Passage Connects With Space Between Packer Or Plug Seals Patents (Class 166/147)
  • Patent number: 11952842
    Abstract: A well tool includes a first component, a second component having a passage for receiving the first component, and an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes at least one anchor positioned on the first component that is received by at least one profile formed on an inner surface defining the passage of the second component. Either or both of the at least one profile and the at least one anchor include a ramp section that has a ramp contour defined by a ramp tangent. The ramp tangent forms an acute angle with a longitudinal axis of the borehole. A related method includes the steps of forming at least one profile in the second component, the at least one profile including a ramped section; disposing at least one anchor in the first component; and lowering the first component relative to the second component until the first anchor and the first profile align the first component and the second component in a predetermined relative alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Heiko Eggers, Henning Melles
  • Patent number: 11560772
    Abstract: A running tool coupled to a running string and for operational use in a well casing. The running tool having a collapsed and expanded state, a tubular positioned around the centralizer to hold the centralizer in the collapsed state, a release assembly maneuverable to release the tubular causing the centralizer to enter into an expanded state, and a cleaning device for cleaning walls of the well casing. The cleaning device includes at least one of a scraper, magnet, brush, and a high flow rate circulation valve for channeling fluid from the running string into the well casing. The centralizer functions as a stabilizer in the expanded state protecting the running tool during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Terry Stautzenberger
  • Patent number: 11339636
    Abstract: A zonal isolation assessment system includes a receiver, production tubing disposed in a wellbore, a zonal isolation assembly, and an assessment assembly. The zonal isolation assembly is fluidically coupled to the production tubing. The zonal isolation assembly includes isolation tubing that flows production fluid from the wellbore to the production tubing, a first sealing element, and a second sealing element to fluidically isolate an internal volume of the isolation tubing from an isolated annulus defined between the isolation tubing and the wall of the wellbore. The assessment assembly includes a first pressure sensor at the internal volume of the isolation tubing configured to sense a first pressure value and a second pressure sensor at the annulus and configured to sense a second pressure value. The assessment assembly transmits to the receiver the first pressure value and the second pressure value to determine the integrity of the zonal isolation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Wireless Instrumentation Systems AS
    Inventors: Muhammad Arsalan, Jarl André Fellinghaug, Stian Marius Hansen, Vegard Fiksdal
  • Patent number: 11314266
    Abstract: A flow management system includes an expandable device that is configured for attachment to a wall surface of a conduit and that is adjustable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The flow management system further includes a fluidic actuator in fluid communication with the expandable device and a control module. The control module is configured to control the fluidic actuator to deliver actuation fluid to the expandable device to expand the expandable device for compacting a flow blockage within the conduit to create a channel adjacent the flow blockage and to withdraw actuation fluid from the expandable device to collapse the expandable device for opening the channel to a fluid flow within the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Maher Maqbool Shariff, Taras Yurievich Makogon
  • Patent number: 11168537
    Abstract: A fluid-pressure-set uphole end for a hybrid straddle packer has a multicomponent mandrel with a fixed piston and a multicomponent sliding sleeve with a sliding sleeve piston housing that houses the fixed piston. The multicomponent sliding sleeve reciprocates within a limited range on the multicomponent mandrel in response to fluid pressure pumped into a central passage of the multicomponent mandrel. An anti-set spring constantly resists relative movement between the multicomponent mandrel and the multicomponent sliding sleeve and returns the uphole end to a run-in condition when fluid pressure in the central passage is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: EXACTA-FRAC ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Joze John Hrupp, Ahmed Mohamed Saeed
  • Patent number: 11142988
    Abstract: An inflatable packer assembly comprising a first fixed sleeve fixed to a mandrel, a first sliding sleeve moveable along the mandrel, and a first inflatable member connected to the first fixed sleeve and the first sliding sleeve. A second sliding sleeve is moveable along the mandrel, and a second inflatable member is connected to the first sliding sleeve and the second sliding sleeve. A second fixed sleeve is fixed to the mandrel and slidably engages the second sliding sleeve. An inflation flowline disposed within the mandrel is in fluid communication with interiors of the first and second inflatable members for inflating the first and second inflatable members to isolate a portion of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. An injection flowline is disposed within the mandrel for injecting a fluid into the isolated wellbore portion at a high enough pressure to create microfractures in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Patrice Milh, Stephane Briquet
  • Patent number: 11098543
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure converter with a force multiplier converts fluid pressure pumped down a work string from the surface into a multiplied linear force. The multiplied linear force can be used to operate downhole tools to perform tasks requiring the application of linear force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: EXACTA-FRAC ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Joze John Hrupp, Ahmed Mohamed Saeed
  • Patent number: 10920513
    Abstract: A downhole tool for shutting off perforations has upper and lower sealing assemblies. A spacer separates the upper and lower sealing assemblies. The upper and lower sealing assemblies may engage a well above and below perforations to be shut off. A settable material may be injected into a space between the upper an lower assemblies, and into the perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Blakey, John H. Hales
  • Patent number: 10669847
    Abstract: A technique facilitates obtaining samples of well fluid or other fluid. A sampling tool comprises a sample chamber for collecting the fluid sample. Access to the sample chamber is controlled with a rod shiftable within the sampling tool. Additionally, a locking mechanism works in cooperation with the rod to lock the rod against undesirable movement at various stages of the sampling operation. The locking mechanism may comprise a pair of locking features which engage a groove in the rod to initially block inadvertent closure of access to the sample chamber and subsequently to block inadvertent opening of access to the sample chamber after collection of the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marius Smarandache, Sebastien Ives, Douglas Grant, Lorena Lopez Pinana, Akhil Bahl
  • Patent number: 10605041
    Abstract: Systems and methods for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation include a fracturing assembly with a tool body having a central bore. A downhole isolating assembly is moveable between a downhole unengaged position and a downhole engaged position. A downhole piston assembly is moveable between a downhole piston contracted position and a downhole piston extended position and is operable to move the downhole isolating assembly between the downhole unengaged position and the downhole engaged position. An uphole isolating assembly is moveable between an uphole unengaged position and an uphole engaged position. An uphole piston assembly is moveable between an uphole piston contracted position and an uphole piston extended position, where the uphole piston assembly is operable to move the uphole isolating assembly between the uphole unengaged position and the uphole engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi
  • Patent number: 10563765
    Abstract: An inverted seal including a disintegrable body, one or more inside dimension seals disposed in the body. A method for removing an inverted seal from a downhole environment including exposing the body of the inverted seal to a condition to which it is responsive, disintegrating a portion of the body. A method for deploying a conventional seal after an inverted seal in a borehole including positioning an inverted seal in a downhole location, utilizing the inverted seal for its intended purpose, removing at least a portion of a body of the inverted seal, running a conventional seal further downhole of the location of the inverted seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: David S. Bishop, Marc N. Samuelson, Christian F. Bayne, Jason A. Allen, Robert S. O'Brien, Michael S. Manera
  • Patent number: 10544647
    Abstract: An inflatable packer assembly can include an inflatable seal element having an internal inflation chamber, a flow passage extending longitudinally through the inflatable packer assembly, a flow restrictor between sections of the flow passage, and a flow controller that selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between the inflation chamber and each of the flow passage sections. The flow controller changes from a deflate configuration to an inflate configuration in response to an increase in flow rate through the flow passage. A method can include connecting an inflatable packer assembly in a tubular string, so that a longitudinal flow passage of the tubular string extends through the inflatable packer assembly, and a flow restrictor restricts flow between sections of the flow passage, and inflating an inflatable seal element of the inflatable packer assembly while fluid flows between the flow passage sections via the flow restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Justin R. Scruggs
  • Patent number: 10385671
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to apparatus, systems, and methods of fracturing a geological structure including the application of kinetic energy (e.g., from high velocity frack fluid) to a subterranean structure. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for delivery of high velocity fluid to a well using a down hole valve and/or throttling system. The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of generating pressure using accumulators (e.g., high pressure accumulators) at the surface of a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: The Anders Family Living Trust
    Inventor: Edward O. Anders
  • Patent number: 10267118
    Abstract: An apparatus to inject a fluid into a geological formation. The apparatus includes a central bore running axially through the apparatus; a normally-closed sleeve valve with a sliding sleeve, the sleeve valve configured to open at a sleeve activation pressure; an upstream packer disposed upstream from the sleeve valve; a downstream packer disposed downstream from the sleeve valve; and a normally-open bottom valve disposed downstream from the downstream packer, the bottom valve configured to block axial fluid flow at a first bore pressure. The upstream packer and the downstream packer are configured to set at a second bore pressure between the first bore pressure and the sleeve activation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Comitt Well Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Peter Kris Cleven
  • Patent number: 10246968
    Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular string into a wellbore includes: running the tubular string into the wellbore using a workstring having a deployment assembly; delivering an opener activator through the workstring to the deployment assembly, thereby launching an opener plug from the deployment assembly; pumping the opener activator and plug to a stage valve of the tubular string, thereby opening the stage valve; pumping cement slurry into the workstring; pumping a closer activator through the workstring behind the cement slurry, thereby launching a closer plug from the deployment assembly; and pumping the closer activator and plug to the open stage valve, thereby driving the cement slurry into an annulus between the tubular string and the wellbore and closing the stage valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Netherlands, B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Budde, Peter Endenburg, Ivan Andre Barannikow
  • Patent number: 10145219
    Abstract: A wellbore completion system includes a tubular positioned in the wellbore such that an annulus is created between the tubular and a portion of the wellbore. The system further includes a gravel pack packer, a first packer positioned downhole of the gravel pack packer, and a second packer positioned downhole of the first packer. The gravel pack packer and the first packer define a first zone in the annulus, and the first and second packers define a second zone in the annulus. A wash pipe is positioned within the tubular and is positionable in a first position to allow fluid communication between a first port and the first packer and a second port and the second packer. The wash pipe is positionable in a second position to allow fluid communication between the first port and the first zone and the second port and the second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Patchi Bourgneuf, Andrew David Penno, Maxime Philippe Coffin
  • Patent number: 10024132
    Abstract: A through tubing bridge plug (200) for providing a gripping and sealing engagement with a casing string of a wellbore. The bridge plug (200) includes an actuation rod (208), an anchor assembly (212), a pair of compression assemblies, each including a support assembly (216, 242) and an anti extrusion assembly (220, 238) and a packing assembly (224) disposed about the actuation rod (208) between the compression assemblies. Responsive to longitudinal movement of the actuation rod (208), the anchor assembly (212) establishes the gripping engagement with the casing string, the compression assemblies are radially deployed such that the anti extrusion assemblies (220, 238) are supported by the support assemblies (216, 242) and the packing assembly (224) establishes the sealing engagement with the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jack Gammill Clemens, Wesley Neil Ludwig, James Dan Vick, John Patrick Rodgers, Edwin A. Eaton, Marco Serra
  • Patent number: 9822632
    Abstract: A method of plugging a well extending into a hydrocarbon bearing formation facilitates temporary or permanent abandonment of the well. The method includes forming two or more plugs within the well, the plugs being formed at longitudinally spaced apart locations whilst providing a fluid communication path from a region above the topmost plug to the or each space between adjacent plugs. This configuration facilitates pressure testing of one or more of the plugs by conducting fluid through said path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Halvor Kjørholt, Gisle Stjern
  • Patent number: 9683424
    Abstract: An apparatus to inject a fluid into a geological formation. The apparatus includes a central bore running axially through the apparatus; a normally-closed sleeve valve with a sliding sleeve, the sleeve valve configured to open at a sleeve activation pressure; an upstream packer disposed upstream from the sleeve valve; a downstream packer disposed downstream from the sleeve valve; and a normally-open bottom valve disposed downstream from the downstream packer, the bottom valve configured to block axial fluid flow at a first bore pressure. The upstream packer and the downstream packer are configured to set at a second bore pressure between the first bore pressure and the sleeve activation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: COMITT WELL SOLUTIONS US HOLDING INC.
    Inventor: Peter Kristien Cleven
  • Patent number: 9683921
    Abstract: Contaminant mass collection in saturated sedimentary environments for bioavailability determination. A casing includes a screen between the environment that is subject to sampling, such as a saturated sediment and the device itself. The casing includes a water intake zone, a pump, and sorptive media. The water intake zone, the pump, the screen and the sorptive media, are all operably linked in sequence. The screened casing is secured to form an in situ device; the screen is in fluid communication with the water intake zone and excludes endemic sediments and aquatic life. The in situ device is deployed in the saturated sedimentary environment. The pump operates to concentrate analytes from the selected environment in the sorptive media, where the concentrated analytes include the analyte mass of time-weighted fluid samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Rolf U. Halden, Isaac B. Roll
  • Patent number: 9359858
    Abstract: A method for isolating a perforated interval of a well, the well including a casing liner having a wall with a plurality of perforations therethrough forming the perforated interval, the method comprising: providing a tool including a tubular body including an inner diameter and an outer surface, a first open end and a second open end, the first and second open ends providing access to the inner diameter; and a sealing element to isolate a mid region of the outer surface from the first open end and the second open end; positioning the tool in the well with the tubular first open end adjacent and above an uppermost perforation of the perforated interval and the second open end adjacent and below a lowermost perforation of the perforated interval; and installing the tool in the well with the sealing element sealing between the tubular body and the casing wall above the uppermost perforation of the perforated interval and below the lowermost perforation of the perforated interval to isolate fluid flow between th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Jon Themig
  • Patent number: 8695697
    Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel with packing elements. Collars between the packing elements define ports communicating with gaps between the packing elements and the mandrels. Opposing piston housings on the mandrel can move in opposing directions to compress the packing elements against the collars. Each piston housing defines a space with the mandrel and has a second port communicating with the gap. Pistons disposed in the spaces are temporarily affixed thereto. Hydraulic pressure communicated through the mandrel's bore acts against the pistons. While affixed to the piston housings, the pistons move the piston housings toward the packing elements to compress then. When the packing elements set, continued pressure breaks shear pins affixing the pistons to the piston housings so the pistons move and eventually seal fluid communication between the second ports in the pistons and the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Derby
  • Publication number: 20120090858
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conducting fracturing operations using a wellbore fracturing assembly are described. The assembly may be mechanically set and released from a wellbore using a coiled tubing string. The assembly may include a pair of spaced apart packers for straddling the area of interest, an injection port disposed between the packers for injecting fracturing fluid into the area of interest, and an anchor for securing the assembly in the wellbore. At least one of the packers includes a pressure balanced mandrel. After conducting the fracturing operation, the assembly may be relocated to another area of interest to conduct another fracturing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Gary D. Ingram, William D. Friend, JR., Walter Stone Thomas Fagley, IV
  • Publication number: 20110315372
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to one or more an apparatuses including a downhole tool configured for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The downhole tool may include a first unit having a first fluid port configured to provide fluid communication between the first unit and the wellbore, a second unit having a second fluid port configured to provide fluid communication between the second unit and the wellbore, a connector configured to connect a first connecting end of the first unit with a second connecting end of the second unit, such that the connector does not include packer elements, a first packer element mounted on the first unit and not located between the first fluid port and the first connecting end, and a second packer element mounted on the second unit and not located between the second fluid port and the second connecting end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Nathan Church
  • Patent number: 7909095
    Abstract: A valve device and associated methods of selectively communicating between an interior and an exterior of a tubular string. A valve device includes an openable and closable flowpath for selectively permitting and preventing flow between an interior and exterior of the valve device, and a lock assembly which prevents the flowpath from being opened greater than a predetermined number of times. A method of testing at least one annular seal in an annulus formed between a tubular string and a wellbore wall includes the steps of: sealingly engaging the annular seal to thereby prevent flow through the annulus across the annular seal; and applying a pressure differential across the annular seal to thereby test the annular seal, the pressure differential being applied via a valve device interconnected in the tubular string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Richards, William D. Henderson
  • Patent number: 7861774
    Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Fehr, Daniel Jon Themig
  • Patent number: 7721799
    Abstract: A flow control packer (FCP) includes a packer mandrel, and an inflatable element fixedly attached at each end to the mandrel. The inflatable element includes circumferential grooves and flow control grooves formed on an outside surface thereof configured to press against the inside diameter of a conduit to provide a flow resistant surface for controlling the flow rate of a fluid through the conduit. A system can include one or more flow control packers (FCP) configured to control fluid flow through different sections of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Baski, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry A. Baski
  • Patent number: 7543634
    Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Fehr, Daniel Jon Themig
  • Publication number: 20090020283
    Abstract: An apparatus for characterising the permeability of a formation surrounding a wellbore, comprising: a drillstem test (DST) tool comprising, a packer for isolating a zone of the wellbore, a valve for controlling fluid into and out of the zone via the drill string of the tool and, a pressure gauge for detecting the pressure in the zone; wherein the apparatus further comprises an array of at least two antennas arranged on the tool above the packer such that when in use each antenna of the array aligns with a corresponding pressure sensor placed in the formation to obtain pressure measurements and therefore allow horizontal and vertical permeability to be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yves Manin, Christian Chouzenoux
  • Publication number: 20080314600
    Abstract: System, devices, and methods are described relating to the treatment (e.g., perforating, fracturing, foam stimulation, acid treatment, cement treatment, etc.) of well-bores (e.g., cased oil and/or gas wells). In at least one example, a method is provided for treatment of a region in a well, the method comprising: positioning, in a well-bore, a packer above the region of the well-bore, fixing, below the region, an expansion packer, treating the region, the treatment fixing the packer, moving the expansion packer, and moving the packer after the moving of the expansion packer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: PIONEER NATURAL RESOURCES USA, INC.
    Inventors: Dustin Howard, Phillip Mandrell, Marty Stromquist
  • Publication number: 20080179055
    Abstract: A flow control packer (FCP) includes a packer mandrel, and an inflatable element fixedly attached at each end to the mandrel. The inflatable element includes circumferential grooves and flow control grooves formed on an outside surface thereof configured to press against the inside diameter of a conduit to provide a flow resistant surface for controlling the flow rate of a fluid through the conduit. A system can include one or more flow control packers (FCP) configured to control fluid flow through different sections of the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Henry A. Baski
  • Patent number: 7191844
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling inflation and deflation of spaced inflatable packer elements of a straddle stimulation tool within a well casing of a well. A straddle stimulation tool is positioned by tubing at a desired location within the well casing. Fluid is pumped through the tubing and tool at a rate inflating the spaced inflatable packer elements within the well casing and establishing an annulus interval. The inflation control retains pressure within the inflated packer elements and permits the flow of stimulation fluid into the annulus interval for stimulation of the formation. After completion of well stimulation, the packer element pressure control is moved to a packer equalizing position by tension applied via the tubing to equalize packer pressure with casing annulus pressure, deflating the packer elements and permitting conveyance of the straddle stimulation tool within the well casing by the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Michael H. Kenison, William D. Eatwell, Joseph K. Flowers, Gokturk Tunc
  • Patent number: 7066264
    Abstract: A service/completion liner having a plurality of downhole selectable indicating tools and being used in sand control (gravel pack) placement systems in conjunction with a straddle packer service tools or with conventional crossover type service tools. Each indicating collar has a downhole selectable indicating collar providing a robust, landing profile for precisely locating and maintaining service tool position during well treatment operations. The landing collars accommodate hydraulic and/or thermal effects commonly referred to as tubing move effects which are the principle cause of tool position error and excessive seal wear. The landing collar is downhole convertible between a pass through (Go) and non pass through (No-go) condition by simple upward and downward cycling via the tool running and treatment fluid tubing and a shifting tool, which may also be referred to as a set down collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: H. Steven Bissonnette, L. Michael McKee, Ezio Toffanin
  • Patent number: 7017670
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tubular member within a liner or borehole has a seal means connected within the tubular member, and a pressure control device operable to increase the pressure within the tubular member, such that operation of the pressure control means causes the tubular member to move radially outwardly to bear against the inner surface of the liner or borehole wall. Also, a packer for use in a downhole annular space and an isolation plug for plugging a downhole tubular are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Read Well Services Limited
    Inventors: Paul Roderick Hazel, Espen Hiorth
  • Patent number: 6612372
    Abstract: A two-stage packer and method for sealing an annulus in a wellbore is provided. The packer may be set by a force which will not cause a sealing element to buckle, collapse, or otherwise fail. In one aspect, the packer comprises a body having a sealing element and shoulder disposed there-around, and a slideable member slideably arranged on the body, the slideable member having a first surface disposable beneath the element to increase the inner diameter thereof and a second surface disposable against an end of the element to increase the outer diameter thereof. The method comprises running a body into the wellbore, the body comprising a sealing element and a slideable member slideably disposed there-around, wherein the slideable member comprises a first surface and a second surface; forcing the first surface beneath the element to increase the inner diameter thereof; and forcing the second surface against an end of the element to increase the outer diameter thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland R. Freiheit, James F. Wilkin
  • Patent number: 6527050
    Abstract: A method of removing formation damage through the controlled injection of fluids into the formation, followed by a controlled sudden release of pressure in the formation, an under-balanced surge, which causes fluid and damaging materials to flow back into the well bore. This method is most effective when repeated more than once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: David Sask
  • Patent number: 6357525
    Abstract: A test system and method for testing a well having a first and second zone includes a chamber and an isolation device moveable in the chamber. The isolation device separates a first and a second portion of the chamber. The chamber is adapted to receive fluid in the second chamber portion from the first zone. The isolation device is adapted to be moved in the chamber in a first direction by the first zone fluid. The first chamber portion can be charged with fluid pressure to move the isolation device in a second direction to pump the first zone fluid inside the second chamber portion into the second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bjorn Langseth, Christopher W. Spiers, Mark Vella, Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 6328103
    Abstract: A method of performing a downhole well completion cleanup is provided. In a described embodiment, completion fluids from a first zone are flowed into a tubular string, and then the fluids are discharged into a second zone. An apparatus usable in the method is provided, in which a downhole pump is utilized to pump the fluids from one zone to the other. The pump may be operated in a variety of manners. The apparatus may also include fluid identification sensors and telemetry devices for monitoring the progress of the cleanup operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Pahmiyer, Paul David Ringgenberg
  • Patent number: 6065544
    Abstract: A system for relieving pressurized fluid entrapped in a annular space between a casing (12) and the surrounding wall (11) of a well bore hole (10) during deployment of a packer exterior (14) of the casing (12) for sealing engagement with the wall (11). When packer (14) is inflated in a zone (17) where fluid is entrapped, such as an intermediate packer between two previously inflated packers (13, 14), the squeeze pressure developed by the inflating packer (14) has been found to be sufficient to prevent effective and lasting sealing of the intermediate packer (14). The present system includes a valve mechanism (35) which is activated by the pressurized fluid providing for inflating the packer (14) to open a passageway (90, 94, 91) to bleed the entrapped fluid into the casing (12) and to then close the passageway (90, 94, 91) as inflation of the intermediate packer (14) is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Marvin L. Holbert
  • Patent number: 6012518
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic well tool actuator is provided to control fluid-actuated well tools. The actuator may include a cylindrical housing at least one hydraulic fluid flowpath within the housing, a communication link sealably connected to the housing on one end and a control panel located at the earth's surface on the other, at least one solenoid valve mounted in the housing for directing the flow of hydraulic fluid, and at least one discharge port in the housing for delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid to a hydraulically actuated downhole device. Alternate embodiments include an onboard hydraulic system, and different methods of interfacing with downhole fluid actuated devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pringle, Arthur J. Morris, Vitold P. Serafin
  • Patent number: 5873414
    Abstract: A bypass valve, particularly useful for allowing a tubing string to fill or drain during tripping in and tripping out, is disclosed. The bypass valve can be used in conjunction with a downhole motor operated through a tubing string. The bypass valve features a movable tapered valve member which has a smaller taper than the valve seat to prevent dragging the sealing element across sharp edges as the valve closes. Ports are provided through the valve to conduct upstream pressure in the valve behind the sealing element so that upon contact of the sealing element on the valve member with the seat, a boost force is applied to help retain the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Pegasus International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunther von Gynz-Rekowski
  • Patent number: 5799733
    Abstract: An early evaluation system with pump for servicing a well and taking fluid samples and measurements. In each of the embodiments, a formation pump is actuated to flow fluid from the well formation below a packer element engaged with the borehole into a sampling tube. Fluid samplers and recording instruments may be in communication with the sampling tube. In one embodiment, the pump is mechanically actuated by rotation of the tool string. In another embodiment, the pump is hydraulically actuated and has a hydraulic motor connected thereto. In this hydraulically acutated embodiment, fluid pumped down the tool string actuates the hydraulic motor and thereby further actuates the pump. Other pump embodiments are also disclosed. In still another embodiment, the apparatus may be incorporated into a drill string so that a drilling operation may be carried out and immediately followed by a fluid evaluation operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul David Ringgenberg, Neal Gregory Skinner, Curtis Edgar Wendler, Roger Lynn Schultz, Robert W. Srubar, Margaret Cowsar Waid
  • Patent number: 5671809
    Abstract: A low cost zonal isolation technique for use in open hole well completions and workovers is disclosed. A production liner, tubing string, casing string or coiled tubing is provided with spaced apart pairs of sealing means having at least one hole drilled through the liner between each pair. The liner or other tubular is run in and placed across the production interval. Cement, resin or polymer gel is pumped into the annular between the liner and borehole wall through each of the holes between the liner and borehole wall through each of the holes between pairs of seals and allowed to harden or set up. The bore of the production liner is then drilled out and the production interval completed for well production or workovers, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Howard Lee McKinzie
  • Patent number: 5507343
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing or isolating holes, ruptures, splits or old perforations in marginal oil and gas wells from producing perforations. The apparatus includes two packer assemblies, a tube assembly and a slip assembly. The packer assemblies further include expandable packer elements and a vent cone mounted on a mandrel. The mandrels of the packer assemblies are connected to opposite ends of the tube assembly. The slip assembly is housed on the mandrel of one packer assembly and is used to create a positive mechanical set of the repair apparatus when positioned over the damaged area. Once the packer apparatus is positioned and the packer elements expanded, gas from producing formations flow to the wellhead through the tube assembly without interfering with the operation of down-hole pumps. The length of the gas vent packer apparatus can be varied between the packer elements depending upon the depth of damaged casing requiring repair or isolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Texas BCC, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Carlton, Enrique Chavira, O. M. Bell
  • Patent number: 5377750
    Abstract: A sand screen having a plurality of sintered, substantially spherical plastic members covering a perforated mandrel is releasably suspended from a packer mandrel by a locking mandrel and a landing nipple. The sand screen and locking mandrel are retrievable with the assistance of a running tool which is insertable into the bore of the locking mandrel. According to this arrangement, the sand screen can be removed and replaced without retrieving the packer or the production tubing. In one embodiment, the sand screen is enclosed within the bore of a sliding side valve. The sliding side valve can be opened and closed as desired for selectively admitting production from various producing zones, or for isolation of a damaged screen. In another embodiment, an auxiliary sand screen having a plurality of sintered, substantially spherical plastic members covering a perforated mandrel is inserted into the bore of a primary screen, for example, a conventional wire-wrap sand screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Bryant A. Arterbury, Henry L. Restarick, James E. Spangler
  • Patent number: 5303776
    Abstract: A wireline conveyable device for a fluid operable borehole tubing assembly comprising a tubular body having a first end intended to form the upper end when in the borehole and a second open end intended to form the lower end. The tubular body includes at least one aperture in a wall thereof to facilitate passage of fluid through the tubular body. Electrically actuable outwardly moving anchoring means are attached to the tubular body for positively locating the tubular member at a predetermined position within the borehole tubing, in use. An electrically actuable sealing means attached to the tubular body and arranged, in use, for selectively sealing the space between the borehole tubing and the tubular body to divert fluid through the tubular body to bypass the sealing means for driving fluid actuable means located adjacent said second lower end of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Pipe Recovery Consultants Limited
    Inventor: Fred Ryan
  • Patent number: 5295538
    Abstract: A sintered metal screen is releasably suspended from a packer mandrel by a locking mandrel and a landing nipple. The sintered metal screen and locking mandrel are retrievable with the assistance of a running tool which is insertable into the bore of the locking mandrel. According to this arrangement, the sintered metal sand screen can be removed and replaced without retrieving the packer or the production tubing. In one embodiment, the sintered metal screen is enclosed within the bore of a sliding side valve. The sliding side valve can be opened and closed as desired for selectively admitting production from various producing zones, or for isolation of a damaged screen. In another embodiment, an auxiliary sintered metal screen is inserted into the bore of a primary screen, for example, a conventional wire-wrap sand screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Henry L. Restarick
  • Patent number: 5186258
    Abstract: A well tool having an anchor device, straddle packers above and below a port and an internal valve which are operated by longitudinal motion in an inflatable packer device. The well tool anchor is armed by a hydraulic operated plug and set upon downward motion in a locating profile groove in a well bore. The tool when attached to a string of tubing can be filled with cement slurry and downward motion used to anchor the well tool in a profile groove in an inflatable packer; to set the straddle packers above and below an access port on an inflatable packer; and then to open a valve to admit cement slurry to the inflatable packer. After filling the inflatable packer with cement slurry, an upward motion is used to close the valve, unset the straddle packers and release the anchor to move to another location where the operation can be repeated. At the conclusion of operations, a circulation valve is opened by pressure to reverse out cement slurry from the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: CTC International Corporation
    Inventors: Edward T. Wood, David H. Surgnier, Robert T. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5012871
    Abstract: A fluid flow control system, assembly and method for wells in which a sliding sleeve valve is connected in a string of well tubing in a wellbore casing. The sliding sleeve valve functions to selectively control the lateral flow of fluid through the assembly into the annulus between the assembly and the wellbore casing. A straddle assembly is locked within the sleeve valve assembly for isolating a lateral flow path. A stinger assembly is provided which receives reeled tubing and is insertable to lock within the straddle assembly to create a flow path between the reeled tubing and exterior of the sleeve valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Charles W. Pleasants, David R. Burnett, Donald W. Head
  • Patent number: 4794989
    Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for use in completing oil or gas wells having two or more perforated production zones which includes packers and assemblies for closing off the annular space between the tubing string and the well bore intermediate adjacent zones to isolate one from the other in order to produce from each individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: AVA International Corporation
    Inventor: Aubrey C. Mills