Screw Threaded Patents (Class 166/124)
  • Patent number: 12152456
    Abstract: A seal assembly is provided. The seal includes an upper body; a lower body having a seal for sealing between a first wellhead system component and a second wellhead system component; and a space-out mechanism disposed between the upper body and the lower body, the space-out mechanism comprising a ramp ring having at least one tapered surface. The upper body has at least one tapered surface configured to interface with the at least one tapered surface of the ramp ring, the ramp ring is configured to rotate relative to the upper body and the lower body, and the at least one tapered surface of the ramp ring and the at least one tapered surface of the upper body are configured to bear against each other to rigidize the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Innovex International, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew B. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 11713636
    Abstract: A well plug for use in a subterranean well can include a generally tubular mandrel, a seal element positioned on the mandrel, and a setting rod releasably secured relative to the mandrel by an annular shaped shear ring or a bonded sleeve. The setting rod is releasable for longitudinal displacement relative to the mandrel in response to a predetermined shear force applied to the shear ring or bonded sleeve. A method of setting a well plug in a subterranean well can include displacing a generally tubular mandrel with a setting rod relative to an outer housing of the well plug, outwardly extending a seal element of the well plug in response to the displacing, and shearing a releasable attachment securing the setting rod relative to the mandrel, the releasable attachment comprising an annular shaped shear ring, or a bond between a sleeve and a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Nauman H. Mhaskar, James Rochen, David B. Rougerie
  • Patent number: 11391113
    Abstract: A downhole tool assembly including a bridge plug and a cement retainer in tandem to be deployed into a wellbore on the same run or trip for remedial cementing of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmed Al-Mousa, Marius Neacsu, Ahmed A. Al-Ramadhan
  • Patent number: 11346194
    Abstract: A submersible pump system includes a Y-tool system including a Y-Block having a production tubing branch, a submersible pump branch, and a bypass branch, an electrical submersible pump coupled to the submersible pump branch, a valve assembly coupled to the bypass branch, and a hydraulic system coupled to the valve assembly, the hydraulic system providing a hydraulic fluid to a chamber of the valve assembly. A method includes lowering production tubing into a wellbore, the production tubing including a submersible pump system with a Y-tool system including a Y-Block, and actuating a valve assembly disposed in a bypass tubing coupled to a bypass branch of the Y-Block to open or close a bore of the bypass tubing, the actuating including providing a hydraulic fluid to a chamber of the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Abdullah Ahmed Al-Somali, Saeed Mohamed Al-Ghamdi, Fahad Abdulaziz Al-Shinaiber
  • Patent number: 11306547
    Abstract: Disclosed is a release tool used to separate portions of a tool string. One release tool includes a main body, a bolt housing coupled to the main body and defining a bore for receipt of a separation bolt therein, the separation bolt being configured to couple the bolt housing to a lower sub, and a trigger mechanism communicably coupled to the separation bolt and configured to send an electrical signal to the separation bolt whereupon the separation bolt breaks and thereby allows the lower sub to separate from the bolt housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean Gregory Thomas
  • Patent number: 11261696
    Abstract: A cementing system and method for selectively providing bottom-up cementing and top-down cementing of a liner during a single downhole trip are provided. The cementing system has three configurations. A first configuration of the tool allows fluid flow through a central flowbore of the cementing tool, a liner hanger setting tool below the cementing tool, and the liner. A second configuration of the tool routes fluid from the central flowbore of the cementing tool to an annulus surrounding the liner hanger setting tool and the liner. A third configuration of the tool reestablishes flow through the central flowbore of the cementing tool and enables a dropped ball to reach the liner hanger setting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Shannon Royer
  • Patent number: 11215038
    Abstract: A rotating hanger running tool is provided allowing torque to be transmitted to a sleeve and then the casing by a set of directionally and rotationally biased dogs while bypassing a right-hand thread engaging the running tool to the casing. Upon rotating the tool in the opposite direction torque is transmitted to the right-hand thread causing the running tool and the casing to disengage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Patriot Research Center, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Cotton
  • Patent number: 10941649
    Abstract: An example tool for testing a wellbore includes a body having a longitudinal dimension configured for insertion into a casing of the wellbore, and a packer disposed along the body. The packer is controllable to expand against an inner diameter of the casing to enable testing the wellbore. The example tool also includes a scraper assembly disposed along the body for arrangement downhole of the packer when the body is inserted into the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Peter Ido Egbe, Ossama R. Sehsah
  • Patent number: 10920532
    Abstract: A squeeze packer (1) assembly incorporates a built-in setting tool which removes the need for a separate setting tool. The packer comprises a body comprising a mandrel (9), a shuttle sleeve (7), and a stinger (2) assembly which is lowered into the wellbore on the end of tubing (102). The shuttle sleeve is housed within the body and incorporates a latch device in the form of a collet comprising a plurality of resilient fingers (14) to releasably connect to the stinger. A ball seat (15) allows hydraulic setting of slips (3). Additional slips (4) can be set by applying tension on the tubing (FIG. 4). Once released, the stinger can open and close the shuttle sleeve by reciprocating in and out of the packer as many times as required during cementing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jason Fong, John Fraser
  • Patent number: 10808496
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cementing plug comprising a first plug body (bottom plug), a second plug body (top plug), and a plurality of cleaning portions. The first plug body comprises: a first body provided therein with a chamber opening towards a lower end thereof, and an upper end of the first body being provided with a pressure portion; and an anti-rotation portion provided on an inner wall of the first body, and capable of being connected to slurry entering the chamber to limit a rotation of the first plug body. The second plug body comprises a second body. The plurality of cleaning portions is provided on outer sidewalls of the first body and the second body along a length direction thereof, for scraping off residuals (mud cake) on an inner wall of a casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignees: China National Petroleum Corporation, CNPC Engineering Technology R&D Company Limited, Beijing Petroleum Machinery Co.
    Inventors: Hongying Zhang, Na Wang, Yanfu Huang, Lin Shi, Ping Yu
  • Patent number: 10808479
    Abstract: A setting tool for setting a ball actuated device includes a ball carrying assembly. The ball carrying assembly includes a ball, an outer housing including an axis extending therethrough, and an inner housing positionable within the outer housing and configured to move axially along the axis with respect to the outer housing. The inner housing includes a recess formed therein to receive the ball therein, and the inner housing is releasably coupled to the ball actuated device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventor: Robert DiRocco
  • Patent number: 10808508
    Abstract: A liner deployment assembly (LDA) for use in a wellbore includes: a crossover tool. The crossover tool includes: a seal for engaging a tubular string cemented into the wellbore; a tubular housing carrying the seal and having bypass ports straddling the seal; a mandrel having a bore therethrough and a port in fluid communication with the mandrel bore, the mandrel movable relative to the housing between a bore position where the mandrel port is isolated from the bypass ports and a bypass position where the mandrel port is aligned with one of the bypass ports; a bypass chamber formed between the housing and the mandrel and extending above and below the seal; and a control module. The control module includes: an electronics package; and an actuator in communication with the electronics package and operable to move the mandrel between the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Daniel Purkis, Richard Dalzell, Jason Duthie, Ian Jaffrey
  • Patent number: 10808486
    Abstract: A hanger system for providing sealed passage for cables, lines, tubes or the like through a wellhead is provided. The hanger has a main seal formed to receive and provide sealed pass-through of power and control cables, lines, conduits, or other threaded components therethrough, while effectively packing off and sealing the well bore. The hanger is provided with hinged side doors formed to engage and support the components. When the hanger with threaded components is positioned to rest in the bowl of the tubing head, the lower string weight is utilized to compress the main seal, providing an effective seal. The present system is suitable for use with permanent as well as temporary applications, and is designed to provide a low to medium pressure seal. Also taught is a bowl cap with compression seal to cover the present system, while providing enhanced, sealed pass-through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: John W Angers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10619449
    Abstract: A system includes a valve and a packer for controlling a location of a fluid in a low pressure well. The valve includes a valve housing and a pressure activated valve body that is axially movable in the valve housing between a closed position and at least a partly open position. The valve body has a surface facing a pressurized liquid. Movement of the valve body is opposed by a resilient element, and the valve is designed to open at a specific pressure. The valve housing has at least one valve opening that is exposed for pressurized fluid when the valve body is moved to its at least partly open position. The packer is peripherally positioned at the outside of the valve housing. The system is adapted to be releasable connected to a coiled tubing or a wireline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Smartcoil Solution AS
    Inventor: Mikias Amare Mebratu
  • Patent number: 10521759
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are described for monitoring at least one signal passing through a coupling connection from a first conveyance to a second conveyance, where the coupling connection has a network device that communicates on a wireless node network. Generally, the network device (e.g., an ID node) integrated in the coupling connection monitors the signal line passing through the coupling connection from the first conveyance to the second conveyance. The network device then detects data on the monitored signal line and records the detected data. Thereafter, the network device in the coupling connection transmits the detected data (e.g., a notification that the conveyances are disconnected, a change in power flowing between the conveyances, etc.) to another entity in the wireless network, such as a server or master node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Fedex Corporate Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud
  • Patent number: 10392904
    Abstract: A technique facilitates creation of and production from a multilateral well. A lateral junction is deployed downhole to a lateral bore via a conveyance, such as a coiled tubing conveyance. The lateral junction comprises a main bore tubular and a lateral bore tubular which are pivotably joined via a pivotable coupling. The pivotable coupling enables pivoting of the lateral bore tubular outwardly through a lateral opening of the main bore tubular. The construction of the lateral junction enables establishment of a lateral junction, such as a TAML Level 3 or TAML Level 4 junction, in a single trip downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John C. Wolf, Lance M. Rayne
  • Patent number: 10392884
    Abstract: Wall openings in a mandrel of a liner hanger/packer are eliminated and setting is accomplished with pressure against a landed object in a running tool. The wall of the running tool leads to a sealed annular space with a movable seal attached to a setting sleeve and the other end is a packer cup supported by the running tool. The setting sleeve sequentially sets the slips and releases the running tool followed by setting the packer seal. Optionally a dog sub can be used to set with set down weight on the setting sleeve. The set positions are locked in. The slips can be alternatively set with release of a contained spring force. The setting sleeve seal can be sheared out to allow removal of the running tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Mark K. Adam, Keven O'Connor
  • Patent number: 10364639
    Abstract: This invention relates to a sealing apparatus, system and method for use in a well pipe. The apparatus has a mandrel arranged around a center axis through the apparatus, a radially movable gripping device arranged around the mandrel, a radially movable packer element arranged around the mandrel, and an axially movable activation device designed to set up axial forces for activating the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a radially movable centralizer arranged around the mandrel for centring the apparatus. The activation device being operatively connected to the gripping device, the packer element and the centralizer for the respective activation and radial movement of each, via power transmission of axial forces, between retracted, passive positions and expanded, active positions relative to the center axis of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: E Holstad Holding AS
    Inventors: Tommy Svartvatn, Tom Henning Bode, Frode Flugheim Heggestad, Arnulf Bye, Thomas Berge, Evald Holstad, Thomas Bergan Johansen, Oyvind Naess Johannessen
  • Patent number: 10337279
    Abstract: A degradable downhole isolation tool for use in hydrocarbon well completion. The tool sets and isolates zones for fracking, and then degrades without leaving residual parts and without milling or introducing a new degrading fluid. The plug's mandrel and other parts are a solid polymer which hydrolyzes in aqueous downhole fluid to produce an acid which degrades degradable metal slips and other metal parts. The plug's seal may be degradable metal pedals or split rings. The plug is delivered to the well site as an interchangeable parts kit for adaption to the well's requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNUM OIL TOOLS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 10309185
    Abstract: A releasable ratchet device, including a mandrel device with a grooved area and a locking device including locking grooves configured to be engaged with the grooved area of the mandrel device. The releasable ratchet device may be configured to be in a locked state, in which axial movement between the mandrel device and the locking device is allowed in a first direction when the locking device is engaged with the mandrel device and movement between the mandrel device and the locking device is prevented in a second direction opposite of the first direction when the locking device is engaged with the mandrel device. The releasable ratchet device further includes a releasing device configured to bring the releasable ratchet device to a released state, in which axial movement between the mandrel device and the locking device is allowed in both the first direction and the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Interwell Technology AS
    Inventor: Espen Hiorth
  • Patent number: 10240439
    Abstract: A running tool for installing a liner in a wellbore of the type which can be disconnected from the liner by applying a weight down condition to the tool and rotating the work string in the right-hand direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Paul Noffke, Arthur Terry Stautzenberger
  • Patent number: 10047585
    Abstract: Techniques for sealing an annulus between a well tool and a tubular include moving the well tool through a wellbore in a run-in position, the well tool including a seal and a sleeve carried on the mandrel, and covering, in the run-in position, an exterior surface of the seal opposite an interior surface of the seal that faces the mandrel; landing the well tool in a tubular that includes a shoulder on an inner surface of the tubular and a seal bore on the inner surface of the tubular, the sleeve adjacent the shoulder upon landing the well tool; and receiving a force that moves a portion of the well tool further downhole to expose at least a part of the seal to the inner surface of the tubular to create a seal between an exterior surface of the well tool and the inner surface of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Brad Richard Pickle
  • Patent number: 9890606
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for installing a wellhead component in a single trip. Generally, a wellhead component may be run into a wellhead using a running tool. The running tool may then be retrieved from the wellhead and replaced with a locking tool, which is also run into the wellhead. Additional tools may be used to over-pull the wellhead component and to cementing the wellhead component in place. The process of retrieving and running tools into the wellhead is both time-consuming and costly. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments include a one-trip tool configured to run a wellhead component into a wellhead, engage an internal coupling to lock the wellhead component in place, over-pull the wellhead component to ensure the internal coupling was properly engaged, and cement the wellhead component in place within the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9850738
    Abstract: A plug for isolating a wellbore. The plug can include a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is formed from one or more composite materials and adapted to receive a setting tool through the first end thereof, at least one malleable element disposed about the body, at least one slip disposed about the body, at least one conical member disposed about the body, and one or more shearable threads disposed on an inner surface of the body, adjacent the second end thereof, wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to receive at least a portion of a setting tool that enters the body through the first end thereof, and wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to engage the setting tool when disposed through the body and adapted to release the setting tool when exposed to a predetermined axial force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Magnum Oil Tools International, Ltd.
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 9719321
    Abstract: A subterranean tool can drop multiple objects to landing locations in a tubular string. The tool can keep at least one ball out of the fluid stream until ready for release. A dart or wiper plug can be kept in the fluid stream with an open bypass until axial mandrel movement allows release of the plug or dart. The tool is rotationally locked at a lower location for run in and then can rotationally lock at an upper location upon release of the dart or ball shifting relative rotation capabilities to different members. Axial movement that releases the dart also aligns a ball with a decreasing depth groove so that relative part rotation can cam the ball against a leaf spring detent and into the mandrel flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher R. Hern, Daniel C. Ewing, Matthew J. Krueger, Jason P. Lacombe, Travis J. Ansohn, Steve M. Cortez, Michael Ramon
  • Patent number: 9653812
    Abstract: A subsurface antenna is designed for use below the surface of the Earth. In some configurations the antenna is a dipole antenna, which can be used for radio frequency heating of an oil-bearing formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Michal Mieczyslaw Okoniewski, Damir Pasalic, Gunther Hans Dieckmann, James Thomas Dunlavey
  • Patent number: 9567834
    Abstract: A method of cementing a liner in a well includes mounting a valve assembly that is biased in a closed position to a running tool assembly. The running tool assembly has a stinger inserted through the valve assembly, retaining the valve assembly in an open position. The stinger has a cement retainer releasably mounted to it. After lowering the running tool assembly into engagement with the liner string into latching engagement with a lower portion of the liner string. Afterward, the operator lifts the stinger from the valve assembly, causing the valve assembly to move to the closed position. The valve assembly blocks upward flow of fluid from the well conduit through the valve assembly in the event of leakage of the cement retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. Moffitt, Erik P. Eriksen
  • Patent number: 9551216
    Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving a fluid from a sampling zone in a borehole intersecting a formation may include a sampling tool having a port positioned in the sampling zone and a permeable media filling an annular space surrounding the port. The permeable media may include a circumferential support face, a first plurality of radial flow channels, and a second plurality of radial flow channels. The support face extends axially and uniformly along a length of the sampling zone. The circumferential support face contacts a borehole wall. The first plurality of radial flow channels conveys fluid between the borehole wall and the port. The second plurality of radial flow channels conveys fluid between the borehole wall and a location isolated from the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Hermanus J. Nieuwoudt, Christopher Morgan, Francisco Galvan
  • Patent number: 9512689
    Abstract: A series of down hole plugs are made from a common subassembly including, in some embodiments, a mandrel, a slips/seal section, a setting assembly and a mule shoe. To make the flow back plug, a ball check is placed in the mule shoe. To make the bridge plug, an obstruction is inserted in the mule shoe. To make the ball drop plug, the mule shoe is left unobstructed so any ball dropped in a well seats in a tapered inlet to the mandrel. To make a plug with a disintegratable check, a ball dropped in the well is of a type that disintegrated in frac liquids. Another embodiment is an improved adapter sleeve used on conventional setting tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 9470074
    Abstract: A device and method to lower the deepest gas lift location to a deeper location within the wellbore. Providing a bottom lift tool with flexible joints to sting into a side pocket mandrel to access annular high pressure gas. Diverting that gas into the stinger through the bottom lift tool down into the wellbore below the lowest end of the production tubular and the packer and preferably to at least the bottom of the perforations in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Drover Energy Services LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Bolding, Joseph D. Clark
  • Patent number: 9428998
    Abstract: A setting tool for hanging a tubular string includes: a mandrel having an upper portion and a lower portion for extending into the tubular string; a housing connected to the mandrel upper portion; and a bonnet. The bonnet is: for receiving an upper end of the tubular string, disposed along the mandrel, and linked to the housing. The setting tool further includes: an actuator for stroking the bonnet relative to the mandrel and the housing, thereby setting a hanger of the tubular string; an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal; and a latch. The latch is: connected to the mandrel lower portion, operable between an extended position and a retracted position, for being restrained in the retracted position by being disposed in the tubular string, and extendable by being removed from the tubular string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Robin L. Campbell, Karsten Heidecke, George Givens
  • Patent number: 9243472
    Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Martin Snider, Kevin R. George, John T. Hardesty, Michael D. Wroblicky, Nathan G. Clark, James A. Rollins, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 9091148
    Abstract: A method of cementing a liner in a well includes mounting a valve assembly that is biased in a closed position to a running tool assembly. The running tool assembly has a stinger inserted through the valve assembly, retaining the valve assembly in an open position. The stinger has a cement retainer releasably mounted to it. After lowering the running tool assembly into engagement with the liner string, the operator pumps a cement slurry through the stinger and the valve assembly. The operator then pumps the cement retainer down the liner string into latching engagement with a lower portion of the liner string. Afterward, the operator lifts the stinger from the valve assembly, causing the valve assembly to move to the closed position. The valve assembly blocks upward flow of fluid from the well conduit through the valve assembly in the event of leakage of the cement retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Moffitt, Erik P. Eriksen
  • Patent number: 9080403
    Abstract: A tubular anchoring system includes a frustoconical member having a first frustoconical portion and a second frustoconical portion. The first frustoconical portion is tapered in a direction opposing a direction of taper of the second frustoconical portion and slips in operable communication with the first frustoconical portion are radially expandable in response to longitudinal movement of the first frustoconical portion relative to the slips. A seal in operable communication with the second frustoconical portion is radially expandable in response to longitudinal movement of the second frustoconical portion relative to the seal, and a seat having a surface configured to be sealingly engagable with a plug runnable thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Gregory Lee Hern
  • Patent number: 9080405
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for retro-fitting an explosive setting tool to a non-explosive setting tool is provided to eliminate the use of pyrotechnics when setting auxuliary tools. An explosive setting tool is retro-fitted by removing the pyrotechnic elements of the tool and replacing them with a conversion assembly including a hydraulic pump, thus converting the explosive tool into a non-explosive tool. The hydraulic pump provides the energy necessary to set the auxiliary tool. Once the auxiliary tool has been set, the non-explosive setting tool can be brought to the surface and reset using a resetting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: James V. Carisella
  • Patent number: 9062543
    Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: GEODYANMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Martin Snider, Kevin R. George, John T. Hardesty, Michael D. Wroblicky, Nathan G. Clark, James A. Rollins, David S. Wesson
  • Patent number: 9057240
    Abstract: A debris barrier assembly for use downhole includes a single body annular barrier having a bore; an extension tubular inserted through the bore; an upper tubular coupled to an upper end of the extension tubular; and a lower tubular coupled to a lower end of the extension tubular, wherein the lower tubular includes a release valve. In one embodiment, the release valve is mechanically opened. In another embodiment, a torque connection is used to couple the upper tubular to the extension tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Steven B. Smith, Mark S. Fuller
  • Patent number: 8955605
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a mandrel for a downhole tool that may include a body having a proximate end with a first outer diameter and a distal end with a second outer diameter; a first set of threads disposed on the distal end; and a transition region formed on the body between the proximate end and the distal end. In aspects, the mandrel may be made from filament wound composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: National Boss Hog Energy Services, LLC
    Inventor: Duke VanLue
  • Patent number: 8851167
    Abstract: A packer setting tool sets a liner top packer by mechanical rotation of the running tool and set down weight following cementing of a liner. The packer setting tool includes a tubular release body mounted on an end of the running tool. An annular dog sub circumscribes a portion of the release body. The dog sub is linked to the release body with a shear screw. A thread on an outer surface of the release body engages a thread on an inner surface of the dog sub to define a threaded connection between the dog sub and the release body. When the running tool rotates, the thread on the release body rotates with respect to the thread on the dog sub driving the release body in an axial direction fracturing the shear screw and urges an adapter sleeve against the packer assembly to set the packer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Erik Peter Eriksen
  • Publication number: 20130312952
    Abstract: A flow back plug, a bridge plug, a ball drop plug and plug with a disintegratable check therein are made from a common subassembly including, in some embodiments, a mandrel, a slips/seal section, a setting assembly and a mule shoe. In other embodiments, the common components are a mandrel, a slips/seal section and a mule shoe. To make the flow back plug, a ball check is placed in the mule shoe. To make the bridge plug, an obstruction is inserted in the mule shoe. To make the ball drop plug, the mule shoe is left unobstructed so any ball dropped in a well seats in a tapered inlet to the mandrel. To make a plug with a disintegratable check, a ball dropped in the well is of a type that disintegrated in frac liquids. The setting assembly includes a setting rod connected to a setting device in the mandrel passage. When the plug is expanded into sealing engagement with a production string, the setting rod pulls out of the setting device leaving a passage through the mandrel and through the setting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 8496052
    Abstract: A flow back plug, a bridge plug, a ball drop plug and plug with a disintegratable check therein are made from a common subassembly including, in some embodiments, a mandrel, a slips/seal section, a setting assembly and a mule shoe. In other embodiments, the common components are a mandrel, a slips/seal section and a mule shoe. To make the flow back plug, a ball check is placed in the mule shoe. To make the bridge plug, an obstruction is inserted in the mule shoe. To make the ball drop plug, the mule shoe is left unobstructed so any ball dropped in a well seats in a tapered inlet to the mandrel. To make a plug with a disintegratable check, a ball dropped in the well is of a type that disintegrated in frac liquids. The setting assembly includes a setting rod connected to a setting device in the mandrel passage. When the plug is expanded into sealing engagement with a production string, the setting rod pulls out of the setting device leaving a passage through the mandrel and through the setting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Magnum Oil Tools International, Ltd.
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 8464786
    Abstract: A gripping apparatus is provided having a stop collar with an accessory hardware coupled or otherwise attached thereto so as to not weld the accessory hardware directly to a production tubular. The gripping apparatus is adapted to grippingly engage the production tubular for downhole hydrocarbon recovery applications, and the accessory hardware can be a bracket or ring configured to support alternate path shunt tubes. The stop collar can also include centralizer blades coupled directly thereto, instead of welding the centralizer blades to the production tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Langlais, Tage Thorkildsen
  • Patent number: 8459346
    Abstract: A plug for isolating a wellbore. The plug can include a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is formed from one or more composite materials and adapted to receive a setting tool through the first end thereof, at least one malleable element disposed about the body, at least one slip disposed about the body, at least one conical member disposed about the body, and one or more shearable threads disposed on an inner surface of the body, adjacent the second end thereof, wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to receive at least a portion of a setting tool that enters the body through the first end thereof, and wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to engage the setting tool when disposed through the body and adapted to release the setting tool when exposed to a predetermined axial force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Magnum Oil Tools International Ltd
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Publication number: 20120222861
    Abstract: A packer setting tool sets a liner top packer by mechanical rotation of the running tool and set down weight following cementing of a liner. The packer setting tool includes a tubular release body mounted on an end of the running tool. An annular dog sub circumscribes a portion of the release body. The dog sub is linked to the release body with a shear screw. A thread on an outer surface of the release body engages a thread on an inner surface of the dog sub to define a threaded connection between the dog sub and the release body. When the running tool rotates, the thread on the release body rotates with respect to the thread on the dog sub driving the release body in an axial direction fracturing the shear screw and urges an adapter sleeve against the packer assembly to set the packer assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Erik Peter Eriksen
  • Patent number: 8079413
    Abstract: A plug for isolating a wellbore. The plug can include a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is formed from one or more composite materials and adapted to receive a setting tool through the first end thereof, at least one malleable element disposed about the body, at least one slip disposed about the body, at least one conical member disposed about the body, and one or more shearable threads disposed on an inner surface of the body, adjacent the second end thereof, wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to receive at least a portion of a setting tool that enters the body through the first end thereof, and wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to engage the setting tool when disposed through the body and adapted to release the setting tool when exposed to a predetermined axial force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 7694746
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Edward O'Malley, Yang Xu, Peter Fay, Larry Urban
  • Patent number: 7234522
    Abstract: A float system for use in cementing a casing in a wellbore. The wellbore is drilled with a drill bit attached to the casing. The drill bit is removed after the wellbore is drilled. The float system is lowered into the casing after the drill bit is removed. The float system includes a packer apparatus with a float apparatus, preferably a float shoe, attached to the end thereof. The packer apparatus is set in the casing to hold the float shoe in position. A bottom cementing plug is placed in the casing and is urged downwardly until it engages the upper end of the packer apparatus. The cement will flow through the packer apparatus and the float apparatus to fill the annulus between the casing and the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Johnson, John Touchet, Scott Myers, Robert W. Srubar
  • Patent number: 6823944
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing the top of a liner within a casing string of an oil well which does not require a second trip of the work string to seal off the top of the liner within the casing. The liner, connected to the apparatus, is run into the well on a work string until the bottom of the liner sets on the bottom of the well. After the bottom of the liner is set on the bottom of the well and, if desired, a gravel slurry is circulated into place, the apparatus is actuated by setting weight on the work string, which causes a cylindrical sealing element to expand and seal against the inside wall of the casing. The apparatus does not require slips to hold it in position within the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Tryad Service Corporation
    Inventor: Danny P. Seely
  • Patent number: 6675890
    Abstract: A packing tool assembly for sealing oil well bores that basically includes an elongated tubular member, two deformable sealing units, two stopper ring members and a cylinder member. A setting tool transports the packing tool assembly and the former stays in the oil well bore during the preparation and sealing phases without requiring the typical time-consuming withdrawal. When the preparation phase has been completed, the packing tool assembly is disengaged from setting tool and the sealing phase starts immediately. The latch members of the setting tool are received within the internal locking channels of the cylinder member. The setting tool is then rotated to cause the cylinder member to advance towards stopper ring members, deforming outwardly the sealing units. The latter are expanded against the walls of oil well bore. Once expanded the sealing units, the setting tool is removed and a tool for the extraction phase is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Alejandro Pietrobelli, Fausto Pietrobelli
  • Patent number: 6343650
    Abstract: A test, drill and pull system for testing a well formation or zone of interest and further drilling of the well in a single trip into the wellbore. The system includes a surface readout tester valve, a rotation-operated reversing valve, a resettable packer, a packer lockout, a perforated anchor and a drill bit. In operation, the apparatus is run into the bottom of the well adjacent to the formation or zone of interest and the packer set and unset as desired. With the packer set, a surface readout tester valve probe is lowered into the apparatus on a wireline and latched into the tester valve so that multiple testing operations may be carried out if desired. After testing, the fluid recovery may be reversed out and analyzed by actuating the reversing valve by rotation of the tool string. Further, rotation engages the packer lockout such that when weight is picked upon the packer, the packer cannot be reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Ringgenberg