With Stop Patents (Class 166/156)
  • Patent number: 11767734
    Abstract: A method includes setting a tubular above a bottom of the well. The tubular having a float shoe attached to a distal end of the tubular and a controllable port penetrating a wall of the float shoe. The method further includes isolating a section of the annulus, opening the controllable port, and pumping cement through the controllable port into the section of the annulus to cement the annulus of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Mohammed Jaber Al-Dossary
  • Patent number: 11598167
    Abstract: A body defines a central flow passage. A check valve is located within the central flow passage. The check valve is supported by the body. The check valve is arranged such that a fluid flow travels in a downhole direction during operation of the float collar. An auxiliary flow passage is substantially parallel to the central flow passage and is defined by the body. The auxiliary flow passage includes an inlet upstream of the check valve and an outlet at a downhole end of the float collar. A rupture disk seals the inlet of the auxiliary flow passage. The rupture disk is configured to burst at a specified pressure differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Peter Ido Egbe, Victor Jose Bustamante Rodriguez, Sajid Hussain
  • Patent number: 11506015
    Abstract: A cementing plug including a wiper portion, an engagement section attached to the wiper portion, the engagement section including an engagement feature configured to release at a selected threshold pressure related to cement forming an annular structure about a fracturing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Gabriel Casanova
  • Patent number: 11428068
    Abstract: A temporary seal may be configured to be initially positioned on a seal seat within casing, and be configured to be broken or disengaged by increasing the pressure within the inner diameter of the casing past a pressure threshold. Subsequent to the temporary seal being broken, a first portion of the temporary seal may remain on the seal seat while a second portion of the temporary seal may travel downhole through a landing collar. Then, cement may be pumped within the casing, followed by a wiper plug. The wiper plug may pass the seal seat, and be locked in place on the landing collar. The cement may cure and remaining portions of the temporary seal may dissolve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Vertice Oil Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Mohamed Ibrahim Saraya
  • Patent number: 11408243
    Abstract: A liner plug assembly includes liner plug for use in a casing. The liner plug includes a body for plugging the casing and a body fragmentation feature in the body for catching a cutter of a drill bit used to cut the body. The liner plug assembly includes the lead plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Schultz, Dennis Jiral
  • Patent number: 11377925
    Abstract: Method of plugging a hydrocarbon well by a through-tubing technique are described. The method allows the tubing to be left in place. Only a short (<2 m) section is cut, milled, perforated, ruptured and expanded, or combinations thereof. A blocking device is sent downhole to block a bottom of the plug section, and bismuth alloy pellets dropped onto the blocking device. A heater is deployed to melt the bismuth alloy pellets. Next, the alloy liquid is allowed to cool and solidify. During solidification, the alloy expands and fills the section of well to be plugged or a portion thereof. Once primary and secondary barriers are in place, the well can be closed and the Christmas tree removed. A rock-to-rock plug can be set by removing or partially removing the tubular and outer casing, or just inner casing/tubulars can be removed if the exterior cement and casing are of sufficient quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Dan Mueller, Geir Ove Titlestad, David D. Hearn, Curtis G. Blount, Rick D. Watts, Randall S. Shafer, Dale R. Doherty
  • Patent number: 10954748
    Abstract: A sleeve on a downhole work string or a completion string may be actuated without movement of the work string, by positioning the work string within the completion string such that a sleeve positioned in a recess on a surface the work string or the completion string, in combination with surfaces of the work string and the completion string define a chamber on a side of the sleeve. A fluid may be pumped from a fluid source through a fluid passageway in the work string to the chamber for forcing the sleeve to actuate from an open position to a closed position or vice versa. In some aspects, multiple sleeves may be actuated concurrently via additional fluid passageways that are in fluid communication with one another. In some aspects, multiple sleeves may be actuated independently via additional fluid passageways that are fluidly isolated from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Thomas Jules Frosell, Michael Linley Fripp, Gary John Geoffroy
  • Patent number: 10767440
    Abstract: A wiper dart includes one or more wiper elements disposed about a mandrel, each wiper element comprising a wiper cup that extends radially outward and rearwardly relative to the mandrel, and a nose assembly coupled to the mandrel. A drive element is disposed about the mandrel and includes a shoe and a cup coupled to the shoe. The cup extends radially outward and rearwardly from the shoe and exhibits a maximum diameter less than or equal to a maximum diameter of the one or more wiper elements, and the shoe provides at least one of axial and radial support to the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Anthony Stair, Gary Joe Makowiecki, Carlos Alejandro Valdez
  • Patent number: 10738568
    Abstract: A delayed fin deployment wiper plug has a tubular body, which has a closed top and a piston therein. The piston is supported at one or more locations inside the tubular body by one or more sets of shear pins or spring clips or some equivalent device. The piston is connected to or abutted to a sleeve that covers an upper portion of the tubular body, containing therein one or more sets of deployable fins that are not exposed for use unless the piston is activated and raises the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: James G. Nanney, Matthew L. White
  • Patent number: 10458195
    Abstract: There is provided a downhole tool comprising a locator. The locator includes a wellbore coupler for becoming releasably retained relative to a locate profile; and a wellbore coupler release opposer configured for opposing release of the wellbore coupler from the retention relative to the locate profile. While the opposing of the release of the wellbore coupler from the retention relative to the locate profile is being effected by the wellbore coupler release opposer, relative displacement between the wellbore coupler release opposer and the wellbore coupler is effectible, with effect that the opposing is defeated. The locator also includes a displacement impeder for impeding the relative displacement between the wellbore coupler release opposer and the wellbore coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: NCS Multistage Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Johnson, Michael Werries
  • Patent number: 10408015
    Abstract: A liner is cemented bottom up and then top down followed by setting the simultaneously set liner hanger/packer and releasing the running tool. In one embodiment the ported sub for top down cementing has ports opened and then closed with multiple dropped or pumped balls one of which lands in the running tool to set the hanger packer with pressure before running tool removal. A dart with a leading ball can follow the top down cement to close the ported sub and thereafter land in the liner hanger/packer to set it with pressure. A dart can lead the top down cement and open the ported sub followed by a second dart behind the top down cement to close the ported sub and land in the liner hanger/packer to set it and to release the running tool. The ported sub can be operated in other ways such as motors responsive to a remote signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Mark K. Adam
  • Patent number: 10151169
    Abstract: Wellbore isolation is used for a tubing string in a well. A first plug is held by a first temporary retention in a bore of a housing disposed on the tubing string and is sealed in the bore with a first seal. A second plug is also held in the bore by a second temporary retention and is sealed in the bore with a second seal. The first and second seals seal a space in the bore between the plugs. Both plugs can be of a dissolvable material. An uphole end of the first plug facing away from the space can have a non-dissolvable coating, while a downhole end of the second plug facing away from the space can have a non-dissolvable coating. The first plug releases in the bore when an uphole pressure is applied in the tubing string, and the second plug then releases after the first plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Dedman, Cornelis C. Valkenburg
  • Patent number: 9976401
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a seat assembly for use in wellbore servicing systems, comprising a cylindrical baffle with an annular shaped seat with an upward facing seat for receiving an obturator, the seat defining a central passageway. Erosion resistance rings are placed inside of and in front the baffle to protect the baffle and seat from erosion cause by treatment fluids and solids passing through the servicing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Zachary William Walton, Matthew James Merron
  • Patent number: 9702221
    Abstract: The described embodiments relate to a downhole tool that can capture a ball in a trap to prevent both upwell and downwell movement of the ball. Further, certain embodiments described herein may prevent fluid from flowing past a captured ball in either the upwell or downwell directions. Ball and seat valves incorporating such ball trap assemblies can be used to create a bi-directional plug which prevents fluid flow in either direction when the ball trap is engaged with an appropriately configured ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Peak Completion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, William Sloane Muscroft, Frank Victor De Lucia
  • Patent number: 9689230
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a valve assembly, the valve assembly including a tubular member and a valve connected thereto, wherein the valve permits fluid flow through the tubular member in a first direction and prevents fluid flow through the tubular member in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. A plug is adapted to be secured to the valve assembly so that the plug is prevented from moving, relative to the valve assembly, in the first and second directions. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is a cementing plug apparatus, which can plug a tubular string or casing so that fluid flow therethrough is prevented. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular string or casing may be positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Top-Co Cementing Products Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory James Alexander Andrigo
  • Patent number: 9303475
    Abstract: A wellbore tool which includes a housing having an axial flowbore and a piston sleeve movably disposed within the flowbore. The tool is moveable between first and second operating positions by an actuation mechanism having a piston with a seat having a plurality of separate arcuate segments. The tool can be moved between first and second operating positions with the use of actuating plugs of different sizes that can be landed upon the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Daniel R. Hart, Gregory L. Hern, Christopher W. Guidry, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9133684
    Abstract: A downhole tool comprising an inner sleeve with a plurality of sleeve ports and a housing positioned radially outwardly of the inner sleeve and having a plurality of housing ports, with the housing and inner sleeve partially defining a space radially therebetween. The space is occupied by a shifting sleeve. A fluid path extends between the interior flowpath of the tool and the space. A fluid control device, occupies at least portion of the fluid path, and may selectively permit fluid flow, and thus pressure communication, into the space to cause a differential pressure across the shifting sleeve. When a sufficient differential pressure is reached, the shifting sleeve is moved from a first position to a second position, which opens the communication paths through the housing and sleeve ports between the interior flowpath and exterior of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, William Sloane Muscroft
  • Patent number: 8960283
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in launching cement plugs in a well cementing operation comprises a cylinder, a piston slideably received in the bore of the cylinder and an actuator extending from the piston through the cylinder. The actuator is operable by the piston for launching plugs from the apparatus into the well. A resilient damper cartridge is slideably mounted on the actuator in the cylinder so as to be contactable by the piston. A series of frangible pins is located in the cylinder wall so as to provide temporary limits to the movement of the cartridge in the cylinder as the piston slides along the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Philippe Gambier, André Salvaire, Greg Giem
  • Publication number: 20140076537
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated setting tool has a plurality of pistons that move in tandem when unlocked. The pistons are initially in pressure balance to take a load off a single locking mechanism that retains all the pistons. The pistons move due to admission of hydrostatic and/or applied pressure from the annulus on one side of each piston with an opposite side exposed to atmospheric pressure. The locking member is exposed to the annulus and is located away from any atmospheric chambers associated with the pistons. In this manner the components can be made thicker to resist burst and collapse pressure and the loads on the locking member reduced due to initial piston pressure balance configuration. Depths of greater than 10,000 meters can be used due to one or more of the described design features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James C. Doane
  • Publication number: 20140076535
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated setting tool has a plurality of pistons that move in tandem when unlocked. The pistons are initially in pressure balance to take a load off a single locking mechanism that retains all the pistons. The pistons move due to admission of hydrostatic and/or applied pressure from the annulus on one side of each piston with an opposite side exposed to atmospheric pressure. The locking member is exposed to the annulus and is located away from any atmospheric chambers associated with the pistons. In this manner the components can be made thicker to resist burst and collapse pressure and the loads on the locking member reduced due to initial piston pressure balance configuration. Depths of greater than 8,000 meters can be used due to one or more of the described design features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hugles Incorporated
    Inventor: James C. Doane
  • Publication number: 20140076536
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated setting tool has a plurality of pistons that move in tandem when unlocked. The pistons are initially in pressure balance to take a load off a single locking mechanism that retains all the pistons. The pistons move due to admission of hydrostatic and/or applied pressure from the annulus on one side of each piston with an opposite side exposed to atmospheric pressure. The locking member is exposed to the annulus and is located away from any atmospheric chambers associated with the pistons. In this manner the components can be made thicker to resist burst and collapse pressure and the loads on the locking member reduced due to initial piston pressure balance configuration. Depths of greater than 10,000 meters can be used due to one or more of the described design features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James C. Doane
  • Patent number: 8622131
    Abstract: An apparatus for remotely launching cementing plugs is configured such that the length of a dart is not necessarily the same as the corresponding plug to be launched. A hydraulic-liquid reservoir and a piston are incorporated into a plug-launching system. The size of the reservoir may be adjusted such that the axial displacement of the piston after the dart lands is sufficient to cause the expulsion of a plug from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Giem, Philippe Gambier, Chris Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8479808
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a tubular member having a radially expandable seat member disposed within the tubular member. The radially expandable seat member comprises one or more arcuate members, each having first and second ends. The radially expandable seat member comprises a first position in which the first and second ends are disposed relative to each other to provide a first inner diameter opening through the radially expandable seat member for receiving a plug element, and a second position in which the first and second ends are moved radially outward relative to one another to provide a second inner diameter opening through the radially expandable seat member, the second inner diameter being greater than the first inner diameter thereby facilitating the plug element passing through the radially expandable seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Varun Gouthaman
  • Patent number: 8286700
    Abstract: A damping and sealing device for enabling gas or liquid flow from a well to a production tube in the well, including a body with a flow passage internal to the body and a spring disposed about a portion of the body. The flow passage includes a first opening at a first longitudinal end of the body and a second opening at a second longitudinal end of the body. The first end is arranged to contact a plunger for the well and the body is arranged to sealingly engage the production tube. In one embodiment, the body includes an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, the inner circumferential surface forms the internal flow passage, and a portion of the outer circumferential surface is arranged to slide along a portion of the inner circumferential surface in response to the first end contacting a plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Jacob M. Franchini
  • Publication number: 20120234561
    Abstract: A dual wiper plug system having a first wiper including a first body having a first bore therethrough, and at least one wiper fin disposed around the body, a second wiper disposed axially above the first wiper, the second wiper including a second body having a second bore therethrough and a first shoulder formed on the inner surface of the second body, and at least one wiper fin disposed around the body, and a first collet ring coupled to the first wiper and including at least one collet finger extending axially upward, and a collet head disposed on an upper end of the collet finger and configured to engage the first shoulder of the second body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: James HALL, Cem MONUR
  • Publication number: 20120160482
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in launching cement plugs in a well cementing operation, comprising: a cylinder (108); a piston (118) slideably received in the bore of the cylinder; and an actuator (120) extending from the piston through the cylinder and operable by the piston for launching a plug (114,116) from the apparatus into the well; wherein a resilient damper cartridge (124) is slideably mounted on the actuator in the cylinder so as to be contactable by the piston, and a series of frangible pins (122) is located in the cylinder wall so as to provide temporary limits to the movement of the cartridge in the cylinder as the piston slides along the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Philippe Gambier, André Salvaire, Greg Giem
  • Patent number: 8201634
    Abstract: A subsea cementing system that includes a first wiper plug having a central bore releasably connected to a launching mandrel, and a second wiper plug having a central bore releasably connected to the first wiper plug. The system includes a first dart that is adapted to seal the central bore of the second wiper plug. A first increase in pressure releases the second wiper plug from the first wiper plug and a second increase in pressure breaks a burst disc of the first dart allowing cement to flow past the second wiper plug. A second wiper dart is adapted to seal the central bore of the first wiper plug. A third increase in pressure releases the first wiper plug from the launching mandrel. A fourth increase in pressure releases a sealing member from the second dart, which is adapted to seal the central bore of the second wiper plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David Fernando Laurel, Kurt Randall Koenig
  • Patent number: 7861781
    Abstract: A wall casing cement plug assembly includes a receptacle with an axial passage. The receptacle is pumped to a lower end of the casing string and locked in place. The receptacle has a casing seal that engages the string of casing and a retainer mechanism on its exterior that engages a profile in the string of casing. Cement is pumped through the receptacle by rupturing a blocking device in the axial passage of the receptacle. A wiper plug is pumped down the string casing. The wiper plug has a prong on its lower end that stabs into the axial passage of the receptacle. A latch located in the lower portion of the receptacle locks the wiper plug to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Shane P. D'Arcy
  • Patent number: 7748466
    Abstract: A method for inserting a tool into a wellbore includes uncoiling a coiled tubing into the wellbore to a selected depth therein. When the tubing is at the selected depth, the tubing is uncoupled. A tool is inserted into the interior of the tubing. The tubing is reconnected, and the tool is moved along the interior of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Thrubit B.V.
    Inventors: James G. Aivalis, Harry D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7665520
    Abstract: Methods and devices useful in stage cementing operations are provided. One example of an apparatus may comprise a catcher tube assembly and a deformable device. One example of a method is a method of stage cementing a casing string comprising: positioning a catcher tube on top of a float collar; pumping a first fluid through the casing string; placing a first deformable device in the casing string; and pumping a second fluid through the casing string, thereby causing the first deformable device to translate downward in the casing string and into the catcher tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Szarka, Henry E. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7640984
    Abstract: A cement float collar is disclosed that can be positioned downhole and used in a wellbore completion operation after drilling a wellbore with casing. A wellbore drilling and completion method is also disclosed. The cement float collar is made for pumping downhole and into engagement with a groove formed in the casing, called the profile nipple. As such, no restriction is needed in the casing for accepting or latching the float collar and the portion of casing including the groove can be installed at the start of the drilling operation. In addition, the profile nipple can be used to engage other drilling tools and, therefore, can already be in place when the final well depth (TD) is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery Walter Vert, Per G. Angman
  • Publication number: 20090242190
    Abstract: A downhole shock absorber preferably is filled with well fluid in a chamber that is reduced in volume due to impact. A rupture disc can hold the initial non-compressible liquid charge until impact. Upon impact, the rupture disc breaks to allow the fluid to be forced through an orifice to absorb some of the shock that occurs when a string hits a fixed object after dropping in the wellbore. The nose of the shock absorber is a soft material that has voids so that the combination of the softness of the material and the voids allow the nose to reshape until it encounters a surrounding tubular wall and then to collapse inwardly into the voids, making it simple to remove. The nose is releasably mounted to the shock absorber so the two can separate if the nose gets stuck after impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Alan N. Wagner, Anthony S. Coghill
  • Patent number: 7559363
    Abstract: Methods and devices useful in subterranean treatment operations are provided. One example of a device is a dart having a deformable body, a nosepiece connected to a lower terminus of the deformable body, and a channel extending through the deformable body and the nosepiece. One example of a method includes providing a dart, providing a production casing having at least one production sleeve therein, placing the dart in the production casing of a well bore, pumping a treatment fluid into the well bore, and allowing the dart to open the production sleeve within the production casing such that the treatment fluid is introduced into the subterranean formation through the production casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Howell, Ronald L. Hinkie
  • Patent number: 7484559
    Abstract: A cement float collar is disclosed that can be positioned downhole and used in a wellbore completion operation after drilling a well-bore with casing. A wellbore drilling and completion method is also disclosed. The cement float collar is made for pumping downhole and into engagement with a groove formed in the casing, called the profile nipple. As such, no restriction is needed in the casing for accepting or latching the float collar and the portion of casing including the groove can be installed at the start of the drilling operation. In addition, the profile nipple can be used to engage other drilling tools and, therefore, can already be in place when the final well depth (TD) is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery Walter Vert, Per G. Angman
  • Publication number: 20080223572
    Abstract: A cement float collar is disclosed that can be positioned downhole and used in a wellbore completion operation after drilling a wellbore with casing. A wellbore drilling and completion method is also disclosed. The cement float collar is made for pumping downhole and into engagement with a groove formed in the casing, called the profile nipple. As such, no restriction is needed in the casing for accepting or latching the float collar and the portion of casing including the groove can be installed at the start of the drilling operation. In addition, the profile nipple can be used to engage other drilling tools and, therefore, can already be in place when the final well depth (TD) is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffery Walter Vert, Per G. Angman
  • Patent number: 7275595
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method to displace fluids and to prevent the mixing or bypassing of fluids used in gravel pack operations. A moveable plug is used to create a physical partition between fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Tocalino, Mehmet Parlar, Gerard Daccord, Jean Desroches
  • Patent number: 7080687
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Butterfield, Jr., Henry E. Rogers, Seth R. Moore, Donald M. Garrett, Jr., Ronald J. Holubec
  • Patent number: 6997253
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl D. Webb, Michael D. Stevens, John C. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6973966
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to subterranean well construction, and more particularly, to improved darts and methods of using these darts in subterranean wells. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a dart for activating a plug located within a subterranean well bore, the dart comprising a mandrel, and a foam body attached to the mandrel. Optionally, an elastic tether can be included, inter alia, to absorb the deformation of the foam body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. Szarka
  • Patent number: 6973969
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of downhole tools, such as cementing plugs, in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer case and a radially expandable sleeve disposed therein. The sleeves will engage cementing plugs received therein. The sleeves radially expand when cementing plugs are received therein to grippingly engage the outer case and prevent or limit rotation thereof during drillout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Anthony M. Badalamenti
  • Patent number: 6951246
    Abstract: A self-retaining cementing wiper plug has two or more steel or carbide tipped holddown fingers or slips extending radially outward from the plug for engaging the inner surface of the casing and preventing the plug from moving uphole over time and potentially interfering with other downhole apparatus such as a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: MSI Machineering Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn P. Tessier, John P. Doyle, James L. Weber
  • Patent number: 6920933
    Abstract: A platform is used to deliver a tool down a hole by controlling the flow of fluid through and around the platform. The platform has a top surface for receiving the tool. The platform also has a bottom surface to provide guidance through and resistance to the flow of fluid. The lower surface of the platform can be engineered to steer the platform against an inner wall of the casing. This slows the descent by adding mechanical friction to its descent. The lower surface can also be engineered to add a predetermined amount of resistance to the flow of the well fluid across it. A stop on the casing already in place in the well stops the descent of the tool at a desired depth. Once the tool is no longer needed, a fishing tool can be lowered from the same crane to retrieve the tool and platform. Use of a crane substantially decreases the cost of the operation compared to the need for a rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger C. Watson, Flint R. George
  • Patent number: 6896051
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl D. Webb, Michael D. Stevens, Steven L. Holden
  • Patent number: 6868908
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony M. Badalamenti
  • Patent number: 6796377
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Butterfield, Jr., Henry E. Rogers, Earl D. Webb, Michael D. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20040144532
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Charles A. Butterfield, Henry E. Rogers, Seth R. Moore, Donald M. Garrett, Ronald J. Holubec
  • Publication number: 20040144531
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Earl D. Webb, Michael D. Stevens, Steven L. Holden
  • Patent number: 6739391
    Abstract: A separation barrier for placement in an open well bore or casing, to prevent migration of cement slurry downwardly into the drilling fluid, facilitating the placement of a cement plug to segregate a well bore into uphole and downhole portions. The barrier has an annular seal which facilitates pumping the barrier downhole through a work string to a desired location. The separation barrier also has a plurality of flexible elongated elements which expand outwardly when the barrier exits the work string. The elongated elements are closely spaced to prevent migration or contamination of cement slurry therebetween. The barrier can also have a shearable landing ring for providing positive indication of placement of the barrier at the desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael E. McMahan
  • Publication number: 20040065435
    Abstract: A self-retaining cementing wiper plug has two or more steel or carbide tipped holddown fingers or slips extending radially outward from the plug for engaging the inner surface of the casing and preventing the plug from moving uphole over time and potentially interfering with other downhole apparatus such as a pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Lynn P. Tessier, John P. Doyle, James L. Weber
  • Publication number: 20040016538
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Charles A. Butterfield, Henry E. Rogers, Seth R. Moore, Donald M. Garrett, Ronald J. Holubec, Anthony M. Badalamenti, Earl D. Webb, Michael D. Stevens, Steven L. Holden, John C. Zimmerman