Lateral Ports Used In Well Patents (Class 166/169)
  • Patent number: 11585175
    Abstract: An actuator is provided that includes a housing, a linear actuating shaft disposed within the housing, a piston coupled with the shaft, and a fluid barrier disposed on an end of the shaft and encircled by the piston. The piston is movable longitudinally between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration upon rotation of the shaft. The fluid barrier engages an inner surface of the piston preventing fluid communication across the fluid barrier. The fluid barrier has a shaft engaging side which receives the shaft and a fluid facing side. A cavity is formed between the piston and the fluid facing side and expands when the piston moves to the extended configuration and contracts when the piston moves to the retracted configuration. A port is disposed in the piston and extends from the cavity to external the piston thereby permitting fluid communication between the cavity and external the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Shao Hwa Lee, Mine Kazanci
  • Patent number: 11371319
    Abstract: An example system includes a moveable platform having an uphole end and a downhole end. The platform includes a drive arrangement for moving the platform in one or more directions along an interior wall of a casing string in a wellbore. The platform includes scraping arrangement for removing debris from the interior wall of the casing string. The platform includes a debris catching arrangement downhole of the scraping arrangement for collecting some or all of the debris removed. The platform may include a coating arrangement to deliver and apply a substance to at least a part of the wall of the casing string. The coating arrangement may include a reservoir holding one or more liquid substances and a valve to regulate flow of the one or more liquid substances. The liquid substance may include epoxy resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Al Mulhem, Wael O. Badeghaish, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi
  • Patent number: 11333000
    Abstract: A method can include conveying a dispensing tool through a wellbore, the dispensing tool including an enclosure containing plugging devices, and then opening the enclosure by cutting a material of the enclosure, thereby releasing the plugging devices from the enclosure into the wellbore at a downhole location. A dispensing tool can include a container having an enclosure therein, the enclosure including a flexible material that contains the plugging devices, and an end of the enclosure being secured to a member displaceable by an actuator. The enclosure material is cut in response to displacement of the member by the actuator. A plugging device can include at least one body configured to engage an opening in the well and block fluid flow through the opening, and multiple fibers including staple fibers or filaments formed into yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 11053773
    Abstract: A system (10) delivers of a flowable substance S to a remote location through a conduit (144). The system (10) has a body 12 with first and second portions (14,16) and at least two plugs (P1, P2) associated with the body (12) so that in a first configuration the plugs (P1, P2) are spaced apart and form a sealed region (20) for holding a volume of the substance S, and, in a second configuration at least the second plug (P2) is disposed in the second portion wherein the substance S can flow in a downstream direction past or through the second plug and out of the body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Australian Mud Company Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Andrew Beach, Justin Bergh, Scott Sholer, Gavin McLeod
  • Patent number: 10435969
    Abstract: A control mechanism for a drill string tool is configured to activate the drill string tool by hydraulically actuated movement of the switching element to an activated position, with drilling mud serving as actuating medium. Movement of the switching element to the activated position is automatically regulated, so that tool activation is conditional upon application of above-threshold downhole drilling fluid conditions for at least a predetermined switching duration. A switch regulator that regulates movement of the switching element to the activated position can be configured to regulate a rate of movement of the switching element such that a substantially constant switching duration is maintained regardless of fluctuations in the magnitude of an actuating pressure differential during above-threshold downhole drilling fluid conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Paul Galley, Daniel M. Winslow
  • Patent number: 10415361
    Abstract: A downhole fluid separator includes a first tubular including a volume defined between an open, uphole end of the first tubular opposite an open, downhole end of the first tubular, the volume of the first tubular including a fluid pathway configured to receive a mixed-phase fluid from an annulus of a wellbore and provide separate flows of a gas and a liquid to the uphole end of the first tubular; a second tubular including a volume configured to receive at least a portion of a downhole artificial lift device through an open, uphole end of the second tubular opposite a closed, downhole end of the second tubular, and an adjustable opening formed in a portion of the second tubular at a location between the uphole and downhole ends and configured to selectively receive the flow of the liquid into the volume of the second tubular; and an actuatable wellbore seal positioned around each of the first and second tubulars and between the first and second tubulars, downhole of the adjustable opening, and between the uph
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Amr Mohamed Zahran
  • Patent number: 10260323
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean well include a fluid production tubular and a gas production tubular extending separately into the well. An electrical submersible pump is in fluid communication with the fluid production tubular. A cyclone separator is within the well. The cyclone separator has a rotating screw with thread surfaces open to an inner diameter surface of the well. The rotating screw is positioned between a lower end of the gas production tubular and the electrical submersible pump. The thread surfaces are angled to direct a liquid stream axially downward and radially outward towards the inner diameter surface of the well. A central passage extends through the rotating screw and is oriented to direct a gas stream towards the lower end of the gas production tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmad J. Muraikhi, Ivan T. Cetkovic
  • Patent number: 10174557
    Abstract: A method and device are for making lateral openings out of a wellbore in a ground formation where at least one laterally directed drill string is movable in the axial direction inside a motherbore tubular, and where the leading end portion of the drill string is equipped with the drill bit that is driven by a rotatable drill string. The method includes connecting a fluid driven engine to the rotatable drill string inside the motherbore tubular, and directing flow in the motherbore tubular through the fluid driven engine to create rotation of the drill bit via the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Fishbones AS
    Inventor: Rune Freyer
  • Patent number: 10024116
    Abstract: An example shunt tube assembly includes at least one shunt tube that defines an inner flow path for a fluid and provides an upper portion and a lower portion. At least one shunt fitting is positioned inline between the upper and lower portions of the at least one shunt tube. The shunt fitting provides an outlet that fluidly communicates with the inner flow path to provide an exit for at least a portion of the fluid to be discharged from the at least one shunt tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Veit, Stephen Michael Greci, Matthew Ryan Gommel
  • Patent number: 9951612
    Abstract: Downhole assemblies including a plurality of tubular members extendable within a wellbore and defining a through bore. A telemetry device is positioned within a wall of one of the plurality of tubular members and has a secondary flow path defined therethrough and a valve element engageable with a valve seat provided at an upper end of the secondary flow path. The secondary flow path extends between an inlet and an outlet, both of which fluidly communicate with the through bore and are defined in the one of the plurality of tubular members. A flow restrictor is located within the through bore and is axially positioned between the inlet and the outlet of the secondary flow path. The valve element is actuatable to control fluid flow through the secondary flow path to selectively generate a fluid pressure pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: William Brown-Kerr, Bruce Hermann Forsyth McGarian
  • Patent number: 9856714
    Abstract: A stage tool operable with a plug is used for cementing a tubing string in a wellbore annulus. The tool can have a housing with a closure sleeve movably disposed in the internal bore of the housing. When pressure is applied downhole to the tool, a breachable obstruction on an exit port of the tool's bore opens and allows fluid such as cement slurry to communicate to the wellbore annulus. When cementing through the open tool is finished, a plug can be deployed downhole lands on a seat in the closure sleeve, and applied fluid pressure in the tool's bore against the seated plug closes the closure sleeve relative to the housing's exit port. Rotational catches between the housing's bore and the closure sleeve prevent the closure sleeve from rotating. A hydraulic mechanism on the tool can facilitate movement of the closure sleeve in response to a fluid pressure component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Richard L. Giroux
  • Patent number: 9033031
    Abstract: A downhole well control tool allows for the control of in-situ fluid flow from a production well. The flow control tool is engaged to an electrical submersible pump (“ESP”) and allows for the in-situ fluid to flow through the tool when the ESP is both active and inactive. The tool also allows for the flow of drilling mud and other drilling fluids when necessary. In addition, the well control tool may also be used to seal off the flow of fluids, and may be used in the retrieval of the ESP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: SOAR Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Dee A. Carr, Jerry Pechacek
  • Patent number: 8973662
    Abstract: A downhole tool for removing debris from a wellbore comprises a body having a bore, a collection member, and a means for creating a hydraulic barrier within a wellbore annulus. The hydraulic barrier within the wellbore annulus restricts upward movement of a debris laden fluid within the wellbore annulus causing the debris laden fluid to be directed toward the collection member. Thus, the hydraulic barrier facilitates removal of debris from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Yang Xu, Ying Qing Xu, Gregory L. Hern
  • Patent number: 8894849
    Abstract: An improved upward flow constructed wetland cell for treatment of water contaminated with chlorinated aliphatics is disclosed. The improvements include adding ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms to the methane-oxidizing microorganisms already present in an oxygenated root zone and adding improved pore-water sample chambers for measuring the performance of the constructed wetland cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Michael Shelley, Abinash Agrawal, Ke Qin, Garrett Struckhoff, Carl Enfield, James Waldron, Christina Powell
  • Patent number: 8893777
    Abstract: A chemical deployment plunger includes a reservoir body that has a top and a bottom and an internal chemical reservoir. The chemical reservoir includes one or more channels extending along the inside of the reservoir. The chemical deployment plunger includes a neck attached to the top of the reservoir body and the neck includes one or more ejection ports connected to the chemical reservoir. A plunger is movably connected to the bottom of the reservoir body and is configured for retraction and deployment from the reservoir body. The retraction of the plunger causes the treatment chemicals within the chemical reservoir to be expelled through the ejection ports. The plunger may include intake ports that allow the flow of fluid from below the plunger through the reservoir body and out the ejection ports. This permits the gradual release of treatment chemicals as fluids pass through the chemical deployment plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: ANDDAR Products, LLC
    Inventor: Darren Garrett
  • Patent number: 8869902
    Abstract: A plunger system for maximizing the liquid lift potential of a plunger arranged for vertical travel in a conduit in a gas/oil production well. The plunger system comprises an elongated plunger body mandrel having an upper or first end and a second or lower end with a fluid transmitting bore extending longitudinally therethrough, from the second or lower end of the plunger body and into at least a central portion of the plunger body, a plurality of curvilinearly shaped, replaceable wear pads arranged in a controllably radially displaceable manner on the plunger body, and at least one fluid ejecting nozzle arranged extending through a side wall of the plunger body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Well Master Corp.
    Inventors: Jesse L. Smith, David A. Green, Robert E. Bender
  • Patent number: 8820402
    Abstract: A shock absorbing system has a nose assembly that is formed to inwardly collapse on impact and is guided by a sleeve that can slide with the nose as the nose collapses or can extend for a portion of the length of the nose while being held fixed. In the latter instance the nose can have a leading end that has a biasing member in a resilient material so that on impact some of the shock is taken up by compression of the biasing member with subsequent extension of the biasing member retracting the resilient covering so that it is less likely to bind in the surrounding tubular. The leading end of the sleeve or the resilient material encasing the biasing member also soften the blow to a closed ball when the tool is dropped so that the ball surface is less likely to mar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Troy L. Smith, II, Anthony S. Coghill, Thomas S. Myerley, Douglas A. G. Lowery, James T. Sloan
  • Patent number: 8783338
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley W. Loving, Bryan F. McKinley, Dale Norman
  • Publication number: 20130327528
    Abstract: A downhole assembly for delivering chemical treatment to a wellbore at the level of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is provided. The chemical treatment is in solid phase, and slowly dissolves when exposed to wellbore fluids. A method of treating a wellbore using a solid chemical is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Odessa Separator, Inc.
    Inventor: Cavin B. Frost
  • Patent number: 8590630
    Abstract: A system and a method for controlling the flow of fluid in a branched well from a reservoir (29), the system including a completed main well (27) having at least one uncompleted branch well (25), an annulus (24) defined between the reservoir (29) and a production pipe (1) of the completed main well (27) and at least two successive swell packers or constrictors (26) defining at least one longitudinal section of the main well (27) and within which at least one branch well (25) is arranged, and including at least one autonomous valve (2) arranged in the longitudinal section of the main well (27) defined between the two successive swell packers or constrictors (26). The uncompleted branch wells (25) are provided to increase the drainage area, i.e., maximum reservoir contact (MRC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Patent number: 8561704
    Abstract: A well system can include a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid from an interior of the device outwardly through an exit port, and a deflector which outwardly overlies the exit port and provides fluid communication between the exit port and an annulus formed radially between the deflector and a wellbore lining. The deflector can diffuse the flow of the fluid prior to impingement on the wellbore lining. A flow control assembly can include a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid from an interior of the device outwardly through an exit port, and a deflector which outwardly overlies the exit port, the deflector including at least one opening, and the opening being circumferentially offset relative to the exit port. A form of an interior surface of the deflector and/or an exterior surface of the flow control device can diffuse the flow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Teale, Gireesh K. Bhat
  • Patent number: 8403049
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley W. Loving, Bryan F. McKinley, Dale Norman
  • Patent number: 8376066
    Abstract: Assemblies can be disposed in a subterranean bore. An assembly can include a surface that can divert a cutting tool for creating a branch wellbore and that can divert a completion component for completing the branch wellbore without requiring the assembly or part of the assembly from being removed from a parent wellbore prior to the completion component being diverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Joe Steele, Aditya Shailesh Deshmukh
  • Patent number: 8356664
    Abstract: Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, David C. Haeberle, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Jon Blacklock, Ted A. Long, Hans Brekken, Arthur H. Dybevik, Lars Faret, Ole Sveinung Kvernstuen, Terje Moen, Knut H. Nesland, Kjartan Roaldsnes
  • Patent number: 8225859
    Abstract: A debris cleanup tool uses a movable eductor to reconfigure the flow scheme through the tool. During the debris pickup mode, pressurized fluid is delivered to through the tubing to the eductor inlet. The outlet of the eductor is into the surrounding annulus where the flow splits with most going to the surface and the rest down and into a mill making cuttings. The flow into the mill takes the cuttings to a collection volume and then screens the internal flow stream before directing it into the eductor inlet. The eductor body can be repositioned to close the eductor outlet to the annulus and open the outlet into the housing to allow reverse flow. In one embodiment a ball is dropped and pressure is built to break a shear pin to shift the eductor body and to open a bypass around the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Joe P. Moidel, Lee Brousasard, Gerald P. Comeaux, Ronald E. Burger, Ronald A. Moore
  • Patent number: 8210250
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley W. Loving, Bryan F. McKinley, Dale Norman
  • Publication number: 20120145383
    Abstract: A pressure measurement system for use with a subterranean well can include a chamber positioned in the well, the chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion as positioned in the well, and a device which, in response to gravity acting on the device, selects the upper portion of the chamber for communication with a line extending to a remote location. A method of measuring pressure in a well can include introducing a chamber into the well, then selecting a vertically upper portion of the chamber, and establishing communication between the upper portion of the chamber and a line extending to a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Joel D. SHAW
  • Patent number: 8191627
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for controlling the flow rate of a fluid during downhole operations. The apparatus (100) includes a tubular member (134) having a flow path (136) between inner and outer portions of the tubular member (134). The flow path (136) includes an inlet (138) in an inner sidewall (140) and an outlet (142) in an outer sidewall (144) of the tubular member (134). The inlet (138) and the outlet (142) are laterally offset from each other. A fluidic device (146) is positioned in the flow path (136) between the inlet (138) and the outlet (142). The fluidic device (146) is embedded within the tubular member (134) between the inner sidewall (140) and the outer sidewall (144). The fluidic device (146) includes a nozzle (154) having a throat portion (156) and a diffuser portion (158) such that fluid will flow through the nozzle (154) at a critical flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Syed Hamid, Michael Linley Fripp, Edward John Patton
  • Patent number: 8167046
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to communicate with a zone below a subsurface safety valve (104, 204) independent of the position of a closure member (106) of the safety valve are disclosed. The apparatuses and methods include deploying a subsurface safety valve (104, 204) to a profile located within a string of production tubing. The subsurface safety valve (104, 204) is in communication with a surface station through an injection conduit (150,152; 250,252) and includes a bypass pathway (144, 244) to inject various fluids to a zone below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Jeffrey L. Bolding, David Randolph Smith
  • Patent number: 8141639
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in dispensing fluid into a wellbore includes a piston element releasably coupled to a housing and a detonator in the housing that applies a force sufficient to release the piston element from the housing when activated. The apparatus also has an intermediate section that mates with the upper section, an elongated member coupled to the piston and that is positioned in a bore of the intermediate section; and a lower section having a housing that mates with the intermediate section. The housing includes at least one opening providing communication between a bore of the housing and an exterior of the housing; and a movable barrier in the lower section. The movable barrier has a first position, wherein the barrier substantially blocks communication between the bore of the intermediate section and the at least one opening, and a second position, wherein the barrier does not substantially block communication between the bore of the intermediate section and the at least one opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Owen Oil Tools LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey David Gartz, Garret William Hansen, Robert Michael Frederick Lesiuk
  • Patent number: 8136601
    Abstract: A device for increasing the production flow in a production tubing, where the production tubing has at least one inlet or port for adding a fluid medium, adds the fluid medium through the at least one inlet or port at an angle ? between 90 and 0 degrees with a longitudinal axis of the production tubing. The device further has elements that provide a rotation of the added fluid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Petroleum Technology Company
    Inventors: Magnar Tveiten, David Hutchinson, Egil Josefsen, Kristian Harestad
  • Patent number: 8069920
    Abstract: A down-hole assembly used to locate an existing window in a main cased well bore and guide equipment through the window and into a lateral well bore after removal of a whip stock. The assembly includes a running tool with a convex section detachably connected to a concave section of a guide member. The running tool includes a window locator that locates the window. The guide member includes an inclined or wedge shaped portion for guiding tools or equipment through the window and into the lateral well bore so that remedial work can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Knight Information Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gerald J. Cronley, Timothy T. Torrez
  • Patent number: 8066059
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley Wayne Loving, Bryan Franklin McKinley, Dale Norman
  • Publication number: 20110240283
    Abstract: Assemblies that can be disposed in a subterranean bore are described. An assembly can include a body and a member that is made from a different material that the material from which the body is made. The member can be located in an opening in the body and can be coupled to the body. The member coupled to the body can define an inner diameter and form a seal for the inner diameter. The member can be milled to access an environment exterior to the member and the body for example to create a branch wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Dan Parnell Saurer
  • Patent number: 7950467
    Abstract: This invention describes a conveyor tube for use in installing or replacing a well tool in a producing well, wherein the well tool is fed into the conveyor tube which at least runs between a valve tree and at least one receiving unit in the well, and wherein the conveyor tube is installed on the outside of and in fluid communication with a production tube in the well. A method for using same is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Ziebel Group
    Inventor: Henning Hansen
  • Patent number: 7909097
    Abstract: A well liner segment for use in hydrocarbon recovery processes. An elongate, typically cylindrical outer liner member, and an inner elongate liner member concentrically located therewithin is provided. Hydrocarbon upgrading catalyst is provided in the interstitial space between the two members. The outer liner members may be threadably coupled together. A slidable seal is provided between the outer liner and the inner liner to accommodated differential thermal growth between the two liners. A process for use of well liner segments having hydrocarbon upgrader catalyst pre-installed therein, is also provided, as is a method for manufacture of a well liner segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Archon Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Conrad Ayasse
  • Patent number: 7861787
    Abstract: A wellbore tubular including: an inner tubular wall; an opening through the inner tubular wall; an outer tubular wall positioned about the inner tubular, the outer tubular wall including an opening therethrough; a chamber between the inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall; and a chemical treatment material in the chamber and positioned between the opening of the inner tubular wall and the opening of the outer tubular wall. The wellbore tubular may be used in downhole fluid treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Absolute Completion Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Thane Geoffrey Russell
  • Patent number: 7779907
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan N. Wagner, Anthony S. Coghill
  • Patent number: 7735550
    Abstract: A method of blocking a water out zone in a production well includes the steps of connecting a throttle unit to a dump bailer, wherein the throttle unit is internally defined a flowing space, which can be adjusted in size to thereby control a flow rate of cement for blocking the water out zone; loading the cement into the dump bailer; slowly lowering down the loaded dump bailer to the water out zone in the production well; opening an outlet of the dump bailer under control, so that the cement flows from the dump bailer into the throttle unit and is released at a flow rate preset by adjusting the size of the flowing space; allowing the released cement to load up in the water out zone and slowly permeate into a gravel layer in the production well before becoming cured to block the water out zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: CPC Corporation
    Inventors: Chi San Sun, Chien I Wu, Chia Shui Wu, Lai Fuh Fan, Te Kun Huang, Chen Hui Fan
  • Patent number: 7721805
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to communicate with a zone below a subsurface safety valve (104, 204, 404) independent of the position of a closure member (106) of the safety valve. The apparatuses and methods include deploying a subsurface safety valve (104, 204, 404) to a profile located within a string of production tubing. The subsurface safety valve (104, 204, 404) is in communication with a surface station through an injection conduit (150,152; 250,252; 450; 452) and includes a bypass pathway (144, 244, 444) to inject various fluids to a zone below. A redundant control to actuate subsurface safety valve (104, 204, 404) can include a three-way valve (180, 280) or three-way manifold 480 connecting the injection conduit (150,152; 250,252; 452) or the hydraulic ports (140,142; 240,242; 442?) to the subsurface safety valve (104, 204, 404).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jeffrey L. Bolding, David Randolph Smith
  • Patent number: 7712532
    Abstract: Method and system for use in a subsurface formation traversed by a wellbore. An energized fluid, which when subjected to a low pressure environment liberates or releases gas from solution, is disposed in the formation. Reduced pressure in a region of the wellbore below pressure in the surrounding formation liberates a gas in the energized fluid near a tunnel created in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Ian C. Walton
  • Patent number: 7546878
    Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of a reagent downhole includes a housing configured to move in a borehole; a chamber for storing the reagent, wherein the chamber is disposed in the housing and has one or more outlets for dispensing the reagent; a piston configured to move in the chamber; and a trigger mechanism. A method for deploying a reagent downhole includes disposing a tool downhole, wherein the tool comprises a canister storing the reagent, wherein the canister includes a housing configured to move in a borehole, a chamber for storing the reagent, wherein the chamber is disposed in the housing and has one or more outlets for dispensing the reagent, a piston configured to move in the chamber, and a trigger mechanism; and activating the trigger mechanism to move the piston to deploy the reagent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Prado, Robert Krush, Ashish Sharma
  • Patent number: 7497256
    Abstract: In one embodiment an apparatus is disclosed that includes a tool in a wellbore. A probe is extendable from the tool to contact a wall of a formation surrounding the wellbore. A tube substantially surrounds the probe wherein the tube is extendable into the formation surrounding the wellbore. In another embodiment a method for reducing contamination of a sample of a formation fluid is disclosed that includes extending a probe to contact a wall of a formation. A barrier tube that substantially surrounds the probe is extended into the formation thereby restricting a flow of a contaminated reservoir fluid that would otherwise come from near-wellbore regions above and below the probe from going toward the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Leroy W. Ledgerwood, III
  • Publication number: 20090032256
    Abstract: A method of blocking a water out zone in a production well includes the steps of connecting a throttle unit to a dump bailer, wherein the throttle unit is internally defined a flowing space, which can be adjusted in size to thereby control a flow rate of cement for blocking the water out zone; loading the cement into the dump bailer; slowly lowering down the loaded dump bailer to the water out zone in the production well; opening an outlet of the dump bailer under control, so that the cement flows from the dump bailer into the throttle unit and is released at a flow rate preset by adjusting the size of the flowing space; allowing the released cement to load up in the water out zone and slowly permeate into a gravel layer in the production well before becoming cured to block the water out zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: CPC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chi San SUN, Chien I. Wu, Chia Shui Wu, Lai Fuh Fan, Te Kun Huang, Chen Hui Fan
  • Patent number: 7438125
    Abstract: A plunger mechanism comprises an adjustable bypass valve. Depending on well parameters, a user may desire to adjust the descent rate of a plunger in service. The present device allows the user to vary or adjust the bypass orifice to alter the flow of liquid through the plunger core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Production Control Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Victor
  • Patent number: 7419002
    Abstract: A flow arrangement (10, 12) for use in a well through one or more underground reservoirs, and where the arrangement (10, 12) is designed to throttle radially inflowing reservoir fluids produced through an inflow portion of the production tubing in the well, the production tubing in and along this inflow portion being provided with one or more arrangements (10, 12) Such an arrangement (10, 12) is designed to effect a relatively stable and predictable fluid pressure drop at any stable fluid flow rate in the course of the production period of the well, and where said fluid pressure drop will exhibit the smallest possible degree of susceptibility to influence by differences in the viscosity and/or any changes in the viscosity of the inflowing reservoir fluids during the production period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Reslink G.S.
    Inventors: Arthur Dybevik, Ove Sigurd Christensen, Terje Moen
  • Patent number: 7367392
    Abstract: Wellbore apparatus including an elongated tubular adapted for disposal within the wellbore. The tubular having an elongated recess formed on its exterior surface along the longitudinal axis. The recess is adapted to accept and house a component therein. A shield disposed within the recess and adapted to slide to a selected position therein, covering a housed component. The sliding shield and housed component are retained within the recess by a retainer system using minimal fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Khanh Duong, Jean Pierre Masson, Fernando Garcia-Osuna, Harold Pfutzner, Alain Dumont, Tetsuya Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7281584
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus such as multi-cycle circulating subs used during downhole drilling operations includes a piston (42) slidably mounted in a body (4) between positions in which at least one aperture (40) in the body is opened and closed. Movement of the piston (42) is controlled by a pin (86) secured to one of the body and a control member, and a control groove (52) in which a portion of the pin is received formed in the other of the body and control member. An arrangement of elements (32,76) respectively connected to the control member and body is such that, as the control member moves axially, increasing lengths of the elements locate adjacent one another so as to provide resistance to relative rotation in at least one direction of the control member and body. The relative rotation is rotation which presses the control member against the control groove. The risk of damage to the control pin is thereby reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce McGarian, Ian Alexander Gillies
  • Patent number: 7198105
    Abstract: A formation testing tool and method for providing pressure controlled sampling is provided. A flow line delivers formation fluid to a sample chamber in the testing tool. A first valve controls the flow of formation fluid from the flow line to the sample chamber. A piston is slidably disposed in the sample chamber to define a sample cavity and a actuation cavity having variable volumes determined by movement of the piston. An actuator is also provided to move the piston in a first direction to increase the volume of the sample cavity and a second direction to decrease the volume of the sample cavity whereby formation fluid may be drawn into the sample cavity and pressurized therein using the actuator and the first valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas W. Grant, Edward Harrigan, Ian Traboulay
  • Patent number: 7108067
    Abstract: A tubing string assembly for fluid treatment of a wellbore includes substantially pressure holding closures spaced along the tubing string, which each close at least one port through the tubing string wall. The closures are openable by a sleeve drivable through the tubing string inner bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Jon Themig, Jim Fehr