Support And Holddown Expanding Anchors Patents (Class 166/134)
  • Patent number: 8607861
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a first portion having a first metal protrusion configured to seal against a first metal surface and a second portion having a second metal protrusion configured to seal against a second metal surface. A ratcheting device includes a first element having a plurality of grooves, and a second element having at least two sets of teeth, wherein one of the at least two sets of teeth engages the plurality of grooves. Additionally, a method of forming a downhole seal includes disposing in a wellbore a downhole tool including an inner tubular, a lock ring, a lower ring, an upper ring, an insert ring, and a deformable element. The method further includes moving a wedge sleeve axially downward with respect to the downhole tool such that the wedge sleeve engages the deformable ring and forces a first metal protrusion on the deformable element into contact with an outer tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Saylor, III, Sudarsanam Chellappa
  • Patent number: 8596347
    Abstract: A slip for use in the anchoring of a downhole tool in the well casing wherein the anchors include a plurality of buttons and at least one wicker. The slip is positioned about a mandrel and radially expands upon the application of force. The buttons and wicker first engage the casing in response to a first force, and the wicker deformably engages the casing in response to a second force. The second force causes the wicker to cut into and deform the casing, thereby anchoring the downhole tool for high-pressure operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Valencia, Kevin Ray Manke
  • Patent number: 8579023
    Abstract: A downhole tool or plug includes a mandrel with an element, a slip ring, and a cone pressable between an upper push sleeve assembly and a lower anvil. The upper push sleeve assembly including a lock ring having one or more interior teeth on an interior of the lock ring. A mandrel sleeve is at least partially received within a recess in the mandrel and affixed with respect to the mandrel, and has one or more exterior teeth on an exterior of the mandrel sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Exelis Inc.
    Inventors: Randall William Nish, Jason Jon Vogel
  • Patent number: 8567492
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having non-extrusion rings. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of rigid segments, a support ring and an elastic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Max White
  • Patent number: 8555959
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Gammill Clemens, Wesley Neil Ludwig, John Patrick Rodgers, Edwin A. Eaton, Marco Serra
  • Patent number: 8550177
    Abstract: Packer assemblies capable of providing desired load-bearing performance and of being retrieved from a bore in a subterranean formation are described. A packer assembly can include a wedge that can respond to a force in a downhole direction by un-supporting the slip. The unsupported slip is configured to disengage from a casing string, allowing the packer assembly to be removed from the bore. The wedge can include a collet to allow the wedge to separate from the slip to prevent slip re-setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michelle Brianne Henckel, Beauford Sean Mallory, Jody Ray McGlothen
  • Patent number: 8544541
    Abstract: A packer or bridge plug has slips that bind to the surrounding tubular with an adhesive bond. The tubular wall is not penetrated but a roughening of the target location in the tubular can help the bond material to adhere to support the packer or bridge plug. A removable cover can overlay the surface to be bonded to the tubular and the cover can come off in a variety of techniques before the members to be bonded are radially extended. An acrylic adhesive can be the bonding agent. The packer or bridge plug can be made of mostly or entirely non-metallic materials to facilitate mill out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: David S. Bishop
  • Publication number: 20130192853
    Abstract: A back-up ring assembly for a wellbore packer that acts as an extrusion limiter for a packing element and engages the wellbore bore, also operating as a slip to anchor the packer in place. A wellbore packer includes a single structure that acts both to back up the extrusion of the packing element and to engage the wellbore wall. For example, the structure is a back-up ring that includes a gripping structure on its outer wall-contacting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Jon Themig
  • Patent number: 8408290
    Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well has a mandrel with an expandable sealing element disposed thereabout. The mandrel has a head portion threadedly connected thereto. A shoulder in the head portion and an upper end of the mandrel define an annular space. A sleeve with a bore therethrough may be positioned in the annular space. The head portion may be removed and a solid plug installed so that it fits within the annular space and so that the downhole tool will act as a bridge plug. The downhole tool has slip rings made up of a plurality of individual slip segments that are adhesively bonded to one another at the sides thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse C. Porter, William E. Standridge, Adam K. Neer, Tracy Martin, Kevin R. Manke
  • Patent number: 8403036
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus comprises a mandrel, a sealing element carried on the mandrel, the sealing element being radially expandable from a first run-in diameter to a second set diameter in response to application of axial force on the sealing element, and an extrusion limiting assembly carried on the mandrel and proximate the sealing element. The extrusion limiting assembly comprises a plurality of separate segments and a first circumferential band that retains the plurality of segments in a ring shape and substantially covers an outer circumferential surface of the plurality of segments while in a run-in condition of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam K. Neer, Emil Havelka, Lloyd Crockford
  • Patent number: 8381809
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Max White
  • Publication number: 20130008673
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus suitable for downhole application may include a mandrel; a packer element assembly disposed about the mandrel that comprises at least one packer element disposed about the mandrel; and a retaining shoe disposed about the mandrel and adjacent to a first packer element of the packer element assembly. The retaining shoe may be configured such that in an unset position at least a portion of the first packer element covers at least a portion of a retaining shoe distal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Ray Smith, Anthony Valencia
  • Publication number: 20120298380
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first casing string comprising one or more profiled seats furrowed into the first casing string's inner casing wall, a second casing string comprising an upper casing joint, a lower casing joint, and a tension-set external mechanical casing (EMC) packer positioned between the upper casing joint and the lower casing joint, wherein the tension-set EMC packer comprises a mandrel that is attached to the upper casing joint and to the lower casing joint, wherein the second casing string is disposed within the first casing string such that a casing casing annulus (CCA) is formed between the first casing string's inside diameter (ID) and the second casing string's outside diameter (OD), and wherein the recessed seats are positioned below the tension-set EMC packer prior to any engagement of the tension-set EMC packer with the first casing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Henry Eugene ROGERS, Frank V. ACOSTA, Steven Lee HOLDEN
  • Publication number: 20120292052
    Abstract: A design for a bridge plug wherein the slip elements include an outer contact portion to engage a surrounding tubular member and an inner body portion designed to easily disintegrate during removal of the bridge plug by subsequent milling. The inner body portion is formed of a softer material than the outer contact portion. Also, the inner body portion is made up of a plurality of segments that are readily separated and dispsersed during milling out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Yingqing Xu, Edward O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20120292053
    Abstract: Slip elements for a bridge plug include an inner body portion that is substantially formed of a material that is degradable by dissolution in response to a dissolving fluid and a hardened, resilient, radially outer contact portion. The outer contact portion includes a plurality of openings that function as stress risers. The inner body portion may be formed of magnesium powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Yingqing Xu, Zhiyue Xu
  • Patent number: 8307891
    Abstract: Wedge shaped elements form a ring structure that can increase in diameter for a grip using relative axial motion of adjacent segments. The adjacent seal is further separated from access to the edges of the adjacent segments that move relatively by ring segments attached to the wide dimension of the segments that face the seal. The ring segments move out with the wedge elements to which they are attached so that in the set position of the seal there is an enhanced barrier against the surrounding tubular with the ring segments. The ring segments further block access of the seal under compressive loading to the interface locations between the wedge shaped elements so that their relative axial movement does not trap a portion of the seal and initiate cracks in the seal that can lead to leakage past the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David S. Bishop, James C. Doane, Dennis E. Kroll
  • Publication number: 20120255723
    Abstract: A slip for use in the anchoring of a downhole tool in a well casing is provided. The slip's outer diameter is about equal to the inner diameter of the well casing. The slip is positioned about a mandrel and radially expands upon the application of force. The wickers on the slip deformably engage the casing in response to a force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William Ellis Standridge
  • Patent number: 8276677
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly (BHA), adapted to be positioned in a casing and to isolate a portion of a wellbore, which includes a packer assembly with a first sealing element extending between first and second portions of the packer assembly. A method of setting a BHA in a casing which includes increasing a BHA pressure to activate an anchor assembly, applying a mechanical force to mechanically deform a first sealing element to thereby establish an initial seal between the first sealing element and an interior surface of the casing, and increasing a pressure in a space between the BHA and the casing and in a cavity within the BHA to increase a differential pressure across the first sealing element and thereby establish a pressure-energized seal between the first sealing element and the interior surface of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: John E. Ravensbergen
  • Publication number: 20120241175
    Abstract: Wellhead assemblies, seal assemblies, and methods of locking down an annulus seal disposed within an annulus between outer and inner wellhead members, are provided. A seal assembly is positioned in an annulus. An energizing member is axially translated downward to energize an annulus seal element and outwardly radially compress a high-strength lockdown member into contact with an inner diameter surface of a wellhead member. The wellhead member can include a set of wickers. During compression, the outer diameter surface of the lockdown member is plastically deformed onto the set of wickers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Gary Galle, Marc Minassian
  • Publication number: 20120217025
    Abstract: An expandable backup ring includes an outer surface, an inner surface having a plurality of protrusions projecting radially inwardly, and a plurality of segments, the segments defined by a plurality of outer surface cuts. The plurality of outer surface cuts extends radially inwardly from the outer surface and partially into each of the plurality of protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Piro SHKURTI, John C. WOLF
  • Patent number: 8240390
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for releasing a releasable packer. The apparatus may include shear screws, a mechanism for isolating the shear screw from a shearing force. The mechanism for isolating the shear screw from a shearing force is selectively unlockable to expose the shear screw to the shearing force. The methods may include unlocking a mechanism protecting at least one shear screw, applying a shearing force to the at least one shear screw, and shearing the at least one shear screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, Baozhong Yang
  • Publication number: 20120199339
    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. The annular barrier comprises a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular part and having an inner face facing the tubular part, each end of the expandable sleeve being connected with a connection part which is connected with the tubular part, a space between the inner face of the sleeve and the tubular part, and an element arranged in connection with the sleeve, the element having a first part and a second part both of which extend around the inner face, the first part of the element being fastened to the inner face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Paul Hazel, Thomas Sune Andersen
  • Publication number: 20120186830
    Abstract: Packer assemblies capable of providing desired load-bearing performance and of being retrieved from a bore in a subterranean formation are described. A packer assembly can include a wedge that can respond to a force in a downhole direction by un-supporting the slip. The unsupported slip is configured to disengage from a casing string, allowing the packer assembly to be removed from the bore. The wedge can include a collet to allow the wedge to separate from the slip to prevent slip re-setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michelle Brianne Henckel, Beauford Sean Mallory, Jody Ray McGlothen
  • Patent number: 8191625
    Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel with a sealing element disposed thereabout. The sealing element is movable from an unset position to a set position in which the sealing element engages the well. Extrusion limiters are positioned at the ends of the sealing element. The extrusion limiters have first and second layers and the first and second layers are different materials. The second layer may be made up of a plurality of discs. At least one of the discs may be a disc with an irregularly shaped outer peripheral edge and a generally circular inner peripheral edge. A plurality of the discs with the irregularly shaped outer edge may be stacked and may be stacked with a generally circular or ring-shaped segmented disc. The first and second layers are stacked and then molded into a final shape for placement at the ends of the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Cale Porter, Adam K. Neer, Kevin Ray Manke, William E. Standridge
  • Patent number: 8167033
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Max White
  • Publication number: 20120097384
    Abstract: A slip for use in the anchoring of a downhole tool in the well casing is provided. The anchors include a plurality of buttons and at least one wicker. The slip is positioned about a mandrel and radially expands upon the application of force. The buttons and wicker first engage the casing in response to a first force, and the wicker deformably engages the casing in response to a second force. The second force causes the wicker to cut into and deform the casing, thereby anchoring the downhole tool for high-pressure operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Valencia, Kevin Ray Manke
  • Patent number: 8151873
    Abstract: An open hole packer uses mandrel expansion and a surrounding sealing element that can optionally have a swelling feature and further a seal enhancing feature of a ring with an internal taper to match an undercut on the mandrel exterior. As a swage progresses to the taper at the transition between the ring and the extending flat fingers, the fingers get plastically deformed in an outward radial direction to push out the sealing element. Shrinkage of the mandrel axially due to radial expansion brings a ring on the mandrel outer surface under the fingers to act as a support for the fingers against the seal which is pushed against the open hole. Mirror image orientations are envisioned to aid in retaining pressure differentials in opposed directions. Another external mandrel ring extends into the seal to keep its position during differential pressure loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Chee K Lee, Mark K. Adam, Jeffrey C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20120073830
    Abstract: A universal backup member is provided for use on packers and other downhole tools that use members selected for expansion upon exposure to a wellbore fluid. The backup member prevents axial extrusion of the swellable member. An elastomer portion of the backup member is selected for expansion in wellbore fluids that include both aqueous solutions and hydrocarbons, without regard to the fluid in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Lembcke
  • Patent number: 8141626
    Abstract: A packer-anchoring device between an annular packer and a body, wherein the annular packer is provided, at least at one of its end portions, with an expandable end ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Rune Freyer
  • Publication number: 20120018143
    Abstract: Anchor areas are provided that are engaged by swelling of a swellable element of a downhole tool. When engaged with an open hole or casing, the anchor areas provide additional holding power for the swellable element. The anchor areas may be formed as separate elements disposed about the swellable element or may be formed into the surface of the swellable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Lembcke
  • Publication number: 20110315377
    Abstract: A downhole equipment includes a tubing configured for deployment in a wellbore; and a measurement unit disposed on outside of the tubing, wherein the measurement unit comprises a detector embedded in a swellable material. A method for formation property measurement includes deploying a downhole equipment to a predetermined location inside a wellbore, wherein the downhole equipment comprising a tubing and a measurement unit dispose on outside of the tubing, wherein the measurement unit comprises a detector embedded in a swellable material; allowing the swellable material to swell; and performing measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Emmanuel Rioufol
  • Publication number: 20110265986
    Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel with a sealing element disposed thereabout. The sealing element is movable from an unset position to a set position in which the sealing element engages the well. Extrusion limiters are positioned at the ends of the sealing element. The extrusion limiters have first and second layers and the first and second layers are different materials. The second layer may be made up of a plurality of discs. At least one of the discs may be a disc with an irregularly shaped outer peripheral edge and a generally circular inner peripheral edge. A plurality of the discs with the irregularly shaped outer edge may be stacked and may be stacked with a generally circular or ring-shaped segmented disc. The first and second layers are stacked and then molded into a final shape for placement at the ends of the sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Jesse Cale Porter, Adam K. Neer, Kevin Ray Manke, William E. Standridge
  • Patent number: 8047279
    Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel with slip assemblies positioned thereon above and below a packer element. The slip assemblies are positioned in a manner to anchor the downhole tool in the well. The slip assemblies include a slip ring which has a plurality of slip segments. Each slip segment has inserts disposed in cavities therein. The cavities are oriented such that the longitudinal central axis of each cavity is parallel to the longitudinal central axis of each of the other cavities in the slip segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Barlow, Jesse Porter
  • Patent number: 8002030
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a bridge plug for isolating portions of a downhole casing is provided comprising a retrievable upper mandrel assembly and a lower mandrel assembly coupled to the upper mandrel assembly, wherein the lower mandrel assembly comprises a drillable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Joseph R. Garcia
  • Patent number: 7931093
    Abstract: Downhole tools for anchoring and isolating at least one zone in a wellbore comprise a mandrel having an upper end, a lower end, an outer wall surface, and a longitudinal bore disposed therethrough having an axis. One or more anchors are disposed through the outer wall surface of the mandrel. Each of the anchors has a retracted position and an extended position. An isolation element is disposed along the outer wall surface of the mandrel. The isolation element may cover the anchors or be disposed, above, below, or around the anchors. Engagement of the isolation element with the inner wall surface of the wellbore to isolate at least one zone of the wellbore may be accomplished by piercing the isolation element to permit wellbore fluid to contact a swellable material contained within the isolation element, or by pumping fluid into the isolation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony P. Foster, Basil J. Joseph
  • Publication number: 20110088892
    Abstract: A packer-anchoring device between an annular packer and a body, wherein the annular packer is provided, at least at one of its end portions, with an expandable end ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Rune Freyer
  • Publication number: 20110073326
    Abstract: An anchor assembly (400) for anchoring a downhole tool in a wellbore tubular. The anchor assembly (400) includes a plurality of slip arm assemblies each having first and second arms (412, 414) hingeably coupled together. The first and second arms (412, 414) each have teeth (418, 426) on one end. A first sleeve (402) is rotatably associated with each of the first arms (412) and a second sleeve (404) is rotatably associated with each of the second arms (414) such that the anchor assembly (400) has a running configuration in which the slip arm assemblies are substantially longitudinally oriented and an operating configuration in which the first and second arms (412, 414) of each slip arm assembly form an acute angle relative to one another such that the teeth (418, 426) of the first and second arms (412, 414) define the radially outermost portion of the anchor assembly (100).
    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: 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: 20110056706
    Abstract: A swellable packer (10) includes upper and lower end rings (20, 22) and elastomeric bodies (12, 14) spaced between the upper and lower end rings to expand and thereby close off an annulus about the downhole tubular. The elastomeric body may be positioned such that a slot (26) in the body receives a control line (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: TAM INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Robert T. Brooks
  • Publication number: 20110048744
    Abstract: A gage ring assembly to provide support to an anti-extrusion containment ring in a packer device including a compression ring and a plurality of interlocking arcuate segments which form a substantially unbroken support wall when in a set condition. A first set of segments each have a wedge-shaped body that is wider at a proximal axial end than it is at its distal axial end. A second set of segments preferably each have a wedge-shaped body wider at its distal axial end than it is at its proximal axial end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Conner, Frank J. Maenza
  • Publication number: 20110036561
    Abstract: Wedge shaped elements form a ring structure that can increase in diameter for a grip using relative axial motion of adjacent segments. The adjacent seal is further separated from access to the edges of the adjacent segments that move relatively by ring segments attached to the wide dimension of the segments that face the seal. The ring segments move out with the wedge elements to which they are attached so that in the set position of the seal there is an enhanced barrier against the surrounding tubular with the ring segments. The ring segments further block access of the seal under compressive loading to the interface locations between the wedge shaped elements so that their relative axial movement does not trap a portion of the seal and initiate cracks in the seal that can lead to leakage past the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David S. Bishop, James C. Doane, Dennis E. Kroll
  • Patent number: 7874354
    Abstract: A packer-anchoring device between an annular packer and a body, wherein the annular packer is provided, at least at one of its end portions, with an expandable end ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Rune Freyer
  • Publication number: 20110005779
    Abstract: A single bidirectional slip for a downhole tool reduces the volume of metal and allows an increased drill up speed. A dual sealing element system, with one sealing element above and one below the bi-directional slip, provides boost forces going through the sealing elements to the slip. The wickers of the slip can be separated by a substantially flat circumference section for placing a band around the slip to improve fracturing uniformity. The wickers can have any of a variety of configurations, including orientations axially away from the central portion of the slip and orientations axially toward the central portion of the slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: JEFFREY LEMBCKE
  • Patent number: 7866406
    Abstract: A method for plugging a downhole wellbore including, running an anchor and swellable seal disposed at a mandrel within the downhole wellbore, setting the anchor within the downhole wellbore, releasing the anchor and the swellable seal, and swelling the swellable seal into contact with another downhole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Gordon R. Mackenzie
  • Publication number: 20100314135
    Abstract: A well tool with multi-stage remedial system improves the durability of a subterranean well tool having an expanded elastomeric member, such as a packer, for use inside a tubular member. The well tool with multi-stage remedial system has a plurality of mandrel members shiftable within the tubular member for anchoring and for setting the seal system. A floating tandem mounted annularly around the lower mandrel members has one end (upon shifting) proximate an end of the seal system, and the floating tandem has an opening to ambient bottom-hole-pressure of the subterranean well. A locking tandem is interposed with the floating tandem and at least one of the lower mandrel members. The floating tandem and the locking tandem together assist in abating elastomeric member extrusion under high temperature, high pressure environments as well as other conditions lending to failure within the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: James V. Carisella, Kevin Morrill
  • Patent number: 7806177
    Abstract: A packer features spaced apart sealing elements with an extrusion barrier between them. When the packer is set the extrusion barrier is protected from debris in the well. The barrier provides full circumferential extrusion protection using one or more rings made of wedge shaped segments that have a keyway at their edges and are assembled in an alternating manner so as to be able to increase or decrease in diameter when mandrel components are moved toward or away from each other. The segments have an opening through which a mandrel projection extends so as to force the segments into the smaller diameter for removal. Travel stops for the segments in the form of machined flats are provided on the relatively movable mandrel components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David Bishop, Marc Samuelson, Dennis E. Kroll
  • Patent number: 7789135
    Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray
  • Patent number: 7789136
    Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray
  • Patent number: 7789137
    Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray
  • Patent number: 7779928
    Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, Craig Fishbeck, Rami Al Oudat, Patrick J. Zimmerman, Charles D. Parker, Michael R. Niklasch, William J. Eldridge, Roland Freihet, William F. Hines, III, Bill Murray