal. The first leg adjoins the second surface, and the second leg adjoins the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Paul M. Lutjen
  • Publication number: 20160069192
    Abstract: A double-jet film cooling structure includes: an injection port, formed on a wall surface facing a high-temperature gas passage; a main passage as a straight round hole to supply cooling medium to the injection port; a pair of branch passages as straight round holes; and communication passages connecting the main passage to the branch passages. The main passage and the branch passages have same constant inner diameters. Each communication passages has an envelope surface obtained by continuously arranging straight round holes each passing a branch point and having the constant inner diameter. Transverse injection angles of the branch passages relative to gas flow along the wall surface are oriented in opposite directions. An angle between axial direction of the main passage and the wall surface is greater than an angle formed between axial direction of branch passage and the wall surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicants: B&B AGEMA GMBH, KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryozo TANAKA, Takao SUGIMOTO, Masahide KAZARI, Tomoki TANIGUCHI, Karsten KUSTERER, Dieter BOHN, Nurettin TEKIN
  • Publication number: 20160069193
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustor fluidly connected to the compressor section, and a turbine section fluidly connected to the combustor and mechanically connected to the compressor section via a shaft. Multiple rotors are disposed in one of the compressor section and the turbine section. Each of the rotors includes a rotor disk portion having a radially inward bore, and is static relative to the shaft. Each rotor is axially adjacent at least one other rotor and a gap is defined between each rotor and an adjacent rotor. A cooling passage for a cooling flow is defined between the shaft and the rotors, and a cooling flow redirection component is disposed at the gap and is operable to redirect the cooling flow in the cooling passage into the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Michael G. McCaffrey, Elizabeth F. Vinson
  • Publication number: 20160069194
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of cooling circuits, turbine blades with cooling circuits, and methods of forming such turbine blades, having raised rib turbulator structures, which may be used in gas turbine engines. In one exemplary embodiment, a cooling circuit for directing a flow of fluid is disclosed, the cooling circuit includes a cooling circuit wall and a plurality of raised turbulator ribs, each turbulator rib of the plurality of raised turbulator ribs being spaced apart from the cooling circuit wall to allow the fluid to flow between the cooling circuit wall and the plurality of turbulator ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ramakumar Venkata Naga Bommisetty, Dhanvantri Joshi, Sridhar Murari, Jong Liu, Malak Fouad Malak