Pressure Transmitted By Cup Type Packer Or Plug Seal Patents (Class 166/121)
  • Patent number: 11220881
    Abstract: A production tool that can aid in the operation of a producing oil/gas well is provided. In use, the tool is connected to production tubing and disposed in a wellbore, for example, below a pump. The tool includes an anchoring body that anchors the production tubing to a casing lining the wellbore. The tool also includes one or more sealing elements that create a seal with the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Lufkin Lift Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Zachry, Christopher Valenzuela, Michael Thompson
  • Patent number: 11041352
    Abstract: A system can include an annular restrictor connected in a tubular string. The annular restrictor restricts flow through an annulus formed between the tubular string and a wellbore. Restriction to the flow through the annulus biases the tubular string into the wellbore, and fluid in the wellbore displaces into the tubular string and/or a formation penetrated by the wellbore. A method can include connecting an annular restrictor in a tubular string, and flowing a fluid through an annulus formed between the tubular string and a wellbore, thereby causing a differential pressure across the annular restrictor, the differential pressure biasing the tubular string into the wellbore. Another method can include connecting an annular restrictor in a tubular string, flowing a fluid through an annulus, thereby biasing the tubular string into a wellbore, and then causing the annular restrictor to no longer restrict flow through the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Brock W. Watson, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 10400531
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and apparatus associated with a slip assembly. The slip assembly comprises a plurality of slip segments, wherein each of the plurality of slip segments and a bonding substrate. The slip segments comprise: a first end having a plurality of teeth; a second end opposite the first end; and a transition section between the first end and the second end. The bonding substrate is disposed within the transition sections. The disclosed methods pertain to the manufacture and deployment of such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: INNOVEX DOWNHOLE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Jackson, Randy A. Jones
  • Patent number: 10329868
    Abstract: An articulated debris barrier folds on itself to extend radially to span a surrounding annular gap when the tool associated with it is set. The debris barrier can be used with a packer or bridge plug. The set position of the packer or plug is locked and another lock holds the extended position of the debris barrier. The debris barrier lock can be a snap ring that extends into a groove brought into alignment with it during the setting. Alternatively the lock for the debris barrier can be a body lock ring. In either case, release and retrieval of the packer or plug involves undermining of the locking feature for the debris barrier so that the debris barrier can extend while retracting from the borehole wall so that the barrier and the associated packer or plug can be removed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Limb, Frank J. Maenza, Nicholas S. Conner, Robert J. Taylor, Gary L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9890603
    Abstract: A tubing anchor catcher for anchoring well equipment in a well conduit to arrest movement in both longitudinal directions and rotational directions. A mandrel connected to the equipment has one or more grooves for slideably receiving respective drive pins from a drag body on the mandrel. A slip cage on the mandrel houses a slip or slips for selectively engaging and disengaging the conduit. Manipulation of the mandrel at surface causes the drive pins to move within the one or more grooves on the mandrel and the drag body conical surface to move toward the slip cage driving the slip or slips outward to grip the conduit. Further pulling at surface maintains the set position. The anchor is unset at surface by releasing the tension, rotating the mandrel in the second direction, and pulling the mandrel to disengage the slip or slips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Tazco Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Moore, Christopher S McArthur, Jasen L. Hoffman, Kevin D. Kelm
  • Patent number: 9719316
    Abstract: A slip assembly is in two pieces that move relatively to each other to facilitate release. The wicker portion is dovetailed to the base near a center underside location and at the edges. A positive travel stop converts the initial relative movement into tandem movement of the base and the wicker segment after a predetermined relative movement that has resulted in release. Adjacent components prevent relative movement during the radially outward movement for setting the assembly during which there is tandem movement of the base portion and the wicker portion. The two portions can be initially attached with a breakable member that fails during the release movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: William C. Lemm
  • Patent number: 9567822
    Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel with packing elements. Collars between the packing elements define ports communicating with gaps between the packing elements and the mandrels. Opposing piston housings on the mandrel can move in opposing directions to compress the packing elements against the collars. Each piston housing defines a space with the mandrel and has a second port communicating with the gap. Pistons disposed in the spaces are temporarily affixed thereto. Hydraulic pressure communicated through the mandrel's bore acts against the pistons. While affixed to the piston housings, the pistons move the piston housings toward the packing elements to compress then. When the packing elements set, continued pressure breaks shear pins affixing the pistons to the piston housings so the pistons move and eventually seal fluid communication between the second ports in the pistons and the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Michael C. Derby
  • Patent number: 9470060
    Abstract: A device and method for use is provided for grippingly engaging a tubular, in particular for gripping a wellbore casing. Drillable bridge plugs may use hardened buttons or other slip arrangements and materials that may be susceptible to damage when the bridge is being run into the wellbore. It may be desirable to protect the slip ring or the hardened buttons by shielding the buttons during run-in or by providing a standoff device so that the buttons may be prevented from contacting the casing until desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Allen Young, James Alan Rochen
  • Patent number: 9410412
    Abstract: An array of plugging devices are pumped sequentially from the surface through a liner that typically becomes horizontal in nature, where each plugging device is anchorable at a specific position along the length of the line. Perforations are generated above the plugging device. The plugging device may be a cup plug and when pump pressure is applied to the cup the cup moves through the liner. When anchored, the cup directs frac fluids through the perforations to treat the well formation. The plug may be of the type where a full bore is maintained through the liner and allows the cup plug to travel back to the surface due to flow from the well thus eliminating any need for milling obstructions from the well bore. The use of multiple plugging devices allows multizone stage fracing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Completion Tool Development, LLC
    Inventor: Gregg W. Stout
  • Patent number: 9322248
    Abstract: Completing a wellbore in a subsurface formation with packer assembly having first mechanically-set packer as first zonal isolation tool, and second zonal isolation tool comprises internal bore for receiving production fluids, and alternate flow channels. First packer has alternate flow channels around inner mandrel, and sealing element external to inner mandrel and includes operatively connecting packer assembly to a sand screen, and running into wellbore. First packer set by actuating sealing element into engagement with surrounding open-hole portion of the wellbore. Thereafter, injecting a gravel slurry and further injecting the gravel slurry through the alternate flow channels to allow it to bypass the sealing element, resulting in a gravel packed wellbore within an annular region between sand screen and surrounding formation below packer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Tracy J. Moffett, Jon Blacklock, David C. Haeberle, Patrick C. Hyde, Iain M. Macleod, Lee Mercer, Stephen Reid, Andrew J. Elrick
  • Patent number: 9169704
    Abstract: An expansion apparatus for anchoring a downhole tool in a well is provided. The expansion apparatus has a wedge, an expansion wedge and a slip ring. The wedge and expansion wedge interact so as to radially expand wedge segments of the expansion wedge. The slip ring and expansion wedge interact so as to radially expand the slip ring to grippingly engage the wellbore or casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Allen Dockweiler, Anthony Valencia
  • Patent number: 9045953
    Abstract: A system for fracturing a formation includes a tubular positionable within a formation borehole having at least one port therethrough configured to provide fluidic communication from inside the tubular to the formation borehole. The system also includes a seal sealably attachable to both the tubular and walls of the formation borehole, a seat in operable communication with the tubular and a member in operable communication with the seat such that movement of the seat relative to the tubular causes the member to engage the walls and provide stress thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard YingQing Xu
  • Patent number: 8960277
    Abstract: A packer for sealing against an inner cylindrical mandrel and a wellbore wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: I-TEC AS
    Inventors: Kristoffer Braekke, Bård-Einar Angell, Melanie Seguin
  • Patent number: 8881836
    Abstract: A packer is provided for sealing an annular region in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the, packer includes a boosting assembly adapted to increase a pressure on the packing element in response to an increase in a pressure surrounding the packer, for example, an increase in the annulus pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Duron Ingram
  • Patent number: 8727025
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes, a body having a recess, a first seal bore, a second seal bore, and a tool disposed at the body that is responsive to differential pressure across a piston. The downhole tool is configured to allow a differential pressure to form across the piston in response to a first plug sealing to and located at the first seal bore by the recess and preventive of forming a pressure differential across the piston in response to a second plug sealing to and located at the second seal bore by the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Gary L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8651178
    Abstract: A packer for a well. The packer comprises a seal element and seal setting apparatus. The seal setting apparatus is moveable with respect to the seal element in a setting direction to apply a setting force to the seal element to move the seal element from a run-in configuration to a set configuration in which, in use, the seal element forms a contact seal with a conduit wall. In use, the packer is arranged such that, in the set configuration, a pressure differential across the packer, which creates a force in the setting direction, will increase the setting force applied by the seal setting apparatus to the seal element to maintain the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Petrowell Limited
    Inventors: Lee Mercer, Iain Macleod
  • Patent number: 8579038
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus for sealing an annulus is described. The apparatus comprises a first sealing element (20) adapted for sealing the annulus against fluid pressure from above the sealing apparatus and adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure from above the apparatus and a second sealing element (40) adapted for sealing the annulus against fluid pressure from below the sealing apparatus and adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure from below the apparatus. In use, the sealing elements are arranged such that the second sealing element is above the first sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rubberatkins Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Atkins, Timothy Clarke
  • Patent number: 8561687
    Abstract: Moveable and split packer cups for use above a conventional coiled tubing fracturing or stimulation tool are described as well as methods for running these tools into a wellbore. These devices can be used for extended stimulation intervals with coiled tubing, as well as for a secondary pressure containment to avoid pressure communication with uphole formations or perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Trican Well Service Ltd.
    Inventors: Daryl Moore, Tom Brocklebank, Scott Sherman
  • Publication number: 20130264056
    Abstract: An array of plugging devices are pumped sequentially from the surface through a liner, that typically becomes horizontal in nature, where each plugging device is anchorable at a specified position along the length of the liner. When the plugging device is anchored, a cluster of perforations is generated above the plugging device where the perforations may be created by detonation of a perforating gun attached to the top side of the plugging device or the perforations may be created by shifting of a sleeve that is anchored to the plugging device. The plugging device may be a cup plug where the cup is similar to a swab cup and when pump pressure is applied to the cup, a force is generated to make the cup move through the liner. When anchored, the cup also directs frac fluids through the perforations to treat the well formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Oiltool Engineering Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Oiltool Engineering Services, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8079420
    Abstract: A sealing device is disclosed for separating sections inside an elongate hole with at least one duct extending inside and along the hole. The sealing device includes a first portion which is arranged, in use of the sealing device, to surround the duct and fit substantially tightly against the same, and a flexible cup-shaped second portion, which is arranged to surround the first portion and be resilient radially outwards to seal, in use, against the hole. Moreover, a method is disclosed for separating sections in an elongate hole with a duct extending inside and along the hole. A sealing device is slipped onto the duct at the intended level so that the sealing device after installation forms a cup shape around the duct. The duct and the sealing device are inserted into the hole, and the duct and the sealing device are installed at the intended level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Pemtec AB
    Inventor: Hans Alexandersson
  • Patent number: 7841397
    Abstract: A tool for use in the treatment of a formation penetrated by a well bore. The tool comprises a tubular core having at least one opening therein for the discharge of pressurized fluid from within the core, first and second axially spaced apart seals disposed on the core for seals between the core and the well bore, the opening in the core being located between the first and second seals, and a third seal disposed downhole relative to the first and second seals for sealing between the tool and the well bore, the third seal protecting the first and second seals from pressure in the well bore below the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Calfrac Well Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Brendon Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7819199
    Abstract: A method for setting a casing in a reduced diameter portion of a well bore whereby at least one annular packer may be positioned on an external surface of the casing and the packer may be conveyed into the reduced diameter portion of the well bore, thereby setting the casing. Cement can then be used to fill a region of an annulus formed between the external surface of the casing and the well bore above the packer. The packer may be preloaded, swellable, or expandable. The packer can be conveyed by applying a differential pressure to the packer, which longitudinally displaces the packer relative to the casing and forces the packer into the reduced diameter portion of the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Rune Freyer
  • Publication number: 20100101776
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus for sealing an annulus is described. The apparatus comprises a first sealing element (20) adapted for sealing the annulus against fluid pressure from above the sealing apparatus and adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure from above the apparatus and a second sealing element (40) adapted for sealing the annulus against fluid pressure from below the sealing apparatus and adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure from below the apparatus. In use, the sealing elements are arranged such that the second sealing element is above the first sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: RUBBERATKINS, LTD.
    Inventors: Nicholas Atkins, Timothy Clarke
  • Publication number: 20090056956
    Abstract: A packer is provided for sealing an annular region in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the, packer includes a boosting assembly adapted to increase a pressure on the packing element in response to an increase in a pressure surrounding the packer, for example, an increase in the annulus pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Gary Duron Ingram
  • Patent number: 7383889
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Lev Ring, David Paul Brisco, Brock Wayne Watson, Kevin K. Waddell
  • Publication number: 20040216877
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to hydraulic tools which may be used to set a liner top packer and/or may be used to resist the lifting forces of cementing pack-offs. One embodiment of a tool string for use in wellbore operations comprises a hydraulic anchor assembly adapted to prevent axial movement of the tool string and a hydraulic packer actuator assembly adapted to set a packer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald D. Pedersen, David E. Hirth
  • Publication number: 20030226668
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for sealing an annulus in a wellbore. In one aspect, the apparatus is an anchoring and sealing system for a downhole tool such as a bridge plug, packer, or frac-plug. The sealing system comprises of a sealing member disposed between a set of energizing rings, a set of expansion rings adjacent each cone, a set of support rings, and a set of slips. The components of the sealing system are arranged such that, when compressed, the sealing member may expand radially into contact with a casing. In another aspect, the apparatus the invention provides for an apparatus that is a downhole sealing tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick J. Zimmerman, Rocky A. Turley, Rami Al Oudat
  • Patent number: 6536532
    Abstract: A selectively released well packer is set between a pair of anchor shoe assemblies. Each assembly comprises a tubular setting sleeve having finger projections meshed with an anchor shoe cage. Wicker shoes are confined by the shoe cage. The packer seal and shoes are set by an axial translation of one shoe cage toward the other driven by a hydraulic sleeve piston. The packer is released by cutting the mandrel and pulling up on the tubing string. The uphole shoe cage is secured to the mandrel with limited axial freedom. Upward translation of the uphole portion of the severed mandrel therefore disengages the uphole anchor shoes and the packer seal. A buttress thread section of the mandrel engages a corresponding thread on the downhole setting sleeve to sequentially release the downhole anchor shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James Christopher Doane
  • Patent number: 4588030
    Abstract: A well tool, for setting in a nipple having a locking notch, including a body with initially retracted first and second locking dogs with a threaded actuator for moving the first and second dogs axially relative to each other and into engagement with the top and bottom of the locking notch for preventing axial movement of the body in the nipple. A plurality of metal cup sealing rings positioned about the body and expandable into a sealing relationship between the body and the nipple by a piston. A tapered expander extends into each of the sealing cups and at least one of the rings is positioned with the cups directed oppositely to the cup in another ring for holding pressure in both directions. The cup rings are shaped for setting in a sequential order starting with the rings furthest from the piston. A protector sleeve is releasably connected to the body and initially encloses the locking dogs and the sealing rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Camco, Incorporated
    Inventor: William A. Blizzard
  • Patent number: 4586567
    Abstract: A retrievable well tool for use in a subterranean well conduit utilizes plural valving elements to establish a fluid bypass around at least one annular elastomeric sealing element in response to movement of a control mandrel. The annular elastomeric sealing element actuates slips carried on the tool to engage the conduit wall in response to a differential pressure across the sealing element. The fluid bypass established by movement of the control mandrel is accomplished prior to an effective disengaging movement being imparted to the actuated slip elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Baker Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Jameson
  • Patent number: 4478279
    Abstract: A retrievable inside blowout preventer valve apparatus for use in blocking undesired upwardly flow in the bore of a rotary drill string during well drilling operations is disclosed. The valve apparatus is installed and retrieved from a subsurface receiver sub connected in the drill string by movement through the bore of the drill string. When shutting off upwardly flow through the bore of the drill string, the valve automatically operably secures and seals itself in the receiver sub. A wireline retrieving tool is used to release the valve apparatus from the receiver sub and to establish a connection therebetween for retrieving the valve apparatus with the wireline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventors: Joseph Puntar, B. J. Parham