With Controllable Passage Between Central Conduit And Space Above Packer Or Plug Patents (Class 166/131)
  • Patent number: 11828128
    Abstract: A bell nipple includes a downhole end configured to sealingly couple to an uphole-end of a blow-out preventer. An uphole end of the bell nipple includes a first set of threads along an inner surface of the bell nipple. A thread saver is configured to be received by the uphole end. The thread saver is configured to protect the first set of threads from impact. An extension sub is configured to be received by the uphole end. The extension sub includes a downhole end with a second set of threads configured to engage with the first set of threads. An uphole end of the extension sub includes a third set of threads configured receive a well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmed Al-Mousa, Bader M. Alahmad
  • Patent number: 11795782
    Abstract: A petroleum well toolstring valve includes a drill pipe string conveyed J-slot running tool for a top stinger on a retrievable bridge plug. The J-slot running tool includes a J-slot sleeve with J-slots for disconnectably receiving the stinger. The top stinger includes a cylindrical stinger portion with J-slot connecting lugs. An internal plug is arranged between a central connector and stinger bores. A cylindrical neck on the stinger portion spans the internal plug in the axial direction. The cylindrical neck, when covered by the J-slot sleeve, forms an annular flow space connecting upper and lower radial ports and thus central bores. The stinger portion has a rotatable sleeve valve body arranged on a stinger valve stem portion. The sleeve valve body has a sleeve valve port arranged for being aligned with the lower stinger port when rotated into an open position. The rotatable sleeve valve body is connected to the lugs for being rotated by the drill pipe string for opening or closing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Archer Oiltools AS
    Inventors: Arve Byberg, Daniel Agerup Bull
  • Patent number: 11773672
    Abstract: A system and method set a liner hanger in a borehole by actuating a hydraulic setting mechanism on the hanger to engage slips in the borehole. A setting tool runs the hanger into position. A reserve volume of the tool holds a clean fluid separate from the borehole. A piston of the tool has a tool volume for the fluid. During run in, pressure in the tool volume is balanced to hydrostatic pressure by drawing actuation fluid from the reserve volume to the tool volume through a check valve. To set the hanger, a plug is engaged on a seat in the tool, tubing pressure is applied behind the engaged plug, and the seat is unlocked. With more applied pressure, the piston moves, reduces the tool volume, and intensifies pressure of the clean fluid communicated to the hanger's setting mechanism. Over-pressure can be handled by a venting valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Frank D. Kalb, Eric D. Alonzo, Alexey Petrenko
  • Patent number: 11713643
    Abstract: A packer assembly includes a mandrel and a packing element disposed about the mandrel. Upper and lower recovery sleeves are disposed about the mandrel and extend between the mandrel and respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The upper and lower recovery sleeves each have a recovery profile embedded within the packing element. Upper and lower backup assemblies are movably disposed about the respective upper and lower recovery sleeves, adjacent to the respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The packer assembly includes at least one release mechanism. When setting the packer assembly in a bore, the packing element is axially compressed between the upper and lower backup assemblies to contact the bore wall, and the upper and lower backup assemblies splay outwards. Upon release, the packing element and backup assemblies retract, thereby facilitating retrieval of the packer assembly from the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wilbert Mitchell, Gary Duron Ingram
  • Patent number: 11448033
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device includes a mandrel, a sealing element disposed around at least a portion of the mandrel, and a delay coating disposed on at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing element. The sealing element includes a swellable material and the delay coating covers a cross-linked polymer. The delay coating is configured to swell or degrade in a wellbore fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignees: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC., BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Xiaoguang Allan Zhong, Kejia Yang, Walter Voit, Nelson Yan Loo Lee, Yong Dai Tan, Bing Hong Chee, Ee Wen Wong
  • Patent number: 10704348
    Abstract: A crossover sub includes a tubular housing connected to a drill string in a wellbore, a sealing structure to seal against a wellbore wall, and a sleeve valve disposed within the housing and movable between a closed position and an open position in response to a fluid pressure in a first flow chamber or second, separate flow chamber of the housing. The first flow chamber fluidly connects an upper annulus of the wellbore to a central bore of the drill string downhole of the crossover sub. The second flow chamber fluidly connects a central bore of the drill string uphole of the sealing structure to a lower annulus of the wellbore. The sleeve valve closes the second flow chamber in response to the sleeve valve being in the closed position, and opens the second flow chamber in response to the sleeve valve being in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Shaohua Zhou
  • Patent number: 10641052
    Abstract: A crossover sub includes a tubular housing connected to a drill string in a wellbore, a sealing structure to seal against a wellbore wall, and a sleeve valve disposed within the housing and movable between a closed position and an open position in response to a fluid pressure in a first flow chamber or second, separate flow chamber of the housing. The first flow chamber fluidly connects an upper annulus of the wellbore to a central bore of the drill string downhole of the crossover sub. The second flow chamber fluidly connects a central bore of the drill string uphole of the sealing structure to a lower annulus of the wellbore. The sleeve valve closes the second flow chamber in response to the sleeve valve being in the closed position, and opens the second flow chamber in response to the sleeve valve being in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Shaohua Zhou
  • Patent number: 10422215
    Abstract: A completion tool locating arrangement includes, an anchor attachable within a completion structure having a bore extending through the anchor, a seat disposed at the anchor receptive to a plug runnable thereagainst, and an attachment feature positioned at the anchor. The attachment feature is configured to allow at least one tool to be attached thereto for positioning the at least one tool with the anchor within the completion structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Porter
  • Patent number: 10006268
    Abstract: A packer having at least two areas of relative rotation wherein one are of relative rotation is between a top sub of the packer and a mandrel of the packer. A packer incorporating a jet port, a highly debossed mandrel and/or a J-pin rotatably disposed within a drag block assembly for continuously and redundantly engaging a J-slot area disposed in the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Watson, Roger Schultz, Andy Ferguson, Mark Britton
  • Patent number: 9915114
    Abstract: A retrievable downhole tool has a mandrel, an upper radially expandable slip carried by the mandrel, a lower radially expandable slip carried by the mandrel, a rubber element disposed between the upper radially expandable slip and the lower radially expandable slip, an upper backup disposed between the upper radially expandable slip and the rubber element, and a lower backup disposed between the rubber element and the lower radially expandable slip. At least one of the upper radially expandable slip, the lower radially expandable slip, the upper backup, and the lower backup comprises a soluble material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventor: Donald R. Greenlee
  • Patent number: 9303459
    Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a wellbore (10) is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a lowermost pilot drill bit (16) having a diameter less than that of the diameter of wellbore (12) drilled by the apparatus, above which is a reamer, having an adjustable drill diameter from a first diameter less than that of the pilot drill to a second diameter greater than that of the pilot drill, above which is a body portion (24) having a lower diameter less than that of the pilot drill and an upper diameter greater than that of the pilot' drill but less than the second diameter of the reamer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Peter Jeffryes, Ashley Bernard Johnson
  • Patent number: 9206666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier to be expanded in an annulus between a well tubular structure and an inside wall of a borehole downhole, comprising a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, said tubular part having a longitudinal axis, an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular part and having an outer face, each end of the expandable sleeve being fastened by means of a connection part to the tubular part, and an aperture in the expandable sleeve or the connection part, wherein a first connection and a second connection are fastened on the outer face of the expandable sleeve, and a safety sleeve having an opening is fastened to the expandable sleeve by means of the first and the second connections, the safety sleeve and the expandable sleeve defining a space being in fluid communication with the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Paul Hazel, Tomas Sune Andersen
  • Patent number: 8267177
    Abstract: A plug for a pipe in an oil or gas well includes a packer, a slip ring and a cone disposable on a mandrel and pressed between an upper push sleeve and a lower anvil on the mandrel. The plug can be field configurable with a frac plug kit, a bridge plug kit and a soluble insert plug kit. A pair of concentric locking rings is disposed between the push sleeve and the mandrel with an outer annular cone with an outer conical shape tapered upwardly and inwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Exelis Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Jon Vogel, Randall Williams Nish, Randy Arthur Jones
  • Publication number: 20110073329
    Abstract: A compression assembly (500) for actuating packing elements of a through tubing bridge plug in a casing string of a wellbore. The compression assembly (500) includes a support assembly (502) and an anti extrusion assembly (504). The support assembly (502) has a running configuration in which link arm assemblies are substantially longitudinally oriented and an operating configuration in which short arms (514) are pivoted relative to long arms (520) of link arm assemblies such that the short arms (514) form a support platform. The anti extrusion assembly (504) is operably associated with the support assembly (502). The anti extrusion assembly (504) has a running configuration in which petals (536) are substantially perpendicular to a base member (534) and nested relative to one another and an operating configuration in which the petals (536) are radially outwardly disposed substantially filling gaps between the short arms (514).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jack Gammill Clemens, Wesley Neil Ludwig, John Patrick Rodgers, Edwin A. Eaton, Marco Serra
  • Publication number: 20100314134
    Abstract: A swellable apparatus for filling a space in oil or gas apparatus and method of forming an apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a hydrocarbon swellable body formed from an elastomeric material selected to expand on exposure to a hydrocarbon fluid such as EPDM. The swellable body has a first surface which is exposed to a hydrocarbon fluid, a first (inner) portion, and a second portion disposed between the first portion and the surface. The first portion comprises a fluid permeability structure which differs from the fluid permeability structure of the second portion. In one embodiment, the cross-linking density of an outer portion of the body is greater than the cross-linking density of an inner portion of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
  • Publication number: 20100252256
    Abstract: A downhole tool including an inner mandrel, a first sealing element disposed around the inner mandrel, a second sealing mandrel disposed around the inner mandrel and axially below the first sealing elements, and a monitoring device disposed on the downhole tool between the first and second sealing elements. Also, a method of monitoring a downhole formation, the method including disposing a downhole monitoring tool in a wellbore, isolating a first production zone from a second production zone, wherein the first production zone is axially above the second production zone, and monitoring a condition of the first production zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Plooy, Bruce Cram
  • Patent number: 7770634
    Abstract: A gas lift production apparatus is provided for use in flushing and snubbing well operation. The apparatus comprises upper production string and lower production string. The upper production string includes at least one side pocket mandrel carrying a gas lift valve, tubular strings connected with every side pocket mandrel, a sliding sleeve installed as part of the production string below side pocket mandrels and a latch seal assembly threaded in the tubular string below the sliding sleeve. The lower production string includes a single bore packer below the latch seal assembly, tubular strings, a landing nipple and a bell mouth at the bottom of the production string. The upper production string are run in and removed as a single unit from the packer which is anchored within the well casing. It is emphasized that this apparatus is provided with three functions such as producing a gas lift well, flushing well and snubbing well operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Development & Research Center of Tuha Petroleum Exploration & Development Corporation
    Inventors: Yu Lei, Yong Li, Qiang Wang, Zhenghua Wu, Zhimin Xu, Zhensong Wang, Meijuan Suo
  • Patent number: 7770637
    Abstract: The completion system for delivering lifting gas supplied from surface via a casing annulus thru the packer for injecting to the wellbore at bottom hole as lifting gas for maximizing hydrocarbon producing from a subterranean well while maintaining integrity and serviceability as a typical gas lift well. A single completion, which uses the same tubing string for both producing the well and delivering lifting gas to the wellbore at downhole. The top section of the tubing is used for producing the well while the bottom section of the tubing is used for delivering lifting gas for injecting at bottom hole. The lifting gas will be injected to the wellbore proximately at perforation intervals for helping unloading liquid and producing the well. The use of modified equipment named “TK Bypass Mandrel” and “JP Bypass Nipple Sub” allows delivering and controlling of the lifting gas for injecting at bottom hole via a single tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited
    Inventors: Pramote Phoi-montri, Jose Piedras, Chatchai Kongdachudomkul, Thanawee Kreethapon
  • Patent number: 7607487
    Abstract: Packers and methods of using same are described. The packer includes a packer body, a slip to engage a casing of the well and a sealing element to seal an annulus of the well, a fluid bypass chamber adapted to allow fluid passage through the packer body during run in hole and in release position, and a re-settable mandrel slideably engaged with guide pins attached to the packer body and adapted to selectively open and close circulation paths upon actuation. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Lucas, Oscar Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6702015
    Abstract: A technique to facilitate deployment of power cable and at least one capillary tube through a wellbore tool, such as a packer. The technique allows both the power cable and the at least one capillary tube to extend through a single pass-through opening in the wellbore tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert P. Fielder, III, Timothy W. Collen, Massimiliano Pozzoni
  • Patent number: 6578638
    Abstract: Methods for reclaiming a borehole extending from an earth surface into the earth, part of which borehole is in a lost circulation zone. The methods include the steps of closing off the borehole to fluid flow above the lost circulation zone by installing a packer system with an inflatable packer element, inflating the inflatable packer element with cement, allowing the cement to set so that the inflatable packer effectively seals off the borehole to fluid flow, and then drilling out the inflatable packer. Such a method also may include a further operation conducted in the borehole within the lost circulation zone. The packer system comprises in one arrangement a packer body, an inflatable bladder around the packer body, a plurality of ribs mounted around at least a portion of the inflatable bladder, and a valve apparatus, all of which are fabricated from a drillable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Guillory, David Ward
  • Patent number: 6152224
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in setting packers and other fluid actuated devices includes a tubular body (222), a valve (228) for controlling the flow of well fluid through a port (234) in the body (222) and a valve actuator (224) mounted on the body (222) and movable relative thereto, to open the valve (228) by application of well fluid pressure. The well fluid may flow through the open valve (228) to set a packer or actuate a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Clive John French
  • Patent number: 6142226
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods are provided which facilitate underbalance drilling and completion of wells. In a described embodiment of a well control valve, the valve is opened and closed when a drill string is displaced therethrough. A shifting device is carried on a drill bit and deposited in the valve when the drill string enters and opens the valve. The valve is closed and the shifting device is retrieved from the valve when the drill string is tripped out of the well. A packer hydraulic setting tool usable in conjunction with the well control valve in underbalanced completions is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Vick
  • Patent number: 5746274
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided that allows an operator to drill a well into a formation requiring treatment or gravel packing in a single pass, then to lower and position the liner and production strings simultaneously. The invention allows cementing of the liner prior to any treatment or gravel packing, and provides an integral circulation system to allow formation treatment or gravel packing of the production string. Once treatment or gravel packing is completed, the invention provides mechanical fluid loss control as the circulation system is pulled out of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Benn Arild Voll, Matthew S. Kebodeaux, Steve Stringfellow, Christian F. Bayne
  • Patent number: 5595246
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided that allows an operator to drill a well into a formation requiring treatment or gravel packing in a single pass, then to lower and position the liner and production strings simultaneously. The invention allows cementing of the liner prior to any treatment or gravel packing, and provides an integral circulation system to allow formation treatment or gravel packing of the production string. Once treatment or gravel packing is completed, the invention provides mechanical fluid loss control as the circulation system is pulled out of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Benn A. Voll, Matthew S. Kebodeaux, Steve Stringfellow
  • Patent number: 5404956
    Abstract: A hydraulic setting tool for setting a packer with a sliding valve therein in an operating position in a well bore. The setting tool comprises an outer housing portion slidably disposed with respect to an inner mandrel portion. A piston is connected to the outer housing portion and slidable with respect to the inner portion. The piston is responsive to tubing pressure for setting the packer. A locking dog is provided for locking said piston against further movement after setting of the packer. An actuating mandrel forms a part of the inner mandrel portion and is adapted for engaging a valve in the packer. Longitudinal movement of the tool string allows selective opening and closing of the valve in the packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: J. Tad Bohlen, Ricky D. Jacobi, Donald R. Smith, Donald F. Hushbeck, Seth B. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5390737
    Abstract: A downhole tool apparatus and methods of drilling the apparatus. The apparatus may include, but is not limited to, packers and bridge plugs utilizing non-metallic components. The non-metallic components may include but are not limited to the center mandrel having an unmachined, molded central opening therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, a sliding valve is disposed on an outer surface of the center mandrel for opening and closing a valve port. An overshot is used to selectively actuate the sliding valve. Methods of installation and drilling out of the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Ricky D. Jacobi, Kevin T. Berscheidt, Donald F. Hushbeck
  • Patent number: 5174379
    Abstract: A new gravel packing system is provided whereby a well may be perforated, gravel packed and placed on production with a single trip of the tool string into the well. The system will include a crossover assembly which has a closure mechanism operatively associated therewith. The closure mechanism may be operated to preclude downward fluid flow through the crossover tool, to establish at least a portion of a downward gravel pack slurry flow path, and to establish at least a part of a carrier fluid return flow path. At the conclusion of a gravel pack operation, the closure member may be either withdrawn from the assembly or expelled to the bottom of the wellbore, leaving the tool to be placed on production without tripping the tool string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Whiteley, Travis W. Cavender
  • Patent number: 5146994
    Abstract: A packing assembly which is connectable to reeled tubing and which can be inserted in and pushed through a wellbore tube by the reeled tubing. The packing assembly is hydraulically set in a locking and sealing position in the wellbore by fluid introduced from the reeled tubing and, after use, is hydraulically released and removed from the wellbore. An actuating apparatus is provided for hydraulically actuating the packing assembly and can be converted in a manner to pull the packing assembly from the wellbore. Prior to the removal of the packing assembly from the wellbore, the wellbore fluid pressure is equalized across the packing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignees: Otis Engineering Corporation, Shell Western E&P, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Pleasants, Pat M. White, Ronald J. Fischer, Robert D. Harrison, Jr., John R. Setterberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5029643
    Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug apparatus, and associated methods, are provided for sealing the bore of a drill pipe string to control a well that is flowing out of control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Donald W. Winslow, David P. Brisco
  • Patent number: 5000265
    Abstract: A packing assembly which is connectable to reeled tubing and which can be inserted in and pushed through a wellbore tube by the reeled tubing. The packing assembly is hydraulically set in a locking and sealing position in the wellbore by fluid introduced from the reeled tubing and, after use, is hydraulically released and removed from the wellbore. An actuating apparatus is provided for hydraulically actuating the packing assembly and can be converted in a manner to pull the packing assembly from the wellbore. Prior to the removal of the packing assembly from the wellbore, the wellbore fluid pressure is equalized across the packing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Charles W. Pleasants, Pat M. White, Ronald J. Fischer, Robert D. Harrison, Jr., John R. Setterberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4915175
    Abstract: A sliding sleeve valve well flow control device having a tubular nipple connectable in a well tubing string and side ports for flow into the nipple and a retrievable pack-off sleeve insertable into the nipple for closing the side ports, the sleeve including an equalizing port and J-slots for coacting with a guide lug in the nipple to position the sleeve at an equalizing position prior to retrieving the sleeve from the nipple to minimize the damage to seals around the retrievable sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Howard R. Mashaw, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4856583
    Abstract: Treating apparatus arranged to be positioned in well bores that includes a packer that is retrievable and resettable and that provides a spaced pair of sealing elements to isolate a zone in the well bore. A valve operable within the packer is moveable among positions wherein fluid can be circulated through the operations, an open position wherein the treating fluids can be injected into the zone to be treated, and a closed position wherein the selected zone can be sealed off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Greenlee, Willie C. Skinner, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4823881
    Abstract: A hydraulic setting tool for packers. The setting tool comprises a case with a ball valve therein, a bypass passageway for bypassing around the ball valve when the ball valve is in a closed position, a fill valve for closing the bypass passageway when desired, and a packer setting sleeve for hydraulically setting a packer attached below the setting tool. The fill valve is preferably characterized by a sliding sleeve valve annularly disposed on a stationary mandrel in the case and is movable in response to a pressure in the tool. The packer setting sleeve is attached to a setting piston which may be actuated in response to a first differential pressure between the tool string and a well annulus. A slidable mandrel is provided in operative association with the ball valve and is movable in response to a second differential pressure between the well annulus and the tool string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Steven G. Streich
  • Patent number: 4749037
    Abstract: A string bypass for bypassing fluid around a packer as a testing string is lowered into or raised out of a well bore. The string bypass includes an outer case with an inner mandrel positioned therein such that an annular cavity is defined therebetween. A reciprocating piston is positioned in the annular cavity. The case and mandrel both define transverse holes therethrough, and the piston includes a transverse passageway which provides intercommunication between the holes when the piston is in an open position. A spring biases the piston toward the open position. A pump is used to inflate the packer, and, as the pump pressure gradually increases, a differential between the pump pressure and well annulus pressure acts against an annular area on the piston and overcomes the spring force so that the piston is moved to a sealed, closed position in which communication between the holes is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Jon B. Christensen
  • Patent number: 4722400
    Abstract: An injection tool for use in injecting fluids into perforations of a production formation of an oil or gas well is mechanically set in the bore of the casing traversing the production formation, and mechanically releasable therefrom so that chemical treatment fluid can be injected between upper and lower packing elements into a single or a selected vertical group of perforations. The injection tool is connected to the tubing string by a circulation valve operable by rotational movement of the tubing string. Injection of the chemical fluid treatment is accomplished with the circulation valve in the closed position, while the circulation valve is opened to equalize tubing and annulus pressure whenever required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Baker Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Burns
  • Patent number: 4635716
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a weight-set single-zone gravel packer which may be retrieved from a gravel screen after gravel packing or, alternatively, left in place attached to the screen as a production packer. The gravel packer includes a compression-set packer element, a first J-slot assembly to releasably maintain the gravel packer in an unset mode, a ratchet assembly to releasably lock the gravel packer in a set mode, an intake passage to receive fluid from a tubing string, a return passage to receive fluid from the interior of a gravel screen below the gravel packer, a closeable crossover assembly to receive fluid from the return passage to the wellbore annulus above the gravel packer, a first check valve to prevent flow down to the gravel screen through the return passage, a second check valve adapted to selectively connect the intake passage with the gravel packer, and a second J-slot assembly for selectively disconnecting the tubing string from the gravel packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Gary D. Zunkel
  • Patent number: 4633943
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a retrievable gravel packer for circulation and squeeze type gravel packing. The gravel packer includes a compression-set packer element, a J-slot assembly to releasably maintain the gravel packer in an unset mode, a ratchet assembly to releasably lock the gravel packer in a set mode, an intake passage to receive fluid from a tubing string, a return passage to receive fluid from a gravel screen below the gravel packer, a circulation passage extending from the exterior of the gravel packer to intake passage, a closeable assembly crossover to receive fluid from the return passage, relief ports between the intake passage and the return passage, a first valve for closing said intake passage from said circulation passage, a second valve for opening communication through said relief ports, a check ball at the lower end of the gravel packer, and a check ball release assembly for selectively releasing the check ball from the gravel packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Gary D. Zunkel
  • Patent number: 4605062
    Abstract: An injection tool for use in injecting fluids through perforations in the well bore of an oil or gas well is mechanically set and mechanically releasable. Fluid can be injected between upper and lower packing elements into a selected perforation. The upper and lower packing elements on opposite sides of the perforation into which fluid is injected are retractable, and any pressure differential across the upper packing elements or across the lower packing elements can be separately equalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Baker Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph N. Klumpyan, Richard J. Ross
  • Patent number: 4583593
    Abstract: A system is provided for gravel-packing a zone of a well. The system includes a liner hanger setting apparatus for setting a liner hanger located below the apparatus within the well. The liner hanger setting apparatus includes a housing having a housing bore disposed therethrough. A ball valve is disposed in the housing and has a ball valve bore disposed therethrough. The ball valve is rotatable between an initial closed position and an open position wherein the ball valve bore is aligned with the housing bore. A differential pressure responsive liner setting assembly is operably associated with the housing for setting the liner hanger in response to an increase in fluid pressure within an upper portion of the housing bore above the initially closed ball valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Gary D. Zunkel, Lee W. Stepp
  • Patent number: 4540047
    Abstract: This application discloses apparatus in which a body means having a bore therethrough connected as part of a tubing string is packed off within a well bore, and means including a passageway in the body means by-passes the packer to connect the annulus about the tubing string above and below the packer. The packer is expanded into engagement with the well bore upon release of a means for locking it in an inoperative position, and a means for so releasing the locking means includes a piston in the passageway which in responsive to control fluid supplied through a control line in the annulus which connects with the passageway. Upon release and setting of the packer, the piston is removed from the passageway and circulation of well fluid through the connecting means between the annulus above and below the packer is controlled by a safety valve which normally closes the passageway, but which is responsive to control fluid supplied thereto through the same control line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: AVA International Corporation
    Inventor: Neil H. Akkerman
  • Patent number: 4522264
    Abstract: Improved apparatus for packing particulates such as sand, gravel, or the like, around a well screen in a well for sand control, the apparatus having provisions for packing the particulates tightly in place without relying on settling due to gravity, thus requiring minimal distance between the packer and the casing perforations. Methods of performing such packing operations are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Johnny C. McNeer
  • Patent number: 4519451
    Abstract: Improved equipment and methods for treating wells by processes such as acidizing, gravel packing, and the like, wherein provision is made for removing the excess acid, gravel, and the like, from the well while the work string or pipe, on which the equipment is run into the well, remains connected to the well packer. The pipe string is disconnected from the packer only when it is ready to be removed from the well. Provision is also made for repeating the cleanout operation any number of times, making it possible to perform a series of treating operations during a single trip into the well and removing the excess treating medium after each such treating operation in the series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Floyd R. Gray, Dennis D. Rood
  • Patent number: 4460041
    Abstract: A retrievable well tool for use in a subterranean well utilizes plural valving elements to establish a fluid by-pass around an annular elastomeric sealing element in response to either downward or upward movement of a control mandrel. The fluid by-pass established by movement of the control mandrel is accomplished prior to any effective disengaging movement being imparted to the cooperating cone and slip elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Baker Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: William O. Berryman
  • Patent number: 4436150
    Abstract: An inner mandrel extends the full length of the bridge plug, and carries a top sub at its upper end for latching engagement with a conventional overshot to retrieve the plug. A tubular outer mandrel is slidably mounted on the inner mandrel for limited axial sliding movement. A partial central bore in the inner mandrel and coacting ports adjacent the upper ends of the two mandrels provide a valved bypass passage bridging the seal element. External slips are carried in a slip carrier axially fixed to the inner mandrel by shear screws. A tubular setting assembly consisting of a lower top wedge for expanding the external slips, an upper compression member, and an annular elastic seal element disposed for compression between the wedge and compression member, is yieldably secured to the outer mandrel by means of shear pins. Second yieldable shear pins couple the top wedge and compression member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Barker
  • Patent number: 4432417
    Abstract: A hanger and valve assembly which can be employed as a safety valve assembly to close both the production tubing and the tubing-casing annulus in a subterranean well is disclosed. The assembly includes a hydraulically activated, mechanically locked hanger which has slip anchoring members engaging the casing or, exterior conduit for preventing movement in both longitudinal directions. The hanger also has annular packing elements to seal the tubing-casing annulus. An annulus safety valve member employing a longitudinally recessed resilient seal member can be mounted in a landing nipple mounted in the hanger. By recessing the seal it is protected from the turbulent flow through the valve. A second shuttle located in the landing nipple is employed in conjunction with the first annulus safety valve to permit flow in one direction while metering flow in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Assignee: Baker International Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Bowyer
  • Patent number: 4401158
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for gravel packing a plurality of zones within a subterranean well. Primary sealing means are adapted for setting in casing at a position above the zones. A plurality of sets of production screens and valve means are provided, the valve means being equal in number to the zones to be packed and being carriable in the well with the primary sealing means. Zone isolation means are connected between each said set and expansible into sealing engagement with the casing. A control mandrel includes a single cross-over means for diverting gravel carrying fluid. A plurality of vertically spaced sealing means are defined on the cross-over means for successively isolating each set from the others when the cross-over means is positioned in proximity to each valve means. Valve opening means are provided on the control mandrel and are operable by longitudinal movement of the mandrel to positions for opening and closing the valve means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: Baker International Corporation
    Inventors: Jack D. Spencer, Joseph F. Donovan
  • Patent number: 4385664
    Abstract: A subsurface wellbore completion assembly for a cased well is disclosed. The assembly includes thermal cup packers which may be set at a subsurface location along the well above a hot fluid injection zone. The assembly is run into the well on a tubing string and, at the desired depth, the assembly is converted to operating condition where the packers and slips are set. The apparatus may be reassembled to running condition for withdrawal from the well or the packers may be drilled-over to permit washover in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1983
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventor: Stanley O. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 4350205
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for isolating the producing zone of a well during workover operations, particularly where the well is equipped with a production string and a submersible electric pump suspended thereon. A packer and isolation valve are set in the well above the producing zone, and a hydraulically operable control suspended on the pipe string below the pump is releasably coupled to the valve and arranged to enable remote control of the valve from the surface by adjusting the pressure of fluids in the production string or in the well annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre H. Goldschild, Christian C. Robert
  • Patent number: 4284137
    Abstract: An instrument hanger for use in tubing is disclosed with an anti-kick, anti-fall running tool. In one embodiment, the tool includes an internal mandrel, an external sleeve, with the mandrel being tapered wherein the external sleeve supports upwardly pointed detents and downwardly pointed detents against the taper which detents prevent untimely fall of the tool and untimley upward movement thereof.The tool combination includes a packer element including a set of expandable slips or collet fingers functioning in conjunction with the packer to expand and plug the tubing string. Further tool combination may support an instrument package such as a downhole pressure measuring mechanism used to obtain downhole pressure readings after isolating above a particular zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Inventor: William T. Taylor