Combined (e.g., With Non-electrical Indicating) Patents (Class 166/113)
  • Publication number: 20130213646
    Abstract: A bottomhole assembly deployable into a wellbore on coiled tubing and which has at least a casing collar locator, a fluid-delivery apparatus for delivery treatment fluid and a sealing element, typically a packer positioned therebetween, permits delivery of treatment fluid to a plurality of ports formed in casing through either the annulus between the BHA and the casing, through the coiled tubing or through both. Variable volumes of treatment fluid can be delivered as a result of the different volumes of the coiled tubing and the annulus or the combined volume of both. Sleeves used to cover the fracturing ports in the casing to permit selective opening and fracturing therethrough are made shorter than prior art sleeves as a result of the particular arrangement of the BHA and engagement of collars in the casing with the casing collar locator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: KOBOLD SERVICES INC.
    Inventor: KOBOLD SERVICES INC.
  • Publication number: 20130213673
    Abstract: A well tool with a housing has an actuator sleeve in the housing. The actuator sleeve has an internal shifting tool engaging profile. An actuator is in the housing. The actuator is responsive to a remote signal to move the actuator sleeve from a first position to a second position. A dog is in the housing, supported to couple the actuator sleeve to the actuator when the actuator sleeve is in the first position and unsupported to allow the actuator sleeve to uncouple from the actuator when the actuator sleeve is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130213645
    Abstract: A downhole formation testing and sampling apparatus. The apparatus includes an expandable packer having a radially contracted running configuration and a radially expanded deployed configuration. At least one elongated sealing pad is operably associated with the expandable packer such that operating the expandable packer from the running configuration to the deployed configuration establishes a hydraulic connection between the at least one elongated sealing pad and the formation. The at least one elongated sealing pad has at least one opening establishing fluid communication between the formation and the interior of the apparatus. In addition, the at least one elongated sealing pad has an outer surface operable to seal a region along a surface of the formation to establish the hydraulic connection therewith. The at least one elongated sealing pad further has at least one recess operable to establish fluid flow from the formation to the at least one opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130206402
    Abstract: An actuation dart for actuating a target tool in a tubing string, the actuation dart includes: a body conveyable through the tubing string to reach the target tool; a control module configured to respond to contact with at least one downhole tool in the tubing string to locate the target tool; and an actuation mechanism for actuating the target tool when it is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Joe Coon
  • Publication number: 20130206396
    Abstract: A piston tractor system can include at least two piston assemblies which sealingly engage a wellbore, and a pump which transfers fluid between an annulus isolated between the piston assemblies, and another annulus. A method of operating a piston tractor system can include sealingly engaging at least two piston assemblies with a wellbore, grippingly engaging one piston assembly with the wellbore, and then pumping a fluid from an annulus formed between the piston assemblies, while the other piston assembly is secured to a tubular string, thereby biasing the tubular string to displace through the first piston assembly. A method of advancing a tubular string through a wellbore can include sealingly engaging piston assemblies with the wellbore, each of the piston assemblies including a gripping device which selectively grips the wellbore, and one piston assembly including another gripping device which selectively grips the tubular string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130206401
    Abstract: An actuation system and method for a downhole tool. The downhole tool includes a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough and a chamber disposed radially-outward from the bore. A valve is disposed within the bore and adapted to move between a first position which prevents fluid flow from the bore to the chamber through a port and a second position which permits the fluid flow from the bore to the chamber through the port. A motor, disposed within the bore, is adapted to move the valve between the first and second positions. An actuatable component of the downhole tool, e.g., a cutter block of an underreamer downhole tool, is movably coupled to the body and adapted to move from a non-actuated state to an actuated state in response to fluid flow through the port into the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130199795
    Abstract: An exercise tool assembly for operating a downhole tool auxiliary to a primary actuator system of the downhole tool includes a cylinder mandrel configured to be received in the central bore of the downhole tool. A piston mandrel is in and sealed with the cylinder mandrel. The exercise tool assembly is configured to couple to an actuator sleeve of the downhole tool and to couple to the downhole tool at a location apart from the actuator sleeve. The piston mandrel is responsive to a change in pressure in the central bore to translate relative to the cylinder mandrel and translate the coupling with the actuator sleeve relative to the coupling at the location apart from the actuator sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130192897
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in controlling first and second downhole tools includes a first cyclical indexing mechanism associated with a first downhole tool, and a second cyclical indexing mechanism associated with a second downhole tool, wherein the first indexing mechanism defines at least three sequential indexing positions within a cycle and the second indexing mechanism defines at least two sequential indexing positions within a cycle. The apparatus includes at least one actuator for actuating the first and second indexing mechanisms in response to a common stimulus to cause said first and second indexing mechanisms to advance between respective indexing positions so as to permit co-ordination of the operational states of the associated first and second downhole tools. The apparatus may be used for controlling first and second under reamers or for controlling an under reamer and a corresponding stabilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: NOV DOWNHOLE EURASIA LIMITED
    Inventor: NOV Downhole Eurasia Limited
  • Publication number: 20130192821
    Abstract: An electric machine assembly and a method of installing an electric machine assembly, the electric machine including a downhole electric machine; and a fiber operatively arranged at least partially through a housing of the electric machine for sensing at least one parameter of the electric machine assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Carl W. Stoesz
  • Publication number: 20130186626
    Abstract: A method of variably restricting flow in a subterranean well can include resisting flow through a flow path, and then selectively opening a pressure barrier which previously prevented flow through another flow path. The flow paths are configured for parallel flow. A flow restrictor system for use with a subterranean well can include at least two flow paths configured for parallel flow, a flow restrictor which resists flow through one flow path, and a pressure barrier which prevents flow through another flow path. The pressure barrier is selectively openable to permit flow through the second flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130180726
    Abstract: A well comprising a borehole and wellhead apparatus, and a communication box at or proximate to the wellhead apparatus, the well comprising a plurality of sensors coupled to wireless transmitters which are adapted to transmit information from the sensors to the communication box; the sensors comprising at least one pressure sensor;and the well comprising a first memory device spaced apart from the communication box, the first memory device configured to store information from the sensors, wherein the communication box comprises a receiver adapted to receive signals from the transmitters, and at least one of a transmission device and a second memory device to transmit and/or store data received from the transmitters. The communication box is typically highly shock resistant (above 50 Gs for at least 5 ms, all axes) and so provides, together with other optional features, a system to monitor a well, especially before, during or after an emergency situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Metrol Technology Limited
    Inventors: Shaun Compton Ross, Leslie David Jarvis
  • Publication number: 20130180709
    Abstract: An open-hole assembly for an open-hole section of a wellbore having a plurality of production intervals includes an outer tubing string having an upper end adapted for connection with a lower end of a cased section of the wellbore, a plurality of isolation packers that provide zonal isolation between the open-hole wellbore and the outer tubing string, one or more screen assemblies positioned adjacent one or more of the plurality of production intervals, and a plurality of detectable references located along a length of the outer tubing string for registration of the completion assembly within the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130175094
    Abstract: A safety mechanism comprising: an obstructing member moveable between a first position where fluid flow is permitted, and a second position where fluid flow is restricted preferably blocked; a movement mechanism; and a wireless receiver, often an acoustic transceiver, adapted to receive a wireless signal; wherein the movement mechanism is operable to move the obstructing member from one of the first and second positions to the other of the first and second positions in response to a change in the signal being received by the wireless receiver. Embodiments of the invention thus provide a safety mechanism for a well such as a valve, packer, plug or sleeve, which can be operated wirelessly and so may allow operation of safety mechanisms in a well even when emergency situations have occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Metrol Technology Limited
    Inventors: Shaun Compton Ross, Leslie David Jarvis
  • Patent number: 8474530
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the orientation of a structure which includes an orienting sub releasably connected at an outer case. The orienting sub is at a preselected orientation relative to the structure. A change in fluid pressure of a predetermined magnitude of flow rate through the orienting sub will indicate that the structure is at a desired orientation in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, David Szarka, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8453728
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for depth referencing tubular strings in a wellbore. The apparatus (100) includes a depth reference coupling (102) having a profile (112) that is positioned in a first tubular string. The first tubular string has a predetermined length between the depth reference coupling (102) and a predetermined reference point. The apparatus (100) also includes an indicator assembly (118) having a mating profile (128) operable to engage the profile (112) of the depth reference coupling (102) that is positioned in a second tubular string. In operation, the second tubular string is run in the first tubular string until the mating profile (128) of the indicator assembly (118) engages the profile (112) of the depth reference coupling (102), thereby enabling reliable depth referencing of the tubular strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Heburn
  • Publication number: 20130133881
    Abstract: A system for attaining and maintaining a pre-determined fluid level in a petroleum-producing well having a pump, such as a progressive-cavity pump, and a pump motor having a variable-frequency drive control using two sensors: a pump pressure sensor located at the pump depth and a casing pressure sensor located at the casinghead of the well. A programmable computer is connected to the first and second pressure sensors and the motor speed control so that the programmable computer controls the operation of the pump motor to attain and maintain a target fluid level in the well over a predetermined time interval for reaching the target fluid level in the well. The programmable computer computes an error signal to control a variable frequency drive motor, where the error signal is computed periodically from the difference between in the actual fluid level in the well and the target fluid level in the well according to a rate reference curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Direct Drivehead, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Boyles, Bob Snyder
  • Publication number: 20130126152
    Abstract: A pressure relief device and a hydraulic fracturing system having a pressure relief device are provided. In one form, the pressure relief device has a valve body with a linearly extending throughbore between the inlet and outlet thereof. A rupture disc is secured in the valve body so that a frangible dome wall portion thereof has a reverse-acting orientation in the valve body bore. The hydraulic fracturing system includes a pump and a delivery line that receives pressurized fracturing fluid from the pump and delivers it to a well. A pressure relief device is installed along the delivery line. A sensor detects fluid flow downstream of the pressure relief device which allows the pump to be shut down when the downstream fluid flow is detected. The pressure relief device can have a body with a domed rupture disc and the sensor therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: David Wayne Banks, Robert Frank Evans, Doyle G. Stockstill
  • Publication number: 20130126154
    Abstract: A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, an internal chamber containing a dielectric fluid, and a flow path which alternates direction, and which provides pressure communication between the internal chamber and the flow passage. A method of controlling operation of a well tool can include actuating an actuator positioned in an internal chamber of the well tool, a dielectric fluid being disposed in the chamber, and the chamber being pressure balanced with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, and varying the actuating, based on measurements made by at least one sensor of the well tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130118746
    Abstract: The present technology provides a system for delivering electrical power and fluid to a heater array system for use in an in situ oil production process. The system comprises multi-component composite cable having multiple conductors for delivering electrical power to a heater array, multiple hoses for transmitting fluid to a heater array, a strength member made of a heat resistant synthetic fiber material, and a cable jacket layer surrounding the conductors, hoses and strength member. The system also comprises multiple single-heater composite cables. The single-heater cables deliver electrical power and fluid from the multi-component composite cable to a heater in the heater array. A splice protector protects the connections between the multi-component composite cable and the multiple single-heater composite cables. Each of the single-heater composite cables is connected to at least one conductor and at least one hose of the multi-component cable within the splice protector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Delp
  • Publication number: 20130118731
    Abstract: A down hole surveying tool (10) is for directional surveying of boreholes. The tool (10) includes a body (11) which accommodates a two-axis gyroscope (13) and a two-axis accelerometer (15). The gyroscope (13) and accelerometer (15) are rigidly fixed with respect to each other to provide a composite sensor device (17). The sensor device (17) is supported in a rotary mount (31) for rotation about an indexing axis (4). The sensor device (17) can be indexed about the indexing axis between two indexing positions which are 180 degrees apart. An indexing mechanism (70) is provided for selectively indexing the sensor device (17) about the indexing axis (4). The indexing mechanism (70) includes a drive portion (71) and a driven portion (72) adapted for selective interaction to impart indexing motion to the sensor device (17). The driven portion (72) is movable into and out of engagement with the drive portion (71) upon rotation of the rotary mount (31) about a pitch axis (1) using a pitch drive mechanism (51).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: IMDEX TECHNOLOGY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Richard John Parfitt
  • Publication number: 20130118761
    Abstract: A pressure controlled safety switch comprises an electrical switch disposed in a cavity of a mandrel. A bellows assembly is operably engaged with the electrical switch. The bellows assembly is in fluid communication with a fluid surrounding the mandrel such that a pressure in the fluid no less than a predetermined pressure causes the bellows to activate the electrical switch, and a pressure in the fluid less than the predetermined pressure causes the bellows to deactivate the electrical switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Wesley N. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20130105148
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for completion of a well. The apparatus includes a tubular configured to be disposed in a wellbore penetrating the earth where an annulus region is defined between an exterior surface of the tubular and a wall of the wellbore. The apparatus further includes a plurality of sensors disposed in the annulus region and configured to sense hydrocarbons during cementing of the tubular to the wall of the wellbore. A receiver is disposed remote from the wellbore and configured to receive measurement data from the plurality of sensors and to provide an indication if hydrocarbons are sensed in the annulus region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert L. Coats, Peter J. Guijt
  • Publication number: 20130105150
    Abstract: A well completion method provides for monitoring of reservoir pressure and saturation levels for two reservoirs from a single monitoring well. The well completion extends vertically through an upper and a lower reservoir. The well is cased, cemented, and perforated across the lower reservoir. A cement free zone is formed by cementing the casing string within the wellbore above an external casing packer above the upper reservoir. The casing string is perforated to allow fluid from the upper reservoir to flow through the cement free zone. A tubing string is landed and set within the casing string. The tubing string is sealed above and below the perforation at the cement free zone to prevent communication between fluid from the upper reservoir and the lower reservoir. The upper reservoir is monitored at the cement free zone, and the lower reservoir is monitored below an end of the tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Fahad Al-Ajmi
  • Publication number: 20130098605
    Abstract: A well system and associated method, in which a kill weight fluid can be flowed into a wellbore via a flow passage extending from the surface to a downhole location, and prior to the flowing, the flow passage is installed with a casing string into the wellbore. A well system and associated method, in which a flow passage is positioned external to a casing, and wherein a downhole well parameter is measured via the flow passage. Another method can include flowing a kill weight fluid into a wellbore via a flow passage extending along a casing string, the flowing being performed while a formation fluid flows into the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Dirksen
  • Publication number: 20130092394
    Abstract: A well screen assembly for a wellbore includes a base pipe and a filter assembly carried on the base pipe. The filter assembly has an internal passage in fluid communication with an opening through the base pipe. A swell material is carried in the base pipe between the filter assembly and the base pipe. The swell material is adapted to expand under specified conditions and displace the filter assembly radially toward a wall of the wellbore. A flow control device is provided in fluid communication between the internal passage of the filter assembly and the opening in the base pipe and is adapted to restrict communication of fluid with the opening in the base pipe. The well screen assembly can include a hydraulic, electric or optical communication line running axially through a length of the well screen assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130087326
    Abstract: A downhole tester valve (100) includes a housing assembly (106) and a mandrel assembly (172, 174) that define therebetween an operating fluid chamber (176), a biasing fluid chamber (184) and a power fluid chamber (180). A valve assembly (126) disposed within the housing assembly (106) is operable between open and closed positions. A piston assembly (146) is operably associated with the valve assembly (126) such that annulus pressure entering the power fluid chamber (180) pressurizes operating fluid in the operating fluid chamber (176) which acts on the piston assembly (146) to shift the valve assembly (126) from the closed position to the open position and such that predetermined travel of the piston assembly (146) opens a bypass passageway (162) for the pressurized operating fluid to charge biasing fluid in the biasing fluid chamber (184), thereby enabling closure of the valve assembly (126) upon reducing annulus pressure by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8376055
    Abstract: A shearing tool for shearing, trimming, or reducing objects being pulled through a drill string and methods for retrieving retrievable tools with fins from the drill string, where the retrievable tools must pass through restrictions in the drill string having interior diameters less than the outer diameters of the fins. The fins, affixed to the retrievable tools, provide stability to the tools, while within the drill string, and can be made of rubber, plastic, other shearable materials, or combinations thereof. The apparatuses and methods include inserting a shearing tool with a flange into a box end of a section of drill string, where the flange keeps the shearing tool in place. The shearing tool further comprising a cutting surface for cutting materials pulled through the shearing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: James Edward Chambers, II, Gerald Robert Byrd
  • Publication number: 20130025885
    Abstract: A downhole line tool assembly (200) for use in a wellbore. The downhole line tool assembly (200) includes a downhole power unit (206) having a moveable shaft (240) and a line motivator tool (208) having a drive assembly (246, 247) adapted to contact a line (204) passing through the line motivator tool (200) in the wellbore. The drive assembly (246, 247) is operably associated with the moveable shaft (240) such that rotation of the moveable shaft (240) rotates the drive assembly (246, 247), thereby moving the line (204) relative to the line motivator tool (208).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Mineo, Jerry Clinton Foster
  • Publication number: 20130025868
    Abstract: A mechanical counting device for actuating a plurality of output devices, the device comprising: linear indexing means adapted to count a plurality of actuating signals and to cause actuation of the output devices when a predetermined number of actuating signals for each output device has been received, wherein the mechanical counting device is adapted to cause actuation of a particular output device when a different predetermined number of actuating signals has been received such that the output devices are sequentially actuable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: PETROWELL LIMITED
    Inventor: Petrowell Limited
  • Publication number: 20130020093
    Abstract: A damping assembly including a damping device including a body, a piston assembly having a piston rod disposed within the body, a biasing member biasing the piston rod to a position within the body, and a damping block connected to and movable with the piston rod; and, a connector associated with a downhole tool and connectable to the damping device; and wherein the damping device reduces effects of shocks experienced by the downhole tool via the damping block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Christopher W. Guidry, William A. Hered
  • Publication number: 20130014933
    Abstract: A device is described for a system for conducting tests of a well, pipe or the like, where a plug of a removable material is inserted in a pipe through a well to carry out said tests. The device is characterised in that the wall parts of the pipe comprise channel borings (3,4,8) that set up fluid connections between the well space (70) and the well space (72) above and below, respectively, the plug, and that it comprises a closing body that can close the fluid connection permanently. The channel boring is preferably defined by an axial hollow space/chamber (4) in which a piston is arranged, said piston can be readjusted by an axial movement from a first position where there is fluid connection through the channel and a second position where the connection is permanently closed and can not be reopened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Viggo Brandsdal, Morten Lerbrekk
  • Publication number: 20120312546
    Abstract: A water hammer mitigating flow control structure for a downhole completion including a tubular member configured for the downhole environment. A valve member in operable communication with the tubular member and positionable with respect to the tubular member to allow or prevent fluid movement through the tubular member. An absorber in operable communication with the valve member and configured to allow movement of the valve member the movement absorbing a pressure rise against the valve member in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Terry R. Bussear, Keith J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20120312555
    Abstract: A shifting tool having a release mechanism of predictable deforming radial character. The tool may be utilized for activating any of a variety of different types of downhole actuators. Once more, due to the controlled and predictable manner of deformation employed in the release mechanism, load pulls directed at the actuator may be significant without undue concern over unintended or uncontrolled tool breakage. So, for example, a stuck actuator arm engaged with the shifting tool may be safely pulled at substantially greater loads thereby increasing the odds of dislodging. Thus, the occurrences of added follow-on interventional applications addressing stuck actuator arms may be reduced, resulting in tremendous time and cost savings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard T. Caminari, Grigory L. Arauz
  • Publication number: 20120273221
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump smart device for production of oil, recording of pressure and temperature, temporary closing and leveling of pressure in a single and simple operation is provided. The intelligent hydraulic pumping device includes a jet pump assembly coupled with a bottom shut-off valve and is coupled to a gauge carrier, forming an integrated single-block unit. A bottom shut-off valve is incorporated into to the jet pump and is closed by a system of a plunger and two balls. The recovery of the smart device is generated by the opening of a by-pass on injecting a drive fluid in reverse at a low pressure (approximately 100 to 500 psi).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Byron Raúl López Robayo
  • Publication number: 20120247832
    Abstract: A downhole tool assembly has a component that is sensitive to shock and vibration. A reciprocating element is coupled to the component. The reciprocating element has an axial internal passage and an outer surface. A housing has an internal axial bore for receiving the reciprocating element for axial reciprocal motion therein. A retainer is mounted to the housing and seals the housing between the component and the reciprocating element. A first spring is located between the housing and the reciprocating element. A second spring is located between the reciprocating element and the retainer. A first reciprocating seal is located between the reciprocating element and the housing. A second reciprocating seal is located between the connector and the retainer. A fluid is contained by the reciprocating seals inside the housing. The reciprocating element permits a limited amount of fluid to flow between sides thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: PHOENIX TECHNOLOGY SERVICES LP
    Inventors: David S. Cramer, David D. Devlin
  • Publication number: 20120186816
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods provide well creation in a single trip. Some system embodiments include: a casing string having a distal end with a latch assembly; and a drillstring latched within the casing string by the latch assembly, the drillstring having at least one tool for perforation and stimulation. A pressure while drilling tool and one or more packers may be provided in the drillstring to further enable the stimulation operation. Prior to perforation, the casing string is cemented in place via a cement valve, and the drillstring is unlatched and raised to the desired completion position. The perforation and stimulation process can be repeated to provide multiple completions. The drillstring can be removed from the borehole or seated in place to control production. Logging instruments can be included for steering and/or use in making completion decisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Dirksen, Kehinde Samuel Adesina, Mark Edward Keller
  • Publication number: 20120118578
    Abstract: Purging of fiber optic conduits in subterranean wells. A downhole optical sensing system includes an optical line, at least two tubular conduits, one conduit being positioned within the other conduit, and the optical line being positioned within at least one of the conduits, and a purging medium flowed in one direction through one conduit, and flowed in an opposite direction between the conduits. A method of purging a downhole optical sensing system includes the steps of: installing at least two conduits and an optical line in a well as part of the sensing system, one conduit being positioned within the other conduit, and the optical line being positioned within at least one of the conduits; and flowing a purging medium through the conduits in the well, so that the purging medium flows in one direction through one conduit and in an opposite direction between the conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Neal G. Skinner
  • Patent number: 8109333
    Abstract: An indicator comprising a band having a first radial dimension; one or more protectors having a greater radial dimension and disposed sufficiently proximate the band to substantially avoid wear of the band during running of the indicator and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Chee Kong Yee
  • Publication number: 20120024520
    Abstract: Construction of well screens utilizing pre-formed annular-shaped elements. A well screen includes a filter layer configured to filter fluid flowing through the well screen and a drainage layer which radially supports the filter layer, the drainage layer including multiple individual annular-shaped elements. Another well screen includes a drainage layer configured to support the filter layer, with the drainage layer including at least one cavity molded therein. Another well screen includes a base pipe and a layer made up of multiple individual annular-shaped elements stacked coaxially on the base pipe. A cavity is formed in at least one of the elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Floyd R. Simonds, Jean-Marc Lopez, Syed Hamid, Donald G. Kyle, Jason Dykstra
  • Publication number: 20110277995
    Abstract: A tool string sub. A longitudinally extending tubular housing has an outside surface and an inside surface. A stepped circumferential portion of the inside surface of the housing bisects the interior surface of the housing. A degradation part is connected adjacent to the stepped portion of the housing and is supported by the housing and at least one moveable support part protruding inward and beyond the inner surface of the housing. The support part has a first position where the degradation part is at one stress and a second position where the degradation part is at a second stress greater than the first stress. At least one end of the tool string sub is adapted to connect with a tool string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christian Wilkinson, Indranil Roy, Stephane Hiron
  • Publication number: 20110278020
    Abstract: A shearing tool for shearing, trimming, or reducing objects being pulled through a drill string and methods for retrieving retrievable tools with fins from the drill string, where the retrievable tools must pass through restrictions in the drill string having interior diameters less than the outer diameters of the fins. The fins, affixed to the retrievable tools, provide stability to the tools, while within the drill string, and can be made of rubber, plastic, other shearable materials, or combinations thereof. The apparatuses and methods include inserting a shearing tool with a flange into a box end of a section of drill string, where the flange keeps the shearing tool in place. The shearing tool further comprising a cutting surface for cutting materials pulled through the shearing tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: James Edward Chambers, II, Gerald Robert Byrd
  • Publication number: 20110277999
    Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer comprises an outer seal layer, and the at least one drain is positioned in the outer seal layer. A viscosity system also is incorporated and enables the viscosity of a surrounding fluid to be selectively lowered for sampling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Stephen Yeldell, Carsten Sonne, Anthony Robert Holmes Goodwin, Stephane Briquet, Alexander F. Zazovsky
  • Patent number: 8002031
    Abstract: The invention concerns an independent measuring and processing probe designed to be lowered in a tube for temporarily installation at the bottom of a hydrocarbon well. It includes removable anchoring resources (3, 4) capable of anchoring the probe to a casing at the bottom of the well, a set of sensors, at least one of which is a seismic sensor, recording resources, resources for processing the measurements provided by the sensors, and a central body (1) integrally reamed throughout the whole of its length by an opening (2) so as to allow free passage through the probe when it is in the anchored position. Such a probe can be used in particular to effect a reliable preliminary study on the well before installing a more complete observation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Sercel
    Inventors: Thierry De Kimpe, Jean-Eric Negre, Jean Czernichow
  • Publication number: 20110168403
    Abstract: A hydrostatic set module configured with a wireless trigger mechanism to allow wireless activation thereof from an oilfield surface. The trigger mechanism includes a charge for exposing the module to wellbore pressures and allowing it to behave as an intensifier for actuation of a downhole device such as a production packer. The mechanism also includes a sensor for detection of the wireless communications along with a processor for analysis thereof and to direct spending of the charge. Pressure pulse or other wireless communication forms that are suitable for the downhole environment may be transmitted from surface in a variety of different signature patterns for responsive analysis by the trigger mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 7950474
    Abstract: A method to detect leaks in a rotating control device includes positioning a leak detection device in communication with a chamber located between an upper sealing element and a lower sealing element of the rotating control device, and signaling with the leak detection device when a pressure of the chamber exceeds a selected critical pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Trung Leduc, Russell Lewis
  • Publication number: 20110088894
    Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to measure gas reservoir formation pressures are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes positioning a downhole bubble sensor in a wellbore formed in a geological gas reservoir formation, trapping a fluid in a portion of the wellbore including the bubble sensor, pressurizing the trapped fluid, reducing pressurization of the fluid until the bubble sensor detects one or more bubbles in the fluid, recording a pressure of the fluid when the bubble sensor detects the one or more bubbles, and determining a formation pressure of the gas reservoir from the recorded pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Keith Atwood, Bobby Poe, Casey R. Chadwick, Rajgopal V. Malpani, Edward C. Boratko
  • Publication number: 20110061855
    Abstract: Methods and systems for integral storage and blending of the materials used in oilfield operations are disclosed. A modular integrated material blending and storage system includes a first module comprising a storage unit, a second module comprising a liquid additive storage unit and a pump for maintaining pressure at an outlet of the liquid additive storage unit. The system further includes a third module comprising a pre-gel blender. An output of each of the first module, the second module and the third module is located above a blender and gravity directs the contents of the first module, the second module and the third module to the blender. The system also includes a pump that directs the output of the blender to a desired down hole location. The pump may be powered by natural gas or electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Leonard R. Case, Ed B. Hagan, Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Ron Hyden
  • Publication number: 20110024105
    Abstract: A modular screen system allows connection of screens using couplings that connect the annular space in each module between the screen material and the base pipe. A series of connected screens and couplings feed into a single valve to control the flow through many screens. The valve is preferably located in a coupling and the passages through the coupling or the screen can also accommodate instrumentation to detect, store or transmit well data or flows through the various screen modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Aaron C. Hammer, Nicholas J. Clem, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 7870899
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pump mechanism driven by differential pressure conditions and method for delivery of materials. In one embodiment, the pump mechanism may be used to deliver treatment chemical to a plunger apparatus or directly to a wellbore by exploiting pressure conditions found at a well. In certain embodiments, the pump mechanism is able to balance high pressure conditions available within a petroleum formation against low pressure conditions present in a common flow line serving the well. In so balancing these pressures, the pump mechanism is able to automatically tune itself to the needs of the well, ensuring continued operation over a wider range of operating conditions. The pump mechanism has the further advantages of lower operation costs and less environmental impact as compared with existing pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Dennis R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100319928
    Abstract: A through tubing intelligent completion including a completion string; one or more isolation seals on the completion string and having an undeployed set of dimensions smaller than one or more restrictions in a tubing string through which the completion string is deployed; and one or more interventionlessly actuable flow control devices in the completion string having a set of dimensions smaller than one or more restrictions in a tubing string through which the completion string is deployed and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: TERRY R. BUSSEAR, JESSE J. CONSTANTINE