Patents Issued in August 31, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170247966
    Abstract: A device and method of repairing a damaged portion of a seal bore interconnected in a tubing string, where the device can include a chamber, a piston positioned within the chamber, and a filler material contained within the chamber. A force applied to the piston can cause the piston to move within the chamber, which can cause at least a portion of the filler material to be expelled from the chamber, with at least a portion of the expelled filler material filling a recess in the damaged portion of the seal bore, thereby repairing the sealing surface of the seal bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Ramya Sethurathinam, Leo G. Collins
  • Publication number: 20170247967
    Abstract: A method and a downhole apparatus for clearing a wellbore are disclosed. The method locates a mill in the wellbore about the obstructions, introduces a driving fluid flow along a driving flow path from surface to the mill, and introduces a circulation fluid flow along a circulation flow path from surface into a wellbore annulus at a location in the wellbore above the mill. Then the mill is driven by the introduced driving fluid flow to mill the obstructions; and milled obstructions are circulated to the surface via the wellbore annulus using the introduced circulation fluid and gas flow. At least a portion of the circulation flow path is within the driving flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Dean Fleischhacker, Mike Mazerolle, Steven Winkler
  • Publication number: 20170247968
    Abstract: A jarring tool includes a spring and a hydraulic piston cylinder arrangement for controlling the release of a mandrel to initiate a jarring force. The tool includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the minimum amount of an upward pulling force required to release the mandrel. The adjustment mechanism includes an axially adjustable trigger sleeve that cooperates with a dog clutch surrounding the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Robert W. Evans
  • Publication number: 20170247969
    Abstract: A jarring tool used to dislodge a stuck tubular string or bottom hole assembly within an underground wellbore. Tubular strings with which the tool may be used may be formed from drill pipe, jointed pipe, or coiled tubing. A funnel element is placed underground either within, or as part of, a tubular string. A deformable ball may be seated within the funnel element to block fluid from passing within the tubular string. Hydraulic pressure may build within the tubular string until it exceeds the pressure the ball can withstand. This will cause the ball to deform and be expelled through the funnel element. With no ball to block its flow, fluid will be rapidly released through the funnel element. The rapid release of fluid will cause a powerful jarring or jolting to the tubular string or bottom hole assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin Dewayne Jones
  • Publication number: 20170247970
    Abstract: This disclosure includes auxiliary-line riser segment assemblies (e.g., with isolation units) that are suitable for managed pressure drilling (MPD) and that can be lowered (e.g., when connected to other riser segment assemblies) through a rotary of a drilling rig. Some embodiments are configured to have portions of the auxiliary lines connected (e.g., without welding) below the rotary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Justin Fraczek, Roland Kennedy, Randy Arthion, Alex Gidman
  • Publication number: 20170247971
    Abstract: A sealing tool for conveyance within a tubular member within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The sealing tool includes a mandrel and a eutectic sealing material disposed about the mandrel. The eutectic sealing material has a eutectic temperature at which the eutectic sealing material melts. The sealing tool also includes means for heating the eutectic sealing material to at least the eutectic temperature. The eutectic sealing material is transferred onto an inner surface of the tubular member by activating the heating means to heat the eutectic sealing material to at least the eutectic temperature to melt the eutectic sealing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Oscar RIVAS DIAZ
  • Publication number: 20170247972
    Abstract: An RCD includes a housing, a seal assembly package, and a seal tube assembly. The seal tube assembly includes a seal tube, a seal, a first bearing, and a second bearing. The seal is coupled between the first and second bearings. The first bearing includes a flow path between the interior of the seal tube and the annular space between the seal and the seal tube. The SAP includes an SAP outer body positioned within the housing and fluidly sealed thereto. The RCD may include a running tool coupled to the SAP having one or more grippers for engaging a tool string passing through the RCD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Ketil FAUGSTAD
  • Publication number: 20170247973
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system that includes a downhole packer assembly that includes an outer skin having a first axial length and an inner packer having a second axial length greater than the first axial length. The inner packer is disposed within the outer skin such that inflation of the inner packer causes the outer skin to expand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Rania El Fadil
  • Publication number: 20170247974
    Abstract: A mandrel and a packer outer assembly are formed to create spring compartments on opposed sides of a sealing element. The outer assembly is shear pinned to the mandrel to minimize spring travel during setting. Once set in the normal way the presence of the springs transfers load and sustained loads through the connected tubular string in either direction. A load coming from downhole and acting in an uphole direction first compresses the spring located uphole from the sealing assembly so that the loading goes behind the sealing assembly and into the upper spring and ultimately to the upper slips. The reverse happens when the force is coming from uphole of the sealing assembly and acting in a downhole direction. The springs can be a coil, a stack of Belleville washers, fluid pushed through an orifice, a resilient material or a contained compressible fluid, to name some examples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Frank J. Maenza, Nicholas S. Conner, Gary L. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20170247975
    Abstract: A well cementing method includes combining a spacer polymer with a liquid in a first mixer and producing a spacer polymer blend yielding a spacer pumped into a well using a product pump. The method includes combining a cement additive with the liquid in the first mixer and producing a cement additive blend yielding a wellbore cement pumped into the well following the spacer using the product pump. Another well cementing method includes combining a cement additive with a liquid in a first mixer and producing a cement additive blend. The method combines bulk cement materials and the cement additive blend in a second mixer and produces a wellbore cement pumped into a well. A well cementing system includes a liquid pump, a first mixer, an additive feeder, a second mixer separate from the first mixer, a cement feeder, and a product pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Felipe Padilla, Shailesh S. Dighe, Jeremy L. Weinstein, Toby J. Harkless
  • Publication number: 20170247976
    Abstract: A drainage device is for a tubular, telescopic pipe-landing unit having a through pipe bore partially formed of a center pipe extending from an upper end portion of an outer pipe-landing section and with a free end in through an upper end portion of an inner pipe-landing section, which is axially movable in the outer pipe-landing section. The center pipe has a fluid-communication opening arranged for pressure equalization between the pipe bore and an annulus between the center pipe and the outer pipe-landing section. The annulus has a drain passage arranged to be opened by the axial movement of the inner pipe-landing section into the outer pipe-landing section away from an extended, operative position, in which an abutment portion on the upper end portion of the inner pipe-landing section is resting sealingly against a seat portion on a lower end portion of the outer pipe-landing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: WellPartner AS
    Inventor: Kenneth Skinnes
  • Publication number: 20170247977
    Abstract: A time delay tool and method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Dennis Roessler, Kevin R. George
  • Publication number: 20170247978
    Abstract: A system for use in a wellbore that penetrates a subterranean formation, the system comprising: a wellbore; and a ball, wherein the ball performs one or more wellbore operations, and wherein the ball breaks apart into two or more pieces when a pressure is applied to the ball. A method of performing an operation in a wellbore, the method comprising: introducing a ball into the wellbore; causing or allowing the ball to perform at least one wellbore operation; and causing the ball to break into two or more pieces after performing the at least one wellbore operation. The ball can also perform more than one wellbore operation. The ball can also contain a core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Nicholas F. BUDLER
  • Publication number: 20170247979
    Abstract: A technique facilitates control over fluid flow via controlled operation of a flow control valve. The flow control valve comprises a first component with a hydraulic flow configuration and a second component with a corresponding hydraulic flow configuration. The first component and the second component are mounted in a body such that the second component is shiftable between operational positions with respect to the first component. Shifting of the second component relative to the first component causes the hydraulic flow configuration and the corresponding hydraulic flow configuration to move into different cooperating flow configurations which provide different flow paths through the flow control valve. Additionally, the first and second components are biased toward sealing engagement with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Murali Barathwaj JAYARAM, Michael KRAIL, Omar CARRASQUILLO
  • Publication number: 20170247980
    Abstract: Apparatus, and methods of use, where the apparatus includes a cylindrical tool main body defining an axial centerline, the main body having a first bladed magnet section having at least one blade extending substantially perpendicular from the axial centerline at a first angle, a second bladed magnet section having at least one blade extending substantially perpendicular from the axial centerline at a second angle, and a hardfaced cylindrical section disposed between the first bladed magnet section and the second bladed magnet section, wherein the outer circumference of the hardfaced cylindrical section defines the outer circumference of the tool main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: James Linklater, James Edward Atkins, George Telfer
  • Publication number: 20170247981
    Abstract: A debris control system comprises a first ported sub and a second ported sub attached to a casing and disposed in a wellbore, such that the first ported sub is disposed at a depth that is deeper than the depth at which the second ported sub is disposed. The first ported sub is to move debris from the wellbore when it is actuated and a first fluid is pumped through it. The second ported sub is to enable conducting a diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT) when a second fluid is pumped through it. Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Smith, Kenneth Lee Borgen, Clifford Lynn Talley
  • Publication number: 20170247982
    Abstract: A time delay tool and method in a wellbore casing is disclosed. The tool/method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: John T Hardesty, Dennis Roessler, Kevin R George
  • Publication number: 20170247983
    Abstract: Pressure buildup can be extremely problematic during subterranean operations when there is no effective way to vent or otherwise access one or more sealed annuli within a wellbore. This condition can compromise casing integrity and ultimately lead to failure of a well. Methods for mitigating annular pressure buildup can comprise: providing a wellbore containing an annular space having one or more annuli therein; selecting a pressure-mitigating material based upon one or more conditions present within the annular space, the pressure-mitigating material having a negative coefficient of thermal expansion; introducing the pressure-mitigating material into the annular space of the wellbore; sealing at least a portion of the annular space after introducing the pressure-mitigating material thereto; and subjecting the pressure-mitigating material to a temperature increase in the sealed portion of the annular space to decrease a volume occupied therein by the pressure-mitigating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Gary P. FUNKHOUSER, Samuel J. LEWIS
  • Publication number: 20170247984
    Abstract: A weak link arrangement (1) designed for location on an umbilical (6, 7) extending on the seabed between respective structures potentially subjected to environmental hazards, like being snapped by an iceberg, which umbilical includes communicating fluid pipes and electric cables, is described. The weak link arrangement (1) includes a seabed frame (2) supporting an umbilical having a weak link multiconnecting structure (3) (UTA) installed in line, which weak link multiconnecting structure (3) (UTA) ensures continuous communication through the fluid pipes and electric cables until emergency disconnection takes place. Such disconnection is initiated by accidental pull in the umbilical, which pull activates disconnecting means and cable severing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Aker Solutions AS
    Inventors: Bjørn PAULSHUS, Sigvard OMVIK
  • Publication number: 20170247985
    Abstract: A retainer system, device and method are provided for retaining a severed pipe string such as a landing string suspended from a rig of a floating vessel or platform during a failure of a primary or secondary heave compensation system and prevent the severed pipe string from flying over the rig floor. The retainer system includes a retainer device including a housing mounted to a platform or vessel, the housing defining a through bore for receiving a pipe string suspended from the platform or vessel. A safety sleeve extends through the housing. A stop arrangement is mountable on the pipe string, to permit engagement between the safety sleeve and the stop arrangement in order to limit relative movement between the housing and the pipe string in order to retain a severed pipe string in an emergency situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen George Minty, Andrew Macdonald Carmichael
  • Publication number: 20170247986
    Abstract: A system including an additive management system configured to oversee hydrate formation in a hydrocarbon extraction system, the additive management system including a flow meter configured to measure a fluid flow rate, a first sensor configured to measure at least one of a fluid property and an environmental condition, and a chemical injection device configured to inject a hydrate inhibitor into a fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Bryan A. BUSSELL, Peter HAYWARD, Ulrich KLEINE, Rolf RUSTAD, Harald SOLHEIM, Gro Merete ALENDAL, Simon Charles HOLYFIELD, Eric GRZELAK, Thomas David BAMBER
  • Publication number: 20170247987
    Abstract: A drilling package for an offshore wellbore having a wellhead, said drilling package comprising in a functional order a shear module situated above said wellhead and in fluid communication with said wellbore; a blowout preventer in fluid communication with the shear module; a lower marine riser package in fluid communication with the blowout preventer; and a bypass valve and port in a normal fluid path upstream of a well closure device that is actuated to divert flow from the normal path through the blowout preventer to an alternative flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: William Matthew Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20170247988
    Abstract: A time delay tool and method in a wellbore casing is disclosed. The tool/method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: John T Hardesty, Dennis Roessler, Kevin R George
  • Publication number: 20170247989
    Abstract: A plunger for moving up and down in a tubing string in a plunger lift system includes an elongated body having an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal axis, an upper passage extending axially in the body from a top opening located toward the upper end, and a liquid cross-hole extending from the upper passage to an outer circumferential surface of the body. The upper passage is closed to the exterior of the lower end at least when the plunger is located at or proximate to the bottom end of the tubing string. In some embodiments the upper passage extends from the top opening to a terminal end or position located inside the body and not in communication with the exterior of the lower end. The upper passage may extend from the top opening to a bottom opening toward the lower end and include a valve element to selective close the bottom opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Danny M. Casey
  • Publication number: 20170247990
    Abstract: A method includes completing multiple wellbores in a subsurface formation. The method includes a first wellbore having been drilled along a first selected trajectory through the subsurface formation. The first wellbore is fracture treated. A second wellbore is drilled along a second selected trajectory through the subsurface formation. The second trajectory is laterally spaced from the first trajectory. The second wellbore is fracture treated. A third wellbore is drilled along a third selected trajectory through the subsurface formation. The third trajectory is disposed between the first and second trajectories. The third wellbore is fractured treated such that a fracture network extending therefrom hydraulically connects to fracture networks extending from the first and second wellbores and hydraulically connects the first, second and third wellbores proximate an upper end thereof so that the first, second and third wellbores may all produce fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Michael S. Bahorich
  • Publication number: 20170247991
    Abstract: A steam-assisted hydrocarbon recovery system includes a wellbore, a wellhead connected to the wellbore, and a steam plant. The steam plant includes a steam generator, one or more steam lines connected between the steam generator and the wellhead, and a sensor module configured to measure a steam characteristic in the steam line near the wellhead. The steam-assisted hydrocarbon recovery system may also include an artificial lift system. Measurements made by the sensor module can be used to optimize the production of steam and the operation of the artificial lift system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: GE Energy Oilfield Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Amer M. Kassab
  • Publication number: 20170247992
    Abstract: A comprehensive enhanced oil recovery system is provided that combines a plurality of different implementations of several enhanced oil recovery methods in an integrated system that results in oil extraction rates and total recoverable oil that exceeds any individually implemented methods. The individual techniques of the enhanced oil recovery system create compounded recovery effects to improve oil and gas recovery in a reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Michael J. PARRELLA, Martin A. SHIMKO
  • Publication number: 20170247993
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are shown for burning crude oil or natural gas extracted from an underground reservoir, or for burning both crude oil and natural gas extracted from an underground reservoir, for providing thermal energy. The method and apparatus are also shown transferring the thermal energy to brine separated from the extracted oil, gas or both, for providing heated brine, or for converting the thermal energy to mechanical work, or for both transferring the thermal energy to the separated brine and converting the thermal energy to mechanical work. The method and apparatus are also shown heating the underground reservoir with the heated brine injected into the underground reservoir, or heating the underground reservoir with a resistive cable energized by electricity generated by converting the mechanical work to electric energy, or heating the underground reservoir with both the heated brine and the energized resistive cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Michael J. PARRELLA
  • Publication number: 20170247994
    Abstract: A method and system are shown that conditions an underground reservoir by flooding the reservoir with a heated fluid to transfer heat to the underground reservoir and cause oil and gas to increase flow during recovery from the underground reservoir, wherein the fluid is heated by heat from a geothermal well, or heated by heat generated by burning gas recovered from the underground reservoir, or heated by heat from both a geothermal well and heat generated by burning gas recovered from the underground reservoir, and recovering the oil and gas with the increased flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Michael J. PARRELLA
  • Publication number: 20170247995
    Abstract: A method for evaluating and optimizing complex fractures, in one non-limiting example far-field complex fractures, in subterranean shale reservoirs significantly simplifies how to generate far-field fractures and their treatment designs to increase or optimize complexity. The process gives information on how much complexity is generated for a given reservoir versus distance from the wellbore under known fracturing parameters, such as rate, volume and viscosity. The method allows the evaluation of the performance of diversion materials and processes by determining the amount of fracture volume generated off of primary fractures, including far-field secondary fracture volumes. The methodology utilizes fracture hit times, volumes, pressures and similar parameters from injecting fracturing fluid from a first primary lateral wellbore to create fractures and record fracture hit times, pressures and volumes from a diagnostic lateral wellbore in the same interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: James B. Crews, Robert Samuel Hurt
  • Publication number: 20170247996
    Abstract: A detonating restriction plug element and method in a wellbore casing. The element includes a hollow passage in the restriction plug element that receives a detonating assembly coupled to a mechanical restraining element, and a space for containing a reactive fluid. The mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape for a pre-determined time delay due to a chemical reaction when the reactive fluid in the space such as wellbore fluids comes in contact with the restraining element. A firing pin in the detonating assembly is released when the restraining elements changes shape and releases the restraint on the firing pin. The firing pin contacts a detonator in the detonating assembly and causes a detonating event such that the restriction plug element fragments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Hardesty
  • Publication number: 20170247997
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation from a well, the method which comprises preparing a proppant slurry which comprises (a) proppant particles and (b) a first carrier fluid; preparing a proppant free injection liquid which comprises a second carrier fluid wherein the first and second carrier fluids are immiscible and wherein no proppant is intentionally added to the proppant free injection liquid; and injecting the proppant slurry and the proppant free injection liquid into the formation, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Oleg Valerievich KOVALEVSKY
  • Publication number: 20170247998
    Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a method that includes receiving inputs indicative of a property of a fracture within a dynamic fracture network, assigning an orientation to each of the plurality of fractures, and assigning a plurality of fracture nodes and fracture cells encompassing each fracture node along the fracture. The method also includes receiving variables representative of apertures at a first fracture node and a second fracture node and determining fluid flow within the fracture cell based on Navier-Stokes equations with proppant transport, as a function of the conditions at the first fracture node and the second fracture node. The method further includes displaying a simulation representative of a flow of proppant through the fracture based on the junction conditions via a display coupled to the processing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Dinesh Ananda Shetty, Avi Lin
  • Publication number: 20170247999
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the treatment of produced water, that may be obtained from a chemically enhanced oil recovery process using viscosity-increasing polymeric compounds. Said treatment comprises particularly the steps of obtaining a produced water, such as from an oil-water mixture recovered from an oil-bearing formation, wherein the produced water comprises the viscosity-increasing polymeric compounds; and, of directing the produced water to a specific filtration device, and subjecting the produced water to filtration, for obtaining a retentate stream and a permeate stream. Said process allows particularly obtaining a permeate comprising the viscosity-increasing polymeric compounds, said permeate being substantially free of suspended solids, free oil and emulsified oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventors: Mouloud HENDOU, Camille SAGNE, Cedrick FAVERO, Ludwig GIL, Christophe RIVAS
  • Publication number: 20170248000
    Abstract: Drilling machine data is received during execution a plurality of processes by a drilling machine associated with each of a plurality of phases of a drilling project. Processing includes automatically detecting a start state and an end state of each of the phases, generating time stamp data in response to detecting at least the start state of each phase, receiving an operator input confirming the start state of a particular phase of the plurality of phases, and electronically identifying the particular phase based on the operator input. Processing also includes storing the identity, a time duration, and the machine data for each of the particular and preceding phases, and generating an output comprising the identity, a time duration, and the machine data for each of the phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Douglas R. Hundt, Harley P. Janssen
  • Publication number: 20170248001
    Abstract: Disclosed are configurations of tools, e.g., as used in the tool strings of electrical submersible pump systems, that prevent the separation of the tool string into two disconnected units upon breaking of a tool within the tool string. In an example configuration according to one embodiment, such a non-parting tool includes a head and base connected to each other via a housing and a shaft extending through the tool, as well as mechanical stops affixed to the shaft that limit, upon breaking of the housing, the relative motion between the head and base. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Parks, Jimmy D. Hardee, Woodrow W. Byrd, Stewart Darold Reed
  • Publication number: 20170248002
    Abstract: A method for generating a cement bond log, in some embodiments, comprises transmitting sonic or ultra-sonic waves in multiple directions from a logging tool disposed in a wellbore, receiving reflected waves at the logging tool and recording waveforms based on the received waves, processing the waveforms to determine numerical values that indicate a degree of bonding associated with multiple portions of a cement sheath disposed in the wellbore, aggregation the numericakl value, and generating a composite image based on the aggregated numerical values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Hallburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary James FRISCH, Philip Edmund FOX
  • Publication number: 20170248003
    Abstract: A method for evaluating a cement sheath in a wellbore, in some embodiments, comprises transmitting sonic or ultrasonic waves from a logging tool disposed in a wellbore, receiving reflected waves at the logging tool and recording waveforms based on the received waves, processing the waveforms to determine average absolute value amplitude data for each of a plurality of zones, and determining a number using average absolute value amplitude data for a first of the plurality of zones and average absolute value amplitude data for a second of the plurality of zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Gary James Frisch, Philip Edmund Fox
  • Publication number: 20170248004
    Abstract: A data monitoring system includes a data monitoring tool incorporated into a work string proximate a bottom hole assembly. The data monitoring tool detects at least one wellbore condition and at least one force experienced by the data monitoring tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Louis D. Garner, Lubos Vacik, Silviu Livescu
  • Publication number: 20170248005
    Abstract: A suspension assembly for supporting a shock-sensitive component includes an outer housing and a plurality of radial canted coil springs that surround and support the shock-sensitive component. Each of the plurality of radial canted coil springs is preferably a toroid. The exterior of each of the plurality of radial canted coil springs is in contact with the outer housing and the interior of each of the plurality of canted radial canted coil springs is in contact with the exterior of the shock-sensitive component. The radial canted coil springs dampen mechanical shock and vibration applied in a lateral direction. The suspension assembly optionally includes an axial canted coil spring that dampens mechanical shock in the axial direction. The outer housing may include grooves that locate the radial canted coil springs within the suspension assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Esp, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiyuan LIU, Helene Clair CLIMENT, Adam Paul GRAEBNER, Calvin Lawrence BANKS
  • Publication number: 20170248006
    Abstract: A system and method for establishing hydraulic communication between a relief well and a target well, wherein the relief well intersects with the target well at an intersection point and the relief well includes a distal portion of the relief well that is deviated and intersects the first wellbore from below the intersection point. A directional drilling system and a magnetic ranging system may be used to guide the relief well from a kick-off point to the intersection point. The deviation angle between the two intersecting wells is at least 45 degrees, but may be approximately 90 degrees or obtuse. A deviated portion of the relief well includes a J-shaped or U-shaped trajectory, thus allowing the wellhead of the relief well to be located at a site removed from the wellhead of the target well, but still intersect the target well at a shallow true vertical depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Joe E. Hess, Andy J. Cuthbert
  • Publication number: 20170248007
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a computer, an Earth formation characteristic and a cutter characteristic of a cutter of an Earth drill bit and determining, with the computer, a cutting characteristic at an interface between the Earth formation and the cutter based on the Earth formation characteristic and the cutter characteristic using an Earth formation crushing model operating on the computer. The Earth formation crushing model includes an empirical determination of stress at the interface in a first of three mutually perpendicular axes and determinations of stress in the remaining two mutually perpendicular axes that are mathematical functions based on the empirical determination of stress. The method also includes outputting the determined cutting characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Xianwu Ling
  • Publication number: 20170248008
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for passive detections of downhole well features. Embodiments include a casing collar locator assembly that utilizes fiber optics in combination with a magneto-responsive sensor to detect casing collars and provide real-time location information in a well. The sensor may be configured to work with a poled monolithic structure that is dimensionally responsive to voltage in a way that substantially eliminates noise during detections. Additionally, the sensor may be intentionally imbalanced, utilizing multiple fibers of different lengths and multiple wavelength monitoring so as to provide enhanced directional information as well as allow operators to decipher and address circumstances of polarization fade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Dominic BRADY, Arthur H. HARTOG
  • Publication number: 20170248009
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a well tool. The well tool system includes a receiving tool including two ends positioned in a wellbore tubular in a predetermined orientation. The receiving tool is configured to transition from an inactive state to an active state in response to a triggering signal. The well tool system further includes a transmitting tool at a surface and proximate to the receiving tool. The transmitting tool is configured to wirelessly transmit the triggering signal to the receiving tool using inductive coupling based on the predetermined orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Zahd Kabir, Thomas Jules Frosell, Zachary Ryan Murphree
  • Publication number: 20170248010
    Abstract: A flow bypass sleeve for a fluid pressure pulse generator of a downhole telemetry tool. The fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator having one or more flow channels or orifices through which drilling fluid flows and a rotor which rotates relative to the stator to move in and out of fluid communication with the flow channels or orifices to create fluid pressure pulses in the drilling fluid flowing through the fluid pressure pulse generator. The flow bypass sleeve is configured to attach to a drill collar which housing the telemetry tool and comprises a body with a bore therethrough which receives the fluid pressure pulse generator. The body includes at least one longitudinally extending bypass channel comprising a groove longitudinally extending along an internal surface of the body or an aperture longitudinally extending through the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Gavin Gaw-Wae Lee, Justin C. Logan, Aaron W. Logan
  • Publication number: 20170248011
    Abstract: Methods may include estimating the weight fractions of kerogen and inorganic mineral components of at least an interval of a subsurface formation; determining the grain density of kerogen and inorganic mineral components, wherein at least the grain density of kerogen is determined by one or more infrared measurements; and calculating the formation matrix density of at least an interval of the subsurface formation from the estimated weight fractions and the determined grain density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Ryan Craddock, Andrew Pomerantz, Frank Shray
  • Publication number: 20170248012
    Abstract: A system to obtain information about a subsurface formation, in some embodiments, comprises an array of acoustic transmitters in a first well; a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) fiber in a second well; and processing logic, in communication with the array of acoustic transmitters and the DAS fiber, that activates the array of acoustic transmitters and the DAS fiber so as to use the Doppler effect to obtain information about the subsurface formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Paul Rodney, Joseph Young
  • Publication number: 20170248013
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a downhole drilling tool that has a deep-reading logging tool, a near-bit resistivity tool, and a gamma ray detector. Formation information logged using the deep-reading logging tool is used to build a preliminary stratigraphic model with a relatively low resolution. The preliminary stratigraphic model is further refined using data logged using the near-bit resistivity tool and/or the gamma ray detector to obtain a refined stratigraphic model with a higher resolution. The model is used to guide geosteering to achieve better well placement and trajectory control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Jinzhou YANG, Sheng ZHAN, Zhen YANG, Jinhai ZHAO, Hongbing XIAO, Weiping XU, Haihua ZHANG, Herong ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20170248014
    Abstract: A drill string tool assembly, in some embodiments, comprises a punching tool that induces fissures to increase permeability in a localized region of a borehole wall. The assembly also comprises a sensor that detects spatial features of the fissures and processing logic, coupled to the sensor and punching tool, that adapts operation of the punching tool based on the spatial features. The assembly further comprises a fluid sampling probe, coupled to the processing logic, that samples fluid from the localized region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Reena Agarwal Chanpura, Reginald Van Mayo, Curtis John Jacks
  • Publication number: 20170248015
    Abstract: A technique facilitates slowness estimation in accordance with dispersion information in a sonic logging tool. The technique may be used for processing dispersive waveforms in real-time. In this embodiment, the technique utilizes a sonic transmitter and a sonic receiver array in the logging tool. The technique also includes use of a memory and a processor mounted in the logging tool, for converting dispersive waveforms into slowness of the formation and/or fluid in accordance with dispersion information stored in the memory. Additionally, the technique may utilize a telemetry system for sending the formation slowness data and/or quality control indicators to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Atsushi Oshima, Takeshi Endo, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Naoki Sakiyama, Hiroshi Nakajima