Patents Issued in December 4, 2018
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Patent number: 10145195Abstract: An assembly for an explosive device for severing a well component is provided. The assembly can include an outer housing. The assembly can also include a radially-nonuniform explosive cartridge disposed within the outer housing, and the radially-nonuniform explosive cartridge can include at least four protrusions.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Gerald Graves Craddock, Jr., Justine Marie Davidson
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Patent number: 10145196Abstract: A mud motor for use in a wellbore includes: a stator; a rotor, the stator and rotor operable to rotate the rotor in response to fluid pumped between the rotor and the stator; and a lock. The lock is operable to: rotationally couple the rotor to the stator in a locked position, receive an instruction signal from the surface, release the rotor in an unlocked position, and actuate from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to receiving the instruction signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Thomas M. Redlinger, Thomas Koithan, Christopher M. Vreeland, Wesley Don Heiskell, Andrew Antoine, Scott McIntire
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Patent number: 10145197Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a downhole tool used to free stuck tools in a wellbore and the method of using the downhole tool. The downhole tool includes at least one packer element for engaging a casing in a wellbore. The packer works to isolate one area of the casing from another. The downhole tool also includes at least one slip element for engaging the casing to maintain the position of the downhole tool in the casing or wellbore. Further, the downhole tool includes a mandrel slidably disposed within the at least one packer element and the at least one slip. The mandrel includes at least one port disposed therein above the at least one packer element when the mandrel is in a first position.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey J. Brown, Henry F. Brown
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Patent number: 10145198Abstract: An autonomous BOP system is provided for stopping an uncontrolled flow of formation hydrocarbons comprising two or more sensors distributed along a length of a subsea blowout preventer to monitor a drill pipe inside a blowout preventer and measure critical parameters. A subsea computer using predictive-software monitors a blowout preventer along with material critical parameters and calculates a blowout preventer configuration and sequence to arrest a well blowout. Blowout preventer components are fine-tuned and operational modes are added to aid an arrest of a well blowout under realistic conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Inventor: Wanda Papadimitriou
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Patent number: 10145199Abstract: A rotating control device for a tubular string includes a body, a housing assembly, and a clamp device. An annulus is formed between the body and the tubular string. The housing assembly includes an annular seal configured to seal off an annulus between the tubular string and the body. The clamp device is configured to selectively permit and prevent displacement of the housing assembly relative to the body. The clamp device includes a first clamp section and a second clamp section coupled to and pivotable about a pivot, and a motor positioned between an end of the first clamp section and an end of the second clamp section, wherein the motor is configured to move the ends of the first and second clamp sections relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Leonard C. Linde, Reece E. Cashion, Larry D. White
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Patent number: 10145200Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for controlling packer activation in a riser slip joint. The system comprises a first electronically actuated valve disposed between a first packer and a fluid pressure source for the actuation of the first packer. A second electronically actuated valve is disposed between a second packer and a fluid pressure source for the actuation of the second packer. A control unit is operable to actuate the first and/or second electronically actuated valve in response to at least one input signal to control the activation of the first and second packers, and is configured to control the actuation of the first and second electronically actuated valves independently.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Romar International LimitedInventor: Martin McKenzie
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Patent number: 10145201Abstract: A technique facilitates pressure containment with a retrievable cement bushing. The retrievable cement bushing comprises a body having an internal longitudinal passage. Additionally, the retrievable cement bushing comprises an engagement lug which cooperates with a sleeve. The engagement lug is mounted on the body and is movable to a radially outward position for engagement with a corresponding portion of a surrounding wall, e.g an internal packer wall. The sleeve is sized to receive a slick joint therethrough and is movable to a radially inward position relative to the engagement lug so as to hold the engagement lug in the radially outward position. The sleeve protects the slick joint from inwardly directed loading via the engagement lug when the retrievable cement bushing is subjected to differential pressures.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Asif Javed, James Hall
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Patent number: 10145202Abstract: A T-shaped slip is retained in an opening of a slip ring to drive the slip in opposed directions to and away from the surrounding borehole wall along a cone. The slip ring and cone do not come together when the slip is engaged. The opening allows release of a lock ring first with the slip engaged followed by release of the slip from the borehole wall. The slip ring and cone come together during removal from the borehole. A travel stop on the axial slip movement is provided to prevent guides on the slip from exiting a track or dovetail on the cone when the slip ring and cone are in contact during removal of the plug or packer. Extension of the guide from the cone track can happen if the slip moves through an enlarged portion of the borehole. The travel stop prevents this.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Gary L. Anderson, James C. Doane, Christopher D. Young
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Patent number: 10145203Abstract: A chemical reaction heat source for use in heaters used in down-hole applications is provided. The heat source has a fuel composition that comprises thermite and a damping agent. The use of the thermite mix enables the heaters of the present invention to generate hotter temperatures down wells. This in turn allows the use of Bismuth/Germanium alloys, which have higher melting points, to enable the production of plugs for the abandonment of deeper wells where subterranean temperatures are higher.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: BiSN Tec LtdInventor: Paul Carragher
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Patent number: 10145204Abstract: A drill string apparatus includes an upper casing section having a port collar. The port collar provides a controllable opening from an interior of the upper casing section to an annulus around the upper casing section. A lower casing section is coupled to the upper casing section through a swivel. The lower casing section includes an external casing packer and a casing pad coupled to an external portion of the lower casing section. The external casing packer is expandable to an annulus around the lower casing section before a cement operation to avoid cement loss circulation to weak formation below the packer.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Hernando Jerez
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Patent number: 10145205Abstract: A system includes a choke valve having a fluid inlet configured to receive a fluid at a first pressure and a fluid outlet configured to output the fluid at a second pressure. The choke valve also includes a fixed component and a movable component defining a throttling orifice between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Additionally, the movable component is configured to automatically move relative to the fixed component in response to a change in the first pressure to maintain a consistent percent pressure drop between the first pressure at the fluid inlet and the second pressure at the fluid outlet.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Jerry A. Martino, Declan Elliott, James Amberg
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Patent number: 10145206Abstract: Variable flow, internally adjustable choke (100) configured to be incorporated into a production tubing (200) of a subterranean well (300). The internally adjustable choke (100) includes a cylindrical choke body (102) having a longitudinal centerline (104); a cylindrical flow adjustment sleeve (110) concentrically and interiorly located with respect to the body (102); a plurality of fluid inlets (120) into the body (102) that establish fluid communication from outside the body (102) to an inlet annular reservoir (122) within the body (102); a pair of cylindrical, longitudinally aligned annular rings (130, 132), each ring (130, 132) having a plurality of longitudinally oriented flow ports 140 therethrough; an outlet annular reservoir (160) within the body (102); and a plurality of open ports (170) through the sleeve (110), each at least partially radially aligned with the outlet annular reservoir (160) and open thereto for fluid communication therewith.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Jimmie Robert Williamson
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Patent number: 10145207Abstract: A cover configured to dispose over a treatment port of a downhole treatment tool, the cover comprising a dissolvable material. A system for protecting treatment ports in a downhole treatment tool, the treatment tool having an outer surface and an inner bore, the inner bore in fluid communication with the outer surface through one or more treatment port orifices disposed on the outer surface of the treatment tool, and a dissolvable treatment port cover disposed in the fluid communication path of the treatment port. A method for treatment of a well including the steps of locating a treatment tool in a well, the treatment tool having a treatment port and a cover over the treatment port; setting an activation tool in the well; placing a treatment, applying pressure to rupture the cover; and unsetting the activation tool.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc.Inventors: Michael Gay, Charles Espinoza, Kyle Zemlak
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Patent number: 10145208Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of downhole tools in a wellbore, using first and second codes transmitted by hydraulic line to first address and then actuate the desired tool. A dedicated line is provided for terminating all actuated tools.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventor: John Cochrane Leitch
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Patent number: 10145209Abstract: A system, tool and method of providing the tool downhole is disclosed. The tool is conveyed downhole on a tool string. The tool includes a first member and a second member locked in a first configuration by a locking member. The locking member is dissolvable upon introduction of a dissolving agent to the locking member. Dissolving the locking member allows motion between the second member and the first member.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Adam M. McGuire, Jason A. Allen
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Patent number: 10145210Abstract: An apparatus for supplying power at the surface and in a wellbore may include a downhole tool conveyed into the wellbore and a battery bank conveyed by the downhole tool. The battery bank may include a plurality of battery cells, wherein at least two cells of the plurality of battery cells have substantially different power responses to a change in an ambient temperature at the downhole tool.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventor: Thomas Kruspe
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Patent number: 10145211Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can relate to an adapter for power and communication connections between electronic devices in a drill string. In embodiments, the adapter can include a first terminal configured to couple with an output terminal of a first tool and a second terminal configured to couple with an input terminal of a second tool. The adapter can further include a power converter that adjusts a voltage received at the first terminal and supplies the adjusted voltage to the second terminal and a communications adapter that converts a signal format of a communications signal received at the first terminal to a second signal format for the second terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: David Santoso, Randall LeBlanc
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Patent number: 10145212Abstract: A system and method for providing artificial lift to production fluids within a subterranean well includes loading an electrical submersible pump assembly into an interior cavity of a pump launcher. The electrical submersible pump assembly has a motor and a pump. The pump launcher is releasably secured to a wellhead so that the interior cavity is in fluid communication with an inner bore of a production tubing that extends a length into the subterranean well. A propulsion system is activated to move the electrical submersible pump assembly from the pump launcher and into the subterranean well, wherein the propulsion system includes a self-powered robotic system having a propulsion mechanism. The propulsion system can be communicated with to control the descent of the electrical submersible pump assembly through the subterranean well.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2018Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Rafael Adolfo Lastra, Abubaker Saeed
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Patent number: 10145213Abstract: A wellhead vault for preventing alteration of the wellhead of a water supply. The vault is a heavy bell-shaped structure, formed of concrete, and having a downwardly facing concavity, and the vault placed over, with the concavity around the wellhead. The vaults too heavy to be removed by human lifting. Lifting elements are provided to allow the vault to be installed and removed by heavy construction equipment. The vault has a vent that communicates between the concavity and the outside, allowing air, but not liquid, liquid or solid contaminants, or animals, to pass through.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Inventor: Paul Varney
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Patent number: 10145214Abstract: An energy storage system is disclosed. The energy storage system comprises an energy storage device configured to operate above ambient temperature, and a thermal insulator at least partially surrounding the energy storage device, wherein heat losses from one or more other devices are received within the thermal insulator to provide heat energy to the energy storage device. Utilizing heat losses from one or more other devices, such as associated electronic components, enables the energy storage device to be maintained at its elevated operational temperature for longer providing extended battery life. In the application of wireline logging, this results in more data log available per trip in a well.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: SONDEX WIRELINE LIMITEDInventors: Guy Harvey Mason, Steven Bill Ellenby, Keith Robert Wootten
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Patent number: 10145215Abstract: An example drill bit includes a bit body defining at least one pocket, and a support arm attachable to the bit body at the at least one pocket and including a coupling that extends from the support arm. A roller cone defines a cavity for receiving the coupling to rotatably mount the roller cone on the coupling. A direct drive electrical power generator is positioned within the coupling and is operatively coupled to the roller cone such that rotation of the roller cone correspondingly rotates a portion of the direct drive electrical power generator to generate electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Richard Thomas Hay
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Patent number: 10145216Abstract: A trip speed table is created containing records. Each record contains a step location, wherein a step is defined to be the location in a well of a deepest end of a drill string, a minimum trip speed for the step location, wherein the minimum trip speed is defined to be the maximum trip speed less than or equal to a default trip speed at which the drill string can be tripped without exceeding a fracture gradient or falling below a pore pressure at a slice depth, and the slice depth where the minimum trip speed for the step location occurred.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Landmark Graphics CorporationInventors: Matthew Edwin Wise, Gustavo Adolfo Urdaneta
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Patent number: 10145217Abstract: A chemical attenuator sleeve for mitigating chemical reaction in a well borehole includes an inner member having a plurality of perforations, a first outer member disposed on an outer circumference of the inner member, a second outer member at least partially enveloping the first outer member, the second outer member having an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the first outer member, and a chemical composition disposed between the outer diameter of the first outer member and an inner diameter of the second outer member. The chemical composition may include MgO, Mg(OH)2, CaO, Ca(OH)2, NaOH, and mixtures thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Rommel Ernesto Arias Urbina
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Patent number: 10145218Abstract: From a simulation engine simulating the field operation, simulation variable values corresponding to grid cells are obtained. The grid cells represent at least a portion of the field for simulating the field operation. The simulation variable values are analyzed to generate a scaling factor and adjusted according to the scaling factor to generate adjusted simulation variable values. The scaling factor controls intermediate result deviation between computation iterations of simulating the field operation. Using the simulation engine, a simulation result is generated based at least on the adjusted simulation variable values. A field operation is performed based on the simulation result.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Inventor: Vito Joseph Zapata
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Patent number: 10145219Abstract: A wellbore completion system includes a tubular positioned in the wellbore such that an annulus is created between the tubular and a portion of the wellbore. The system further includes a gravel pack packer, a first packer positioned downhole of the gravel pack packer, and a second packer positioned downhole of the first packer. The gravel pack packer and the first packer define a first zone in the annulus, and the first and second packers define a second zone in the annulus. A wash pipe is positioned within the tubular and is positionable in a first position to allow fluid communication between a first port and the first packer and a second port and the second packer. The wash pipe is positionable in a second position to allow fluid communication between the first port and the first zone and the second port and the second zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Patchi Bourgneuf, Andrew David Penno, Maxime Philippe Coffin
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Patent number: 10145220Abstract: In some embodiments, a simulation apparatus may comprise a processor and a memory to store a set of instructions, which when executed by the processor, forms a machine programmed to generate an analytical solution to simulate multiple scenarios for a total fluid flow rate in order to find one of the scenarios that meets a desired total flow rate for a fluid flow entering a portion of a screen to pass through one or more orifices in a base conduit covered by the screen. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are described.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATIONInventors: Andrey Filippov, Vitaly Khoriakov
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Patent number: 10145221Abstract: A well screen assembly includes an elongate base pipe, a shroud layer about the base pipe, and a mesh layer between the shroud layer and the base pipe. A portion of the mesh layer overlaps another portion of the mesh layer to form an area of overlap. A spine is positioned proximate substantially an entire length of the area of overlap, and transmits a force from the shroud layer to the mesh layer that compresses and seals the area of overlap against passage of particulate.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Aaron James Bonner, Jean-Marc Lopez
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Patent number: 10145222Abstract: A screen system having a first screen sub including a first base pipe wrapped with a first screen section; a second screen sub including a second base pipe wrapped with a second screen section; and a pipe coupling assembly joining the first and second base pipes. A section of filter material extends between the first and second screen sections, and extends over the pipe coupling assembly, thereby forming an annular flow path from the first screen section to the second screen section over the pipe coupling assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Superior Energy Services, LLCInventors: Eddie Glenn Bowen, Kevin Andrew Smith, Anthony Thomas
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Patent number: 10145223Abstract: A technique facilitates regulation of flow through a flow control device to improve a well operation, such as a production operation. The technique utilizes a flow control device which has a valve positioned in a housing for movement between flow positions. The different flow positions allow different levels of flow through a primary flow port. At least one flow regulation element is used in cooperation with and in series with the valve to establish a differential pressure acting on the valve. The differential pressure is a function of fluid properties and is used to autonomously actuate the flow control device to an improved flow position.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Terje Moen, Andrzej T. Tunkiel
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Patent number: 10145224Abstract: A system to provide power to a tool includes an electric motor that can operate at rotary speeds of at least 6,000 rpm, a variable speed drive electrically connected to the electric motor, and a step-up transformer electrically coupled to the electric motor and the variable speed drive, in which the variable speed drive can generate and transmit a drive signal to supply power to the electric motor when the electric motor is spaced apart from the variable speed drive by a distance of at least 100 meters, and the transformer can prevent capacitive leakage in the drive signal transmitted over the distance from the variable speed drive to the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Upwing Energy, LLCInventors: Suratkal P. Shenoy, Liping Zheng, Herman Artinian, Patrick McMullen, David Biddick, Kuo-Chiang Chen
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Patent number: 10145225Abstract: A hydrocarbon production process comprising operating a first early stage hydrocarbon production process within a first communication domain with a first well pair, and operating a second early stage hydrocarbon production process within a second communication domain with a second well pair, such that an intermediate reservoir region including stranded bitumen becomes disposed between the first and second communication domains; wherein the first early stage hydrocarbon production process includes injecting a first production-initiating fluid via a first injection well of the first well pair into a first communication domain such that hydrocarbon material is mobilized and conducted to a first production well of the first well pair, and producing the received hydrocarbon material via the first production well; and wherein the second early stage hydrocarbon production process includes injecting a second production-initiating fluid via a second injection well of the second well pair into a second communication doType: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: NEXEN ENERGY ULCInventors: Julio Sanchez, Jason Russell Bruce Dickson, Sergio Merchan
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Patent number: 10145226Abstract: A system and method of production of hydrocarbons, such as heavy oil or bitumen, by injection of steam, solvent and NCG is provided, which combines the benefits of SAGD, VAPEX, and the use of an additional producer, with specific timing specifications for the initiation of solvent injection prior to inter-chamber fluid communication.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: MEG ENERGY CORP.Inventors: Chi-Tak Yee, Subramanyam Bharatha, William J. McCaffrey
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Patent number: 10145227Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a method for estimating the permeability of fractured rock formations from the analysis of a slow fluid pressure wave, which is generated by pressurization of a borehole. Wave propagation in the rock is recorded with TFI™. Poroelastic theory is used to estimate the permeability from the measured wave speed. The present invention offers the opportunity of measuring the reservoir-scale permeability of fractured rock, because the method relies on imaging a wave, which propagates through a large rock volume, on the order of kilometers in size. Traditional methods yield permeability for much smaller rock volumes: well logging tools only measure permeability in the vicinity of a borehole. Pressure transient testing accesses larger rock volumes; however, these volumes are much smaller than for the proposed method, particularly in low-permeability rock formations.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: Markus Hilpert, Peter Anderson Geiser, Bruce D. Marsh
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Patent number: 10145228Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product configured to provide a probabilistic approach for real time drilling. In particular, the disclosed embodiments are configured to obtain real-time data gathered during the drilling operation to update a probability model of a formation that is used in determining whether to alter a direction of a drill path. The disclosed embodiments may be configured to provide a notification to a user indicating or suggesting that certain adjustments be made to the drill path based on the updated probability model. Additionally, the disclosed embodiments may be configured to automatically make the adjustments to the drill path based on the updated probability model.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Landmark Graphics CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Marc Yarus, Rae Mohan Srivastava, Kalyan Saikia, Jordan Michael Yarus
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Patent number: 10145229Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring micro-electro-mechanical (“MEM”) devices removed from a fluid flow stream from a wellbore by a component of solids control equipment used with a drilling operation. The system can include a first MEM reader. The system can also include a second MEM reader. The first MEM reader can be positionable proximate to the fluid flow stream for detecting MEM devices in the fluid flow stream. The second MEM reader can be positionable proximate to the fluid flow stream and between the fluid flow output and the wellbore for detecting at least a subset of the MEM devices in the fluid flow stream. The system can further include a computing device for determining an amount and types of the MEM devices removed from the fluid flow stream by the component of solids control equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Clinton Cheramie Galliano, Mathew Dennis Rowe, Walter Varney Andrew Graves
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Patent number: 10145230Abstract: Systems and methods for improved monitoring of downhole pump conditions may provide real-time monitoring, high accuracy, and low noise when monitoring downhole pump conditions. Systems for monitoring pump conditions may be coupled to any suitable sucker rod pump, and may gather desired data from the pump. The desired data may be gathered at several points-in-time during a pump stroke to provide real-time monitoring. A wave equation corresponding to the behavior of the downhole pump may be solved when the desired data is received to provide real-time monitor. In some embodiments, the wave equation may be solved by separating it into static and dynamic solutions. In some embodiments, the dynamic solution of the wave equation may be solved utilizing an integral-based method.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: HENRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, LLCInventor: Jeffrey J. DaCunha
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Patent number: 10145231Abstract: A system for ranging between two wellbores where an emitter electrode and return electrode of a current injection system are disposed to drive a current to a conductive member within a target wellbore to create an electromagnetic field about the conductive member. The electromagnetic field is measured utilizing a sensor disposed in an investigative wellbore, which may be in the process of being drilled. In some embodiments, the emitter electrode and return electrode are positioned on the surface of a formation, spaced apart from one another with locations on the surface selected to optimize current, and therefore, the electromagnetic field, at a desired point along the conductive member. In some embodiments, one or both of the emitter electrode and return electrode are positioned in the target wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Burkay Donderici, Clinton Moss
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Patent number: 10145232Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include methods and apparatus for ranging techniques to detect and determine a relative distance and azimuthal direction of nearby target well conductors such as pipes, well casing, etc., from within a borehole of a drilling well. A nearby casing string of a target well can be detected by transmitting an electromagnetic signal from an excitation source located along the target well and measuring a response signal with an antenna on a downhole logging tool in the drilling well. Several different excitation sources for various target wells are utilized to distinguish nearby conductor signals from formation signals. Joint]inversion algorithms are utilized to identify multi]well locations on the basis of measured signal responses from the different excitations sources. The joint]inversions may be implemented in real]time or during post]processing, and used in applications such as SAGD, anti]collision, and relief well development.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Hsu-Hsiang Wu, Burkay Donderici, Yijing Fan
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Patent number: 10145233Abstract: An interwell tomography method includes casing a first borehole with a casing tubular having at least one transmission crossover arrangement, each transmission crossover arrangement having an adapter in communication with a coil antenna that encircles an exterior of the casing tubular. The method also includes deploying, inside the casing tubular, a conductive path that extends from a surface interface to the at least one transmission crossover arrangement. The method also includes providing a set of one or more antennas in a second borehole. The method also includes obtaining electromagnetic (EM) measurements for interwell tomography using the at least one transmission crossover arrangement and the set of one or more antennas, where said obtaining involves conveying data or power between the at least one transmission crossover arrangement and the surface interface via the conductive path.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Clive D. Menezes
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Patent number: 10145234Abstract: Methods and tools for detecting casing position downhole is presented. The method utilizes electromagnetic (EM) tools with tilted antenna systems to detect casing position. Sometimes titled antenna designs also increase EM tools' sensitivity to formation parameters, which can lead to false signals for casing detection. In addition, it is very difficult to distinguish measured signals between a casing source and a formation source. The methods presented help to distinguish between the two sources more clearly. The methods and tools presented also help to minimize those environmental effects, as well as enhance the signals from a surrounding conductive casing. The methods herein provide ideas of EM tool's design to precisely determine casing position within a certain distance to casing position.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Michael S. Bittar, Hsu-Hsiang Wu
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Patent number: 10145235Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer readable medium including computer program products, are provided for determining the depth of water in a well. A method may include coupling a signal onto a cable connected to a submersible well pump. The method may further include monitoring the cable to determine a first time corresponding to a first reflection of the signal caused by the cable entering a water column between a water surface and the submersible pump. The method may further include monitoring the cable to determine a second time corresponding to a second reflection of the signal caused by an impedance mismatch between the cable surrounded by water and a motor in the submersible well pump. The method may further include determining a water height between the submersible pump and the water surface from the first time and the second time.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: WellGauge, Inc.Inventors: Andre Emile Bourgeois, Enrico Anthony DiCocco, Rodney Scott Bullard, Stephen Vincent Whipple
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Patent number: 10145236Abstract: Techniques and systems to monitor a blowout preventer. A device may include a protrusion sized to extend though an aperture of a blowout preventer. The device may also include a sensor disposed on a first end of the protrusion, wherein the sensor is configured to sense at least one condition occurring in a central bore of the blowout preventer disposed perpendicular to the aperture and generate a signal indicative of the sensed condition. The device may further include an electrical connector configured to receive the signal and transmit the signal from the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Ensco International IncorporatedInventor: Christophe Vitou
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Patent number: 10145237Abstract: The apparatus for evaluating a wellbore while drilling includes a logging toolheld on a drill string and is adapted to obtain data from the wellbore while moving the drill string including the logging tool uphole and out of the wellbore. The logging tool includes a memory for storing obtained data and an on-board power supply battery. A computer being positioned at a surface level of the wellbore is adapted to obtain the data from the memory when the logging tool is also positioned at the surface level. The logging tool is adapted to perform a minimum power-consuming sleep mode with a data obtaining and storing function being disabled and the computer is adapted to transmit a wake-up signal downhole to enable the data obtaining and storing function of the logging tool just prior to tripping out the drill string from the wellbore. The wake-up signal preferably is a mud pulse signal sent through the drilling fluid used when drilling the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: STATOIL PERTOLEUM ASInventors: Mohammad Jahangir, Tore Weltzin
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Patent number: 10145238Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Richard Lines
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Patent number: 10145239Abstract: A drilling system including a sensor configured to monitor at least one drilling parameter, and configured to generate a signal based on the at least one drilling parameter. An encoder is in communication with the sensor, and the encoder is configured to convert the signal into a modulation signal. A flow modulator is configured to channel drilling fluid therethrough. The flow modulator includes at least one stator element and a rotor element configured to freely rotate relative to the at least one stator element as the drilling fluid flows past the rotor element. A braking system is in communication with the encoder, and the braking system is configured to selectively decrease a rotational speed of the rotor element based on the modulation signal such that an encoded acoustic signal is emitted from the flow modulator through the drilling fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Wilson Chun-Ling Chin, Shadi Saleh, Stewart Blake Brazil
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Patent number: 10145240Abstract: A downhole formation fluid sampler. The sampler includes at least one sampling chamber having an internal fluid chamber, a fluid inlet operable to receive a formation fluid and a fluid outlet. An inflatable bag is disposed within the internal fluid chamber. The inflatable bag is operably associated with the fluid inlet. A fluid cushion is disposed within the internal fluid chamber exterior of the inflatable bag such that filling the inflatable bag with the formation fluid through the fluid inlet displaces the fluid cushion from the internal fluid chamber through the fluid outlet.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Wesley Neil Ludwig
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Patent number: 10145241Abstract: A roadway conduit system includes a roadway conduit section that includes a floor portion with roadway surface configured to receive traveling vehicles, a ceiling portion, and at least one sidewall portion coupled to the floor portion and the ceiling portion such that the floor, ceiling, and at least one sidewall portions define a roadway conduit volume through which the traveling vehicles traverse the roadway conduit section. The roadway conduit section includes at least two fixedly connected preformed segments. The roadway conduit system also includes a roadway conduit ingress coupled to a first location of the roadway conduit section; a roadway conduit egress coupled to a second location of the roadway conduit section; and at least one air mover configured to circulate an airflow in the roadway conduit volume in a direction of at least one of the traveling vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2018Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Electricwaze LLCInventor: Ross Tessien
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Patent number: 10145242Abstract: A conveyor includes an endless belt, a boot end supporting a portion of the endless belt, a support structure, and a bridge. The endless belt includes a first run and a second run, and the first run extends along a conveyor axis. The support structure includes an end spaced apart from the boot end, a plurality of frames, and a plurality of idler rolls. The frames are spaced apart from one another and aligned with one another in a direction parallel to the conveyor axis. The idler rolls support another portion of the endless belt. The bridge extends between the boot end and the end of the support structure. The bridge is movable in a direction parallel to the conveyor axis relative to at least one of the boot end and the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Andrew P. de Lore, Travers T. Wood
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Patent number: 10145243Abstract: A rotary engine includes a housing and elliptical rotors mounted to rotor shafts for rotation within a chamber of the housing. A valve disk mounted to a rotor shaft includes a port passing between first and second sides. A valve plate includes a bore defining a cylindrical sidewall for rotationally receiving the valve disk. The valve disk includes a groove disposed in a wall, and includes a ring member disposed in the groove that contacts the sidewall of the bore when the valve disk is disposed in the bore. The apparatus may include multiple valve disks disposed in separate bores to operate as exhaust or intake valves. Circumferential channels may be included in the bore sidewalls within which the ring members are disposed.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Planetary Rotor Engine CompanyInventors: William Bennett Ribbens, Ronald Joseph Fredricks
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Patent number: 10145244Abstract: A rotorcraft rotor blade assembly includes a stub spar extending less than a full span of the rotor blade assembly. An upper skin portion extends substantially the full span of the rotor blade assembly. A lower skin portion extends substantially the full span of the rotor blade assembly. The stub spar is positioned between the upper skin portion and the lower skin portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Paul K. Oldroyd, Drew Sutton, Andrew Maresh, Christopher Foskey