Patents Issued in February 22, 2018
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Publication number: 20180051511Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adaptable assembly (10) comprising an elastically deformable sheet (12) for at least partially covering an opening. The sheet (12) has a higher flexural rigidity in the first direction A than in the second direction B. At least one actuator (16) is connected to the sheet (12) at two or more points spaced apart in the second direction B. When actuated, the actuator (16) is configured to apply a force between the two or more points to cause the sheet (12) to elastically deform from an initial configuration to an actuated configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Gianluca Ranzi, Francesco Fiorito, Michele Sauchelli
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Publication number: 20180051512Abstract: A coilable shade includes a shade having a head end and a tail end. The head end includes a hanger portion. A shaft is fixed to the tail end of the shade. A shade holding device includes two pivotal portions opposite to each other. The shaft is coupled to the two pivotal portions. A portion of the shade coiled around the shaft is received in the shade holding device and is held by an elastic enveloping strap. The disadvantage of failure in retaining in a desired length in the conventional shade device that can only provide a fully extended state or a fully coiled state is, thus, solved.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Li-Ming Cheng
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Publication number: 20180051513Abstract: Disclosed is a harvesting combine having a cab for an operator, a wheel assembly adjacent to a stairs assembly having a top and a bottom, and an improved stairs assembly for accessing the cab by the operator. The improved stairs assembly in a deployed state is angled outwardly from the top of the stairs assembly. The stairs assembly is rotatably connected about its bottom to both raise the stairs assembly and move its bottom inwardly. The stairs assembly is movably connected by a track assembly about its top so as to permit the top of the stairs assembly to move inwardly and upwardly when the stairs assembly is raised from its deployed state. The stairs assembly may be angled outwardly from the top end of the stairs assembly to an angle from the vertical of greater than 15° and may be rigidly anchored at its lower end.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: Tribine Industries LLCInventors: Robert A. Matousek, Martin E. Pruitt, Dillon M. Thompson
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Publication number: 20180051514Abstract: A thermal expansion and contraction system secures cables to a ladder rung. The thermal expansion and contraction system includes a cable grip secured to the ladder rung. The cable grip includes a protective grommet for holding cables to the ladder rung, a metal plate and wire forms to secure the protective grommet to the metal plate. The thermal expansion and contraction system also includes a cable divider secured to the ladder rung to maintaining separation of cables and a cable containment clamp secured to the ladder rung.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: Panduit Corp.Inventors: David J. Sylvester, Rodney G. Rouleau, Samuel C. Ramey, Shaun P. Brouwer, Scott K. Benedict
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Publication number: 20180051515Abstract: A ladder tie off system incorporates a safety strap into a ladder for securing the ladder to prevent undesired tipping. The system includes a ladder having a pair of lateral side members and a plurality of rungs extending between the lateral side members. A extendable tether includes a tensioning mechanism, a fixed section, and an extendable section. A mount is coupled to the tensioning mechanism of the extendable tether. The mount is coupled to the ladder proximate a top end of the ladder wherein the extendable tether is configured for is secured to a static object near the top of the ladder whereby the ladder is inhibited from tipping during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: John Crawford
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Publication number: 20180051516Abstract: A hydraulic gentle vibration speed-enhancing drilling tool has an upper joint, a power assembly, a flow regulating valve assembly and a force transmission assembly. The upper end of an outer shell of the power assembly is in threaded connection with the upper joint of the drilling tool, at the lower end thereof, internal steps having outer octagonal structure are arranged to limit the lower joint; a middle section of the lower joint is of outer octagonal structure, with the lower end in threaded connection with an adapter; and the power assembly is of turbine set structure or screw-type mud motor structure for producing driving force under the action of hydraulic force and driving an upper rotating shaft. The upper rotating shaft is arranged on a load bearing ring, and the lower end thereof is in threaded connection with a lower rotating shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: Southwest Petroleum UniversityInventors: Xiaohua Zhu, Jun JING
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Publication number: 20180051517Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a tubular bearing housing, a tilted sleeve removably connected with the bearing housing, and a driveshaft. The bearing housing has a housing axis, a housing bore, and a housing bore axis. The housing bore axis is parallel with the housing axis. The tilted sleeve has a sleeve axis, a sleeve bore, and a sleeve bore axis. The tilted sleeve is connected with the bearing housing and is positioned within the housing bore. The sleeve axis is parallel with the housing bore axis and the sleeve bore axis is oblique to the sleeve axis. The driveshaft is rotatably supported within the sleeve bore. The driveshaft has a driveshaft axis. The driveshaft axis is parallel with the sleeve bore axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2015Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: John Keith Savage, Steven Graham Bell
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Publication number: 20180051518Abstract: A downhole tool and method for use, in which the tool includes a housing defining a first bore axially therethrough, and a valve shaft disposed in the first bore of the housing. The valve shaft defines a second bore extending axially therein and one or more openings extending radially from the second bore, the valve shaft being rotatable relative to the housing. The tool also includes a valve sleeve disposed in the housing and defining one or more openings extending radially therethrough. The valve shaft is rotatable relative to the valve sleeve, such that the one or more openings of the valve sleeve are periodically aligned and misaligned with the one or more openings of the valve sleeve as the valve shaft rotates.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Nick Tonti, Carl Martin, Justin Kellner
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Publication number: 20180051519Abstract: A cutter for a boring head having a shaft is mountable at a saddle. A roller body is rotatably mounted about the shaft via bearings housed at a cavity located radially between the shaft and the roller body. A lubrication fluid is configured to flow internally within the shaft via a first and second passageway. An elongate overflow chamber is provided in fluid communication with the passageways to receive thermally expanded lubrication fluid from the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Anders LINDBLOM, Joona LOIKKANEN
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Publication number: 20180051520Abstract: A method of forming a hole in a hard ground structure including the step of obtaining a drill-bit with a turning axis having: a central portion and first and second axially spaced ends; and a plurality of protruding blades. Each blade has first and second ends, a first end portion, a second end portion, a middle portion, and a circumferentially facing leading portion. The circumferentially facing leading portion of each blade has at least one discrete hard cutter thereat. The method further includes the step of turning the drill-bit around its axis in a first direction so that the blades are advanced, circumferentially facing leading portion first, while pulling the drill-bit axially, with the first drill-bit end in a leading direction, through the hard ground structure to thereby cause the discrete cutters to cut the hard ground structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Sonny Beauchamp
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Publication number: 20180051521Abstract: A work platform for coiled-tubing downhole operations apparatus and method, for safe, efficient, and relatively inexpensive extended access to the elevated top of the section of riser pipe necessary for the use of coiled tubing for downhole operations such as drilling, production, intervention, logging, work-over, and fracturing the reservoir. The access is achieved by providing a shell-like riser-pipe sleeve which attaches securely, but removably, to the top section of riser pipe itself, in such a way that balanced support is obtained without placing dangerous strain on the riser pipe, and by providing a shell-like platform securely, but removably, connected to and supported by the riser-pipe sleeve, which in turn is supported by the riser pipe itself. An integral elevator or lift for personnel and equipment, which is stable without any attachment or anchoring to a work deck, which is safe for personnel, is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Clement Ledet
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Publication number: 20180051522Abstract: A sucker rod terminus assembly is provided for use in downhole wells. The sucker rod terminus assembly includes a plurality of parallel composite strands forming an elongate rod and a metallic terminus fitting. The terminus fitting has a cavity with a proximal opening to receive the rod end. The cavity includes a plurality of frustum shaped chambers. Preferably, the frustum shaped chambers have different sizes or shapes wherein at least a frustum chamber's proximal end diameter, distal end diameter, or length is different than an adjacent frustum chamber's proximal end diameter, distal end diameter, or length. Even more preferably, each frustum chamber is diametrically larger than the frustum chamber positioned proximally to it. Preferably, the sucker rod assembly further includes a spreader plate, preferably made up of a plurality of pieces and a hardened material to affix the rod to the terminus fitting.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: LIFTING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: ROB SJOSTEDT, HUGH COOK
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Publication number: 20180051523Abstract: A marine riser having a pressure level rating of twenty ksi or more includes riser tubulars and auxiliary lines that are made of steel having an API grade C110 and C125 and is NACE certified. The riser tubulars and auxiliary lines are not welded, but are assembled via threaded, clamped, stabbed or other mechanical and/or hydraulic connections. Some of the connections may be pre-assembled to reduce assembly time on the drill ship.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: James V. Maher, Mario Lugo, Daniel McCelvey
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Publication number: 20180051524Abstract: A stabilizer system articulates at least one blade independently of an extendable blade for a through tubing mill. The stabilizer can be actuated with flow, pressure or set down weight. A piston responds to flow or pressure from the surface and an elongated member can cam out the stabilizer with set down weight on the extendable blades.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Cristian A. Esparza, Athar M. Razvi, David B. Haughton, Ernest D. Colin, JR., William B. Handy, Steve Rosenblatt
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Publication number: 20180051525Abstract: A dual member drill string having a plurality of dual member drill string sections for use in horizontal directional drilling operations. Each drill string section having an outer member and an inner member that is rotatable independently of the outer member. The outer member has a pin end and a box end. The inner member has a pin end disposed within the pin end of the outer member and a box end disposed within the box end of the outer member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Greg L. Slaughter, JR., Cody L. Sewell
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Publication number: 20180051526Abstract: An apparatus for slip monitor and control includes a body; a plurality of slips; a transmitter for each slip; at least one receiver coupled to the body; and an actuator for each slip configured to move the respective slip vertically relative to the body. A method for slip monitor and control includes obtaining slip positional information for a plurality of slips; determining whether the slip positional information for each of the slips matches criteria; and sending one or more control signals to one or more actuators, each actuator configured to move one of the slips vertically relative to a body. A method for handling a tubular includes actuating a plurality of slips to move vertically relative to a body; engaging the tubular with at least one of the slips; measuring positional data of the plurality of slips; and identifying an offset pipe condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Aicam ZOUHAIR
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Publication number: 20180051527Abstract: A torque wrench is provided. The torque wrench has housing and a rotating assembly rotatably mounted in the housing. The rotating assembly has a gripping assembly with an aperture for receiving a tubular and a plurality of die assemblies; a bevel pinion carrier assembly with a bevel pinion carrier and a bevel pinion mounted in the bevel pinion carrier; an upper ring gear fixed to an upper bevel gear rotatably connected to the bevel pinion at an upper side of the bevel pinion carrier; a lower ring gear fixed to a lower bevel gear rotatably connected to the bevel pinion at a lower side of the bevel pinion carrier; and first and second members threadably coupleable with each other, the first threadably coupleable member fixedly connected to the bevel pinion and the second threadably coupleable member drivingly connected to the die assembly, wherein rotation of the bevel pinion drives the die assembly toward and away from the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: MiVa Engineering Ltd.Inventors: Vladimir Scekic, Radu Gnasienco, Russell Turnbull, Kevin Batahla
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Publication number: 20180051528Abstract: A method of treating lost circulation issues stemming from loss zones during the drilling and cementing process through the utilization of a thixotropic cement. The method comprises the steps of encountering a loss zone in a bore hole during drilling or running casing and pumping a treatment fluid into the loss zone, wherein the treatment fluid is a gel capable of gelling, breaking when sheared, and building back shear strength after shearing is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2015Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Krishna M. RAVI, Rahul Chandrakant PATIL, Sandip Prabhakar PATIL, Siva Rama Krishna JANDHYALA, Ravinder GAHLAWAT
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Publication number: 20180051529Abstract: The invention concerns a method for flushing of debris from a valve assembly arranged in a fluid line. The valve assembly comprises at least two flow regulating units arranged in series between an inlet and an outlet of the valve assembly. The inlet pressure is larger than the outlet pressure, and each flow regulating unit has a spring element and an opening is provided for each flow regulating unit which initially is set as a minimum opening allowing fluid to pass from one side of the each of the flow regulation unit to the other side of the flow regulation unit. The spring element regulates the opening in response to the pressure difference over the flow regulating unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Knut Roar Braaten
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Publication number: 20180051530Abstract: A blowout preventer including a top including a chamber and an annular groove extending into a surface of the top, a housing including a chamber and an annular groove extending into a surface of the housing, and a connection assembly configured to releasably couple the top to the housing, the connection assembly including an arcuate ring segment having a radial width that is greater in size than an axial height of the ring segment, and a positioner configured to radially displace the ring segment between a locked position restricting relative axial movement between the top and the housing, and an unlocked position allowing for relative axial movement between the top and the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventor: Taylor MOZISEK
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Publication number: 20180051531Abstract: A reinforced elastomeric element for a packer is disclosed. The elastomeric element is formed of a base layer, a reinforcing layer, and a top layer superimposed over the reinforcing layer to create a reinforced elastomeric element. The reinforcing layer can include instrumentation such as cabling or other devices to communicate through the elastomeric element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2015Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Hossein Akbari
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Publication number: 20180051532Abstract: A frac plug is provided. The frac plug may include a plug body, a slip, a sealing element, and a flapper. The plug body may have an inner surface, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The inner surface may define a bore extending axially between the first end portion and the second end portion. The slip may be circumferentially disposed about the plug body and configured to expand and couple the frac plug to a tubular section. The sealing element may be circumferentially disposed about the plug body and configured to compress and create a seal between the plug body and an inner surface of the tubular section. The flapper may be coupled to the plug body proximate to the first end portion and configured to seal the bore of the plug body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Roddie R. Smith, Robert Joe Coon
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Publication number: 20180051533Abstract: By incorporating a dissolvable or degradable material into the wiper dart and/or float equipment, a fluid can be pumped during the cement phase (or spotted by other means) to begin degradation of the dissolvable material. Once the material is dissolved, a flow path is exposed, allowing communication to the backside or formation of the wellbore through the plug set and shoe track.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Zachary L. ZBRANEK, Charles COLPITT, James G. NANNEY, Matthew L. WHITE
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Publication number: 20180051534Abstract: A well system with an electrical control and sensing system includes a first conductor and a second conductor. A first switching circuit is coupled between the first conductor and the second conductor. The first switching circuit includes a first electrically powered device and a first diode coupled to the first electrically powered device. A sensor circuit is coupled between the first conductor and the second conductor. The sensor circuit includes a sensor and a sensor diode coupled to the sensor and configured to permit current flow through the sensor circuit from the second conductor to the first conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ibrahim El Mallawany, Gireesh Bhat
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Publication number: 20180051535Abstract: An apparatus and method for using a pressure-powered tool to perform a downhole operation in a well determine the operating condition of the tool based on indications of pressure in a region associated with the tool. If the pressure indications are indicative of an undesired operating condition, corrective action is taken, such as mechanically shifting the tool or rupturing the rupture disc of an electric rupture disc (ERD) system to shift the tool to a desired operating condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Chao Wang, Julien Bost, Vincent Nicolas, Abbigail Ullrich, Quangen Du
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Publication number: 20180051536Abstract: A riser pressure relief apparatus includes a pressure relief valve with a valve member, an actuator, and a pilot valve assembly connected to a pressurized fluid. The valve member moves between a first position, which prevents a fluid flow through the side port, and a second position, which permits the flow. The actuator includes an open port and moves the valve member from the first to the second position by supplying the pressurized fluid to the open port. The pilot valve assembly moves between a first configuration, which prevents a flow of the pressurized fluid to the open port, and a second configuration, which permits the flow. A valve part of the pilot valve assembly moves from a first to a second position based on a fluid pressure in the riser, which causes the pilot valve assembly to move from the first to the second configuration or vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: MANAGED PRESSURE OPERATIONS PTE. LTD.Inventors: ALEXANDER JOHN MACGREGOR, CHRISTAN LEUCHTENBERG, BRIAN PICCOLO, HENRY PINKSTONE, BRUCE GARLICK
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Publication number: 20180051537Abstract: An isolation valve for use in a wellbore includes: a tubular housing; an upper flapper disposed in the housing and pivotable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position; an upper piston operable to open or close the upper flapper; a lower flapper disposed in the housing and pivotable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position; a lower piston operable to open the lower flapper; an opener passage in fluid communication with the pistons and an opener hydraulic coupling; and a closer passage in fluid communication with the pistons and a closer hydraulic coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Joe NOSKE
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Publication number: 20180051538Abstract: A ball-dropping sliding sleeve with a removable ball seat, comprising an outer barrel (1), an inner sliding sleeve (6) and a removable ball seat assembly; an inner ring table (2) is disposed at an upper end of the outer barrel (1), a lower joint (3) is fixedly mounted in a lower end of the outer barrel (1), a sliding groove (4) is formed in the outer barrel (1) between the inner ring table (2) and the lower joint (3), and at least one fracturing lateral hole (5) is distributed on a circumference of the outer barrel (1) at an upper side of the sliding groove (4). The structure of the present invention is reasonable and compact, and its usage is convenient.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Shengpeng Zhang, Xiaojun Li, Fei Gao, Feiyue Wang, Xin Zhang, Fuqiang Li
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Publication number: 20180051539Abstract: A method of sealing an annulus between inner and outer pipe sections of a pipe-in-pipe system includes positioning a sealing mass in the annulus in contact with the inner and outer pipe sections. Deforming the sealing mass occurs, for example by shearing and compression, by effecting relative longitudinal movement between the inner and outer pipe sections. Fixing the inner and outer pipe sections against reverse relative longitudinal movement to maintain deformation of the sealing mass is then performed. The inner pipe section and a displaced outer pipe section may be fixed by welding them to respective pipes of an adjoining pipe-in-pipe structure. Opposed ramp surfaces, each being similarly inclined relative to the longitudinal direction, extend into the annulus from respective ones of the pipe sections such that the sealing mass may be compressed between the ramp surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Gérald Gerometta, Nathalie Delaunay, Henri Rousseau
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Publication number: 20180051540Abstract: A method for operating a wireline winch configured to convey a wireline coupled to a downhole tool disposed in a borehole penetrating the earth includes: receiving a first cumulative surface wireline tension limit for downhole wireline components; calculating a second cumulative surface wireline tension limit for surface components using wireline speed and surface equipment data; combining the first and the second cumulative surface wireline tension limits to provide a total cumulative surface wireline tension limit as a function of depth; presenting the total cumulative surface wireline tension limit as a function of depth and operating wireline tension values as a function of depth for the downhole tool to a user; performing an assessment of the operating wireline tension values as a function of depth versus the total cumulative surface wireline tension limit as a function of depth; and operating the wireline winch using the assessment and a winch controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Homero Cesar Castillo, Robert Brown
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Publication number: 20180051541Abstract: A port cover for a fluid port of ported sub with a tubular body having one or more fluid ports provided in the external wall of the tubular body. The port cover comprises: a permeable media shaped to snugly fit a void space formed by a fluid port of the fluid port in the external wall; and an adhesive adapted to fix the permeable media in the void space. The permeable media is adapted to permit migration of fluids therethrough for pressure equalization between an inner and an outer side of the external wall, and disallow migration of solid particles of a specified size in the sub through the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Daniel Jon THEMIG
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Publication number: 20180051542Abstract: A pressure intensifier and method of increasing fluid pressure at a desired location in a well bore. A central mandrel having a bore therethrough is affixed in a string. Surrounding the mandrel is a cylindrical body having stacked pistons. At a predetermined fluid pressure through the bore, the pistons release and are moved downwards, to integrate pressure across the pistons and act on a chamber pre-filled with application fluid. The application fluid is forced through delivery conduits at a higher pressure than the predetermined fluid pressure and may be used to morph a tubular. In an embodiment, the predetermined fluid pressure is field adjustable.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Cameron Hill Radtke
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Publication number: 20180051543Abstract: An electrical submersible pump assembly for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean well includes a motor-seal click connector releasably connecting a motor to a seal section and engaged by relative axial movement between the motor and the seal section, and a pump-seal click connector releasably connecting the pump to the seal section and engaged by relative axial movement between the pump and the seal section. Electrical conductors are located within a sidewall of the motor housing, a sidewall of the seal section housing, and a sidewall of the pump housing. A male motor-seal electrical connector is axially extending and electrically connects the electrical conductors of the motor housing with the electrical conductors of the seal section housing. A male pump-seal electrical connector is axially extending and electrically connects the electrical conductors of the pump housing with the electrical conductors of the seal section housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Abdullah M. AL-ZAHRANI
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Publication number: 20180051544Abstract: This patent describes a thermal oil extraction process that allows steam in a reservoir or group of reservoirs to convey oil. This invention also allows the oil extraction with compressed gas in order to obtain oil using an alternate method that does not require a rig intervention to replace the injection equipment for the extraction equipment and vice versa. In order to promote the produced oil lifting, this process uses energy stored in the compressed gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Zadson de Almeida Franco
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Publication number: 20180051545Abstract: An embodiment of a method of performing an energy industry operation includes receiving a byproduct fluid from a fluid conditioning system, the fluid conditioning system configured to at least partially desalinate seawater and produce desalinated seawater and the byproduct fluid, the byproduct fluid having a higher salt concentration than the received seawater. The method also includes performing an energy industry operation that includes injecting an injection fluid including the byproduct fluid by a pumping device through a carrier disposed in a borehole in an earth formation and into at least one of the borehole and the earth formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Michael Johnson
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Publication number: 20180051546Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems for fracturing geological formations in a hydrocarbon reservoir. One method includes forming a borehole in a hydrocarbon reservoir from a surface of the hydrocarbon reservoir extending downward into the hydrocarbon reservoir; transmitting an electromagnetic (EM) wave through the borehole: directing at least a portion of the EM wave to rocks at a location below the surface in the hydrocarbon reservoir; and fracturing the rocks at the location below the surface in the hydrocarbon reservoir by irradiating the rocks around the borehole using at least the portion of the EM wave, wherein irradiating the rocks elevates pore-water pressure in the rocks causing fracturing of the rocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Jinhong Chen, Daniel T. Georgi, Hui-Hai Liu, Lorne Arthur Davis, JR.
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Publication number: 20180051547Abstract: A transport apparatus for use in the oil and gas industry includes a separator with first and second supports connected thereto. The first and second supports will space the separator from a floor surface. One of the supports may include wheels so that the apparatus may be easily moved about an assembly facility. The apparatus, including the separator and the supports, is placed on the transport vehicle for transport to a desired site where it is positioned and connected to an inlet and transport lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Stephen Kent Foster, James David Brown, JR.
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Publication number: 20180051548Abstract: Methods of performing a reaming operation at a wellsite are disclosed. The method involves measuring surface drilling parameters (e.g., surface torque and surface weight on bit) from surface sensors positioned about a rig, measuring downhole drilling parameters (e.g., downhole weight on bit and downhole torque) from downhole sensors positioned about a downhole tool, generating weight on reamer from the measured surface weight on bit and the measured downhole weight on bit, generating frictional torque by detecting from the surface sensors when the drilling tool is in a rotating off bottom state and selecting a portion of the measured surface torque measured during the rotating off bottom state, generating torque on reamer from the frictional torque, the downhole torque parameters, and the surface torque parameters, and detecting reamer performance by monitoring changes in reamer performance metrics (e.g., reamer aggressiveness) including integrated torque on reamer with weight on reamer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Yu LIU, Xianping WU
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Publication number: 20180051549Abstract: An erosion management system is configured to monitor erosion of a component of a mineral extraction system. The erosion management system includes a controller configured to receive feedback from a flow meter related to a flow rate of a production fluid flowing through the component. Additionally, the controller is configured to receive feedback from an erosion detector related to an amount of solids in the production fluid. The controller is configured to determine an erosion rate of the component based on the feedback from the flow meter and the feedback from the erosion detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Simon Charles HOLYFIELD
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Publication number: 20180051550Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling device comprises a base (21) to be connected between the drill pipe and the drill bit, the base having first and second end surfaces (212, 213) at the two axial ends thereof, at least one sensing chamber (22) which has an opening at at least one of the end surfaces, and a passage (23) for circulation of drilling fluid, at least one sensor disposed within the sensing chamber, and a sealing member (26) for sealing the sensing chamber on the at least one end surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Zhiguo REN, Xu FU
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Publication number: 20180051551Abstract: A downhole tool is provided for measuring accelerations at a location within a subterranean borehole. The tool is rotatable around the longitudinal direction of the borehole. The tool includes four accelerometers, each accelerometer measuring acceleration in a respective direction and being arranged such that at least a component of its measured acceleration is normal to the longitudinal direction. The accelerometers are further arranged such that no more than any two of the four accelerometers have their respective components parallel to the same direction. The tool also includes a first device which measures the rotational speed of the tool. The tool also includes a processor unit which relates the acceleration measured by each accelerometer to the true acceleration at that accelerometer by a respective scaling term and a respective offset, and combines the measured accelerations and the tool rotational speed to re-calibrate the scaling terms as the tool rotates.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Benjamin Peter Jeffryes
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Publication number: 20180051552Abstract: A method includes acquiring trajectory information; based at least in part on a portion of the trajectory information, generating a set of candidate trajectories with associated performance indicator values; rendering a graphical user interface to a display; via the graphical user interface, receiving input that adjusts one of the performance indicator values; and, responsive to the adjustment of the one of the performance indicator values, selecting one of the set of candidate trajectories.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Haifeng Li, Qing Liu, Miroslaw Magiera, Paul Bolchover, Yan Zhang, Yann Trevelot, Yang Yuan, Hongze Zhao, Kai Feng Zhao
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Publication number: 20180051553Abstract: A method for sampling a downhole formation fluid includes pumping formation fluid into the flowline of a downhole sampling tool, measuring a saturation pressure of the formation fluid in the flowline while pumping, and adjusting the pumping rate such that the fluid pressure in the flowline remains within a predetermined threshold above the measured saturation pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Julian Pop, Maxim Yushko, Tudor Ioan Palaghita, Zeynep Alpman, Alexis Petit, Sepand Ossia, Tullio Moscato
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Publication number: 20180051554Abstract: A method of performing real-time position sensing includes conveying a tool attached to a tubular string in a borehole. The tool includes a position sensing sub, and the position sensing sub includes sensing devices. The method further includes recording measurements taken by the sensing devices. The method further includes determining based on the measurements, a position along the borehole of a particular portion of the tubular string. Data from sensing devices having a higher priority overrides collecting data from sensing devices having a lower priority. The method further includes transmitting the position wirelessly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2015Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Werkheiser, Reid E. Zevenbergen, Scott L. Miller, Nicole E. Esposito, Eric M. Conzemius
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Publication number: 20180051555Abstract: A pumping system for use in a subterranean wellbore below a surface includes a motor assembly, a pump driven by the motor assembly, and one or more sensors configured to measure an operating parameter within the pumping system and output a signal representative of the measured parameter. The pumping system further includes a wireless telemetry system that is configured to transmit data representative of the measured parameter from the pumping system to the surface. The one or more sensors may include acoustically active sensors that operate according to surface acoustic wave principles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2015Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Robert Lee MARVEL, Tyler WALKER, Samved BHATNAGAR
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Publication number: 20180051556Abstract: A system and methods for providing optical, downhole data communication without requiring a light source in the downhole tool is disclosed. A carrier signal generated at the surface is sent to the downhole tool using an optical fiber. An optical modulator of the downhole tool uses data signals from a sensor to modulate the carrier signal based on the data signals. The modulated signal is transmitted to one or more optical receivers. The optical modulator can be coupled to the one or more optical receivers through the same optical fiber as the carrier signal generator, or one or more additional optical fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2015Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Stephen E. Tilghman, Oladeji B. Akanbi
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Publication number: 20180051557Abstract: A magnetostrictive transducer system included as part of a drill string for use downhole in a well to convey signals across regions of the drill string that preclude the use of wired communication elements. The magnetostrictive transducer conveys a carrier signal as an acoustic wave through a drill collar region to an acoustic telemetry receiver, which passes an output both to an uphole processing system and back into the magnetostrictive transducer system. The output signal and carrier signal are compared to determine sub-harmonics or higher order harmonics of the output or carrier signal indicative of offset in the magnetostrictive core of the magnetostrictive transducer system, and provides a corrective component signal to automatically adjust the magnetostrictive core though preloading forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2015Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventor: Richard Lines
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Publication number: 20180051558Abstract: A method for generating a phase envelope log to characterize a subsurface formation includes drilling the borehole with a drill string, circulating a drilling fluid in the borehole, drawing a fluid sample representing a fluid contained in the subsurface formation, estimating a PVT parameter indicative of an in-situ condition of the subsurface formation from the drawn fluid sample, determining at least two phase envelopes at different depths using the estimated PVT parameter, and creating a phase envelope log formed of a continuous series of phase envelopes using the phase envelopes. A related system includes a drill string, a fluid sampling system, and a processor that estimates a PVT parameter indicative of an in-situ condition of the subsurface formation, determines at least two phase envelopes at different depths using the PVT parameter, and creates the phase envelope log.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Svenja ERDMANN, Stefan WESSLING, Nicklas J. RITZMANN, Oliver MOHNKE, Holger F. THERN
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Publication number: 20180051559Abstract: A method for determining the volume of core samples disposed within a sealed pressure vessel, the sealed pressure vessel containing a prefill fluid having a density, the method including determining the internal volume of the pressure vessel; determining the density of the prefill fluid; determining, using at least one of one or more computers, the net density of the core samples disposed within the sealed pressure vessel; determining, using at least one of the one or more computers, the density of one or more earth strata proximate the respective in situ locations of the core samples; and calculating, using at least one of the one or more computers, the volume of the core samples disposed within the sealed pressure vessel. In an exemplary embodiment, the core samples are sealed within the pressure vessel when the pressure vessel is disposed within an oil or gas wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2015Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Donald Clifford Westacott, Anthony Herman Van Zuilekom
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Publication number: 20180051560Abstract: A sampling tool includes a tubular member and a sampling piston positioned within the tubular member. The sampling piston has a bore formed axially-therethrough. A secondary piston is positioned within the bore of the sampling piston. A check valve assembly is positioned at least partially within the tubular member. The secondary piston and the check valve assembly move together with respect to the tubular member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Marius Smarandache, Sebastien Ives, Malcolm Philip Atkinson, Douglas Grant