With Eduction Pump Or Plunger Patents (Class 166/105)
  • Patent number: 10197060
    Abstract: Gas lock resolution during operation of an electric submersible pump is provided. An example method, module, or computing hardware with software product, detects a gas lock during current operation of an electric submersible pump (ESP) and intervenes to relieve the gas lock without stopping the ESP. After sensing a gas lock condition, an example module calculates a pump speed for attempting gas lock resolution. The example module may decrease the speed of the ESP to flush the gas lock, and then reaccelerate the ESP to check that the gas lock has been eliminated. The example module may apply one or more stored motor speed patterns that iteratively seek a pump speed that succeeds in clearing the gas lock, without stopping the ESP. The example module has built-in protections to protect the ESP from thermal overload and other damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael A. Dowling
  • Patent number: 10174599
    Abstract: A method of pumping an oilfield fluid from a well surface to a wellbore is provided that includes providing a clean stream; operating one or more clean pumps to pump the clean stream from the well surface to the wellbore; providing a dirty stream including a solid material disposed in a fluid carrier; and operating one or more dirty pumps to pump the dirty stream from the well surface to the wellbore, wherein the clean stream and the dirty stream together form said oilfield fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rod Shampine, Paul Dwyer, Ronnie Stover, Mike Lloyd, Jean-Louis Pessin, Edward Kent Leugemors, Larry D. Welch, Joe Hubenschmidt, Philippe Gambier, William Troy Huey, Thomas Allan
  • Patent number: 10087741
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for predicting pump performance in a downhole tool are provided. A pump performance predictor may receive inputs and generate outputs that predict the performance of a pump of a pumpout module of a downhole tool. The pump performance predictor may calculate and output a set of first predictions that include, for example, the minimum alternator voltage of a power module used to power the electronics of the pumpout module, the maximum pump flowrate, the pumpout performance, and the achievable formation mobility. The pump performance predictor may also calculate and output a set of second predictions that may include, for example, a pump volume efficiency, a pressure profile in a flowline, the number of strokes to fill a sampling bottle, and the time to fill the sampling bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lei Chen, Kent David Harms, Kai Hsu
  • Patent number: 10090126
    Abstract: A switchgear includes a stationary contact, a movable contact able to be shifted between a closed position and an opened position, an electromagnetic actuator able to generate power for shifting the movable contact, the electromagnetic actuator including a stator and a movable element, and a power transmission unit able to shift the movable contact, and to press the movable contact against the stationary contact. The power transmission unit includes a drive unit-side spring bearing portion able to be shifted together with the movable element, a contact-side spring bearing portion to be opposed to the drive unit-side spring bearing portion, and able to be shifted together with the movable contact, and a spring member provided between the drive unit-side spring bearing portion and the contact-side spring bearing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Kakio, Munetaka Kashiwa, Shintaro Yamada, Toshihiro Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 10087688
    Abstract: A shock absorbing device for a subterranean tool features a plurality of sequentially shearing shear pins that shear after incremental relative motion of the affected components. The travel stop is located internally to a series of spaced collets supported off a ring. Impact of an impact ring segments on the travel stop segments located internally to each collet provides a shock absorbing capability as the collets are placed in tension and deflect by radial flexing in opposed directions. The relatively moving parts are rotationally locked with the last of the shear pins to shear. A backup pair of contacting shoulders are provided if the primary engaging shoulders fail to support the lower end of the tool after impact. A snap ring maintains the parts in the shifted position after impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Sibu Varghese, Ganesh K. Nanaware, Andy Tom
  • Patent number: 10053936
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for limiting the expansion and contraction of a production tubular within a pumpjack oil well includes an anchor having a hydraulic dampening chamber and an expansion joint. A piston is attached to the tubular and position within the hydraulic dampening chamber so that axial expansion and contraction of the tubular caused by thermal and loading forces is resisted by the constrained movement of the piston within the hydraulic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Tejas Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Herod, Robert Henschel, Thomas G. Hill, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10036389
    Abstract: An electrical submersible well pump assembly includes a rotary pump and a motor. An inner rotor is coupled to the motor shaft. The inner rotor has steel discs stacked together with end caps at each end. The discs have apertures that align to define axially extending slots. Each of the slots has a closed outer wall spaced radially inward from an outer diameter surface of the inner rotor. Inner rotor magnets are located within the slots. Continuous open and thin gaps between rotating components act as hydrodynamic bearings. Damper bars extend axially at points between the outer walls of the slots and the outer diameter surface of the inner rotor. An outer rotor has a bore that receives the inner rotor, the outer rotor being operatively coupled to the pump shaft for rotation therewith. Outer rotor magnets are mounted to the bore of outer rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE Company, LLC
    Inventors: Yong Li, Scott C. Strattan
  • Patent number: 10008912
    Abstract: A magnetic drive device may comprise a stator comprising a plurality of windings for generating a first number of magnetic pole pairs and a rotor comprising a plurality of permanent magnets for generating a second number of magnetic pole pairs that differs from the first number of magnetic pole pairs. The magnetic drive device may further comprise a plurality of free-spinning interpole elements disposed within an air gap between the stator and the rotor. The interpole elements may produce a magnetomotive force and harmonically couple the magnetic pole pairs of the stator with the magnet pole pairs of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Kent R. Davey, David Cardellini, Cliff A. Swiontek
  • Patent number: 10005950
    Abstract: Geothermal wells frequently form deposits of geothermal scale that can detrimentally affect subterranean operations. These deposits can be very difficult to remove from a surface. Conventional procedures for addressing geothermal scale often provide inadequate scale removal, in addition to creating a number of other issues. Methods for removing geothermal scale from a wellbore can comprise: introducing a descaling agent comprising an N-(phosphonoalkyl)iminodiacetic acid or any salt thereof into a wellbore of a geothermal well having geothermal scale present therein; contacting the geothermal scale with the descaling agent; and removing at least a portion of the geothermal scale from the geothermal well using the descaling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Alyssa Lynn Smith, Enrique Antonio Reyes, Aaron Michael Beuterbaugh
  • Patent number: 9995090
    Abstract: A completion method involves a telescoping joint in the completion string that needs to be locked when pumping fluid through it as part of the completion method. The joint is locked with two locks and one is thermally activated using a shape memory locking member to handle the stresses from component contraction. The setting of the thermally actuated lock occurs when the temperature is lowered during pumping. At other times the temperature of well fluid defeats the thermal lock leaving a non-thermal lock actuated until such time that the telescoping joint can be used in production. The non-thermal lock is defeated so allow normal telescoping action during production. The non-thermal lock is defeated with string manipulation or pressure or other ways depending on its design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventor: Jason A. Allen
  • Patent number: 9961977
    Abstract: A leisure apparatus comprises a body having a volume that is able to contain articles for storage therein and for removal therefrom, or that defines an internal space that is able to seal therein a gas, liquid or solid. An output device is arranged externally at the body. A receiver is located behind a wall of the body to be separated from articles stored in and removed from the body, or is located and sealed within the internal space of the body. The receiver is adapted for receiving an electronic signal transmitted wirelessly from a proximate device and for communicating that signal to the output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Yetimo International Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Antony J. Magnus
  • Patent number: 9957784
    Abstract: An improved latch structure for a two piece ball and sleeve bypass plunger comprises a single retaining ring installed in a groove formed in the inside diameter of the sleeve portion of the bypass plunger. The cross section profiles of the groove and the associated retaining ring are smaller in the radial direction. The depth of the groove in the sleeve is substantially reduced to provide increased wall thickness and robustness of the sleeve along the diameter of the sleeve, thereby extending the useful life of the bypass plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Flowco Production Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Garrett S. Boyd, Mitchell A. Boyd
  • Patent number: 9951598
    Abstract: A method of homogenizing a production fluid from an oil well having one or more wellbores includes separating gas from the production fluid in a vertical or horizontal section of a well casing at a first location spaced from a heel portion of a wellbore, and injecting the separated gas into the production fluid at a second location spaced from the heel portion of the wellbore and provided downstream of the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Brian A. Roth, Rafael Lastra
  • Patent number: 9935518
    Abstract: A submersible well pump assembly has an electrical motor connected with the pump. An electrical receptacle on the motor has a base into which a central bore and first and second threaded holes on opposite sides of the bore extend, the threaded holes having nominal major diameters that are the same. A motor lead extends to the motor and has an electrical connector that mates with the receptacle. The electrical connector has a flange containing first and second bolt holes, the second bolt hole having a diameter nearly the same as the diameter of the second threaded hole. The first bolt hole has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second bolt hole and also larger than the diameter of the first threaded hole. Bolts extend through the bolt holes into threaded engagement with the threaded holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE Company, LLC
    Inventor: Spencer L. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 9915256
    Abstract: A well pump has a standing valve seat with a standing valve mounted in a lower end of a barrel. A plunger is carried within the barrel for axial stoking movement. A travelling seat with a travelling valve are mounted in a lower end of the plunger. The travelling valve has a head that lands on the travelling valve seat while the travelling valve is in a closed position. The travelling valve has a stem extending downward from the head through a hole in the travelling seat. The stem is a permanent magnet. Another permanent magnet is carried by the barrel below the travelling magnet. The polarities of the magnets are configured to interact and cause the travelling valve to lift relative to the travelling seat to an open position as the plunger nears a bottom of a stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Bebak, Carroll Scott DeArman, Shawn N. Gunter
  • Patent number: 9890780
    Abstract: The Invention provided is a hydraulic powered downhole reciprocating pump traveling valve component to provided lifting hydraulics on the down stroke using the derived motion and pressure of petroleum liquids and gasses, such as oil, water and natural gas. Designed to utilize the elements within the pumping apparatus to obtain the hydraulic power within and transfer the energy's force to the exposed bottom end of the pressure locked traveling ball valve adjacent within the ball valve containment cage, providing ultimate lifting power to open the ball valve on the initiation of the down stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Tru Lift Supply Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Kowalchuk
  • Patent number: 9880569
    Abstract: A predicted outflow rate (Qo) at which gas is discharged from a process chamber 2 via a vacuum pump 3 is computed, and an input flow rate (Qi) is calculated in order to reach a preset target pressure (Psp). The input flow rate (Qi) is calculated, on the basis of the expression Qi=Qo+(?P/?t)V, from a known volume (V) of the process chamber 2 and a pressure change rate (?P/?t) obtained from the current pressure (P1) within the process chamber 2 to reach the target pressure (Psp). A current predicted outflow rate (Qo) is estimated on the basis of the expression Qo(n)=P2*f1(P2), from the current pressure (P2) within the vacuum pump 3 and a known characteristic pumping rate (Sp=f1(P2)) of the vacuum pump 3 under preset pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: PROGRESSIO LLC
    Inventors: Emmanuel Vyers, Mie Kimura
  • Patent number: 9869165
    Abstract: A plunger for extraction of hydrocarbon fluids from a gas well system wherein the plunger is arranged to move upwardly and downwardly in an arrangement of inner tubing within the gas well system. The plunger comprises an elongated housing sleeve having a longitudinally directed bore, an elongated central chamber within the longitudinally directed bore, the central chamber having a plug nestable seat at each end thereof; and a plug displacably arranged within the central chamber so as to seal the bore during travel of the plug in a first direction in the inner tubing, and to permit flow of fluid through the plunger as the plunger travels in a second direction in the inner tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Well Master Corp
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hightower, David A. Green, Neil W. Longfellow, Robert E. Bender
  • Patent number: 9863223
    Abstract: The present application includes and assembly having a dual dart assembly operable between an upper cage and a lower cage. The dual dart assembly is configured to connect an upper dart and a lower dart via a connecting rod. Therefore movement of one dart causes equal movement in the other dart. Movement of the dart is dampened upon impact at the top and bottom of the well by restriction of the working fluid as the dart assembly seats and unseats. A series of expandable seals are independently operated around the outer body and configured to expand and contact the outer wall in response to pressure increases within the outer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: James T. Farrow
  • Patent number: 9863414
    Abstract: A pump system for producing fluids from a reservoir using a well bore having a vertical section with a easing defining an annulus, a transitional section and a horizontal section, and a production tubing having a vertical section and a horizontal section, wherein the system includes a completion with an isolation device in the annulus near the bottom of the vertical section, a gas/liquid separator for receiving produced fluids from the horizontal section, and a vertical lift pump; a continuous flow path from the terminus of the production tubing to the vertical section; a plurality of horizontal pumps in the horizontal section, each having an intake exposed to the reservoir and an outlet in the continuous flow path. The horizontal length of the production tubing is closed to the reservoir except through the horizontal pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: RAISE PRODUCTION INC.
    Inventors: Eric Laing, Geoff Steele, Dan Fletcher, Herve Ohmer
  • Patent number: 9850744
    Abstract: A method for extracting coalbed gas. A wellhead device delivers power fluid into a downhole power fluid pipe in a well shaft, and conveys the fluid to a pump in a pump cylinder connected with the downhole power fluid pipe. The pump sucks in formation fluid via a suction inlet, mixes the fluid with the power fluid to produce a mixed fluid, and conveys the mixed fluid to ground surface. The mixed fluid containing coal dust travels at a flow rate greater than a sedimentation rate of the coal dust, passes though the wellhead device, and flows to the ground surface, thereby preventing a sedimentation of the coal dust. The suction inlet of the pump reaches a lower boundary of a coalbed so as to prevent coal dust from burying the coalbed, and the coalbed gas automatically shoots through an annular space of a well shaft casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SHENGLI LONGDI PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY & EQUPIMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuhua Zhang, Hongxing Wang, Kechu Han, Hongrong Wang, Qiangkun Zhang
  • Patent number: 9835019
    Abstract: A system for producing formation fluids including an apparatus for effecting production, from a subterranean formation, of a produced formation fluid including a liquid component and a gas component. The system also includes an apparatus configured for energizing produced formation fluid using a Venturi effect to produce an energized formation fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Heal Systems LP
    Inventors: Jeff Saponja, Colin Flanagan, Rob Hari
  • Patent number: 9816533
    Abstract: A jet pump, a jet pump data tool system, and method of use thereof. The jet pump includes a body having an intake, a first aperture, and a second aperture between the first aperture and the intake. A carrier is seated in the body and receivable in the first aperture. The carrier includes a venturi for drawing wellbore fluid from the intake into the venturi. A housing for a data tool extends from the carrier. The housing is in fluid communication with the intake for allowing wellbore fluid to be exposed to the data tool. The carrier is seatable in the body by flowing power fluid and the carrier into the first aperture. The carrier is retrievable from the body by flowing power fluid into the second aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Kelvin Falk
  • Patent number: 9803480
    Abstract: A liquid ring turbine has a casing defining an interior chamber with a symmetry axis. A shaft, having an axis substantially parallel to the symmetry axis, is eccentrically positioned to the symmetry axis. An impeller is coupled to the shaft and is configured to rotate in a first direction. The impeller includes a plurality of vanes extending away from the shaft in a second direction at least partially opposite the first direction. The impeller rotates within a liquid ring enclosed in the casing such that a plurality of expansion chambers are defined. Each expansion chamber is defined between adjacent vanes and the liquid ring. A gas inlet port is in fluid communication with a first expansion chamber defining a first volume. A gas outlet port is in fluid communication with a second expansion chamber. The second expansion chamber defines a second volume that is greater than the first volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Florian Hoefler, Massimiliano Cirri, Sean Craig Jenkins
  • Patent number: 9719303
    Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore includes providing a drilling assembly comprising one or more lengths of casing and an axially retracting assembly having a first tubular; a second tubular at least partially disposed in the first tubular and axially fixed thereto; and a support member disposed in the second tubular and movable from a first axial position to a second axial position relative to the second tubular, wherein, in the first axial position, the support member maintains the second tubular axially fixed to the first tubular, and in the second axial position, allows the second tubular to move relative to the first tubular; and an earth removal member disposed below the axially retracting assembly. The method also includes rotating the earth removal member to form the wellbore; moving the support member to the second axial position; and reducing a length of the axially retracting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Jose A. Trevino, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le, Wei Jake Xu, Guy F. Feasey
  • Patent number: 9689383
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling a reciprocating electric submersible pump with an AC linear motor. The system includes a programmable logic controller for controlling an inverter to provide pulse-width modulated AC power to the linear motor. Under operating conditions, a constant voltage is applied to the linear motor whose operating frequency can be controlled by the pulse-width modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Rotating Right Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lesanko, Lorne Tilby
  • Patent number: 9670757
    Abstract: A downhole pump flushing system has a pump body defining an interior cavity, an inlet end, an outlet end and at least one flushing inlet. A lifting member is positioned within the interior cavity of the pump body for facilitating lifting of wellbore fluid. An injection mandrel in circumferentially engaging relation to an exterior surface of the pump body is provided such that it encompasses the at least one flushing inlet. The injection mandrel has an injection port fluidly connected to a fluid outlet port. The fluid outlet port is in fluid communication with the at least one flushing inlet of the pump body. An injection line is connected to the injection port of the injection mandrel and to a fluid supply. An annular channel is provided between the pump body and the injection mandrel adjacent to the at least one flushing inlet such that fluid is guided into the at least one flushing inlet from the fluid outlet port of the injection mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Warren Wessel
  • Patent number: 9651124
    Abstract: An oil pumping unit with pinion reciprocating on rack has a base, a housing, crown block, a steel wire rope, a motor, a reducer, a pinion, and a rack. Rack seats are fixed on the inner sides of the front portion of the housing and the rack is secured on the rack seats. The two inner sides of the housing are guiding rails for the reciprocating frame. At each of the four corners of the reciprocating frame, a horizontal guiding wheel and a longitudinal guiding wheel are mounted, connecting to a pendulous frame via a hinge. The rear interior portion of the housing has a power cable box mounted, in the middle of which is an opening. Shelves are mounted on the upper portion of the housing. The steel wire rope (5) passes through the shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Xinyi Gu
  • Patent number: 9637996
    Abstract: A seal includes an elastomeric material and a plurality of nanosprings filling the elastomeric material to form a filled elastomeric composite that provides the seal. A spring constant of the nanosprings is within a selected range of an effective spring constant of the elastomeric material such that a durometer of the filled elastomeric composite at an elevated temperature is greater than the durometer of the elastomeric material alone at the elevated temperature. The seal may be used to seal a first component to a second component where both components are configured to perform a task below the surface of the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Patent number: 9587636
    Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring the operational state of a pump including acquiring a set characteristic diagram of the pump, the characteristic diagram of the pump being defined by a functional relationship between a first pump operating parameter characteristic of the operational state of the pump and a second pump operating parameter characteristic of the operational state of the pump. Subsequently, an actual characteristic diagram of the pump is acquired when the pump is installed in a higher-level system, in particular an aircraft system, and is running. Finally, the actual characteristic diagram of the pump is compared with the set characteristic diagram of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Kevin Poole, Frank Thielecke
  • Patent number: 9494022
    Abstract: A submersible pump assembly has a tubular intake housing containing intake housing ports. A gas restrictor is carried around the intake housing. The gas restrictor is an eccentric sleeve with a semi-cylindrical portion with a centerline coincident with the axis of the pump and extending around an upper portion of the intake housing. A counterweight portion connected with the semi-cylindrical portion has an outboard area farther from the centerline than the semi-cylindrical portion. A weight bar may be mounted to the counterweight portion. The gas restrictor is free to self orient relative to the intake housing due to gravity while the pump assembly is in the horizontal section of the well, with the semi-cylindrical portion overlying and blocking at least some of the intake housing ports on an upper portion of the intake housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bryan C. Coates, Curtis J. Goulet
  • Patent number: 9482062
    Abstract: A wellbore tool centralizer includes a housing that includes a bore to receive a wellbore tubular; an expandable element radially mounted to the housing; and a fluid pathway that extends through the housing to fluidly connect the bore and the expandable element and expose the expandable element to a fluid pressure sufficient to radially expand the expandable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Shaohua Zhou
  • Patent number: 9447654
    Abstract: A downhole circulating valve includes a generally tubular outer housing having a generally axially extending internal passageway. At least one generally longitudinally extending circulating passageway is formed through at least a portion of the housing. At least one exterior port and at least one interior port are in fluid communication with the circulating passageway. At least one seal plug is disposed within the circulating passageway. The seal plug has a first position relative to the housing wherein the seal plug is remote from the exterior port and the interior port, thereby allowing fluid flow between the exterior port and the interior port through the circulating passageway. The seal plug has a second position relative to the housing wherein the seal plug is between the exterior port and the interior port and wherein the seal plug forms at least one metal-to-metal seal with the circulating passageway, thereby preventing fluid flow between the exterior port and the interior port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James Dan Vick, Jr., Jimmie Robert Williamson, Robert Lester Thurman, Russell Irving Bayh, III
  • Patent number: 9441468
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a hydraulic jet pump housing system for selective positioning of a slidable, ported inner sleeve using wireline shifting tools in a downhole condition which allows flow between the annulus and tubing string through the ported outer sleeve housing and ported inner sleeve when in the open position. When the ported inner sleeve is in the closed position, the annulus and tubing string are isolated from each other. The open position permits normal functioning of a hydraulic jet pump when seated in a standing valve in the same manner as a conventional hydraulic jet pump cavity assembly. The hydraulic jet pump can be extracted and inner sleeve shifted closed without using a blanking tool so that annular fluids are prevented from flowing into the production formation through the tubing string when the standing valve is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Barry E Pryor
  • Patent number: 9394899
    Abstract: A method for fault detection includes selecting a measured parameter from a subsurface electrical device and obtaining a plurality of samples for the measured parameter. The method also includes removing at least one invalid sample from the plurality of samples to generate a remaining number of samples. The method further includes computing a diagnostic parameter based on the remaining number of samples, if the remaining number of samples is greater than a predefined threshold number and terminating the method otherwise. The method also includes obtaining a rule from a plurality of rules stored in a database, based on the diagnostic parameter. The rule is indicative of a standard operating condition of the subsurface electrical device. The method further includes evaluating whether the determined diagnostic parameter satisfies the obtained rule, to generate an output and determining a measured operating condition of the subsurface electrical device based on the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dustin Ross Garvey, Scott Charles Evans, Bing Hu
  • Patent number: 9353617
    Abstract: There is provided a method and system to determine the position of a sucker rod pumping system without a position sensing device during production pumping. A pump control system of the sucker rod pumping system includes a controller coupled to a database, with the controller configured to access an rxless torque value in the database. With the stored rxless torque value representative of toggle points of the crank arm during an initial calibration pumping cycle, the controller further is configured to continuously sample the rxless torque value of the system and determine the crank arm position in relation to the sample rxless torque value. The controller adjusts the pumping system for optimal operations, without a crank arm position sensor during production pumping by identifying a toggle point and setting the crank arm position estimate equal to the value corresponding to the crank position at the identified toggle point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Unico, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9145885
    Abstract: A reciprocating pump, actuated by an expandable material, can be used to pump well fluids from a wellbore toward the surface of the earth. The expandable material can include piezoelectric, electrostriction, magnetostrictive, or piezomagnetic material. By using the expandable material, the pump can be sufficiently small to fit in various types of tubing within a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Brett W. Bouldin, Jinjiang Xiao
  • Patent number: 9103199
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for pumping a fluid mixture from a wellbore location to a selected location is disclosed. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a container configured to be placed in the wellbore, wherein the container is configured to mix therein a fluid received from a first source and an additive received from a second source, and a pump unit coupled to the container and configured to pump the mixed fluid from the container to the selected location. The method in one embodiment includes: supplying a fluid from a first source to a container placed in a wellbore; supplying an additive from a second source to the container; allowing the fluid and the additive to mix in the container to form a mixed fluid; and pumping the mixed fluid from the container to the selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert W. Lannom, Larry A. Watkins
  • Patent number: 9080401
    Abstract: A downhole tool for moving fluid through the tool comprises a rotatable sleeve disposed within a bore of the tool. The sleeve includes an opened upper end and a closed lower end to define a cavity. A fluid movement profile is disposed along the lower end. A directional port is disposed in the side of the sleeve in fluid communication with the cavity and an upper port disposed in the tool. The upper port can be isolated from a lower port in the tool, the lower port being in fluid communication with the fluid movement profile. A first fluid flowing downward enters the cavity, exits the directional port causing rotation of the sleeve, and flows out the tool through the upper port. Sleeve rotation causes a second fluid to be drawn upward into contact with the fluid movement profile which directs the second fluid out of the lower port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Ying Qing Xu
  • Publication number: 20150136414
    Abstract: A distributed artificial lift system is configured for use in a wellbore that includes a vertical section and at least one lateral section connected to the vertical section. The distributed artificial lift system includes a first remote assembly positioned within the first lateral section. The first remote assembly includes an equipment deployment vehicle and cargo selected from the group consisting of electric remote pumping units, tubing, tubing connectors, tubing adaptors, sensor packages, gas separators, perforating tools, injection pumps and other downhole components. The first remote assembly is optionally self-propelled and remotely-controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: GE Oil & Gas ESP, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Franklin Hughes, Jeremy Daniel Van Dam, Vaibhav Bahadur, Aboel Hassan Muhammed
  • Publication number: 20150136384
    Abstract: A tubing pump includes a seal housing insertable into a production string of tubing with a seal assembly mounted in an interior of the seal housing. The assembly includes at least an upper seal and seal holder and a lower seal and seal holder, each seal energizable by fluid to provide a fluid-tight seal around a reciprocating tubular member. The seals and holders are isolated from each other in a manner whereby the lower seal remains un-energized until the seal above it fails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: John Edward STACHOWIAK, JR.
  • Patent number: 9033685
    Abstract: The well pump flow sleeve assembly provides a method of quickly fitting a flow sleeve to a well pump. The sleeve is made by cutting a pipe normal to the pipe centerline of the pipe surfaces, to a length appropriate for the well pump length. A pump centering bottom cap is inserted into the pipe lower opening and the well pump assembly is then inserted into the pipe upper opening and mates with the bottom cap to align the pump in the sleeve. The pump is now completely within the sleeve with the pump discharge and electrical connection extending through the pipe upper opening. Two flow sleeve cap halves are then fitted around the pump discharge and electrical connection/safety rope to form an upper cap which is inserted into the pipe upper opening. The submersible pump is then ready for service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Rex N. Await
  • Publication number: 20150129221
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of extracting heat from a downhole device is disclosed, which method, in one non-limiting embodiment, may include: providing a heat exchange fluid that includes a base fluid and core-shell nanoparticles therein; circulating the heat exchange fluid in the downhole device proximate to a heat-generating element of the downhole to cause the core of the core-shell nanoparticles to melt to extract heat from the downhole device and then enabling the heat exchange fluid to cool down to cause the core of the core shell nanoparticles to solidify for recirculation of the heat exchange fluid proximate to the heat-generating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Oleg A. Mazyar, Bennett M. Richard
  • Publication number: 20150129206
    Abstract: Systems, program product, and methods for monitoring linearity of a down-hole pumping system assembly during deployment within a bore of a casing of a well positioned to extract hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir and selecting an optimal operational position for the down-hole pumping system assembly within the bore of the casing, are provided. Various embodiments of the systems allow an operator to ensure that a motor and pump of a down-hole pumping system assembly are installed in an optimal position in a well by ensuring alignment across the pump stages casing and motor casing. The system includes a groove extending along an outer surface of a housing of the pumping system assembly, and an optical sensing fiber mounted in the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Robert M. Harman, Brooks A. Childers, Philippe J. Legrand, Malcolm S. Laing, Roger G. Duncan, Suresha R. O'Bryan, Ketankumar K. Sheth, Earl B. Brookbank
  • Publication number: 20150122478
    Abstract: A downhole modular tool includes a first module, a second module, a third module, and one or more connectors for connecting the first, second, and third modules. Each module includes a drill collar, a drilling fluid passageway, a first fluid passageway, and a second fluid passageway. The one or more connectors connect any one of the first, second, and third modules, to another of the first, second, and third modules to transfer the drilling fluid, the first fluid, and the second fluid between the connected modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Ashers Partouche, Steven G. Villareal, Julian J. Pop, Albert Hoefel, Kent D. Harms
  • Patent number: 9016383
    Abstract: A method of pumping an oilfield fluid from a well surface to a wellbore is provided that includes providing a clean stream; operating one or more clean pumps to pump the clean stream from the well surface to the wellbore; providing a dirty stream including a solid material disposed in a fluid carrier; and operating one or more dirty pumps to pump the dirty stream from the well surface to the wellbore, wherein the clean stream and the dirty stream together form said oilfield fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rod Shampine, Paul Dwyer, Ronnie Stover, Mike Lloyd, Jean-Louis Pessin, Edward Kent Leugemors, Larry D. Welch, Joe Hubenschmidt, Philippe Gambier, William Troy Huey, Thomas Allan
  • Publication number: 20150107835
    Abstract: Well treatment with shapeshifting particles. Methods, treatment fluids and systems utilizing shapeshifting particles are disclosed. One method relates to the injection of the shapeshifting particles into a fracture, and changing a conformation of the shapeshifting particles to improve conductivity. A treatment fluid comprises the shapeshifting particles dispersed in a carrier fluid, and a system comprises a unit to supply the treatment fluid, a pump system to inject the treatment fluid into the fracture and a triggering system to change the conformation of the shapeshifting particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Mohan Panga, Dan Fu
  • Publication number: 20150107820
    Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for removing fluids from a subterranean well. An example embodiment includes a system having a well casing surrounding at least one inner tubing string, where the inner tubing string has a distal section and a proximal section, a first fluid removal means within the distal section of the inner tubing string, and a second fluid removal means within the proximal section of the inner tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Peter A. Quigley, Michael Feechan
  • Patent number: 9011110
    Abstract: A downhole pumping assembly has a tubing string with plural barrels which are arranged in-line with the tubing. The tubing string has a seating location adjacent to each barrel. A standing valve arrangement, which includes a standing valve and a seating device, is located with the standing valve adjacent to the lower end of one of the barrels. A plunger has a traveling valve that is located for reciprocation within the one barrel. The plunger has a clearance with each of the barrels so as to form a fluid seal. The plunger reciprocates inside the barrel so as to lift fluid to the surface. Over time, the barrel will exhibit wear. Instead of pulling the entire tubing string to replace the barrel, the standing valve and the plunger are relocated to one of the other barrels located in the tubing string and reciprocation is resumed to resume pumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Harbison-Fischer, Inc.
    Inventor: Benny J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20150101793
    Abstract: This invention is a type of pump drive unit for extracting water, petroleum or other fluids by alternating between top-down and bottom-up operation using a pumping string that enables fluids to be extracted from thousands of meters down. This unit can be used in any well that uses a mechanical pump without any modification to the existing installation, and it achieves a reduction in operating and extraction equipment costs on the order of 20%. The drive unit has a piston (2) that is able to slide inside the vertical hydraulic cylinder (4) upon adding a drive fluid, where the piston rod (2) is the polished rod of the sucker rod string (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Rodolfo Lopez Fidalgo, Luis Alfonso Pabon Pernia