Patents Issued in February 25, 2020
  • Patent number: 10570668
    Abstract: A cutting element for an earth-boring tool includes a substrate and a polycrystalline, superabrasive material secured to an end of the substrate. The polycrystalline, superabrasive material includes a curved, stress-reduction feature located at least on the first transition surface. The cutting element includes at least one recess defined in the curved, stress-reduction feature of the polycrystalline, superabrasive material. The at least one recess includes sidewalls intersecting with a front surface of the stress-reduction feature of the polycrystalline, superabrasive material and extending to a base wall within the polycrystalline, superabrasive material. The curved, stress-reduction feature includes an undulating edge formed proximate a peripheral edge of the polycrystalline, superabrasive material and a waveform extending from the undulating edge toward the center longitudinal axis of the cutting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Konrad Thomas Izbinski, Richard Wayne Borge, Nicholas J. Lyons, Xu Huang
  • Patent number: 10570669
    Abstract: A tool for drilling subterranean formations includes a tool body having a face surface, a blade extending radially outward on the face surface toward a gage surface, and a plurality of cutting structures disposed in the blade. Each of the plurality of cutting structures comprises a substantially spherical body of particulate impregnated matrix material. A method of forming the tool includes forming a tool body having the plurality of cutting structures dispersed therein. A method of using the tool includes rotating the earth-boring tool within a wellbore and engaging a formation material of an earth formation with an outer surface of the blade and wearing the outer surface of the blade to expose the spherical cutting structure. After wearing the outer surface of the blade, the method includes engaging the earth formation with the spherical cutting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Volker Richert, Nathaniel R. Adams
  • Patent number: 10570670
    Abstract: A wellbore formation system includes a downhole cutting tool having a body and at least one cutting element. A sensor is coupled to the downhole cutting tool, and the sensor includes a transmitter configured to transmit a signal prior to wear on a portion of the downhole cutting tool reaching a first amount. The sensor ceases transmission of the signal when the wear on the portion of the downhole cutting tool reaches the first amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Stuart Bird, Kazi M. Rashid
  • Patent number: 10570671
    Abstract: A relocatable Managed Pressure Drilling system adapted to be operatively connected to an oil rig and comprising: a base; a tank secured to the base and adapted to contain gases used in Managed Pressure Drilling operations; optionally, a manifold secured to the base and operatively connected to the tank and adapted for use in Managed Pressure Drilling operations when connected to an oil rig; wherein said base is adapted to move from a first location to a second location on an oilfield without the use of a crane or picker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: BEYOND ENERGY SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY CENTER
    Inventors: Jason Lock, Ron Green
  • Patent number: 10570672
    Abstract: An offshore drilling rig includes a drill deck, at least one primary well center and a diverter system arranged below the primary well center, a drilling support structure extending upwardly from the drill deck and above the primary well center and the other work center and a first and a second hoisting system supported by the drilling support structure and being adapted for raising or lowering a first and a second load carrier, respectively, and where the offshore drilling rig includes a positioning system adapted for selectively positioning at least the first load carrier in at least a first or a second horizontal position different from the first horizontal position, where the first load carrier in the first horizontal position is positioned above the primary well center, and in the second horizontal position is positioned above the other work center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Maersk Drilling A/S
    Inventors: Michael Kannegaard, Allan McColl, Jesper Holck
  • Patent number: 10570673
    Abstract: The invention relates to a downhole tool for use in a petroleum well. The downhole tool (100) comprises a first part (110) comprising a driving unit (8), and second part (120) comprising a driven unit (9), wherein the drive unit (8) is configured for driving the driven unit (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Qinterra Technologies AS
    Inventor: Gerald McInally
  • Patent number: 10570674
    Abstract: In an oilwell produced by a downhole pump operated by the reciprocation of a string of rods disposed within a string of tubing, a system connects an upper section of the string of rods to a plunger assembly. The system has an upper mechanism attached to the upper section of the string of rods, where the upper mechanism has a housing member having an internal bore section having an approximate inverted conical profile. The upper mechanism has a slip member which is configured to be received into the inverted conical profile. A lower mechanism attaches to the plunger assembly. The lower mechanism has an upward end comprising a pin which, upon engagement by the upper mechanism, is received into the slip member and firmly retained within the slip member. Once the pin is engaged within the slip member, the pin is retained within the slip member until it can be manually released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Black Gold Pump and Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bair, Simon Shin, Kenneth Barbera
  • Patent number: 10570675
    Abstract: A centralizer assembly installed on a casing section. A bow spring assembly having bow spring members is installed around the outer surface of the casing section and can rotate about the outer surface of the casing section. A portion of the casing section that is aligned with the bow spring assembly is swaged to increase the outer diameter of that section. Bow spring heel supports prevent bow spring members from contacting the outer surface of the central casing section when compressed. Non-abrasive materials prevent damage to wellhead or other polished bore receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Blackhawk Specialty Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Ron D. Robichaux, John E. Hebert, Scottie J. Scott
  • Patent number: 10570676
    Abstract: Drill string components having at least two threads extending around a body. The leading end of each thread can have a configuration having increased strength and resistance to jamming and cross-threading. In particular, the leading end of each thread can comprise a planar surface normal to the body. The leading end of each thread can provide an abrupt transition to full thread depth that helps reduce or eliminate cross-threading and can be oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the drill string component. Each thread can further provide at least one of a variable thread width and a variable thread pitch configured to create an axial progressive fit. Each thread can also provide a cylindrical thread root and a thread crest that circumscribes a frusta-cone over at least a portion of the axial length of the threads configured to create a radial progressive fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: BLY IP INC.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Drenth, Keith William Littlely
  • Patent number: 10570677
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in subsurface drilling permits coupling and uncoupling of drill string sections while continuously moving the drill string. Tripping times can be reduced while maintaining low speeds of the drill string. In one embodiment coupling units operable to make or break couplings between drill string sections are arranged to circulate around a closed path. Each of the coupling units includes an elevator. Drill string sections may be passed off to a pipe handling system on a back side of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Warrior Rig Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Allan Stewart Richardson, Peter Ernest James Root
  • Patent number: 10570678
    Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a tubular includes a body. A slip carrier is coupled to an inner surface of the body. The slip carrier is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position. A tubular is configured to be introduced laterally into the body when the slip carrier is in the open position. A slip is coupled to the slip carrier. The slip is configured to move radially between a first position that is spaced apart from the tubular and a second position that contacts and grips the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Alfred Moss, Nicholas Guidry, Logan Smith, Dax Joseph Neuville
  • Patent number: 10570679
    Abstract: An elevator for moving a tubular having a tubular body and a joint section comprises an elevator body, a securing apparatus having a first blocking apparatus and a second blocking apparatus biased in a blocking position where a throat of the elevator is blocked, and an actuation apparatus coupled to the first blocking apparatus and the second blocking apparatus and adapted to manually move both the first blocking apparatus and the second blocking apparatus from the blocking position to a non-blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventors: Frederik Stoldt, Victor Manuel Eslava Moreno, Robert Dugal, Robert Arlen Holifield
  • Patent number: 10570680
    Abstract: A system is provided for injecting coiled tubing (CT) into and out of a wellbore. In embodiments, separate injector and reel units are provided releasing constraints on CT size and length. The injector unit is fit with an extendible mast for handling larger bottom hole assemblies and fit with a rotating gooseneck for accepting CT from alternate arrangements of the reel unit. The mast is reinforced to resist CT loading. The capacity of the reel is maximized for the reel unit transport envelope. The reel is rotated using an offset drive engaging a bounding reel flange, such as engaging drive and bull gears. A generally radial displacement of the drive from the reel permits replacement of the entire reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Coil Solutions, Inc
    Inventors: Mark Andreychuk, Allan Joseph Pleskie, Matthew Joseph Gotch, Gary Russell Callander
  • Patent number: 10570681
    Abstract: A method and composition for stabilizing drill cuttings commences by providing precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). The PCC is dried to a moisture level of about 10% or less. Drying by heat not to exceed 400° F. is preferred to prevent changes in the PCC. The dried PCC is blended with kiln dust to compose a generally uniform admixture. In the admixture, the kiln dust is not to exceed 40%. The admixture is introduced to the drill cuttings to initiate a nucleation reaction within the commixture of drill cuttings and the admixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Christopher Calva, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10570682
    Abstract: The invention concerns a modular system for controlling subsea operations. The modular system comprises a control room structure at a top side location, the control room structure is provided with a fixed modular connection assembly. The interior of the control room structure is prepared for accommodation f a set of replaceable control modules comprising at least one dedicated control module provided for controlling a corresponding operational well tool. The said set of replaceable control module(s) is selected in accordance with a chosen subsea operation for accommodation in the control room structure. The said set of replaceable control module(s) accommodated in the control room structure is connected to the fixed modular connection assembly for establishing communication between the at least one dedicated control module and its corresponding operational well tool. The invention also concerns a method for controlling subsea operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Frode Sand, Ole Thomas Enge, Idar Lindanger, Inge Magne Sekkingstad, Stein Slettum, Thomas Dypevik, Helge Drønen
  • Patent number: 10570683
    Abstract: A rig control apparatus, system, and method according to which a mud pump is ramped up toward a full-operational pumping pressure to circulate drilling mud via a drill string between a surface location and a downhole tool, the downhole tool being connected to the drill string and positioned within a wellbore, the flow of the drilling mud between the surface location and the downhole tool is stabilized prior to the mud pump reaching the full-operational pumping pressure, data is transmitted via mud-pulse telemetry from the downhole tool to the surface location when the flow of the drilling mud between the surface location and the downhole tool is stabilized, and the mud pumps are ramped up further to the full-operational pumping pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA
    Inventor: Scott Gilbert Boone
  • Patent number: 10570684
    Abstract: A downhole assembly includes a tool-orienting device including an operating unit that obtains downhole measurements and a pulse-generating device that transmits the downhole measurements to orient a downhole tool. A restrictor sub is coupled to the tool-orienting device and includes a nozzle that restricts fluid flow therethrough, and a circulating valve is coupled to the restrictor sub and includes a nozzle that restricts fluid flow therethrough. A liner running tool is coupled to the circulating valve to convey a liner and a pressure-activated tool into the wellbore. The pulse-generating device operates with a fluid at a first pressure and the restrictor sub is actuatable by increasing the first pressure to a second pressure. The circulating valve is actuated by the fluid at a third pressure and the pressure-activated tool is activated by increasing third pressure to a fourth pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Brown-Kerr, Bruce Hermann Forsyth McGarian
  • Patent number: 10570685
    Abstract: A downhole circulation tool includes: a housing having an axially extending delivery bore for conveying a drilling mud flow therethrough, the housing having a circulation port for discharging drilling mud; and a valve member rotatably disposed within the housing, the valve member comprising a through-flow channel and a circulation channel. The valve member is rotatable between a through-flow position in which the through-flow channel is arranged to convey drilling mud flow from an upstream portion of the delivery bore to the downstream portion of the delivery bore, and a circulation position in which the circulation channel is arranged to convey drilling mud from the upstream portion of the delivery bore to the circulation port to discharge drilling mud from the housing. There is also disclosed a downhole tool comprising a unidirectional drive mechanism, an actuation element for a downhole tool, and a method of operating a downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Helix Drilling Tools Limited
    Inventors: James Charles Date, Malcolm Adrian Abbott
  • Patent number: 10570686
    Abstract: A downhole tool including a mandrel, at least one moveable component mounted to the mandrel, and a locking ring mounted to the mandrel. The locking ring includes a plurality of locking ring segments that enable relative movement between the mandrel and the at least one moveable component. A plurality of circumferential spaces is arranged between corresponding ones of the locking ring segments. At least one load bar is arranged in at least one of the plurality of circumferential spaces. The at least one load bar is mechanically connected to the at least one moveable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. Meador, Matthew J. Krueger, Mark E. Ramey
  • Patent number: 10570687
    Abstract: A reclosable multi-zone isolation tool including a piston assembly with a lock out feature. The tool has an outer and inner tubular having an annular flow path defined there between, and a central flow path defined by the inner tubular. The annular flow path is in fluid communication with the first zone, while the central flow path is in fluid communication with the second zone. A sleeve is positioned in the annular flow path and axially moveable between an open and closed position. A mandrel is positioned within the inner tubular and coupled to the sleeve to actuate the sleeve between the open and closed position. A pressure responsive piston assembly is coupled to the mandrel in order to actuate the sleeve to the open position. Once in the open position, the piston assembly is “locked out,” thereby allowing the mandrel and sleeve to move relative to the piston between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Earl Davis, William David Henderson
  • Patent number: 10570688
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a well casing hanger system that provides for orientation of a hanger with respect to a landing ring during installation. The landing ring has a mating feature, such as a recess, adapted to engage with a mating feature, such as a protrusion, on the casing hanger. The shape of the mating features of the landing ring and hanger is such that rotation to a specific alignment will occur during installation if there is an initial rotational offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: James A. Rose
  • Patent number: 10570689
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a seal, such as a seal in a blowout preventer or in another oilfield device, is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a blowout preventer including a seal and a blowout preventer seal-monitoring system that includes a sensor positioned within a body of the seal and a data analyzer. The data analyzer has a processor and is configured to monitor a condition of the seal through analysis of data received by the data analyzer from the sensor positioned within the body of the seal. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew Jaffrey
  • Patent number: 10570690
    Abstract: A Compact Bonnet Booster (CBB) housing is monolithically formed to include an operating piston chamber, a booster piston chamber and two BOP bonnet end caps. When the CBB is assembled, the two BOP bonnet end caps contain bonnet hydraulic assemblies utilized to open and close the CBB housing with respect to a central BOP housing interior to change out the shear members. The CBB housing also defines therein hydraulic lines to open and close the wellbore utilizing the shear members as well as to operate the bonnet hydraulic assemblies. The CBB housing also incorporates a lifting pad eye near a center of gravity of said BOP. The CBB assembly also comprises a monolithically formed operating piston and corresponding shaft as well as a monolithically formed booster piston and corresponding shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventors: Prakash Ramchandra Alhat, Ashokkumar Alalasundaram
  • Patent number: 10570691
    Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 10570692
    Abstract: A frac zipper manifold bridge connector comprises two bridge spools for connecting a well configuration unit of a frac zipper manifold to a frac tree of a wellhead. The connector comprises multiple connections involving threaded flanges, such that the orientation of the bridge spools may be adjusted to ensure that they are correctly aligned with the frac tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Oil States Energy Services, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Richard Brian Sizemore, Bob McGuire, Danny L. Artherholt, Mickey Claxton, Blake Mullins, Charles Beedy
  • Patent number: 10570693
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a fluid conduit comprises a plurality of segments arranged along a longitudinal axis, each segment comprising an extendable structure configured for extension in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the apparatus is configured for the sequential initiation of lateral extension of the extendable structures of at least two segments. At least two segments may be configured to define different maximum extended dimensions in the lateral direction and may include adjacent support surfaces which provide mutual support for one another when the at least two segments are laterally extended. The apparatus may be configured to form a seal, an anchor, a supporting structure and/or a flow restriction in a fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: XTREME WELL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Peter B. Moyes
  • Patent number: 10570694
    Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a wellbore, the tool having a metal slip made of a reactive metallic material. The downhole tool further includes a mandrel made a composite material, a seal element, and a composite slip. The composite slip has a circular composite slip body having one-piece configuration with at least partial connectivity around the entire circular composite slip body, and an at least two slip grooves disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: The WellBoss Company, LLC
    Inventors: Evan Lloyd Davies, Duke Vanlue
  • Patent number: 10570695
    Abstract: Devices for controlling the flow of fluids past a location in a wellbore and methods for using such devices are disclosed. Embodiment devices are configured such that the throughbore is maximized because of the devices' thin cross sectional length. The devices disclosed may use balls, darts or other plugs to seal against a plug seat and prevent flow therethrough, external seals prevent flow therearound and gripping elements, such as slips, prevent movement of the device within the well. Relatively high pressure rating may be accomplished with such thin cross sections by keeping the length of mandrel wall exposed to such pressures short. Some embodiment devices may have a plug seat that is integral, at least in part, with a setting ring and/or have a setting ring that is of one piece with the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventors: Bryan Fitzhugh, William Sloane Muscroft
  • Patent number: 10570696
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for thru-tubing completion including a sub-surface completion unit (SCU) system including a SCU wireless transceiver for communicating with a surface control system of a well by way of wireless communication with a down-hole wireless transceiver disposed in a wellbore of the well, one or more SCU anchoring seals having an un-deployed position (enabling the SCU to pass through production tubing disposed in the wellbore of the well) and a deployed position (to seal against a wall of the target zone of the open-hole portion of the wellbore to provide zonal isolation between adjacent regions in the wellbore) and one or more SCU centralizers having an un-deployed position (enabling the SCU to pass through the production tubing disposed in the wellbore of the well) and a deployed position (to position the SCU in the target zone of the open-hole portion of the wellbore).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Muhammad Arsalan, Mohamed N. Noui-Mehidi
  • Patent number: 10570697
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a lubricator system and method for entering the oil/gas wellhead or casing head with a wireline and tool while being able to safely shut or contain well pressure build up. The lubricator is coupled with a lubricator cutting flapper valve and can be attached to a wellhead on the oil/gas well, so that the lubricator extends below the wellhead. The wellhead can be opened, allowing the wireline and tool to enter into the bore. The tool is attached to a wireline cable that is controlled on the surface by means of a spooled drum attached to a portable or mobile machine or equipment. The lubricator cutting flapper valve includes structure that can sever the wireline and seal the lubricator to avoid allowing well gas or fluids to escape if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: MS Directional, LLC
    Inventor: Terry L. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 10570698
    Abstract: A technology is described for controlling an electric choke actuator included in a drilling rig. An example system can include a computing device configured to provide position data for an electric choke actuator configured to control a well choke valve in selective fluid communication with a blow-out preventer arranged to close a borehole. The system can receive a choke position command to move the electric choke actuator from a first position to a second position, whereupon a control signal can be sent to the electric choke actuator that causes the electric choke actuator to move from the first position to the second position. Position data for the electric choke actuator can be updated to indicate the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey Peyregne, Adam Keith, Scott Boone
  • Patent number: 10570699
    Abstract: An insulating fluid system includes an acidic nanosilica dispersion and an alkaline activator. The acidic nanosilica dispersion includes silica nanoparticles and a stabilizer, such as a carboxylic acid. The alkaline activator includes an alkanolamine, such as a monoalkanolamine. A mixture of the acidic nanosilica dispersion and the alkaline activator forms an insulating fluid having a pH greater than 7 and less than or equal to 12, and the insulating fluid forms an insulating gel when heated to a temperature in a range between 100° F. and 300° F. The insulating gel may be formed in an annulus between an inner conduit and an outer conduit. The inner and outer conduits may be positioned in a subterranean formation. Forming an insulating gel may include combining the acidic nanosilica dispersion with the alkaline activator to yield the insulating fluid, and heating the insulating fluid to form the insulating gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Vikrant Bhavanishankar Wagle, Abdullah Saleh Hussain Al-Yami, Abdullah Awadh
  • Patent number: 10570700
    Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprises: forming a fracturing composition comprising a carrier fluid; and a superabsorbent polymer component comprising one or more of the following: a first composite of a proppant and a first superabsorbent polymer in an unhydrated form, the first superabsorbent polymer being at least partially embedded in a void area of the proppant; a coated superabsorbent polymer; a superabsorbent material having a three-dimensional network; or a second composite of a second superabsorbent polymer and a slow-release breaker; and pumping the hydraulic fracturing composition into the subterranean formation to create or enlarge a fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Gregory Nelson, Hong Sun, Jia Zhou, Leiming Li, Xiaolan Wang, Qi Qu
  • Patent number: 10570701
    Abstract: A system includes a support structure that is configured to be positioned at a fixed location relative to a component of a mineral extraction system. The system also includes a drive assembly having a drive motor and a valve attachment, and the drive assembly is configured to move about the support structure and to actuate multiple valves of the component of the mineral extraction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart Robinson, Delbert Edwin Vanderford
  • Patent number: 10570702
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for decreasing pressure of drilling fluid within a region between an impeller and a housing of a power generation module (PGM). The apparatus comprises a shaft extending from and rotatable relative to the housing; The impeller is coupled with the shaft external to the housing and includes a group of blades that rotate the impeller as the drilling fluid flows past the PGM. The impeller further includes another group of blades that decrease the pressure of the drilling fluid within the region between the impeller and the housing when the impeller is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vianney Rubio, Andrew Parry
  • Patent number: 10570703
    Abstract: System and methods for monitoring casing wear for a well during a drilling operation are provided. Casing design parameters for a planned well are determined during a planning phase of the drilling operation. A wear factor along a length of the planned well is computed based on the casing design parameters. A casing wear map is generated based on the computed wear factor along the length of the planned well relative to one or more of the casing design parameters. The generated casing wear map is visualized via a display of a computing device. The visualized casing wear map enables a user of the computing device to estimate casing wear for the planned well and determine an appropriate casing design for the planned well based on the estimated casing wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robello Samuel, Aniket Aniket
  • Patent number: 10570704
    Abstract: A method in accordance with some embodiments comprises receiving input parameters specifying fracturing requirements, electronically accessing formation data associated with a target formation, and using a computer processor to dynamically generate a fracturing plan for at least one of a plurality of boreholes in the target formation. The plan includes potential fracture locations and lengths that account for existing or planned fracture locations along others of the plurality of boreholes and that further account for the received input parameters and the accessed formation data. The method also comprises fracturing the target formation along the plurality of boreholes in accordance with the fracturing plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Daniel Colvin, DeWayne Edward Pratt, Steven Paul Crockett
  • Patent number: 10570705
    Abstract: A method of managing a network of wells and surface facilities includes partitioning the network to obtain a pipe sub-network and two or more well sub-networks, and constructing an associated set of equations that represent a steady-state fluid flow in the sub-network. The method further includes setting boundary conditions for each well sub-network, and determining a steady-state flow solution for each well sub-network. The method further includes establishing boundary conditions for the pipe sub-network, and finding a steady-state flow solution for the pipe sub-network. If the solution does not match the estimated pressure, the method further includes adjusting the estimated pressure, repeating said setting, determining, establishing, finding, and adjusting operations until the calculated and estimated pressures converge, and analyzing flow rates of the steady-state flow solutions to evaluate suitability of a modification to the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Graham Christopher Fleming, Jie Ma
  • Patent number: 10570706
    Abstract: A parallel-processing hydrocarbon (HC) migration and accumulation methodology is applied to basin data to determine migration pathways and traps for high-resolution petroleum system modeling. HC is determined in parallel to have been expelled in source rocks associated with a plurality of grid cells divided into one or more subdomains. Potential trap peaks are identified within the plurality of grid cells. An invasion percolation (IP) process is performed until the HC stops migrating upon arrival to the plurality of trap peaks. A determination is made as to whether the grid cells containing HC contains an excess volume of HC. An accumulation process is performed to model the filling of the HC at a trap associated with the identified potential trap peaks. The trap boundary cell list is updated in parallel together with an HC potential value. Trap filling terminates when excess HC is depleted or a spill point is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Suha Naim Kayum, Larry Siu-Kuen Fung
  • Patent number: 10570707
    Abstract: The invention describes a method for creating a digital archive for information generated in drilling and well operations, as well as for planning such operations. The invention further describes a system for linking, storing and accessing the information in a data store, and graphical user interfaces enabling users to accessing information made available in the system. The described system allows internet based (cloud), thus allowing users to access information from different physical and virtual location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Exebenus AS
    Inventor: Olav Revheim
  • Patent number: 10570708
    Abstract: A landing string system and method therefor are provided. The landing string system has a measurement device with mechanical sensors that observe mechanical conditions associated with a landing string. Data-storage devices are in communication with the measurement device. The data-storage devices allow storage, from time to time, of data associated with the observed mechanical conditions. A power assembly provides power to the data-storage devices for at least an expected time of service of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Expro North Sea Limited
    Inventors: Paul Deacon, Keith Taylor
  • Patent number: 10570709
    Abstract: A variety of systems, methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one method, a method may comprise pumping a solids containing fluid through a wellbore and into a previously fractured subterranean formation at an injection rate and pressure that is at or above a fracture gradient of the previously fractured subterranean formation, wherein the solids containing fluid comprises a curable resin coated proppant; lowering the injection rate of the solids containing fluid to allow a portion of the curable resin coated proppant to, at least partially, pack and fill one or more voids surrounding a casing disposed in the wellbore; and allowing the portion of the curable resin coated proppant disposed in the one or more voids to cure and form an in situ mechanical screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10570710
    Abstract: A well tubular is expanded using an expandable segmented cone (301-303) which is at a large diameter bottom or gauge section of the cone (301-303) provided with a robust sealing assembly (300A-C) comprising a sealing ring or sealing lips that engage(s) an expanded section of the tubular (307).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Patent number: 10570711
    Abstract: A semi-permeable expanding sleeve system for pipe spreading in a borehole is disclosed. The system has an expansion sleeve, a grout injection pipe and a high-solids grout mixture. The expansion sleeve has a top end and a bottom end. The grout injection pipe has a first end, a second end, an inlet and at least one outlet. The grout injection pipe is insertable through the open top end of the expansion sleeve such that the at least one outlet is positionable within the expansion sleeve and the inlet is positionable adjacent the top end of the expansion sleeve. The grout mixture is pumped through the grout injection pipe into the expansion sleeve using a pump. A closing mechanism is provided for closing the expansion sleeve around the grout injection pipe to create a semi-permeable enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Roppelt
  • Patent number: 10570712
    Abstract: Techniques for managing a hydraulic fluid pipeline pressure include measuring a fluid pressure of a hydrocarbon fluid circulating, from a wellbore by a pump positioned in the wellbore, through an above-ground hydrocarbon fluid pipeline network at a plurality of particular locations in the hydrocarbon fluid pipeline network to determine a plurality of measured process pressures; determining that at least half of the plurality of measured process pressures exceed a specified threshold value; and based on the determination, actuating at least one flow control device operable to control the flow of the hydrocarbon fluid in the wellbore to reduce a fluid pressure of the hydrocarbon fluid in the hydrocarbon fluid pipeline network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Pedro Alejandro Mujica, Herman Roberto Cipriano
  • Patent number: 10570713
    Abstract: A multi-zone formation has a plurality of sliding sleeve valves for selective access to the formation from the wellbore. Each of the sliding sleeves has a unique latch profile such that an initial dart with a matching profile will land on the predetermined sleeve. With all the sliding sleeves initially in the position where access ports are closed the sleeve that gets the first dart has pressure applied to shift that sleeve to the ports open position for well treatment. Thereafter, a second dart lands on the first effectively closing the ports just opened. Further pressure closes the sliding sleeve and blows both darts to hole bottom. Any other sleeve can then be selected with a unique profile that matches another sliding sleeve and the process repeats. For production selected sliding sleeves are opened preferably with a wireline shifting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Albert E. Hyde, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10570714
    Abstract: A system and method for enhanced oil recovery comprises a vertical and/or lateral string section configured for installation in a wellbore. A production segment with an uphole production packer and a production valve allows a fluid flow into the string section and prevents a fluid flow in the reverse direction. An injection segment with an uphole injection packer and an injection valve allows a fluid flow out from the string section and prevents a fluid flow in the reverse direction. The production segment and the injection segment are configured to be installed in fluid communication with each other through a reservoir within one well. The production valve is configured to open when the pressure within the production segment is at or below an ambient pressure and to close when the pressure within the production segment exceeds the ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CHW AS
    Inventor: Curtis Hays Whitson
  • Patent number: 10570715
    Abstract: A method of enhanced oil recovery from an unconventional resource reservoir comprises injecting an enhanced recovery fluid into the unconventional resource reservoir via an injection well and producing hydrocarbons from the unconventional resource reservoir via the injection well or a production well offset from the injection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: John A. Babcock, Charles P. Siess, III, Kevin G. Watts, Roberta Watts
  • Patent number: 10570716
    Abstract: Techniques for controlling hydrocarbon production includes (i) identifying a plurality of reservoir measurements of a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir located between at least one injection wellbore and at least one production wellbore; (ii) processing the identified plurality of reservoir measurements to generate a petrophysical model of the subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir; (iii) determining, based on the petrophysical model, a flow of an injectant from the injection wellbore toward the production wellbore; and (iv) adjusting an inflow control device (ICD) positioned about the production wellbore based on the determined flow of the injectant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Huseyin Onur Balan, Anuj Gupta, Daniel T. Georgi, Ali Alkhatib, Alberto F. Marsala
  • Patent number: 10570717
    Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) oil well system to increase efficiency in emulsion production includes obtaining a predictive model of the SAGD oil well system. The predictive model has control parameters including one or more continuous control parameters and one or more discrete control parameters. The method also includes utilizing the predictive model to determine values for the control parameters that meet one or more objectives for the SAGD oil well system subject to one or more constraints based on a sequence of iterations of solving a mixed integer non-linear problem. The method further includes adjusting controls of the SAGD oil well system based on the determined values of the control parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew R. Conn, Lior Horesh, Matthias Kormaksson, Moshood O. Saliu, Theodore G. van Kessel