Secured In Operative Position By Movable Means Engaging Well Conduit (e.g., Anchor) Patents (Class 166/117.6)
  • Patent number: 11840909
    Abstract: A technique for providing a fluid conduit between a main bore and a substantially non-producing region of a fracture at a horizontal section of the bore. The technique includes forming a micro-tunnel from a location of the bore adjacent the fracture. The micro-tunnel may be directed at the non-producing region with a angled deflector or in a steerable manner. Additionally, the well may be configured with micro-tunneling at the outset or retrofitted with micro-tunnels as a manner of restoring production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dmitriy Ivanovich Potapenko, William Batzer, Robert Utter, Donald W. Lee, George Alan Waters, Douglas Pipchuk, Ryan Rodgers
  • Patent number: 11788358
    Abstract: In preparation for directional drilling, a wedge supported distally ahead of a tubular drill string is advanced along a parent hole. The wedge is connected to the drill string by a rigid link that extends along a central longitudinal axis through an annular cutting head. The wedge may be connected to the drill string via an inner dropper mechanism that can be engaged by a wireline lifting system. After locking the wedge at a kick-off point in the hole at a desired azimuth, the connection of the link is broken. The dropper mechanism can then be retrieved and replaced by an inner core tube, without moving the drill string. The drill string is then advanced to drill a daughter hole that branches from the parent hole on the azimuth determined by the wedge. Advantageously, there is no need to withdraw the drill string before drilling the daughter hole can commence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Priority Drilling Ltd
    Inventor: Michael Dineen
  • Patent number: 11773676
    Abstract: A whipstock assembly (12) for use in deviating a wellbore (10) of a well is disclosed, the whipstock assembly comprising a whipstock (18) having an inclined deflection surface (20); a milling assembly (14) comprising a mill (16) for milling a window (49) in a wall (48) of the wellbore and forming a rathole (50) extending from the wellbore; a releasable joint (22; 122) by which the milling assembly is releasably connected to the whipstock, so that the milling assembly can be separated from the whipstock within the wellbore and subsequently deflected towards the wellbore wall by the deflection surface of the whipstock; at least one sensor (188) provided in the milling assembly, for measuring at least one parameter of the rathole, the at least one parameter relating to a trajectory of the rathole; and a communication device (190) associated with the at least one sensor, for communicating data relating to the at least one parameter to an operator of the milling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: OILTOOLSTEQ LTD
    Inventors: William Brown-Kerr, Andrew John Watson
  • Patent number: 11753901
    Abstract: A fluid pulse generator can include a fluid motor including a rotor that rotates in response to fluid flow, a variable flow restrictor positioned upstream of the fluid motor and including a restrictor member rotatable relative to a ported member and longitudinally displaceable relative to the rotor. Another fluid pulse generator can include a flex joint or a constant velocity joint connected between the restrictor member and the rotor. In another fluid pulse generator, the variable flow restrictor can include a valve and a fluidic restrictor element, the valve being operable in response to rotation of the rotor, the fluidic restrictor element being configured to generate fluid pulses in response to the fluid flow through a flow path, and the valve being configured to control the fluid flow through another flow path connected in parallel with the first flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Andrew M. Ferguson, Timothy Manke, Brett A. Fears
  • Patent number: 11732539
    Abstract: A window cutting system includes a whipstock connector, and a window mill selectively rotationally constrained to the whipstock connector. The window mill including an outer surface, an inner surface, a passage defined between the outer surface and the inner surface, and a recess formed in the outer surface. A locking pin is arranged in the recess. A motor arranged in the passage. An actuator is operatively connected between the motor and the locking pin. The motor being selectively activated through a signal to retract the locking pin releasing the window mill from the whipstock connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Tuan Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11725458
    Abstract: A sidetracking method includes lowering a sidetrack assembly to a target zone of a wellbore comprising a casing. The sidetrack assembly comprising a cutting tool coupled to a wellbore string and a whipstock releasably coupled to the cutting tool. The method includes setting the whipstock on a wall of the wellbore, pulling the wellbore string, decoupling the cutting tool from the whipstock, actuating the cutter, cutting along a cut profile of the casing to cut free a portion of the casing at the target zone, actuating the mechanical fasteners, fastening the portion of the casing to the cutting tool, pulling the wellbore string, detaching the portion of the casing from the wall of the wellbore, drilling, with a directional drill string a sidetrack wellbore extending from the window to a downhole location of the sidetrack wellbore, and removing the whipstock from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Hussien A. Alzaki, Mohammad K. Aljishi
  • Patent number: 11708747
    Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a well system and a method for forming a well system. The well system, in one aspect, includes a main wellbore, the main wellbore having a main wellbore open hole section, and a lateral wellbore extending from the main wellbore, the lateral wellbore having a lateral wellbore open hole section. The well system, according to this aspect, further includes a main bore completion located within the main wellbore and a lateral bore completion located within the lateral wellbore, and a multilateral junction positioned at an intersection between the main wellbore open hole section of the main wellbore and the lateral wellbore open hole section of the lateral wellbore, the multilateral junction including a main bore leg forming a first pressure tight seal with the main bore completion and a lateral bore leg forming a second pressure tight seal with the lateral bore completion such that the main bore completion and the lateral bore completion are hydraulically isolated from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Espen Dahl, Morten Falnes, Gavin Lafferty
  • Patent number: 11668164
    Abstract: Provided is a self-deflecting multilateral junction, a method, and a well system. The self-deflecting multilateral junction, in one aspect, includes a deflection device having an uphole end and a downhole end, the deflection device including a main tubular, a first flow path off the main tubular and operable to couple to a wellbore, a second flow path off the main tubular and operable to couple to a lateral wellbore, the second flow path having a lateral seal bore, and a deflecting ramp. The self-deflecting multilateral junction, according to this aspect, further includes a lateral stinger positioned within the main tubular and releasably coupled to the deflection device, the lateral stinger including a nose end configured to extend into the second flow path, a valve member, and a lateral seal for engaging the lateral seal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Lars Petter Larsen
  • Patent number: 11643883
    Abstract: A system for an adjustably flexible downhole tool includes first and second connector ends each configured to connect to adjacent downhole tools and a shaft extending between the first and second connector ends. The shaft is configured to bend in response to passing through curved portions of a wellbore. The adjustably flexible downhole tool also includes an outer sleeve disposed around at least a portion of the shaft and extending from the first connector end in a direction toward the second connector end and at least one adjustable member configured to move axially, with respect to the shaft, from a first position to a second position to increase bending stiffness and/or torsional stiffness of the adjustably flexible downhole tool. The at least one adjustable member at least partially restrains bending of the shaft in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Hardin, Timothy Edward Harms, Robert Travis Murphy, Adnan Zaman
  • Patent number: 11613952
    Abstract: An engineered composite system designed to be passive or inert under one set of conditions, but becomes active when exposed to a second set of conditions. This system can include a dissolving or disintegrating core, and a surface coating that has higher strength or which only dissolves under certain temperature and pH conditions, or in selected fluids. These reactive materials are useful for oil and gas completions and well stimulation processes, enhanced oil and gas recovery operations, as well as in defensive and mining applications requiring high energy density and good mechanical properties, but which can be stored and used for long periods of time without degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: TERVES, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Doud, Andrew Sherman, Nicholas Farkas, Brian Werry
  • Patent number: 11603737
    Abstract: A pump down intervention tool may be pumped downhole through a work string after an installation of the work string. The pump down intervention tool may include a downhole tool that includes but is not limited to an agitator tool, including but not limited to a fluidic pulsation device, or a check valve. The pump down intervention tool may be pumped downhole in the work string, for example but not limited to in a coiled tubing or jointed pipes. The pump down intervention tool may be landed at a desired location along a length of the work string. The pump down intervention tool can allow for the addition of a downhole tool after the work string's initial deployment, providing a desired functionality downhole at time after the initial deployment of the work string downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Quero, Eric Bevins
  • Patent number: 11506010
    Abstract: A drilling wedge that has, in addition to a normal connector rod, two wings that extend from the sides of the wedge. These wings are angular members that fill much of the space in the larger casing around the wedge. These wings prevent a milling assembly from sliding past the wedge or from moving off to the side, where an exit through the pipe or casing in the wrong place can occur. Instead, the wings help to keep the milling assembly in the proper position on the tray of the wedge to ensure that the milling assembly reaches the proper exit point in the casing. The wings are retracted when the HEW is deployed through the narrower pipe. Once the HEW is properly positioned, the guide cone is extended and the wings are deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Harris, Carl Diller, Candice English, John Milne
  • Patent number: 11486231
    Abstract: A multilateral well access system includes a directional guide and a mating surface profile. The directional guide includes a main body and an outer surface profile disposed on the main body. The main body defines a guide surface oriented non-parallelly to an elongate axis of the main body and a bore passing through the main body along the elongate axis. The mating surface profile is formed complementary to the outer surface profile of the directional guide and is engaged with the outer surface profile to secure the directional guide in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Feras Hamid Rowaihy, Carl Daniel Lindahl, Suresh Jacob, Ahmed A. Al Sulaiman
  • Patent number: 11448026
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a cable head for a wireline tool that includes a housing that comprises an outlet opening for a wireline and an interface configured to connect the housing to the wireline tool; a spool rotatably mounted in the housing; an anchoring point configured for mechanical attachment to an end of the wireline; and a drive configured to rotate the spool and thereby wrap a portion of the wireline around the spool to and retract the wireline into the housing. A wireline tool and a method of retrieving a lost wireline tool are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmed Al-Mousa, Marius Neacsu, Omar M. Alhamid
  • Patent number: 11434712
    Abstract: A whipstock assembly includes an inner body having a bore and an inclined surface at an upper portion; and an outer body disposed around the inner body and releasably attached to the inner body, the outer body having an inclined surface and an upper portion closed to fluid communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: James H. Taylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11421496
    Abstract: A window cutting system includes a whipstock connector including an inner surface having at least one projection. A window mill is connected to the whipstock connector. The window mill includes a body having a connector member, a tip portion, a recess formed on an outer surface of the body, an axial passage extending from the connector member toward the tip portion and a radial passage extending outwardly from the axial passage. A pin is arranged in the radial passage and selectively extending into the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Tuan Nguyen, Philip M. Gregurek, Kevin Edgar Harrington, Gregory Hern, Christopher Michalec, Gaute Grindhaug, Morten Eidem
  • Patent number: 11408277
    Abstract: An assembly for indicating a window milling progress and a casing exit trajectory in a well may include a cylindrical housing having an inclined plane that extends along a central axis thereof. The inclined plane may extend from a lower end to an upper end of the cylindrical housing. The assembly may include an indicating device. The indicating device may include a cylindrical body having a surface that faces in a downward direction. The indicating device may include a plurality of anchor slips located on a curved rectangular side of the cylindrical body. The indicating device may include a set of inserts located at predetermined locations along a length of the curved rectangular side of the cylindrical body. The assembly may include a coupling mechanism that connects the indicating device to the cylindrical housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Julio C. Guzman
  • Patent number: 11359458
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve for controlling fluid flow in a wellbore including a monitoring sub having a hydraulic connection port and defining a piston bore. The monitoring sub defining a hydraulic circuit extending between the hydraulic connection port and the piston bore. The monitoring sub comprising a sensing assembly incorporated in the hydraulic circuit that is operable to measure a degradation level of fluid in the hydraulic circuit. A flapper sub attached to the monitoring sub. A piston disposed in the piston bore of the monitoring sub. A flow tube positioned between the monitoring sub and the flapper attached to a downhole end of the monitoring sub and in contact with the flapper, the flow tube having a protrusion in contact with the piston. A return spring positioned in a cavity defined between the flow tube and the flapper sub, biasing the flow tube towards the monitoring sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Brian A. Roth
  • Patent number: 11346173
    Abstract: There is disclosed a milling apparatus (2) having a use in milling a window (88) in downhole tubing (1) located in a borehole (32) of a well. The milling apparatus comprises a main body (22) comprising an internal bore (42) defining a flow path through the body; a mill head (20) having at least one flow port (29); an internal chamber (15) which can contain a fluid, the internal bore of the main body defining at least part of the chamber; first (16) and second (23) seal assemblies disposed within the internal bore; and a communication port (17) located upstream of the second seal assembly. The seal assemblies are initially sealed relative to the main body, so that fluid communication along the internal bore past the seal assemblies is restricted and fluid contained in the chamber isolated from fluid external to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: WELL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY FZCO
    Inventors: Anthony LaPlante, Steven Duthie Nicol
  • Patent number: 11286722
    Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a deflector assembly. The deflector assembly may include a tubular member, the tubular member having an uphole lateral wellbore tubular portion and a downhole main wellbore tubular portion. The deflector assembly may further include an exit window located in a sidewall of the uphole lateral wellbore tubular portion, and a ramped deflector positioned within the uphole lateral wellbore tubular portion, the ramped deflector located proximate and ramping toward the exit window. The ramped deflector may include a through bore having a diameter (DTB) coupling the uphole lateral wellbore tubular portion and the downhole main wellbore tubular portion, the through bore forming a ramped deflector lip for allowing a first downhole tool having a diameter (D1) less than the diameter (DTB) to pass through the ramped deflector to the downhole main wellbore tubular portion, and for diverting a second downhole tool having a diameter (D2) greater than the diameter (DTB) toward the exit window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Werner Kuhlman
  • Patent number: 11162315
    Abstract: A window cutting system includes a window mill having a body including a connector member, a tip portion, and a plurality of blades arranged between the connector member and the tip portion. Each of the plurality of blades supports a plurality of cutting elements. A lug pocket is formed in at least one of the plurality of blades adjacent the plurality of cutting elements. A whipstock connector detachably coupled to the window mill. The whipstock connector including an outer surface and an inner surface, and at least one lug projecting radially inwardly from the inner surface. The at least one lug is selectively received by the lug pocket to connect the whipstock connector to the window mill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Edgar Harrington, Gregory Hern, Philip M. Gregurek, Jason Cullum, Valerie Ferdin, Gaute Grindhaug, Morten Eidem
  • Patent number: 11142976
    Abstract: One downhole-type tool of a set of interchangeable downhole-type tools is interchangeably received by a pump-down adapter. The downhole-type tool is positioned by the pump-down adapter within a wellbore tubular. The downhole-type tool is released by the pump-down adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmed Al-Mousa, Marius Neacsu, Ahmed A. Al-Ramadhan
  • Patent number: 11028673
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for using and deploying the same within a subterranean zone are described. The apparatus includes a conduit and an expandable mandrel positioned within the conduit. The conduit is configured to be positioned within a subterranean zone. The conduit has an inner surface and an outer surface. The conduit defines an opening extending from the inner surface to the outer surface. At least a portion of the expandable mandrel is smaller than the opening. A longitudinal length of the expandable mandrel is longer than a longitudinal length of the opening. The expandable mandrel, when actuated, is configured to move in a radial direction with respect to the conduit, such that the portion of the expandable mandrel smaller than the opening moves through the opening and extends beyond the outer surface of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, WIRELESS INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEMS AS
    Inventors: Muhammad Arsalan, Jarl André Fellinghaug
  • Patent number: 11002082
    Abstract: A departure device couples to a bit using a connector that facilitates release of the bit from the departure device. The connector may be more millable than the departure device and can transmit axial and torque loads between the bit and the departure device. The connector may include a material having lesser strength or hardness than the departure device, and may be millable by the bit. Another example connector may have connection points with the bit, and a movable member of the departure device may a force to the connector and contribute to releasing the connection between the bit and the departure device. A tensile connector between the bit and the movable member may apply a tension force to the movable member, urging the movable member toward an extended position in which the movable member is aligned coherently with a sloped face of the departure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Wellbore Integrity Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Shantanu N. Swadi, Charles H. Dewey, Tuan Anh Nguyen, John Edward Campbell, Shelton W Alsup
  • Patent number: 10954754
    Abstract: Assemblies and methods are provided for positioning a sealing tool within a receptacle and pressure testing a seal between the sealing tool and the receptacle. The assembly may be coupled to the sealing tool for latching the sealing tool into the receptacle. The assembly may include a projection that is movable between a coupled position and an uncoupled position. In the coupled position, the projection may couple the assembly to the sealing tool. In the uncoupled position, the projection may be positioned such that the assembly is not coupled to the sealing tool. The projection may move from the coupled position to the uncoupled position in response to determining a seal is established between the sealing tool and the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Bradley Stokes, Christian Alexander Ramirez, Lester Barett Dupler, Borisa Lajesic
  • Patent number: 10954758
    Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method of drilling a hydrate micro-borehole and performing fast completion, which belongs to the technical field of a hydrate extraction device and a hydrate extraction method. The method includes a continuous operation machine, a power control mechanism, a high pressure water jet pump, a guider, a continuous pipe, a parent pipe and a child pipe, the parent pipe is connected with the continuous operation machine, and an end of the child pipe is connected with a water jet nozzle; the working method basically includes the following: firstly, a large main borehole is formed by drilling to a destination layer at one time with a large size drill bit; secondly, a horizontal micro-borehole is drilled in a natural gas hydrate reservoir by a high pressure water jet device formed by the child and parent pipes and then the child pipe is heated to enable its skin to fall off and leave a screen; finally, the child and parent pipes are disconnected to perform well completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM (EAST CHINA)
    Inventors: Chuanliang Yan, Xiaorong Li, Xu Ren, Yuanfang Cheng, Zhongying Han, Yang Li, Jia Wei, Benjian Song, Wanqing Tian
  • Patent number: 10890062
    Abstract: A method to steer a drill bit of a rotary steerable system within a wellbore can include introducing the rotary steerable system into the wellbore. The method can further include establishing a magnetic model associated with the drill bit. Magnetic field parameters are measured at various locations of the rotary steerable system. A magnetic gradient tensor of the magnetic field parameters can be determined. Orientation parameters are solved with respect to the magnetic model and based on the magnetic gradient tensor. The drill bit can be steered based on the calculated parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Rodney
  • Patent number: 10871034
    Abstract: A well apparatus includes a bottom hole assembly (BHA) comprising a cutting structure at one end of the BHA, a whipstock assembly for selectively deflecting the BHA to form a deviated wellbore, a whipstock connector releasably connecting the whipstock assembly to the BHA, and a whipstock support member extending between the BHA and the whipstock assembly and spaced from the whipstock connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley P. Dietz, William W. Dancer
  • Patent number: 10794121
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting assembly to be plugged into a mating receptacle in a wellbore, comprising a first sleeve including a second sleeve and having a top connecting end and a bottom connecting end, characterized in that: —the first sleeve comprises the bottom end and has a top end opposite to said bottom connecting end, said bottom connecting end being provided with an end cap for preventing entrance of materials and capable of being opened; —said second sleeve comprises said top connecting end located outside of the first sleeve and has a bottom end opposed to said top connecting end; —said connecting assembly comprises a locking mechanism adapted to lock said second sleeve in a position relative to said first sleeve such that the bottom end of the second sleeve is inside said first sleeve, and —the dimensions of the first sleeve and second sleeve are adapted such that when said locking mechanism is unlocked, said second sleeve is allowed to move relative to said first sleeve to impinge and o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: TERCEL IP LIMITED
    Inventors: John Hanton, Jeffrey B. Lasater, Thomas Marr Graeme, Jayson Alexander Byrd
  • Patent number: 10731417
    Abstract: A method includes conveying a washover whipstock coupled to an orienting latch anchor into a parent wellbore lined with casing and securing the orienting latch anchor to the casing. A washover tool couples to and removes the washover whipstock from the parent wellbore, and thereby exposes a releasable orienting coupling of the orienting latch anchor. A workover whipstock coupled to a junction isolation tool is then conveyed into the parent wellbore and the workover whipstock is coupled to the orienting latch anchor at the releasable orienting coupling. The junction isolation tool is separated from the workover whipstock and advanced into the lateral wellbore, following which the junction isolation tool is retracted back into the parent wellbore to be re-attached to the workover whipstock to remove the workover whipstock from the parent wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivasa Prasanna Vemuri, Matthew Bradley Stokes
  • Patent number: 10724319
    Abstract: A whipstock/bottom hole assembly (BHA) arrangement including a whipstock, a BHA, an interconnection arrangement releasably securing the whipstock to the BHA, a fluid flow configuration in the BHA, the configuration directed at the interconnection arrangement. A method for releasing a whipstock from a whipstock/bottom hole assembly (BHA) arrangement as in any prior embodiment including flowing fluid through the fluid configuration, eroding the interconnection arrangement with the fluid, and separating the whipstock from the BHA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Ewoud Hulsewe
  • Patent number: 10689932
    Abstract: Systems and methods for removing casing from a wellbore including a casing removal tool that includes a tubular body configured to contain a thermite fuel mixture configured to initiate into a molten thermite fuel. The casing removal tool also includes a nozzle array having a plurality of nozzles positioned on an external surface of the tubular body. The nozzle array is configured to impinge the molten thermite fuel from within the tubular onto the wellbore casing. The casing removal tool also includes an orientation lug configured to anchor into a downhole orientation tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: ROBERTSON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Robertson, Douglas J. Streibich, Antony F. Grattan, William F. Boelte
  • Patent number: 10689950
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a flow control apparatus comprising a confirmation profile that is establishable, in response to completion of a wellbore operation that has changed a condition of the flow control apparatus, for releasably retaining an indicator tool that is being displaced within the wellbore via a workstring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Johnson, John Ravensbergen
  • Patent number: 10655433
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation system includes a junction positioned at an intersection of a first wellbore and a second wellbore, and a deflector disposed in the junction such that a path into the first leg of the junction is obstructed and engaged with the first leg of the junction to form a fluid and pressure tight seal. The junction includes a first leg extending downhole into the first wellbore, and a second leg extending downhole into the second wellbore. The deflector includes a channel extending axially through the deflector, and a degradable plug disposed in the channel and engaged with the channel to prevent fluid flow through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Hepburn, Stuart Alexander Telfer, Ben Luke Butler, David Joe Steele
  • Patent number: 10633922
    Abstract: A flush of directional drilling apparatus for directionally drilling a lateral bore from a main bore, has a casing in the main bore, the casing having at least one lateral exit port, with a fragmentable plug, flush lateral directional drilling tube, and a pre-installed whipstock guide for guiding the flush lateral directional drilling tube into the lateral exit port to drill a directional lateral hole from the lateral exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Octopus Completions Ltd.
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Patent number: 10619438
    Abstract: It may be required at a well site to create a lateral wellbore from a primary wellbore. A dissolvable whipstock assembly may be positioned within a primary wellbore to deflect a mill or drill bit to create a secondary wellbore. The dissolvable whipstock assembly may include a wear plate coupled to a whipstock. The wear plate comprises an incline or ramp to deflect a mill or drill to a casing exit or pre-milled window to create the secondary wellbore. The wear plate comprises a material that is strong enough to withstand the force applied by the drilling and is degradable or dissolvable. Any one or more components of the whipstock may be dissolvable such that at least a portion of the whipstock dissolves to form a pathway through any remaining portion of the dissolvable whipstock and the primary wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Mark C. Glaser
  • Patent number: 10577882
    Abstract: A whipstock interconnection body including a whipstock interface, a bottom hole assembly (BHA) interface, the BHA interface including a feature configured to inherently grip the BHA. A whipstock interconnection body including a whipstock interface, a bottom hole assembly (BHA) interface, the BHA interface configured for attachment to a back surface of the whipstock. A whipstock/BHA assembly including a whipstock, a BHA, a whipstock interconnection body releasably securing the whipstock to the BHA, the whipstock interconnection body including a whipstock interface, a bottom hole assembly (BHA) interface, the BHA interface including a feature configured to inherently grip the BHA. A whipstock/BHA assembly including a whipstock, a BHA, a whipstock interconnection body releasably securing the whipstock to the BHA, the whipstock interconnection body including a whipstock interface, a bottom hole assembly (BHA) interface, the BHA interface configured for attachment to a back surface of the whipstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Ewoud Hulsewe
  • Patent number: 10557331
    Abstract: A well system including a parent wellbore, a lateral wellbore extending from the parent wellbore, and a reentry window assembly installed within the parent wellbore and including a completion window assembly having a window and providing an upper coupling, a muleshoe, and upper and lower slots provided on opposing axial ends of the window. An isolation sleeve is positioned within the completion window assembly and includes a sleeve alignment key, a sleeve coupling, and an engagement device. A whipstock is matable with the sleeve coupling and an aligning tool is operatively coupled to the whipstock and engageable with the muleshoe to angularly orient a whipstock face to the window. The isolation sleeve is movable between closed and open positions to isolate the lateral wellbore, and the sleeve alignment key interacts with the upper and lower slots to angularly orient the isolation sleeve while moving between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin Charles Rodriguez, Wesley P. Dietz, Homero D. Maldonado, Loc Phuc Lang
  • Patent number: 10526856
    Abstract: A BHA features an MWD tool connected to a running tool supporting a whipstock that is connected to an open hole anchor. The anchor is flow set and after the anchor is set the running tool collets release from the whipstock to allow cement to be pumped through the anchor to hold the set position. The collets are released from the whipstock also with flow and after the anchor has been set. One way is to use nozzles in series. Another is to run in with a ball on the anchor seat, set the anchor and blow out the ball seat so flow can again be used to release the running tool collets. Another is suspending a ball above the anchor seat, releasing the ball with pressure cycle, open another flow passage to allow collet release of the whipstock. Finally, pressure can be used to release the running tool collets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory L. Hern, James S. Trahan, Jason L. Cullum, Ewoud J. Hulsewe, Christopher R. Hern
  • Patent number: 10502028
    Abstract: A method includes severing a liner positioned in a first wellbore at least partially lined with casing and thereby providing a severed end, conveying a mid-completion assembly into the first wellbore and receiving the severed end within a tail pipe assembly of the mid-completion assembly, wherein a smallest inner diameter of the mid-completion assembly is greater than or equal to a smallest inner diameter of the liner and thereby permits tools sized for operations in the liner to pass through the mid-completion assembly, actuating an expandable device of the mid-completion assembly to sealingly engage an inner surface of the casing uphole from the severed end, and drilling a second wellbore extending from the first wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Glenn Durst
  • Patent number: 10472933
    Abstract: A completion system and method for intelligent control of multilateral wells. A wye-shaped junction fitting defines a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled with the uphole tubing string and both downhole main and lateral completion strings. Hydraulic, electric, and/or fiber-optic communication line segments extend between the uphole end and both downhole ends of the junction fitting for providing power, control or communications between the surface and all production zones. The communication line segments are located outside the junction fitting interior and may be located within longitudinal grooves formed along the exterior wall surface of the junction fitting. Stabable, wet-matable connectors may be provided at each end of the junction fitting, which connect the both interior flow paths and communication lines, and which may allow connection at any relative radial orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: David J. Steele
  • Patent number: 10450801
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a casing windowing method and tool using coiled tubing; the windowing method comprises the steps of: a) preparing a borehole, including drifting a casing, and scraping an inner wall of the casing; b) hanging a positioning assembly in the casing, including seating the positioning assembly at a wellhead of the borehole, and after the positioning assembly is put down to a predetermined position in the casing, hanging a hanger of the positioning assembly at the inner wall of the casing; c) fixing a whipstock at a down-hole of the borehole, including seating the whipstock at the wellhead, and inserting a guiding assembly of the whipstock into the hanger so that an orientation of a window inclined plane of the guiding assembly meets a requirement of window orientation; and d) windowing the casing, including seating a tapered windowing mill at the wellhead, and after the tapered windowing mill is put down to the window inclined plane of the guiding assembly, starting the tapered windo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignees: CHINA NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION, CNPC ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY R&D COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yanping Zhang, Xuehui Li, Qianli Wu, Yongliang Yu, Chuan Cao, Mingjie Lv, Tao Jia, Yi Yang
  • Patent number: 10435993
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulating wells include a frac window system positioned in a first wellbore adjacent a secondary wellbore extending from the first wellbore so that an opening in the frac window system aligns with a window in the first wellbore casing. The frac window system includes an elongated tubular with annular seals along the outer surface above and below the opening in the elongated tubular, and further includes an orientation device carried within the tubular. A main bore isolation sleeve is positioned within the frac window system to seal the opening, isolating the secondary wellbore from pressurized fluid directed farther down the first wellbore. A whipstock seats on the orientation device so that a surface of the whipstock is aligned with the secondary wellbore window of the first wellbore casing. The whipstock guides a straddle stimulation tool into the secondary wellbore from the first wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: David Joe Steele
  • Patent number: 10370915
    Abstract: A gauge hanger 10 and a setting tool 12 are disclosed. The setting tool 12 includes an electro-mechanical impact driver 26 and a drive shaft 28 which extends out of an outer casing 12. The gauge hanger 10 comprises a nut 32 which can be engaged by the drive shaft 28. When the nut 32 is rotated it can draw a threaded mandrel 36 upwardly in a wellbore. This causes the grippers 40 in a linkage assembly to be driven radially outwardly so that they can grip the sides of the wellbore. A pin 52 is designed to shear once the grippers have engaged with the sides of the wellbore so that the setting tool 12 can be lifted clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Tolley, Matthew Waters, Matthew Bolsover, Philip March, Karl Beardsley, Peter Biddlestone
  • Patent number: 10352140
    Abstract: In one example of forming multilateral wells in unconventional reservoirs, a subterranean zone is drilled using a drilling rig to form a main wellbore. Using the drilling rig, the subterranean zone is drilled to form a lateral wellbore off the main wellbore. The drilling rig is removed after forming a multilateral well including the main wellbore and the lateral wellbore. Using a fracturing system, a fracture treatment is performed on the lateral wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph DeWitt Parlin, Mario Carlos Vento-Zegarra
  • Patent number: 10344570
    Abstract: A completion system and method for intelligent control of multilateral wells. A completion deflector defines a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled with a uphole tubing and downhole main completion strings. Hydraulic, electric, and/or fiber-optic communication line segments extend between the uphole end and downhole end of the completion deflector for providing power, control or communications between the surface and production zones associated with the main wellbore. The communication line segments are located outside the completion deflector interior and may be located within longitudinal grooves formed along the exterior wall surface of the completion deflector. A self-guided, wet-matable connector is provided at the uphole end, which connects the both interior flow path and communication lines, and which may allow connection at any relative radial orientation. The uphole end of the completion deflector has an inclined upper surface for deflecting various tools and strings into a lateral wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Steele
  • Patent number: 10294730
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus and a method are for connecting two drill-pipe sections in a string of drill-pipe sections joined together by tool joints. The coupling apparatus comprises: a first pipe with a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being provided with a tool joint for connection to a drill-pipe section; a second pipe with a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being provided with a tool joint for connection to a drill-pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: WellPartner AS
    Inventors: Haaken Christopher Heide, Kenneth Skinnes
  • Patent number: 10253574
    Abstract: A mule shoe assembly for use in directional drilling which advantageously has releasable locking means to free the directional orienting tool from engagement with the outer mule shoe in situations where the drill bit may become stuck. The releasable locking means comprises a moveable pin which engages an aperture. A first configuration utilizes detent means and spring biasing of the pin. In a second configuration, the pin is adapted for locking engagement by pressurized downhole drilling mud, and may be disengaged from the aperture when pressure from drilling mud ceases. In a preferred embodiment the pin both has detent means and is spring biased, and also relies on drilling mud pressure to remain in locking engagement. The pin may be disengaged upon removal of drilling mud pressure and application of a positive separation force between the directional measurement tool and associated inner tool member, and outer mule shoe member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: VERTEX DOWNHOLE LTD
    Inventors: Quentin Pare, Adrien Fortunato
  • Patent number: 10246987
    Abstract: Methods and assemblies that can be used to orient a second pipe with respect to a first pipe in a wellbore are disclosed. The first pipe may be a casing string that includes one or more recessed latch couplings, and the second pipe may be a tubing string that includes one more complementary radially extendable latch keys that may be received within the latch couplings. The tubing string may include one or more switches associated with the latch keys that are actuated when the latch keys are received within the latch couplings. The actuation of the switches is communicated to an operator at the surface via control lines within the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Jon T. Gosney
  • Patent number: 10240428
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for accommodating thermal expansion in a tool string are disclosed. Exemplary systems include one or more sacrificial members placed between or adjacent elements of the tool string that are expected to expand when subjected to high temperatures. The sacrificial members are configured to destruct upon exposure to a control signal or a critical temperature or load. Destruction of the sacrificial members provides additional clearance for adjacent elements to expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Shanu Thottungal Eldho