Anchor Actuated By Fluid Pressure Patents (Class 166/120)
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Patent number: 7708081Abstract: A wellbore system is provided including a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the wellbore extending into a salt layer of the earth formation. The wellbore system comprises a tubular conduit arranged in the wellbore whereby at least a portion of the tubular conduit is surrounded by the salt layer whereby an annular space is formed between said portion of the tubular conduit and the wellbore wall. The wellbore system further comprises an annular body of a- resilient material arranged in said annular space and extending substantially the length of said portion of the tubular conduit surrounded by the salt layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Martin Gerard Rene Bosma, Erik Kerst Cornelissen
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Patent number: 7708080Abstract: A packer includes a sealing element, a gage and a plurality of foldback rings. The rings are located between the gage and the sealing element.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Seth Conaway, Karen Grosser, James D. Hendrickson
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Publication number: 20100051259Abstract: A technique involves a packer formed as an expandable packer with an internal expandable bladder. The expandable bladder is formed with a section that is radially enlarged relative to an axial end of the expandable bladder when the bladder is in a relaxed state. The bladder configuration enables use of a reduced expansion ratio while still allowing expansion of the packer to a desired large diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Jean-Louis Pessin, Pierre-Yves Corre, Guillaume Boutillon
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Patent number: 7669653Abstract: The invention concerns a system or a method for maintaining zonal isolation in a wellbore. According to the invention, the system comprises, at a specific location along said wellbore, a sealing element, said sealing element being able to deform both during and after placement and is maintained after placement under compression through a pressurizing fluid or by confinement in a volume.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Bernadette Craster, Roger Card, Ashley Johnson, Paul Way, Hemant Ladva, Jonathan Phipps, Geoffrey Maitland, Paul Reid
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Publication number: 20100038073Abstract: A hydraulic packing device for wellbores, known in the art as “packer”, which is a retrievable device and is used in downhole operations, that is also part of the tools used in wellbore operations, such as oil, water or gas wells, or wells of similar fluids is provided. More specifically, the main object of the invention is a double-latch packer with hydraulic fastening and packing pressure function, double retreat integrated assembly, with elements of rubber packing, which has the advantage of being able to work selectively on facilities with one packer or multiple packers, with the advantage of fastening or releasing the packer selectively in oil, water or gas wells, or wells of similar fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventor: Gustavo Ignacio Carro
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Patent number: 7661470Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel. Upon expansion, a sealing element engages an outer tubular and the gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, John Lindley Baugh
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Patent number: 7661481Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use as a downhole tool or a component thereof for insertion into a wellbore. According to one aspect, the apparatus has a body having a chamber, wherein at least a portion of the body is radially expandable; and a water-swellable material in the chamber, wherein the water-swellable material is dissolvable in water. According to another aspect, the apparatus has a body having a chamber, wherein at least a portion of the body is radially expandable, and wherein at least a portion of the body is made with a material that is deteriorable by hydrolysis; and a water-swellable material in the chamber. According to a further aspect, the water-swellable material is dissolvable in water.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Trinidad Munoz, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090301720Abstract: Remote cement plugging device (10) and method of use. The device has at least one means (60) for perforating at least one hole through a wall of a first well casing, and means to inject cement into an annulus between the inner well casing and a second well casing. The perforating means has at least one punch (65) actuated by compressed fluid (hydraulic, pneumatic) to form the hole(s), and thereafter the cement is delivered to the annulus between the inner and outer/intermediate casings to form the cement plug without the need to withdraw the device from the well casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Jonathan Paul Edwards, Alexander Jeffrey Burns
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Publication number: 20090301715Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer layer that expands to create a seal with a surrounding wellbore wall. The drain is located in the outer layer between its axial ends for collecting formation fluid which is routed from the drain to an axial end of the outer layer via a fluid flow passage. Mechanical fittings are mounted at the axial ends of the outer layer, and at least one of the mechanical fittings comprises one or more flow members coupled to the flow passage to direct the collected fluid from the packer. The one or more flow members are designed to move in a manner that freely allows radial expansion and contraction of the outer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Stephane Metayer
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Publication number: 20090294119Abstract: A retrievable large bore packer for providing an annular seal and an anchor system in a well bore. Ports are provided behind the slips to prevent debris build-up and allow the slips to release. These ports, in a thin walled tubing, allow the collapse of the tubing behind the slips to aid removal of the packer if the sealing element does not release. The slip arrangement is mounted entirely above the sealing element to remove the requirement to seal between the slips and the inner bore of the packer. In this way the packer can have a large bore. Further flow paths are provided through the packer above the seal to prevent debris build-up above the sealing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Red Spider Technology LimitedInventors: William S. Burnett, Michael A. Reid
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Publication number: 20090294137Abstract: A wellbore packer having a setting mechanism adapted to apply an axial force along a force path; a seal member connected with the setting mechanism along the force path, the seal member set in response to the application of the axial force; a slip connected with the setting mechanism downstream of the seal member along the force path, the slip set in response to the application of the axial force; and an assembly adapted to transfer the axial force around the intervening seal member to the slip.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: John R. Meijer
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Patent number: 7617880Abstract: An anchor assembly for use in downhole slickline strings to set wellbore inflatables comprises, in one specific embodiment, an upper mandrel, an upper piston, radially extendable slips, a release piston in sliding engagement with a release mandrel, and a lower housing in sliding engagement with a lower mandrel. Fluid entering a bore of the anchor assembly forces the upper piston downward and extends the anchors. Thereafter, the slickline is reciprocated to pump fluid down the bore of the anchor assembly into the inflatable to prevent premature release of the inflatable. As the inflatable inflates, the lower housing is pulled downward along the lower mandrel until the inflatable is fully inflated. At a predetermined pressure after inflation of the inflatable, the anchors are retracted by actuation of the release piston so that the anchor assembly can be retrieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Michael J. Loughlin
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Patent number: 7610958Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that relates to an actuator comprising a plurality of individual piston chambers pressurized by a common pressure source. A plurality of pistons are in operable communication with the piston chambers, the pistons each being in operable communication with an actuatable device, such that the plurality of pistons simultaneously act upon the actuatable device upon application of pressure to the plurality of piston chambers.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Peter Barnes Moyes
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Publication number: 20090211756Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well may comprise a vessel having a piston or a valve disposed therein and defining first and second volumes wherein the first volume is configured to receive formation fluid from an inlet port, and an actuator configured to extract formation fluid, the actuator being fluidly isolated from a fluid flow path extending between the inlet port and the first volume. The downhole tool may also comprise a flow-line configured to deliver formation fluid to the vessel, and an actuator configured to register an end of the flow-line with the inlet of the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Anthony R.H. Goodwin, Julian J. Pop, Stephane Briquet, Ricardo Vasques, Alexander Zazovsky
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Publication number: 20090159278Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Stephen Yeldell, Carsten Sonne, Anthony Robert Holmes Goodwin, Stephane Briquet, Alexander F. Zazovsky
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Publication number: 20090159266Abstract: An actuating mechanism for use in a tool such as a plug used in oil and gas wells. The mechanism being operable under pressure in the well bore to set the plug in a first natural closed state for a pressure under a predetermined pressure range; a second closed state wherein the plug is locked closed regardless of the pressure; and a third open state by increasing the pressure to the predetermined pressure range and holding the pressure in the range for a predetermined time. Electronic and mechanical, dual piston, actuating mechanisms are described as is a method of controlling fluid flow in a well bore using the plug and performing a pressure test against the plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2009Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventor: Michael A. Reid
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Publication number: 20090126945Abstract: An apparatus includes a casing and a sealing element that is retained in the casing. The sealing element has an unset state in which the sealing element has a first radial thickness and a set state in which the sealing element has a second radial thickness that is greater than the first radial thickness to form a seal between the casing and an inner tubular member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Ashish Sharma, Nitin Y Vaidya, Manuel Marya
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Publication number: 20090090502Abstract: An assembly arranged in a well bore and run in conjunction with a perforated or a non perforated liner has an inflatable packer section prepared for being expanded by fluid and a valve device for opening and closing of fluid communication into the inflatable packer section. The assembly also has a fluid section connected to the inflatable packer section. The fluid section holds a fluid that is delivered into and used to inflate the inflatable packer section. An energy section in the assembly contains an energy source for delivering the fluid from the fluid section into the inflatable packer section. A triggering section includes a control for the energy source and/or the valve device. The triggering section can control the delivery of the fluid into the inflatable packer section. The triggering section also includes a communicator that signals a triggering device for initiating the expanding of the inflatable packer section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: Peter Lumbye, Imran Abbasy
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Patent number: 7510020Abstract: A wellbore system is provided including a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the wellbore extending into a salt layer of the earth formation. The wellbore system comprises a tubular conduit arranged in the wellbore whereby at least a portion of the tubular conduit is surrounded by the salt layer whereby an annular space is formed between said portion of the tubular conduit and the wellbore wall. The wellbore system further comprises an annular body of a- resilient material arranged in said annular space and extending substantially the length of said portion of the tubular conduit surrounded by the salt layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Martin Gerard Rene Bosma, Erik Kerst Cornelissen
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Patent number: 7510016Abstract: There is disclosed a downhole packer for use in a well bore, and in particular, a packer which can be used for downhole testing. In an embodiment of the invention, a packer tool (10) for mounting on a work string to provide a seal against a tubular (32) is disclosed, the packer tool comprising a body (12) with one or more packer elements (18) and a sleeve (14), the packer tool being set by movement of the sleeve relative to the tool body compressing the one or more packer elements, wherein the tool has a plurality of bypass channels (16) to provide a fluid path past the packer elements, the sleeve including at least owe anchoring member (22, 50), the at least one anchoring member being actuate to contact the tubular by fluid pressure from the bypass channels when the packer is set.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group LimitedInventor: George Telfer
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Patent number: 7475736Abstract: An improved cone and integral slip assembly is described for use in the anchoring assembly of a downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac plug, or cement retainer. The cone may include external fins that are integral to and run axially along the cone. The integral slip assembly includes at least one axial slot, which facilitates subsequent breaking up of the integral slip assembly into individual slip segments. Each slip segment may include a channel that is adapted to mate with an external fin of the cone. As the integral slip assembly traverses the cone, the channels of the slip segments ride on the fins encouraging the integral slip assembly to break apart along the slots into the slip segments. The spacing of the fins and corresponding channels in the slip segments are positioned such to ensure that the slip segments are advantageously positioned around the cone thus, locating the packing element of the plug in the center of the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: BJ Services CompanyInventors: Douglas J. Lehr, Gabriel A. Slup
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Publication number: 20080308282Abstract: A zonal isolation device comprises a packer assembly and an internal setting mechanism operable to actuate the packer assembly from an unset position to a set position, wherein the zonal isolation device is resettable and retrievable. Another zonal isolation device comprises a packer assembly, a setting mechanism operable to actuate the packer assembly from an unset position to a set position in response to hydraulic pressure alone, and a locking mechanism operable to lock and unlock the packer assembly from the set position in response to hydraulic pressure alone. A method for setting a zonal isolation device within a well bore comprises running the zonal isolation device in an unset position within the well bore on a work string, applying a differential pressure between the work string and the well bore, and actuating the zonal isolation device to a set position in response to the differential pressure alone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: William E. Standridge, Cleo (John) Clayton Holland, Kevin Ray Manke
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Publication number: 20080264636Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying hydraulic treatment and diversion treatment to a wellbore are described. The method involves isolating a wellbore segment using hydraulic seals; applying fluid treatment and perforation diverters within the isolated segment; and scraping a portion of the wellbore after termination of treatment to remove any lodged perforation diverters from the wellbore. A collection chamber may also be provided for collecting used diverters for return to surface following treatment. In one embodiment, diverters used and collected within a first segment may be reused during treatment of a successive wellbore segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: NCS Oilfield Services Canada Inc.Inventors: Marty Stromquist, Clayton Plucheck
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Patent number: 7441605Abstract: Devices and methods for monitoring wellbore conditions while conducting hydrocarbon production within a wellbore, particularly an open-hole wellbore, having multiple zones within. A production tubing string assembly is made up having a plurality of packers for sealing within an open-hole wellbore having multiple individual zones. The production tubing string includes production nipples and one or more fiber optic sensor lines disposed upon the outside of the production tubing string. The sensor line or lines are disposed through the packers using a pass-through system so as to provide unbroken sensing line(s) to the surface of the wellbore. This allows temperature, pressure or other wellbore conditions to be monitored at the surface in each of the individual zones of interest.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Martin P. Coronado, Elmer R. Peterson
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Publication number: 20080223571Abstract: Disclosed herein is a packer system. The packer system includes, a first packing element settable to create a seal against a downhole structure, and a contingency packing element in operable communication with the first packing element, maintainable in reserve and settable at a time after which the first packing element is set.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Douglas J. Murray
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Publication number: 20080210438Abstract: The application discloses a safety valve including a flapper valve and a packer assembly to be installed in a bore to isolate a first zone from a second zone. Preferably, the safety valve includes a hydraulic conduit bypassing the flapper valve to allow communication therethrough when the valve is closed. Furthermore, the safety valve preferably allows unobstructed passage of tools and fluids therethrough when the flapper valve is open. The application discloses a method to install a safety valve in an existing string of tubing by deploying a packer assembly having an integral safety valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2005Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: BJ Services CompanyInventors: Jeffrey L. Bolding, David R. Smith
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Publication number: 20080156500Abstract: A packer for a well is described. The packer comprises at least one packing element, at least one anchoring element, and a mandrel coupled to the at least one anchoring element. The packer is arranged such that, once set, the mandrel is free to move with respect to the packing and anchoring elements. In one embodiment the at least one anchoring element is integral with the at least one packing element. In an alternative embodiment the at least one anchoring element is separate from the at least one packing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Iain Macleod, Steve Reid
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Patent number: 7383891Abstract: A packer includes one or more anchors for securing the packer in a wellbore and a pair of seal elements that form a fluid seal. The packer assembly is hydraulically set and, thus, it can be located at any desired position within the wellbore. The packer assembly is secured within the wellbore by a staged setting process through use of shear pins that have increasingly stepped shear values. Redundancy in packer sealing is provided by the use of two seal elements to establish fluid sealing. The design of the packer assembly also provides hydraulic isolation of the actuating portions of the packer assembly upon setting.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Peter Fay, Timothy Wootan, Paul Zutz, John Baugh, Kenneth Almond
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Patent number: 7377322Abstract: A hydraulically actuated anchor and a mechanically actuated packer are used in combination to secure a production tubing system in a lateral prior to injection of a cement to line the lateral borehole in which the production tubing is positioned. The packer is expanded to prevent fluid cement material from flowing past the packer into a junction area of the lateral with other laterals and aid the removal of superfluous cement material after hardening of the injected cement material around the production tubing system.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Peak Completion Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Raymond A. Hofman
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Publication number: 20080110643Abstract: Devices and methods for setting a packer inside a wellbore with little appreciable reduction of the useable area of the wellbore. The outer casing or liner of the wellbore contains one or more integrated casing coupler joints having an increased diameter chamber portion. A large bore packing element is carried within the increased diameter chamber portion. The packing element may be selectively actuated to form a seal against an interior tubular member. Because the packing element is located within the chamber portion of the casing coupler, the packer may be set while saving useable cross-sectional area within the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Bennett M. Richard, Edward O'Malley, Yang Xu, Peter Fay, Larry Urban
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Patent number: 7347274Abstract: The present invention provides for an annular barrier tool to block or restrict the flow of well fluids in the annular region of a well.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Jose F. Garcia, Philippe Gambier
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Publication number: 20080006403Abstract: A pressure plug system comprising a pressure plug with a tapered section, a receiving landing receptacle having a tapered section with substantially the same tapering angle as tapered section of the pressure plug, and tapering angle being less than the friction angle corresponding to the coefficient of friction between the pressure plug and the landing receptacle. The pressure plug engages the receiving landing receptacle providing reliable seal and locking the plug against landing receptacle preventing axial movement under cycling pressure and rotation of the plug during drillout.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Applicant: Grinaldi LTDInventors: Scott Anthony Benzie, Andrei Gregory Filippov
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Patent number: 7231987Abstract: A packer and actuator therefor configured for use in relatively high hydrostatic pressure environments. In a described embodiment, a packer for use in a subterranean well includes an actuator for setting the packer. The actuator includes multiple pistons circumferentially spaced apart from each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Marion D. Kilgore, Daniel L. Patterson
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Patent number: 7198110Abstract: A packer includes one dual, or double acting, slip and a single acting slip positioned on a mandrel on opposite sides of a packing element and a setting cylinder. The single acting slip is designed to resist forces acting on the mandrel in one direction. Setting forces generated by the setting cylinder are coupled to the mandrel through a releasing sleeve. When the releasing sleeve is decoupled from the mandrel, the slip setting forces on both slips and the packing element are released and the packer can be retrieved from a well. In a preferred form, the releasing sleeve may be decoupled from the mandrel by multiple means.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Marion D. Kilgore, Daniel L. Patterson
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Patent number: 7191828Abstract: A hydraulically set concentric packer with multiple umbilical bypass through the piston. In a described embodiment, a packer for use in a subterranean well includes a piston which displaces to set the packer in the well, and a line extending through the piston. The piston has concentric inner and outer diameters, and is concentric with an inner mandrel and an outer housing of the packer.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: WellDynamics, Inc.Inventors: Napoleon Arizmendi, Brett W. Bouldin
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Patent number: 7134504Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel. Upon expansion, a sealing element engages an outer tubular and the gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper, John Lindley Baugh
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Patent number: 7104322Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for anchoring an expandable tubular within a wellbore prior to expanding the length of the expandable tubular into contact with the wellbore. An expandable system comprises the expandable tubular and a deployment tool, wherein the deployment tool exerts radial force against the expandable tubular to expand at least a portion of the expandable tubular into contact with the wellbore to anchor the expandable tubular prior to the expansion process. A method for anchoring an expandable tubular within a wellbore prior to the expansion process is also provided, wherein radial force expands the expandable tubular into contact with the wellbore to initially anchor the expandable tubular. A method for altering the shape of the anchor is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Ken Whanger, Simon Harrall, Christopher Cuffe, Robert Badrak
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Patent number: 7077212Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for operating a tool in a wellbore. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a hydraulically operated tool and a wellbore tubular both in communication with a pressure sensing line. The hydraulically operated tool is responsive to a combination of a fluid pressure in the pressure sensing line and a manipulation of the wellbore tubular, such response causing the tool to operate within the wellbore. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for anchoring a well tool in a wellbore. The method includes the steps of lowering the well tool into the wellbore on a tubular string, flowing fluid through the tubular string to begin anchoring the well tool, and manipulating the tubular string to complete the anchoring of the well tool.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Roesner, Scott McIntire, Adrian Vuyk, Jr., Thomas F. Bailey
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Patent number: 7059407Abstract: The invention discloses methods of, as well as apparatus and systems for, perforating and treating multiple intervals of one or more subterranean formations intersected by a wellbore by deploying within said wellbore a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) having a perforating device and a sealing mechanism, wherein pressure communication is established between the portions of the wellbore above and below the sealing mechanism. The BHA is positioned within the wellbore such that the sealing mechanism, when actuated, establishes a hydraulic seal in the wellbore to positively force fluid to enter the perforations corresponding to the interval to be treated. A treating fluid is pumped down the wellbore and into the perforations created in the perforated interval. The sealing mechanism is released, and the steps are repeated for as many intervals as desired, without having to remove the BHA from said wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Randy C. Tolman, Lawrence O. Carlson, David A. Kinison, Kris J. Nygaard, Glenn S. Goss, William A. Sorem, Lee L. Shafer
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Patent number: 7055596Abstract: Methods of releasing a well tool set in a wellbore are provided. In various embodiments, a well tool, such as a packer, is released from sealing and gripping engagement within a wellbore using alternate methods. A dual-string packer is described in which the packer may be released by severing a mandrel of the packer, displacing a piston of the packer, or by displacing a retaining device in a flow passage of the packer.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Marion D. Kilgore, Daniel L. Patterson
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Patent number: 7051805Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel and mating undulating surfaces to help maintain grip under changing load conditions. Upon expansion, pressure on a sealing element is enhanced by nodes to increase internal pressure as it engages an outer tubular. Adjacent retaining rings limit extrusion and enhance grip. A gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James C. Doane, Jason M. Harper
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Patent number: 6997252Abstract: A hydraulic setting tool for packers capable of mechanically setting the packer and opening a valve in the packer in one trip. The tool comprises an outer sleeve and an inner mandrel coaxially disposed within the outer sleeve and adapted to move axially relative to the outer sleeve. The tool further comprises three locking mechnisms that unlock under different fluid pressure loads. Two of the locking mechanisms lock the inner mandrel to the outer sleeve in a run-in position. Once a sufficient fluid pressure has been reached to unlock both of these locking mechanisms, the inner mandrel moves upward relative to the outer sleeve to set the packer. A spring forces the inner mandrel into a third position relative to the outer sleeve, which is maintained by the third locking mechanism. This third position is used to open the packer valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jesse C. Porter, Brian K. Wilkinson, Donald R. Smith, Donald F. Hushbeck
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Patent number: 6957701Abstract: The invention discloses methods of, as well as apparatus and systems for, perforating and treating multiple intervals of one or more subterranean formations intersected by a wellbore by deploying within said wellbore a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) having a perforating device and a sealing mechanisms, wherein pressure communication is established between the portions of the wellbore above and below the sealing mechanism. The BHA is positioned within the wellbore such that the sealing mechanism, when actuated, establishes a hydraulic seal in the wellbore to positively force fluid to enter the perforations corresponding to the interval to be treated. A treating fluid is pumped down the wellbore and into the perforations created in the perforated interval. The sealing mechanism is released, and the steps are repeated for as many intervals as desired, without having to remove the BHA from said wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: ExxonMobile Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Randy C. Tolman, Lawrence O. Carlson, David A. Kinison, Kris J. Nygaard, Glenn S. Goss, William A. Sorem, Lee L. Shafer
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Patent number: 6915856Abstract: A slip assembly apparatus is adapted (i) to be deployed into a wellbore (ii) to prevent axial movement of a downhole tool assembly in the wellbore when the slip assembly apparatus is actuated and external forces are imposed on the downhole tool assembly; (iii) to allow fluid flow past the slip assembly apparatus within the wellbore when the slip assembly apparatus is actuated or non-actuated; and (iv) to allow release of the slip assembly apparatus by use of a release load that is less than the axial capacity of the deployment mechanism. Different embodiments of the invention contain features such as claddings and treatments for surface hardness and wear resistance, and grooves or flutes for enhancing fluid flow between the outer diameter of the slip assembly and the inner diameter of the well casings.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Mark C. Gentry, Timothy J. Hall, Kevin H. Searles, William A. Sorem, Scott R. Clingman
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Patent number: 6896061Abstract: A device and a method are provided for the hydraulic fracturing of multiple zones in a well bore. A stinger carries a plurality of packers into a well bore. Each packer is separably connected to each adjacent packer. As each packer is sequentially secured in the well bore, the stinger is withdrawn from the secured packer and the process is repeated as the remaining packers are sequentially secured and separated.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Iosif J. Hriscu, Don S. Folds, Gregory W. Vargus, Thomas W. Hawkins, John T. Brandell
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Patent number: 6860326Abstract: Methods of releasing a well tool set in a wellbore are provided. In various embodiments, a well tool, such as a packer, is released from sealing and gripping engagement within a wellbore using alternate methods. A dual-string packer is described in which the packer may be released by severing a mandrel of the packer, displacing a piston of the packer, or by displacing a retaining device in a flow passage of the packer.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Marion D. Kilgore, Daniel L. Patterson
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Patent number: 6854521Abstract: A well completion system for creating a seal between a production tubing (30) and a well casing (34) positioned within a wellbore (32) comprises a production packer (46) that includes a section of the production tubing (30) and at least one seal element (60). The production tubing (30) is then positioned within the well casing (34) that lines the wellbore (32). An expander member (56) that is positioned within the production tubing (30) then travels longitudinally through the production packer (46) to expand the section of the production tubing (30) downhole that includes the seal element (60). This expansion creates a sealing and gripping relationship between the production tubing (30) and the well casing (34).Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ralph H. Echols, Tommie A. Freeman, John C. Gano
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Publication number: 20040216892Abstract: A latch assembly, and methods of using the latch assembly, for use with a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and a tubular, are provided. In one embodiment, the latch assembly is disposable within the tubular, configured to be rotationally and axially coupled to the tubular. In one aspect of the embodiment, latch assembly is configured to be released from the tubular by applying a tensile force to the latch assembly. The latch the latch assembly may comprise: one or more sleds disposed within one or more respective slots formed along at least a portion of a locking mandrel; and one or more retractable axial drag blocks configured to engage a matching axial profile disposed in the tubular, wherein each axial drag block is coupled to the respective sled with one or more biasing members; and the locking mandrel actuatable between a first position and a second position and preventing retraction of the axial drag blocks when actuated to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gary Thompson, Albert C. Odell
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Patent number: 6779601Abstract: An inflatable packing element for a bridge plug. The packing element has an anchor portion and a sealing cover portion, each of which is expanded in order to engage and seal a surrounding string of casing or borehole. The anchor portion has a minimum length defined by 2.63× the inner diameter of the surrounding pipe or other wellbore opening. At the same time, the anchor portion has a maximum length defined by approximately 49% of the length of the expanded portion of the packing element engaging the surrounding pipe or other wellbore opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Wilson, Corey E. Hoffman
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Patent number: 6779600Abstract: A hydrostatically set packer is disclosed. The actuating piston is locked for run in by a lock sleeve and lock dog arrangement. When the desired depth is reached well pressure is built up to break a rupture disc to allow hydrostatic pressure to act on one side of a lock sleeve. The other side of the lock sleeve is exposed to a chamber under atmospheric or low pressure. Movement of the lock sleeve releases the lock dog allowing piston movement to set the packer. The lock sleeve has a labyrinth seal so that seal leakage below a predetermined level will not prematurely activate the piston lock and prematurely set the packer. A variety of designs for the labyrinth are described.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: BAker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James King, Edward Wayne Welch, Jr.