Patents Issued in May 12, 2020
  • Patent number: 10648275
    Abstract: A frac plug that is energized by a ball member, the frac plug comprising an upper mandrel having a tapered outer surface, a seal member coupled to the upper mandrel, and a lower mandrel coupled to the upper mandrel. A button ring having one or more buttons is disposed about the upper mandrel. The lower mandrel is movable relative to the upper mandrel to move the button ring along the tapered outer surface and force the buttons into gripping contact with a surrounding wellbore. The seal member is movable into sealing contact with the surrounding wellbore by the ball member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Dirocco
  • Patent number: 10648276
    Abstract: A slip and cone arrangement including a slip having a centrally located cone interconnection feature, and a cone having a slip retention feature engageable with the interconnection feature. A slip including a body, the body having a T section, and an engagement section, the engagement section having a centrally located cone interconnection feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Anderson, James Doane
  • Patent number: 10648277
    Abstract: A sealing device for a well plug includes a mandrel device, a sealing element, a first supporting device provided on a first side of the sealing element and a second supporting device provided on a second side of the sealing element. Each supporting device includes proximal supporting elements provided proximal to the sealing element and distal supporting elements, where first ends of the respective proximal and distal supporting elements are pivotably connected to each other. The second ends of the proximal supporting elements are pivotably connected to a connector of a proximal supporting ring. The sealing device is brought from a run state to a first set state by relative axial movement of the distal supporting rings towards each other and relative axial movement of the proximal supporting rings towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Interwell Technology AS
    Inventor: Terje Stormo
  • Patent number: 10648278
    Abstract: A wellbore tool includes a rotatable elongate pipe that includes a first elongate portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the elongate pipe. A first bending portion with a first end attaches to a downhole end of the first elongate portion. The first bending portion deviates from a longitudinal axis of the first elongate portion in a first direction. A second bending portion has a first end attached to a second end of the first bending portion. The second bending portion is positioned downhole of the first bending portion. The second bending portion deviates towards the longitudinal axis in a second direction different from the first direction. The first bending portion and the second bending are eccentric relative to the first elongate portion. The wellbore tool is rotated a set amount and stabbed in a downhole direction until the wellbore tool enters the parted casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Adib A. Al-Mumen, Abdullah E. Noaimi, Ibrahim A. Al-Obaidi, Nelson O. Pinero Zambrano
  • Patent number: 10648279
    Abstract: A method for creating access to annular spacing during P&A operations is described. Specifically, helical coils are cut into one or more casings before the plugging material is set. The plugging material is able to exit the helical coils, forming multiple, small rock-to-rock seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Randall S. Shafer
  • Patent number: 10648280
    Abstract: A chemical packer composition having a polyurethane foam with nanoparticles or micron-sized particles for use as an annular chemical packer in openhole horizontal wells is provided. The chemical packer composition may be used in a horizontal well having a screen (for example, a gravel pack screen) and completed using an openhole completion. The chemical packer composition may include, for example, silica nanoparticles or sand micron-sized particles. The chemical packer composition may be placed in an annulus section defined by the wellbore and the screen that traverses one or more fluid producing zones. In some instances, a portion of the chemical packer composition may be selectively removed to open a fluid producing zone to the wellbore and form plugs blocking other fluid producing zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Prasad Baburao Karadkar, Mohammed Bataweel
  • Patent number: 10648281
    Abstract: A protection system for a drilling riser. The drilling riser includes a main drilling riser bore and a drilling riser annulus and extends from a floating installation to a location on a seafloor and is fluidly connected to a subsea BOP. The system includes a fluid conduit which extends from the floating installation to a lower region of the drilling riser. The fluid conduit is fluidly connected with the drilling riser annulus in the drilling riser. The fluid conduit provides at least one of a rapid pressure relief and a fluid bypass for the main drilling riser bore to prevent the drilling riser from an uncontrolled pressure build-up due to an inadvertent plugging or a restriction resulting in a maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of the drilling riser being exceeded, if a restriction, a plug or a blockage exists in the drilling riser annulus or in riser outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: FUTURE WELL CONTROL AS
    Inventor: Dag Vavik
  • Patent number: 10648282
    Abstract: A check valve may be incorporated in an inner core barrel assembly. The check valve has a valve body defining a fluid flow path and provided with a valve seat. A valve member is located in the valve body and is coupled to the valve body by a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism is arranged to allow the valve member to move linearly in an axial direction relative to the valve body on to and off of the valve seat and maintain a fixed rotational relationship with the valve body. A data acquisition system can be held in the valve member and by virtue of the coupling mechanism be maintained rotationally fixed relative to the valve body an inner core tube of an inner core barrel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: REFLEX INSTRUMENTS ASIA PACIFIC
    Inventors: Andrew Phillip Beach, Nigel Warwick Gaylard, Timothy Merle Price, Richard Kabzinski, James Barry Reilly
  • Patent number: 10648283
    Abstract: A top open cage may include a first outer diameter at a bottom portion, a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter at a middle portion, a third outer diameter smaller than the second outer diameter at a top portion, a chamber internal to the bottom portion and at least a portion of the middle portion, a first set of inlets from an outer surface of the middle portion to a middle section of the chamber, and a second set of inlets from an outer surface of the middle portion to the top end of the chamber. The chamber may be defined by a first inner diameter at a bottom end of the chamber and a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter at a top end of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Milt Skillman
  • Patent number: 10648284
    Abstract: Systems and methods to maintain constant pressure within a chamber within a tool via a sliding seal, wherein the seal moves to increase or decrease the size of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Comitt Well Solutions LLC
    Inventor: William Hunter
  • Patent number: 10648285
    Abstract: A fracturing system includes a fracturing sleeve having an opening sleeve and a closing sleeve. The closing sleeve has a collapsible seat. The system also includes a sand screen spaced from the fracturing sleeve and disposed in a same zone as the frac sleeve. The screen includes a screen sleeve having a collapsible seat, the screen seat being complementary to a plug that is complementary to the closing sleeve collapsible seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Gaudette, Jonathan Nicholas Croy
  • Patent number: 10648286
    Abstract: Switchable cross-over systems, devices, and methods for cementing well walls. A switchable cross-over device includes a tool body, a flow sleeve, and a hydraulic sleeve. The tool body includes a main tool path separable into upper and lower tool paths and an auxiliary chamber containing upper and lower annular ports. The flow sleeve is within the auxiliary chamber and movable into a reverse circulation position by a plug traveling through the main tool path. The hydraulic sleeve is located within the main tool path and mechanically coupled to the flow sleeve. The hydraulic sleeve is movable into a conventional circulation position via pressure within the main tool path acting on the hydraulic sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Gao, Lonnie Carl Helms, Aniruddha Gadre, Yuzhu Hu, Gary Makowiecki
  • Patent number: 10648287
    Abstract: A downhole tool, configured to receive a milling tool or other forcing tool, includes: a tubular mandrel; an adapter housing coupled to the mandrel; a guide sleeve disposed within the adapter housing; a movable sleeve configured for sliding movement within the guide sleeve; and a retainer positioned uphole of the movable sleeve. The retainer includes an upper annular portion, a lower annular portion, an annular void between the upper and lower annular portions, and a bridge portion extending between the upper and lower annular portions. The upper annular portion is initially fixed to the guide sleeve. The lower annular portion is configured such that downward movement of the lower annular portion causes the movable sleeve to move downward within the guide sleeve. The bridge portion comprises a through-passage and a thin walled segment adjacent to the void. Milling or otherwise disconnecting the bridge portion permits the lower annular portion to move the moveable sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: DRECO ENERGY SERVICES ULC
    Inventors: Graham S. Styler, Lewis R. Facca, Andrew N. Sushko
  • Patent number: 10648288
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a downhole tool having a flapper valve assembly for controlling the backflow of fluid into a tubing string. The downhole tool includes a first sleeve slidably disposable within at least a portion of the flapper valve assembly and the downhole tool. The downhole tool can also include a second sleeve slidably disposed within the downhole tool. The present invention is also related to a method of using the downhole tool. The method includes the step of positioning the downhole tool in a wellbore. Once the downhole tool is positioned in the wellbore, the first sleeve is shifted to interact with the flapper valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Roger Schultz, Andy Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10648289
    Abstract: A downhole milling tool (100) operable to remove unwanted debris from an interior wall of a pipeline, well casing or other tubular in which the tool (100) is deployable. The tool (100) comprises a hollow tool body (1, 11) mountable on a drill string and an annular element (8) mountable about an outside surface of the tool body (1). The annular element (8) houses at least one elongate milling blade (12). The at least one milling blade (12) is configured such that it always projects from an outside surface of the annular element (8) and includes an elongate cutting face (36). The annular element (8) is configured to be rotatably coupled to the tool body (1) in an active state and rotatably decoupled from the tool body (1) in an inactive state such that the annular element (8) and the tool body (1) are rotationally dependent when coupled and rotationally independent when decoupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventors: Simon Leiper, Raymond Cain
  • Patent number: 10648290
    Abstract: A sleeve shifting tool for shifting a slidable sleeve positioned inside of another downhole tool is described herein. The tool has a housing and a collet apparatus for engaging a slidable sleeve disposed within a downhole tool positioned in a wellbore. The collet apparatus includes at least one collet arm and at least one collet key disposed thereon for engaging the slidable sleeve. The tool also includes a collet activation apparatus for initiating the collet apparatus and force the at least one collet key of the collet apparatus to engage the slidable sleeve. A method of shifting a sleeve positioned in a downhole tool with the sleeve shifting tool described herein is also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Fears, Brock Watson
  • Patent number: 10648291
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of computer-implemented methods, computing systems, and program products for analyzing a flood operation on a hydrocarbon reservoir. For example, an embodiment of a computer implemented method of using producer centered polygons to identify at least one infill drilling location in a hydrocarbon reservoir having a plurality of producers and at least one injector is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Tiantian Zhang, Morteza Sayarpour, Maryam Davari, Donna T. Auzenne
  • Patent number: 10648292
    Abstract: A method is provided including calculating a first property vector indicative of physical properties derived from a digital image of a first rock sample; determining a set of one or more similar rock samples by calculating a value indicating a similarity between the first rock sample and second rock samples based on the first property vector and second property vectors associated with the second rock samples; selecting a list of fluid additives based on existing enhanced fluid recovery efficiency values associated with the similar rock samples; performing, for each of the fluid additives, a simulation of a flow of fluid through a digital model of the first rock to determine a simulated enhanced fluid recovery efficiency value for the respective fluid additives; and outputting an optimal fluid additive for the first rock sample based at least in part on the calculated similarity values and simulated enhanced fluid recovery efficiency values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter William Bryant, Rodrigo Neumann Barros Ferreira, Ronaldo Giro, Mathias B Steiner
  • Patent number: 10648293
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detection of crossflow and quantification of crossflow effects on fluid distribution during multistage injection treatments of hydrocarbon bearing reservoir formations. A low rate injection stage is applied after a main (high rate) fluid injection stage of a multistage injection treatment process. Wellbore temperature measurements can be utilized along with an inversion process to detect any crossflow and quantify its effects on fluid distribution during the main injection stage. After the effects of any detected crossflow on the fluid distribution are quantified, the effectiveness of the multistage injection treatment can be analyzed and any adjustments or modifications to the treatment can be made accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ankit Bhatnagar, Chaitanya Mallikarjun Karale, Rama Subba Reddy Thavva
  • Patent number: 10648294
    Abstract: A method for replacing a first control pod of a BOP stack includes (a) lowering a control pod exchange device subsea. In addition, the method includes (b) coupling the control pod exchange device to the BOP stack. Further, the method includes (c) transferring the first control pod from the BOP stack to the control pod exchange device after (b). Still further, the method includes (d) lifting the control pod exchange device to the surface after (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Travis James Miller, Frank Benjamin Springett, Richard Watson Cowan
  • Patent number: 10648295
    Abstract: Equipment for connection of subsea pipelines for oil and gas fields includes one machined block manifold having at least one fluid import spindle of side input, one stop valves set provided on a surface of machined block manifold, which also receives a header and branches, a point for line support and device for subsea installation, subsea line or pipeline. This set is installed on a foundation frame in sea soil and will be part of an oil drilling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventors: Alan Zaragoza Labes, Huei Sun Lai, Jorge Luiz Da Silva Bonfim, Leonardo De Araujo Bernardo, Rafael Renan Dos Santos Barreto
  • Patent number: 10648296
    Abstract: A casing deployment apparatus includes a processing resource with a signal pattern recognition engine unit (420), a tubular measurement unit (404) and a decision unit (416). A first sensor input (402) and a second sensor input (406) are attached to the pattern recognition unit (420) and receive first sensor data and second sensor data corresponding to first and second time-varying sensor signals. The pattern recognition unit (420) analyzes a characteristic of the first sensor data to determine whether the characteristic is substantially consistent with a first expected characteristic of the first sensor data associated with deployment of casing in a borehole. The tubular measurement unit (404) analyzes a characteristic of the second sensor data in order to determine whether the characteristic is substantially consistent with a second expected characteristic of the second sensor data associated with the deployment of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bertrand du Castel, John Christian Luppens, James Curtis Brannigan, Oney Erge
  • Patent number: 10648297
    Abstract: An expandable liner is used to re-complete a wellbore for a re-fracturing operation. The expandable liner may be used to cover the old perforations and provide a larger bore after expansion. The larger bore allows the new completion perforations and fracturing operation to be more easily achieved. In one embodiment, the expandable liner may have a rib disposed around an outer diameter of the expandable tubular, wherein the rib is configured to form a seal with the outer tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. DeLange, John Richard Setterberg, Jr., Scott H. Osburn, Ghazi J. Hashem, Gregory Guy Galloway
  • Patent number: 10648298
    Abstract: A tubular member (1) with a relative rough (1.5-10 ?m) inner surface (5) coated solid lubricating film (10) which is transformed into a substantially viscous rubbery viscoelasto-plastic phase at temperatures in a range between 50° C. and 110° C. is expanded by moving an expansion member (24) with a relatively smooth outer surface (roughness<1.5 ?m) therethrough, such that during expansion a viscous viscoelastoplastic substantially rubbery lubricating film (44) is generated between the tubular member (1) and the expansion mandrel (24), which film remains bonded to the rough inner surface (5) of the expanded tubular (1), but does not stick to the relatively hot and smooth expansion member (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniele Di Crescenzo, Mark Michael Shuster, Djurre Hans Zijsling, Rob Bosman
  • Patent number: 10648299
    Abstract: A pin-box well tubular connector assembly having pin and box connector members (6, 5) with intermeshing external and internal screw thread profiles is optimized for expansion downhole in a wellbore by: A) configuring the box connector member (5) such that it has at least one thread (10) that does not engage a thread on the pin member (6); and optionally: B) configuring the pin and box connectors (6, 5) such that in axial direction a gap of at least 0.2 mm is present between the external and internal screw thread profiles; and/or C) inserting a swellable dope in the gap between the pin and box connector members (6, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniele Di Crescenzo, Serge Methieu Roggeband
  • Patent number: 10648300
    Abstract: A shape charge venting apparatus and method for venting gases generated during deflagration. The venting apparatus and method including vent grooves inside the shape charge providing a pathway for deflagration gases to escape the shape charge. The venting apparatus and method also may include using a retainer ring in addition to the vent groove in order to hold the components of the shape charge in place. The venting of the gases during deflagration facilitates pressure relief within the shape charge and increases safety from accidental detonation during a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Hunting Titan, Inc.
    Inventors: William Richard Collins, Mark Allan Pederson, Ian Douglas Rudnik
  • Patent number: 10648301
    Abstract: A method and a system for pressure regulation of well fluid produced from a hydrocarbon well in a hydrocarbon production field. The system comprises a pump arranged on a well head in fluid communication with a process fluid passage from the well, the pump arranged for receiving well fluid produced from the well and to deliver the fluid to downstream piping or equipment. The pump comprises a motor/generator unit operable as a generator as the pump is driven by well fluid in power generation mode, and wherein the pump is driven in power consumption mode by operation of the motor/generator unit as a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventors: Giacomo Landi, Ashish Jain, Marius Rosvold
  • Patent number: 10648302
    Abstract: A flow control device includes a first tubular having an outer surface, and a second tubular arranged radially outwardly of the first tubular. The second tubular includes an inner surface portion and an outer surface portion. The inner surface portion is spaced from the outer surface of the first tubular by a gap. The second tubular includes a plurality of openings extending through the outer surface and the inner surface. A plate is moveably arranged in the gap adjacent to at least one of the plurality of openings. The plate includes a surface section spaced from the inner surface portion a selected distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Jose Rafael Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 10648303
    Abstract: A system for removing wellbore liquids from a wellbore, the wellbore traversing a subterranean formation and having a tubular that extends within at least a portion of the wellbore. The system includes a positive-displacement solid state pump comprising a fluid chamber, an inlet and an outlet port, each in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, at least one solid state actuator, a first one-way check valve positioned between the inlet port and the fluid chamber, and/or a second one-way check valve positioned between the outlet port and the fluid chamber, the at least one solid state actuator configured to operate at or near its resonance frequency, the solid state pump positioned within the wellbore; and means for powering the solid state pump. A method for removing fluids from a subterranean well is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Romer, Randy C. Tolman, Robert A. Frantz, III, Conal H. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 10648304
    Abstract: A well treatment fluid contains a surface modifying treatment agent having an anchor and a hydrophobic tail. The surface modifying treatment agent is an organophosphorus acid derivative. After the well treatment fluid is pumped into a well penetrating the subterranean formation, the anchor binds to the surface of the formation. The subterranean formation is a siliceous formation or a metal oxide-containing subterranean formation. The anchor bonds to a Si atom when the formation is a siliceous formation and to the metal of the metal oxide when the formation is a metal oxide-containing formation. After being bound to the surface of the formation, frictional drag within the well is reduced. This allows for faster recovery of formation fluids. The bonding of the surface modifying treatment agent onto the formation may further be enhanced by first pre-treating the formation with a non-aqueous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Spurlock Lant, Naima Bestaoui-Spurr, Sumit Bhaduri, James B. Crews, Hoang Le, Terry D. Monroe, Qi Qu
  • Patent number: 10648305
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the recovery of oil from an underground hydrocarbon reservoir, and more particularly to systems and methods for carbonated water flooding of an underground reservoir for enhanced oil recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Subhash Chandrabose Ayirala, Ali Abdallah Al-Yousef, Sultan Al-Enezi, Ahmed Al-Eidan
  • Patent number: 10648306
    Abstract: The system delivers liquid CO2 125 into the casing screened interval of an eductor pipe 110 within a water well. The eductor pipe 110 assembly extends from the top of the well (or land surface) to the top of a disk interval isolation assembly 123. The disk assembly isolates a predetermined length of screened interval, so liquid CO2 125 can be injected and contained within the interval and immediately outside the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ARIZONA CO2 SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Wallace, John T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10648307
    Abstract: A method for enhanced recovery of hydrocarbonaceous fluids, the method including the steps of creating a plurality of wellbores in a subterranean formation, whereby one or more of the plurality of wellbores may include a directionally drilled portion with solution disposed therein, and an electrode operatively connected with a power source. Other steps include generating an electrical field within the subterranean formation, thereby causing an electrochemical reaction to produce a gas from the solution, such that the gas mixes with hydrocarbonaceous fluids present in the formation and increases pressure within at least one of the plurality of wellbores, the subterranean formation, and combinations thereof, thereby enhancing recovery of the hydrocarbonaceous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Paul Grimes
  • Patent number: 10648308
    Abstract: A variation of expanding solvent steam assisted gravity drainage (ES-SAGD) production of heavy oil wherein steam and hydrocarbon solvent are co-injected into a heavy oil reservoir and water, hydrocarbon solvent and heavy oil are produced by gravity drainage until the steam chamber is well developed or until oil recovery reaches about 20-30% of oil in place. At that time, the wells are switched to a lateral sweep using non-condensible gas (NSG) and steam co-injection, where more hydrocarbon solvent is recovered than is recovered with ES-SAGD used alone and where the cumulative steam to oil ratio is reduced over using -ES-SAGD alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Bo Chen, Thomas James Wheeler, Pradeep Ananth Govind
  • Patent number: 10648309
    Abstract: Methods including introducing a high-viscosity treatment fluid into a subterranean formation through an opening and applying incrementally increased fracturing rate steps (IIFRSs) to create or enhance a dominate fracture, wherein between each IIFRS a downhole pressure slope over time will increase, decline, or stabilize at a HVTF measured pressure slope. Further evaluating the HVTF measured pressure slope prior to applying a subsequent IIFRS. Performing a particulate sequence transport operation with a first, second, and third low-viscosity treatment fluid (LVTF), wherein the LVTFs collectively create or enhance at least one near-wellbore secondary azimuth fracture and at least one far-field secondary azimuth fracture extending from the dominate fracture, and further propping the dominate fracture, near-wellbore, and far-field secondary azimuth fractures with the particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Matthew Lewis Lahman, Jesse Clay Hampton, Vladimir Nikolayevich Martysevich, Stephen Byrne Persac
  • Patent number: 10648310
    Abstract: A wellbore apparatus positionable within a wellbore with a tubular string includes a fracturing assembly and a latch. The fracturing assembly includes a housing comprising a flowbore formed therein and a port, a flow control device configured to move with respect to the housing to selectively allow fluid communication from the flowbore to an exterior of the housing through the port, and a wellbore securing device configured to secure the fracturing assembly within the wellbore. The latch is configured to removably couple the fracturing assembly to the tubular string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jules Frosell, Gary John Geoffroy
  • Patent number: 10648311
    Abstract: Embodiments include a hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation. The system includes an electric pump, arranged on a first support structure, the electric pump coupled to a well associated with the subterranean formation and powered by at least one electric motor, and configured to pump fluid into a wellbore associated with the well at a high pressure so that the fluid passes from the wellbore into the subterranean formation and fractures the subterranean formation. The system also includes support equipment, arranged on a second support structure, electrically coupled to the electric pump, wherein the support equipment includes at least a transformer for distributing power to the electric pump, the power being received from at least one generator at a voltage higher than an operating voltage of the electric pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter, Lon Robinson
  • Patent number: 10648312
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: TYPHON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Coli, Eldon Schelske
  • Patent number: 10648313
    Abstract: A process for producing hydrocarbon material from a subterranean formation comprising: injecting a first conditioning material, via a wellbore, to effect fracturing of a subterranean formation such that a hydraulically fractured formation, including an induced fracture, is obtained; after the fracturing, injecting post-fracturing conditioning material, via the wellbore, into hydraulically fractured formation; and after the injecting of the post-fracturing conditioning material, producing, via the wellbore, hydrocarbon material from the hydraulically fractured formation; wherein: the pressure of the post-fracturing conditioning material is less than the pressure of the injected fracturing fluid; and the post-fracturing conditioning material includes proppant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: CNOOC PETROLEUM NORTH AMERICA ULC
    Inventors: Roberto Aguilera, Karthik Selvan
  • Patent number: 10648314
    Abstract: Systems and methods for subsea fluid phase separation. A two phase embodiment of the subsea fluid separation system separates a multiphase flow into gas and liquid phases. A three phase embodiment of the subsea fluid separation system separates multiphase flow into gas, oil, and water phases. The subsea fluid separation systems include a wellhead desander system to remove solids from the multiphase flow, a vertical gas-liquid separation module having associated valves disposed in series with a horizontal gas-liquid separation module having associated valves, one or more pumps to provide fluid flow to the vertical and horizontal separators, and a control system to control operation of the valves and pumps. The three phase embodiment further includes oil-water separators and multi-stage hydrocyclones for produced water treatment in a subsea environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventors: Jagadeesh Unnam, John Byeseda
  • Patent number: 10648315
    Abstract: A method includes pumping fluid into a drill string extending through a riser into a well. A managed pressure drilling system is operated to maintain a selected fluid pressure in the well between the well and the drill string. A fluid influx into the well or a fluid loss into a formation traversed by the well is detected using measurements of fluid pressure in the well and fluid flow into and out of the well. The method includes automatically abating the fluid influx by closing an annular blowout preventer disposed in the riser or abating the fluid loss by operating the annular blowout preventer and pumping a sacrificial fluid into the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Yawan Couturier, Bastiaan Liezenberg, Glenn Johnson, Vikas Rakhunde, Jesse Hardt
  • Patent number: 10648316
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and article, may operate to model electromagnetic data to provide modeled electromagnetic data by solving a first set of surface integral equations that include earth model parameters corresponding to an earth model of a geological formation. Additional activity may include publishing at least some of the modeled electromagnetic data in human-readable form, and/or controlling drilling operations in the geological formation based on the earth model when error between the modeled electromagnetic data and measured electromagnetic data is less than a selected threshold. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Wilson, Burkay Donderici
  • Patent number: 10648317
    Abstract: A method of detecting a fault in an oil and gas apparatus controlled by a controller is provided. The method includes collecting a test set of data using a sensor proximate to an oil and gas apparatus during the operation of the oil and gas apparatus under test operating conditions, the test set of data being associated with an operating parameter of the controller, determining a percentage of the test set of data that falls outside a normal operation region of the oil and gas apparatus, and configuring the controller in response to the percentage being between a fault-free percentage threshold and a fault percentage threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, Zhijie Sun
  • Patent number: 10648318
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for a feedback based toolface control system for a rotary steerable drilling tool is disclosed. The method includes determining a desired toolface of a drilling tool, calculating a toolface error, calculating a correction to correct the toolface error by: estimating, using a model, an output of each of a plurality of states of the model based on an input to each of the states of the model and determining a desired input to each of the plurality of states, beginning at the toolface, based on a desired output of at least one of the plurality of states connected to a particular state, transmitting the signal to the input component of the drilling tool such that the signal adjusts the current toolface based on the correction, and drilling a wellbore with a drill bit oriented at the desired toolface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Xingyong Song, Jason D. Dykstra, Venkata Madhukanth Vadali, Yuzhen Xue, Xiaoqing Ge
  • Patent number: 10648319
    Abstract: A rotary steerable bottom hole assembly includes a drill bit disposed at a distal end thereof, and azimuthal resistivity antennas and electronics configured to measure a distance to a formation boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Well Resolutions Technology
    Inventor: Borislav J. Tchakarov
  • Patent number: 10648320
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for operating a process for extracting a fluid in a borehole are optimized. In the case of deep wells, the location of an interface depth in the borehole is detected. A pressure measurement of the pressure at the head of the borehole is made. The pressure in the liquid in the borehole below the interface depth is determined from the measured pressure at the head of the borehole and the detected location of the interface depth. The determination of this pressure is used for regulating the performance of an extracting device for the liquid that is to be extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: RAG Rohol-Aufsuchungs AG
    Inventor: Christian Burgstaller
  • Patent number: 10648321
    Abstract: A drilling rig apparatus is disclosed for improving autodriller control during directional drilling. A BHA determines a relationship between downhole WOB and downhole differential pressure and sends the relationship to a surface controller. The relationships may be sent on a set periodic basis or dynamically in response to the relationships over time differing from each other above a threshold amount. The surface controller estimates downhole WOB by inputting surface differential pressure into a formula implementing the relationship from downhole. The estimated downhole WOB is input into the autodriller for control and is used to estimate MSE. Downhole WOB, either estimated or actual values, may further be used to determine a ratio between downhole WOB and surface-determined WOB values. If the ratio falls below zero in comparison to a prior ratio, then a slack-off rate is adjusted until the ratio reaches zero or a positive value again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: NABORS DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES USA, INC.
    Inventors: Mahmoud Hadi, Matthew White, Bosko Gajic, Austin Groover, Pradeep Annaiyappa
  • Patent number: 10648322
    Abstract: A system and method for determining drilling parameters based on hydraulic pressure associated with a directional drilling system are disclosed. A drilling parameter associated with a directional drilling system may be determined by measuring hydraulic pressure associated with the directional drilling system during drilling of a wellbore, detecting a change in the hydraulic pressure, and determining a drilling parameter based on the detected change in hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neelesh V. Deolalikar, Daniel Martin Winslow
  • Patent number: 10648323
    Abstract: A device is provided for positively locating within a profile, wherein the device includes one or more radially resilient locator mechanisms; one or more slips; one or more packing elements; and a stopping mechanism; wherein the one or more locator mechanisms are radially expandable to locate within the profile and wherein the stopping mechanism prevents engagement of the one or more slips and the one or more packing elements unit the one or more locator mechanisms are located in the profile. A method is also provided for applying downhole isolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: The WellBoss Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hughes, James W. Schmidt, Donald Joseph Radmanovich
  • Patent number: 10648324
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drilling auxiliary system, which establishes one or more links among multiple wells or among different branches of the same well. When the present invention is applied to the EM data transmission, it can significantly reduce unwanted electric energy consumption in the formation, thus effectively improve data transmission efficiency. When the present invention is applied to the casing detection, it can achieve a large detection range and greatly simplify the complexity of the operation, thereby saving costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Weishan Han