Patents Issued in August 16, 2016
  • Patent number: 9416614
    Abstract: An offshore well system for a subsea well. The system includes a floating platform, an external riser and an internal riser nested within the external riser. A external riser tension device tensions the external riser. The drilling system also includes a surface wellhead system that includes a wellhead, a collet, and a flange assembly. The wellhead, collet, and flange assembly are assembled to establish a common bore for receiving the top of the internal riser. A gasket located between the top of the internal riser and an inner shoulder of the flange assembly seals between the wellhead system and the top of the internal riser. The surface wellhead system also retains the internal riser in tension with the wellhead, the internal riser extending above the wellhead into the collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: David Cain, William F. Puccio, Shian J. Chou, Vijay A. Cheruvu, Kirk P. Guidry, Clint Trimble
  • Patent number: 9416615
    Abstract: A system for improving zonal isolation incorporates a tubular having an outer surface and a swellable coating that coats the outer surface. The swellable coating has an external surface, a composition provided in an annular space outside the tubular, or both. The swellable coating is made of a first swellable material that can swell when contacted by a first fluid on the external surface. The composition is made of a second swellable material that can swell when contacted with second fluid. The first swellable material, the second swellable material, or both, include an elastomer that is compounded with an aqueous inverse emulsion of particles of a polymer comprising a betaine group. The elastomer is able to swell when contacted by hydrocarbons and saline aqueous fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Loic Regnault de la Mothe, Sylvaine Le Roy-Delage
  • Patent number: 9416616
    Abstract: A well tool includes: a well packer; a hydraulic sub-assembly coupled to the well packer; an anti-preset assembly coupled to the hydraulic sub-assembly; a slip assembly coupled to the anti-preset assembly; and a fold-back assembly coupled between the well packer and the hydraulic sub-assembly. The well packer includes an expandable member that rides on a mandrel extending at least a portion of the well tool. The fold-back assembly includes a bias member carried on the mandrel and adapted to engage a profile formed on the mandrel based on a setting stroke that adjusts the expandable member into an expanded position in substantially sealing contact with a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Delzell, William Mark Richards, William David Henderson, Bryon Mullen
  • Patent number: 9416617
    Abstract: A downhole tool, such as a fracture plug used during a fracture operation, installs in a downhole tubular, such as casing. The tool has a mandrel with a sealing element disposed thereon between uphole and downhole ends. Slip assemblies on the mandrel can be moved to engage the downhole tubular. The uphole assembly has inserts composed of ceramic material, and the downhole assembly has inserts composed of a metallic material. When the tool is used as a bridge plug, the uphole assembly supports the sealing element compressed, and the downhole assembly supports fluid pressure downhole of the tool. In one particular embodiment, the metallic material is a powdered metal material, such as a sintered-hardened powdered metal steel having a balance of iron, an admixture of carbon, and alloy components of molybdenum, chromium, and manganese.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Wiese, Jonathan Young, James Alan Rochen, Matthew Stage
  • Patent number: 9416618
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are for supplying a fluidized plugging material to a well. The apparatus includes: a carrier body defined by an indefinite side portion extending between a first end portion and a second end portion, the carrier body being arranged to be set in motion by a driving device; and at least one displacement member arranged on the carrier body, the displacement member being defined by the surface of the carrier body and a free end portion facing the inside of the casing, and the driving device being arranged to set the carrier body and the displacement member in motion in the bore of the casing, so that the fluidized plugging material is set in motion within the bore of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Hydra Systems AS
    Inventors: Arne Gunnar Larsen, Roy Inge Jensen, Patrick Andersen, Morten Myhre
  • Patent number: 9416619
    Abstract: A system for cementing a wellbore penetrating an earth formation into which a pipe extends. A cement material is positioned in the space between the wellbore and the pipe by circulated capsules containing the cement material through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The capsules contain the cementing material encapsulated in a shell. The capsules are added to a fluid and the fluid with capsules is circulated through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The shell is breached once the capsules contain the cementing material are in position in the space between the wellbore and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, William C. Floyd, III, Christopher M. Spadaccini, John J. Vericella, Kenneth Michael Cowan
  • Patent number: 9416620
    Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular string into a wellbore from a drilling unit includes: running the tubular string into the wellbore using a workstring; hanging the tubular string from a wellhead or from a lower portion of a casing string set in the wellbore; and pumping cement slurry through the workstring and tubular string and into an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore. The method further includes, during thickening of the cement slurry: circulating a liquid or mud through a loop closed by a seal engaged with an outer surface of the workstring, the closed loop being in fluid communication with the annulus, and periodically choking the liquid or mud, thereby pulsing the cement slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Don M. Hannegan
  • Patent number: 9416621
    Abstract: Systems and methods for allowing intervention into a wellbore with a valve assembly that can be selectively opened and closed. An intervention work string has a multi-cycle open/close valve assembly which can be selectively opened to perform intervention tasks in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gordon Mackenzie, Graeme Michael Kelbie
  • Patent number: 9416622
    Abstract: A flow restrictor includes resilient flaps that can flex outward to an open position in response to fluid flow pressure and return to an initial position at which the resilient flaps restrict fluid flow more than in the open position. The resilient flaps can overlap and variably restrict fluid flow based on fluid flow pressure. The flow restrictor can be used on a transport tube to avoid a need for a packing tube in an alternative path system to deliver gravel packing slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon Thomas Least
  • Patent number: 9416623
    Abstract: A tool string having a pressure dependent mandrel and actuator assembly can operate at the annulus pressure within a wellbore to lock the mandrel actuator assembly and prevent further motion of the mandrel within the tool string as the tool string is moved upward or downward in the wellbore. The tool string can further include a valve connected to the actuator assembly, where the valve can be in an open configuration within the wellbore due to the annulus pressure and related motion of the mandrel, and then be locked in an open configuration regardless of the annulus pressure as the tool string is moved upward or downward in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Renkes, Scott Luke Miller
  • Patent number: 9416624
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a lockout tool including a cam housing configured to fit within a flow tube of a safety valve that is coupled to production tubing and has a longitudinal up-down axis. The lockout tool further includes a piston disposed within the cam housing and configured to move within the cam housing parallel to the longitudinal up-down axis and form a plurality of dimples in the flow tube upon provision within the production tubing of a pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie Robert Williamson
  • Patent number: 9416625
    Abstract: Systems and methods comprise structures and methods for using a plurality of chemicals which are mixed subsea, resulting in a heated fluid which can be delivered by various means to an area about a subsea structure such as a pipe or other structure which has been compromised by a plug such as a solid gas hydrate or paraffinic plug. Various embodiments allow for selective use of insulated chambers and baffled conduits and the like, or combinations thereof, to aid in the mixing of the various chemicals and achieving a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Mancini, Nathaniel Dieringer
  • Patent number: 9416626
    Abstract: A downhole tool for removing debris from a wellbore comprises a mandrel and a shroud disposed around a portion of the mandrel. The mandrel includes at least one mandrel port in fluid communication with a mandrel bore. The shroud includes a cavity and a shroud port. Debris laden fluid is pulled into the shroud cavity by flowing fluid through the mandrel bore, out the mandrel port, into the shroud cavity, and through the shroud port. The debris-laden fluid is pulled into the shroud cavity due to a pressure differential created by the flow of the fluid through the mandrel port and out of the shroud port. As the debris laden fluid flows into the shroud cavity, the debris is captured within the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ying Qing Xu, Gregory L. Hern, Calvin J. Stowe, II, Yang Xu
  • Patent number: 9416627
    Abstract: A method for cleaning oil wells to increase the flow of oil thereof by use of a unique cleaning emulsion comprising of water, hydrocarbon solvent, terpene hydrocarbon material, demulsifier, detergent, and optionally an acid. This one step method provides for the simultaneously cleaning/removal of asphaltene and/or paraffin and scale at a wide range of temperatures. This method can be used alone or with the assistance of a wash tool which is a combination pressure and surge wash tool having a nipple assembly, or a hydro self-rotating nozzle wash tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Richard J. Dyer
  • Patent number: 9416628
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an activator for a blowout preventer of a wellsite. The blowout preventer includes rams sealingly positionable about a tubular of a wellbore at the wellsite and driven by a circuit. The activator includes a cylinder, a trigger valve operatively connectable between the cylinder and the circuit, a piston, and a timing adjuster. The trigger valve includes a trigger to selectively pilot the circuit. The piston has a piston stroke extending between a retracted position and an extended position. The timing adjuster is engagable by the piston and adjustably positionable about the cylinder to define the retracted position of the piston stroke whereby a length of the piston stroke is adjustably defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: James Ray Landrith, II, Matthew Christopher Quattrone
  • Patent number: 9416629
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Anders Just Nørgaard
  • Patent number: 9416630
    Abstract: A method of estimating flow properties of an earth formation includes: selecting a grid block representing a region of the earth formation, the region including at least one of an area and a volume of the earth formation, the grid block including a plurality of grid cells and having an orientation defined by grid axes; and calculating a fluid flow model of the region. Calculating the model includes: estimating a principal flow direction for each grid cell; adjusting the orientation of the grid block based on the principal flow direction; and calculating fluid flow parameters in each grid cell to generate the fluid flow model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Wouter E. van der Zee, Marc Holland
  • Patent number: 9416631
    Abstract: In some aspects, a one-dimensional flow model is generated. The one-dimensional flow model can represent flow of a first fluid and a second fluid in a flow path in a well system environment. The one-dimensional flow model comprises an effective diffusion coefficient model for a composite fluid volume comprising the first and second fluids. The effective diffusion coefficient model calculates an effective diffusion coefficient for the composite fluid volume based on a difference between the respective densities and viscosities of the first fluid and the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongfei Wu, Srinath Madasu, Avi Lin
  • Patent number: 9416632
    Abstract: A containment system for recovering hydrocarbon fluid from a leaking device situated at a deep seafloor comprising a pipe for conveying an input fluid that is a mix of water, oil, gas, and hydrate, and a treatment facility fed with the input fluid from the pipe and separating the components of the input fluid. The treatment facility comprises a tank for dissociation of hydrate component and extraction of the oil component. The treatment facility comprises a heater device inside the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Total SA
    Inventors: Van-Khoi Vu, Jean-Claude Bourguignon, Hubert Rossano, Guillaume Vaillant
  • Patent number: 9416633
    Abstract: A screen assembly including one or more screen members that correspondingly form one or more flow paths. The one or more flow paths are discrete from a tubular with which the one or more screen members are associated, but in fluid communication with an axial passageway of the tubular. A method of using a screen assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9416634
    Abstract: Operators manufacture a wellscreen by forming a wire-wrapped screen on a base pipe. Rather than stopping and restarting winding, the desired length of screen is completed along the base pipe, and then the wire screen is segmented into a plurality of screen sections as required for the various zones and details of the implementation. Operators arrange the screen sections relative to one another on the base pipe, which can have different lengths with and without perforations. On the free ends of these separate screen sections, mating split ring components fit around the free ends and the base pipes. Male edges of one split ring component mate to complementary female edges of another to form the end ring around the screen section and base pipe, and longitudinal welds made in seams along the mating edges affix the split ring components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Olenick, Henry Nguyen, Robert Hodge, Ronnie Royer
  • Patent number: 9416635
    Abstract: A spearing device for removing casing from wellbore includes a top sub, a bottom sub, and a mandrel coupled to the top and bottom subs. The device includes a grapple having a corrugated inner surface corresponding to a corrugated portion of the mandrel and an outer surface including wickers for engaging an interior surface of the casing. A piston is disposed within the mandrel and operatively coupled to the grapple. A spring operates with the piston and biases the grapple toward a collapsed position. The grapple axially and rotationally moves along the corrugated outer surface of the mandrel. The grapple expands and collapses in response to axial movement relative to the mandrel. The piston compresses the spring and axially moves and expands the grapple in response to increases in hydraulic pressure. In response to subsequent decreases in hydraulic pressure, the spring decompresses and axially moves and collapses the grapple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hekelaar
  • Patent number: 9416636
    Abstract: A hydraulic cutting tool, a system, and a method are for hydraulic cutting through a pipe wall of a pipe body. For this purpose, the cutting tool is provided with at least one cutting section comprising at least one fluid discharge body. Each such fluid discharge body comprises at least two outwardly directed discharge openings having non-parallel discharge directions directed at a common intersection point located outside the fluid discharge body. The cutting is carried out by means of an abrasive fluid being supplied, via a flow-through pipe string, to the at least one fluid discharge body from a remote location. Thereby, abrasive cutting jets will discharge at high velocity from the fluid discharge body so as to meet and disperse in the intersection point, thus weakening the further cutting ability of the cutting jets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Well Technology AS
    Inventors: Morten Myhre, Arne Gunnar Larsen, Roy Inge Jensen, Patrick Andersen, Erlend Engelsgjerd, Markus Iuell, Arnt Olav Dahl, Nils Rune Haga, Arnold Ostvold
  • Patent number: 9416637
    Abstract: A system and method enabling flow control with respect to a well related fluid. The system utilizes a choke manifold with a choke that can serve the function of both a fixed choke and an adjustable choke. The choke comprises components that are selectively adjusted to effectively provide differing calibrated flow paths along which the well related fluid flows when passing through the choke manifold. The choke manifold also may be combined with other system components in an efficient arrangement that facilitates handling of a variety of fluids, including multiphase fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Francis Allouche
  • Patent number: 9416638
    Abstract: A production system for use in a wellbore having a main bore with an axis, a lower lateral bore, and an upper lateral bore, includes a hollow whipstock with a central bore. The hollow whipstock is secured to the main bore between the lower lateral bore and the upper lateral bore. A sleeve assembly has a moveable inner sleeve with an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the central bore of the hollow whipstock, and a moveable outer sleeve with an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the central bore of the hollow whipstock. A flow control valve is located in the main bore above the upper lateral bore. The flow control valve has an inner tubing member in selective fluid communication with the lower lateral bore and an annular conduit in selective fluid communication with the upper lateral bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Shaohua Zhou
  • Patent number: 9416639
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource recovery apparatus for a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein includes a radio frequency (RF) power source, a gas source, and an RF antenna within the wellbore. An RF transmission line extends within the wellbore between the RF power source and the RF antenna and is coupled to the gas source to be cooled and/or pressure balanced by a flow of gas therefrom. At least one of the RF antenna and RF transmission line define a gas lift passageway coupled to the gas source to lift hydrocarbon resources within the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan Matthew Whitney, Keith Nugent, Raymond C. Hewit, Brian N. Wright
  • Patent number: 9416640
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for heating a wellbore environment. One or more electric heating cables are attached to an elongated support member, such as a wire rope, so that the support member receives and relieves the heating cables of a mechanical load. The attachment may be with two-piece clamps spaced at regular intervals along the support member. The heating cables and support member may be disposed in coiled tubing within the wellbore. The coiled tubing can be pressure-sealed and filled with a dielectric fluid. The heating cables and support member can be attached to a cable hang-off having a plurality of wedge-shaped slips that cooperate with a bowl to form a pinching member that grips the support member and suspends the support member and heating cables in the wellbore. The methods include methods for manufacturing and installing the heating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Thermal Management LLC
    Inventors: David G. Parman, Kelly O'Brien, Fardin Farzaneh
  • Patent number: 9416641
    Abstract: Devices and methods for borehole seismic investigation. The devices can include a first sensor for acquiring data relating to a microseismic event, a second sensor for detecting the start of a microseismic event and a command module for activating the first sensor to transmit data when the second sensor detects the start of the microseismic event. The methods can include activating a first sensor to transmit data relating to a microseismic event when a second sensor detects the start of the microseismic event. The method can also include deactivating the first sensor, or stopping data transmission substantially when the microseismic event ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Airey
  • Patent number: 9416642
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software can be used to simulate a fracture treatment. In some aspects, physically separate rock blocks of a subterranean zone are modeled by separate block models. The block model for each physically separate rock block represents intra-block mechanics of the rock block, for example, as a group of discrete block elements. Interactions between adjacent pairs of the rock blocks are modeled by separate joint models. The joint model for each adjacent pair of rock blocks represents inter-block mechanics between the adjacent rock blocks, for example, as pre-defined joints. The block models and joint models are used to simulate an injection treatment of the subterranean zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jie Bai, Samuel Bryant Johnson, Harold Grayson Walters
  • Patent number: 9416643
    Abstract: A method of fracturing a formation surrounding a wellbore comprises the steps of: (i) providing a tubular including at least two portions, each portion comprising an annulus isolation means, a selective flow path between the interior and the exterior of the tubular and a throughbore isolation means; (ii) running the tubular into the wellbore; (iii) isolating an annulus between the exterior of the tubular and the wellbore to thereby create at least two isolated zones; (iv) selecting any zone to be fractured; (v) remotely opening the flow path in the portion of tubular corresponding to the selected zone; (vi) remotely isolating the throughbore of the tubular by closing the throughbore isolation means in the portion of tubular corresponding to the selected zone; and (vii) fracturing at least part of the formation surrounding the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Petrowell Limited
    Inventors: Daniel George Purkis, Richard Atkinson
  • Patent number: 9416644
    Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring hydraulic fracturing in well formation and fracture characterization using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). The method involves interrogating a optic fiber (102) arranged down the path of a bore hole (106) to provide a distributed acoustic sensor and also monitoring flow properties of fracturing fluid pumped (114) into the well. The acoustic data from the distributed acoustic sensor is processed together with the flow properties data to provide an indication of at least one fracture characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Optasense Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Magnus McEwen-King, David John Hill, Menno Mathieu Molenaar
  • Patent number: 9416645
    Abstract: A method of extracting hydrocarbon-containing organic matter from a hydrocarbon-containing material includes the steps of providing a first liquid comprising a turpentine liquid; contacting the hydrocarbon-containing material with the turpentine liquid to form an extraction mixture; extracting the hydrocarbon material into the turpentine liquid; and separating the extracted hydrocarbon material from a residual material not extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Green Source Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Liang-tseng Fan, Shahram Reza Shafie, Julius Michael Tollas, William Arthur Fitzhugh Lee
  • Patent number: 9416646
    Abstract: A method for determining a status of a drill string in a wellbore. The method can include obtaining pressure data and hook load data for the drill string. The pressure data can be filtered to obtain pressure sections. A low pressure threshold can be determined based upon the pressure sections. The hook load data can be filtered to obtain hook load sections. Hook load baselines can be determined based upon the hook load sections. Dynamic thresholds can be determined based upon the hook load baselines. An in-slips status of the drill string can be determined based upon the low pressure threshold, the dynamic thresholds, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bertrand Du Castel, James P Belaskie, James C. Brannigan, John Christian Luppens, Xueyuan Tang, Jonathan Dunlop
  • Patent number: 9416647
    Abstract: A methodology performs downhole fluid analysis at multiple measurement stations within a wellbore traversing a reservoir to determine gradients of compositional components and other fluid properties. A model is used to predict concentrations of a plurality of high molecular weight solute part class-types at varying reservoir locations. Such predictions are compared against downhole measurements to identify the best matching solute part class-type. If the best-matching class type corresponds to at least one predetermined asphaltene component, phase stability of asphaltene in the reservoir fluid at a given depth is evaluated using equilibrium criteria involving an oil rich phase and an asphaltene rich phase of respective components of the reservoir fluid at the given depth. The result of the evaluation of asphaltene rich phase stability is used for reservoir analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Oliver C. Mullins, Chengli Dong, Dingan Zhang, ChengGang Xian
  • Patent number: 9416648
    Abstract: A technique facilitates measuring loads while compensating for the effects of differential pressure. The technique utilizes a load cell comprising a chassis and a sensing element mounted on the chassis. A housing encloses the sensing element in a chamber formed between the chassis and the housing. The housing is connected to the chassis in a manner to transfer loading, e.g. compressive, tensile, and/or torque loading. A pressure compensating piston is positioned within an interior of the chassis and the housing. A plurality of seal points is located in a manner which isolates the sensing element from the effects of differential pressures between the interior and an exterior of the load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Kenison, Richard Morrison
  • Patent number: 9416649
    Abstract: A system to detect a position of a pipe with respect to a BOP includes a casing disposed around an outer surface of a section of the pipe. The system further includes sensing devices that are disposed on the casing and arranged to form a plurality of arrays and configured to generate position signals. The arrays are disposed circumferentially around the casing and spaced from one another along the length of the casing. The system includes a processing unit configured to compute distance between the pipe and each sensing device. The processing unit generates a first alert when the distance between the pipe and at least one sensing device is different from a reference distance. The processing unit generates a second alert when the distance between the pipe and each sensing device of at least one array of sensing devices is different from the reference distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Emad Andarawis Andarawis, Daniel White Sexton, Christopher Edward Wolfe, Edward James Nieters, Yuri Alexeyevich Plotnikov, Michael Joseph Dell'Anno
  • Patent number: 9416650
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool comprising a tool housing, an electronics assembly comprising an electronic module located within the housing, wherein the electronics assembly further comprises a plurality of transistor elements being electrically connected with the electronic module and being arranged on a thermal member which is thermally connected with the housing, wherein the electronic module is thermally insulated from the thermal member. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole system comprising a wireline, a tool string, and a downhole tool according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
  • Patent number: 9416651
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method of using the apparatus for surface confirmation of opening of downhole ports in a downhole environment. The apparatus includes a tubular region that has an inner diameter. The tubular region includes at least two production ports and at least one non-production port. The non-production port includes a housing that has at least one chemical tracer. The apparatus also includes a cutter operable for opening the production ports and non-production port. The apparatus further includes a launcher for launching the cutter and a receiver for receiving the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Majed N. Al-Rabeh
  • Patent number: 9416652
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly having a tubular magnetized in at least one selected location, and a sensor proximate the magnetized location that monitors a magnetic field from the magnetized location. The magnetic field changes in response to changes in mechanical stress of the magnetized location, so that signals from the sensor represent loads applied to the tubular. Analyzing the signals over time provides fatigue loading data useful for estimating structural integrity of the tubular and its fatigue life. Example tubulars include a low pressure housing, a high pressure housing, conductor pipes respectively coupled with the housings, a string of tubing, a string of casing, housing and tubing connections, housing and tubing seals, tubing hangers, tubing risers, and other underwater structural components that require fatigue monitoring, or can be monitored for fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Yuri Alexeyevich Plotnikov, Teresa Chen-Keat, Yanyan Wu, Chad Eric Yates, Xichang Zhang, Li Zheng, Pinghai Yang
  • Patent number: 9416653
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore for performing a treatment operation is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include an inner string that further includes a first tubular having a first communication link, and a service tool including a cross-over tool having a fluid flow passage therein for supplying a treatment fluid under pressure from an inside of the service tool to an outside of the service tool, and wherein the service tool includes a second communication link operatively coupled to the first communication link and wherein the second communication link runs across or through the fluid flow passage in the cross-over tool that is protected from direct flow of the fluid under pressure from the inside of the service tool to the outside of the service tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Aaron C. Hammer, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9416654
    Abstract: Disclosed is a complex sampling apparatus. The complex sampling apparatus includes a main sampling unit having a predetermined weight to be sunk to sea floor and inserted into the sea floor in order to collect a sample including a sediment; one or a plurality of sub-sampling unit disposed at a side of the main sampling unit to detect that the sub-sampling unit arrives on the sea floor and to scrape a predetermined amount of the sample from a surface of the sea floor; and an image acquiring unit installed to the main sampling unit to acquire an image of the sea floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF OCEAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Gun-Chang Lee, Dong-Jin Ham, Sang-Bum Chi, Kyeong-Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 9416655
    Abstract: A downhole modular tool includes a first module, a second module, a third module, and one or more connectors for connecting the first, second, and third modules. Each module includes a drill collar, a drilling fluid passageway, a first fluid passageway, and a second fluid passageway. The one or more connectors connect any one of the first, second, and third modules, to another of the first, second, and third modules to transfer the drilling fluid, the first fluid, and the second fluid between the connected modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashers Partouche, Steven G. Villareal, Julian J. Pop, Albert Hoefel, Kent D. Harms
  • Patent number: 9416656
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for assessing connectivity between sections in a hydrocarbon reservoir. Samples of hydrocarbons are collected over different depths in at least one wellbore. Fluorescence intensity determines the actual heavy end concentrations of hydrocarbons for the corresponding different depths. Estimated heavy end concentrations of hydrocarbons for corresponding different depths are determined and the actual heavy end concentrations of hydrocarbons are compared with the estimated heavy end concentrations to assess connectivity between sections of the hydrocarbon reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew E. Pomerantz, Youxiang Zuo, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 9416657
    Abstract: Flowline pressure equalizer systems, methods and/or apparatuses for use on a downhole tool are provided. A pressure equalizer may be provided in communication with two flowlines. The pressure equalizer may use equalizing chambers and equalizing pistons to regulate pressure in one or both flowlines. Further, one or more flow routing modules may be interchangeable to further alter the flow scheme between the flowlines. Different plugs may house various flow routing configurations such that the plugs may be installed and/or removed in the tool string automatically or by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chen Tao, Pierre-Yves Corre, Nathan Landsiedel, Sylvain Bedouet
  • Patent number: 9416658
    Abstract: A mining machine includes a frame, a first fluid tank, a second fluid tank, a valve, and a control system. The first fluid tank is supported on the frame proximate a first end, and the second fluid tank is supported on the frame proximate a second end. The valve permits fluid communication between the first and second fluid tanks when the valve is in a first position, and prevents fluid communication between the first and second fluid tanks when the valve is in a second position. The control system includes a first sensor detecting an amount of fluid in the first tank, a second sensor detecting an amount of fluid in the second tank, and a controller. The controller moves the valve to the first position when the difference between the amounts of fluid in the first and second tanks a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Melat, Jeff Ley
  • Patent number: 9416660
    Abstract: A pin handling device for coupling and decoupling conveyor segments to and from a train of conveyor segments in high wall mining includes a base frame, a base frame drive system for moving the base frame relative to the conveyor segments, a connector element for holding pins to be handled, a rotational drive system attached to the base frame and connected to the connector element, and a lift system attached to the base frame and carrying the connector element for linear movement of the connector element. A coupling pin is also provided for coupling conveyor segments in a train of conveyor segments in high wall mining as well as the conveyor segment that enables the use of such pin handling device and such coupling pins. A method of coupling and detaching conveyor segments for high wall mining is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Minig Highwall Miners LLC
    Inventor: Cornelis Wilhelm In'T Hout
  • Patent number: 9416661
    Abstract: An axial compressor for compressing a flow medium is provided and includes compressor stator blades, which fastened on a stator blade carrier, and compressor rotor blades, which are fastened on a compressor disk of a compressor shaft, wherein two consecutive compressor disks enclose a hollow space lying between them, and wherein the last compressor disk, as seen in the flow direction of the flow medium, delimits a rear hollow space. A cooling medium feed duct leads through a stator blade carrier and a compressor stator blade, and is arranged upstream of the last compressor disk, which cooling medium feed duct, at the tip end of the compressor stator blade facing the compressor shaft, via a discharge opening arranged there, opens into the hollow space, wherein this hollow space, via a cooling medium transfer passage which is led through the subsequent compressor disks, is connected to the rear hollow space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Francois Benkler, Sascha Dungs, Harald Hoell
  • Patent number: 9416662
    Abstract: A system for providing cooling for a turbine component that includes an outer surface exposed to combustion gases is provided. A component base includes at least one fluid supply passage coupleable to a source of cooling fluid. At least one feed passage communicates with the at least one fluid supply passage. At least one delivery channel communicates with the at least one feed passage. At least one cover layer covers the at least one feed passage and the at least one delivery channel, defining at least in part the component outer surface. At least one discharge passage extends to the outer surface. A diffuser section is defined in at least one of the at least one delivery channel and the at least one discharge passage, such that a fluid channeled through the system is diffused prior to discharge adjacent the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Victor John Morgan, Benjamin Paul Lacy
  • Patent number: 9416663
    Abstract: A method of establishing a boundary for a material improvement process on a workpiece is disclosed. The method may include identifying a maximum allowable damage depth on the workpiece; identifying a maximum constant thickness line on the workpiece at an extent of the maximum allowable damage depth; identifying a peak vibratory stress gradient on the workpiece; identifying a peak combined engine stress on the workpiece; and specifying the boundary for the material improvement process on the workpiece relative to the maximum constant thickness line, peak vibratory stress gradient, and peak combined engine stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul D. Duesler, Paul Filewich
  • Patent number: 9416664
    Abstract: An impeller (10) where each of the blades (34) includes a first part (14) which is positioned at a base end side of the hub (5) and a second part (24) which is positioned at a distal end side of the hub, the first part being formed by connecting a first hub surface curve (12) which extends along a hub surface of the hub and a first shroud surface curve (11) which extends along a shroud surface of the blade by a first group of lines (13), and the second part is formed by connecting a second hub surface curve (22) which extends along a hub surface of the hub and connects with the first hub surface curve and a second shroud surface curve (21) which extends along the shroud surface and connects with the first shroud surface curve by a second group of lines (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoru Kawai, Kazuya Ohta