Expanded By Confined Fluid From Central Chamber, Pump Or Plunger Patents (Class 166/187)
  • Patent number: 12152463
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a body defining an axial bore and one or more radial ports. The downhole tool also includes a first sleeve positioned at least partially within the body. The first sleeve is configured to block fluid communication from the axial bore through the one or more radial ports when the downhole tool is in a first position. Fluid flow is permitted from the axial bore through the one or more radial ports when the downhole tool is in a second position. The downhole tool also includes a second sleeve positioned at least partially within the body. The second sleeve is configured to block fluid communication from the axial bore through the one or more radial ports when the downhole tool is in a third position. The downhole tool also includes a seat coupled to the second sleeve. The seat is configured to receive an impediment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: INNOVEX DOWNHOLE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Rushing, Kevin Smith, Greg Roger
  • Patent number: 12024977
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to stage collars and related methods of operation thereof for stage cementing operations. In one implementation, a stage collar for stage cementing operations includes a barrel, and an activation sleeve disposed at least partially in the barrel. The activation sleeve includes first fluid openings. The stage collar includes an activation ring that includes an activation seat. The stage collar includes a first set of shear fasteners coupling the activation ring to the activation sleeve, and a second set of shear fasteners coupling the activation sleeve to the barrel. The stage collar includes a setting piston, and a closing sleeve disposed at least partially in the barrel. The closing sleeve includes second fluid openings. The stage collar includes a third set of shear fasteners coupling the closing sleeve to the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Webber, Jeffery Morrison
  • Patent number: 12000267
    Abstract: An autonomous wellbore tool may include a plug assembly and a positioning system. The positioning system may be provided on the plug assembly. According to an aspect, the positioning system includes a distance measurement system. The autonomous wellbore tool may include one of a perforating gun and a transmitter plug assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: DynaEnergetics Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Joern Olaf Loehken
  • Patent number: 11959353
    Abstract: Multiple layers of a seal can be formed to pressure-seal an open-hole wellbore in a subterranean formation. The seal can include at least one element and a sealing mixture between the element and a container housing for pressure sealing the open-hole wellbore between the element and the container housing and for providing multiple layers of seal in the open-hole wellbore. The seal can be retained by the sealing mixture subsequent to the sealing mixture being released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohan Gunasekaran, Jorge Gustavo Kuhnen, Laurence Campos Paiva Costa, Desiderio Naegele Rodrigues, Jr., Peterson Garcia Ramaldes
  • Patent number: 11879307
    Abstract: An object carrier including a housing having a bore with a diametrically larger portion and a diametrically smaller portion, an object keeper having a first and a second end, the first end being initially disposed in the diametrically smaller portion, an actuator assembly configured to move the first end of the object keeper from the diametrically smaller portion to the diametrically larger portion responsive to selected application of pressure, and an object disposed within the object keeper and secured within the object keeper while the first end of the object keeper is in the diametrically smaller portion, the object being released from the object keeper upon the first end of the object keeper moving to the diametrically larger portion. A method for managing an object-based operation downhole of a restriction including pressuring up on the object carrier, withdrawing the first end from the diametrically smaller portion, and releasing the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David Alexander, Knut Inge Dahlberg, Eivind Hagen
  • Patent number: 11867019
    Abstract: When cementing tubing in a borehole, a wet shoe track is created, and pressure testing of the tubing is performed. To do this, a wiper plug seats in a seat of an insert disposed in a first position in a flow bore of a tool. The insert is released and moved toward a second position in the flow bore in response to the first pressure applied against the seated wiper plug. A collar disposed on the wiper plug seats on a second seat disposed uphole of the first seat. The tubing is pressure tested by applying pressure down the tubing against the wiper plug with the collar seated in the second seat. Fluid communication is then established through the flow bore downhole of the wiper plug, the first seat, and the second seat by removing the collar from the wiper plug. This can create the wet shoe track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Craig A. Wright, Zachary S. Trine
  • Patent number: 11761273
    Abstract: A monitoring system for determining a stickup height of a drill string. The monitoring system includes a video camera operable to facilitate a digital image, a block position sensor operable to facilitate block position measurements, and/or a processing device. The processing device receives the digital image, recognizes an upper end of the drill string or a connection joint of the drill string on the digital image, and determines the stickup height based on location of the upper end of the drill string or the connection joint of the drill string on the digital image. The processing device may also or instead record a pipe tally indicative of a length of each drill pipe and a location of each drill pipe within the drill string, receive the block position measurements, and determine the stickup height based on the pipe tally and block position measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shunfeng Zheng
  • Patent number: 11486221
    Abstract: A wellbore tool includes a rod with a plurality of rod sections. The rod is configured to be placed within a wellbore casing of a low-pressure hydrocarbon well. A plurality of sealing elements are positioned at a downhole end of the rod. Each sealing element is configured to provide a gas-tight seal between the sealing element and an inner wall of the wellbore casing. A handle positioned at an uphole end of the rod provides a hand grip for a user of the wellbore tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: David Hart
  • Patent number: 11401774
    Abstract: A sealing method and sealing arrangement is described. The sealing arrangement comprises a body and first and second sealing elements mounted thereon. The sealing elements are each movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and are configured to move from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration in response to an axial compression. The second sealing element is however maintained in its retracted configuration until the first sealing element has moved from its retracted configuration to its extended configuration. The sequential extension of the sealing elements can deform to assume the extended configuration under compression and the progression and the form of the deformation can be arranged to improve the quality of the seal achieved. An extended sealing element in engagement with the bore wall may also serve as an anchor or retainer and facilitate application of a compression force to an intermediate sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Peter Moyes
  • Patent number: 11248454
    Abstract: A method of removing fluid from a well using a downhole pump includes deploying the downhole pump to a vertical position within a production tubing disposed in the well, securing the downhole pump to the production tubing at the vertical position, powering a motor of the downhole pump with an electrical line of the downhole pump that extends from a surface of the well and that terminates at a profile of the downhole pump, and activating the motor to pump fluid out of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Suliman M. Azzouni, Najeeb Al-Abdulrahman
  • Patent number: 11156059
    Abstract: Thru-tubing completion systems and methods that employ a detachable sub-surface completion unit (SCU) anchoring seal that provides a seal between a SCU body and a wall of a wellbore of a well. The detachable SCU anchoring seal can be positioned in an un-deployed position that enables the detachable SCU anchoring seal to pass through production tubing disposed in the wellbore and in a deployed position that provides the seal. The detachable SCU anchoring seal is releasably coupled to the SCU body and has an internal passage having an internal diameter that is equal to or greater than an external diameter of the SCU body such that the detachable SCU anchoring seal can be deployed in the wellbore and decoupled from the SCU body to enable the SCU body to be moved through the internal passage of the SCU anchoring seal while deployed in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Muhammad Arsalan, Mohamed N. Noui-Mehidi
  • Patent number: 11125037
    Abstract: This disclosure may generally relate to subterranean operations and, more particularly, to systems and methods for setting a packer. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide real-time verification of setting a packer in order to form a seal within a wellbore. A system for packer setting may comprise a packer, a telemetry module operable to wirelessly receive one or more control signals from a surface location, and a control module coupled to the telemetry module and the packer, wherein the control module is operable to actuate the packer in response to the one or more control signals from the surface location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Thomas Jules Frosell, Michael Linley Fripp, Gary John Geoffroy
  • Patent number: 11091975
    Abstract: A technique facilitates use of a packer in a borehole or within other tubular structures. The packer may be constructed with a tubing, a metal sealing element mounted around the tubing, and a differential pressure valve system. The metal sealing element may be expanded under fluid pressure for sealing engagement with a surrounding wall surface. Additionally, the differential pressure valve system is placed in fluid communication with the interior of the metal sealing element and comprises a plurality of valves which operate automatically to increase pressure within the metal sealing element when certain pressure differentials occur. The differential pressure valve system enables the packer to hold against higher differential pressures and also may be constructed so the packer is less sensitive to thermal variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Samuel Roselier, Romain Neveu, Jean-Louis Saltel
  • Patent number: 11053772
    Abstract: A tool with a deformable element that is configured to flex across an annulus based on a force being applied to an inner surface of the deformable element. The deformable element may be configured to be positioned within a chamber that is covered by a first rupture disc. The deformable element may include seals, flex joints, and a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Vertice Oil Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Parks
  • Patent number: 11022717
    Abstract: A system for performing distributed measurements of in-situ stress includes an expandable element with at least one fiber optic sensor. The expandable element can be positioned at various depths in a hole in a substrate. A pressurizing device expands (and contracts) the expandable element when the expandable element is inserted in the hole in the substrate to exert pressure on the hole wall. A pressure sensor provides a sensor output indicative of a pressure applied to the hole wall by the expandable element. The fiber optic sensor and an optical interrogator measure strain along a length of the sensor in a continuous, high spatial resolution manner Based on the measured strain and pressure sensor output, the system determines various properties of the substrate such as, minimum principal stress, maximum principal stress, and/or principal stress direction associated with one or more fractures in the substrate, as well as substrate modulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignees: Luna Innovations Incorporated, Tennessee Technological University
    Inventors: Osgar John Ohanian, III, Daniel R. Vandenberge, Matthew Anthony Davis
  • Patent number: 10989016
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes an expandable sleeve having an outer surface. The expandable sleeve is configured to expand radially outwards without fracturing apart. The tool also includes a plurality of button inserts positioned at least partially in the expandable sleeve and extending outward past the outer surface by a first distance, so as to engage a surrounding tubular when the expandable sleeve is expanded. The tool further includes a first band of grit material on the outer surface, adjacent to at least one row of the plurality of button inserts. The first band of grit material extends outward from the outer surface by at least the first distance, to shield the plurality of button inserts during run-in of the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: INNOVEX DOWNHOLE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Nick Tonti, Justin Kellner, Carl Martin
  • Patent number: 10934822
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbons from an underground formation having an array of horizontal wells has the steps of: inserting one or more heater strings into at least one heater well section, the heater string comprising a heating element and a flow passage for transporting fluid from a fluid input to at least one injection port; activating the heating element of the heater string to heat the formation sufficient to produce hydrocarbons from the formation immediately adjacent to the at least one heater well section; heating and injecting a solvent into the at least one heater well in the gaseous phase through the at least one injection port of the heater string such that the solvent is injected into the voidage in the at least one heater well section created by the produced hydrocarbons; and producing hydrocarbons from at least one producer well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Petrospec Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald V. Chalifoux
  • Patent number: 10900308
    Abstract: A system for activating a downhole tool may include a mandrel, a first piston disposed about the mandrel and defining a piston chamber therebetween, a flow restrictor positioned in the piston chamber and separating the piston chamber into an upper chamber located uphole of the flow restrictor and a lower chamber located downhole of the flow restrictor, and a second piston disposed in the upper chamber. The flow restrictor may define at least one orifice extending axially therethrough and, a damping fluid may reside in the piston chamber downhole from the second piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Kok Jun Sim, Iris Sok Yee Kam
  • Patent number: 10883321
    Abstract: An antirotation stabilizer may include one or more antirotation pads extending from a stabilizer body. Each antirotation pad may be positioned at least partially within a recess formed in the stabilizer body. Each antirotation pad may be coupled to a torsion bar. The torsion bar may couple between the antirotation pad and the stabilizer body and may be under torsional loading such that the antirotation pad is extended from the stabilizer body. The antirotation stabilizer may include one or more rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: NABORS LUX 2 SARL
    Inventors: Siamak Shahipassand, Patrick Reiners, Stig Bakke, Andrew Gorrara
  • Patent number: 10858931
    Abstract: Historical production data associated with production of a hydrocarbon product in a reservoir is obtained. Historical tracer test data associated with the production is obtained. History matching is performed using the historical production data and the historical tracer test data to generate improved geological models. Production optimization is performed using the improved geological models, including predicting optimized controls and updating, using the predicted optimized controls, water injection rates and fluid production rates for individual injectors and producers. The predicted optimized controls are applied to the reservoir to optimize future production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Hsieh Chen, Martin E. Poitzsch
  • Patent number: 10808491
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to plug apparatus and methods, and components thereof, for oil and gas wellbores. In one implementation, a plug for oil and gas wellbores includes a mandrel, and a gauge ring disposed around the mandrel. The plug also includes a guide shoe disposed around the mandrel. The plug also includes a first cone, a second cone, and a seal element between the first cone and the second cone. The seal element includes an edge that faces the second cone. The seal element is movable between a preset position and a set position, and the movement of the seal element between the preset position and the set position folds the edge of the seal element in a direction from a second end of the seal element towards a first end of the seal element and underneath an outer portion of the seal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Dirocco
  • Patent number: 10801299
    Abstract: A packer connected to a casing pipe, the packer including a connecting tube made of metal and connected to the casing pipe, and a packer part made of metal and attached around the connecting tube. The packer part has a hollow part inside. A sealed liquid that thermally expands is sealed in the hollow part. An outer peripheral wall of the packer part includes an expansive part that protrudingly deforms outward with the thermal expansion of the sealed liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignees: TEISEKI DRILLING CO., LTD., THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
    Inventors: Kuniaki Shimada, Shigemi Naganawa, Seiki Horimoto
  • Patent number: 10677013
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier for isolating a production zone, the annular barrier having a first end and a second end, comprising: a tubular metal part for mounting as part of a well tubular metal structure, the tubular metal part having an outer face, an expandable metal sleeve surrounding the tubular metal part and having an outer face facing a wall of a borehole, each end of the expandable metal sleeve being connected with the tubular metal part, an annular space arranged between the expandable metal sleeve and the tubular metal part, the expandable metal sleeve being configured to expand by pressurised fluid entering the annular space, a first tubular metal connection assembly surrounding the tubular metal part connecting one end of the expandable metal sleeve with the tubular metal part and a second tubular metal connection assembly surrounding the tubular metal part connecting the other end of the expandable metal sleeve with the tubular metal part, each tubular metal connection a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Welltec Oilfield Solutions AG
    Inventor: Paul Hazel
  • Patent number: 10662734
    Abstract: A tool with a deformable element that is configured to flex across an annulus based on a force being applied to an inner surface of the deformable element. The deformable element may be configured to be positioned within a chamber that is covered by a first rupture disc. The deformable element may include seals, flex joints, and a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: VERTICE OIL TOOLS
    Inventor: Stephen Parks
  • Patent number: 10648280
    Abstract: A chemical packer composition having a polyurethane foam with nanoparticles or micron-sized particles for use as an annular chemical packer in openhole horizontal wells is provided. The chemical packer composition may be used in a horizontal well having a screen (for example, a gravel pack screen) and completed using an openhole completion. The chemical packer composition may include, for example, silica nanoparticles or sand micron-sized particles. The chemical packer composition may be placed in an annulus section defined by the wellbore and the screen that traverses one or more fluid producing zones. In some instances, a portion of the chemical packer composition may be selectively removed to open a fluid producing zone to the wellbore and form plugs blocking other fluid producing zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Prasad Baburao Karadkar, Mohammed Bataweel
  • Patent number: 10648273
    Abstract: An inflatable packer assembly features a pump and a piping network configurable to add fluid or remove fluid from the inflatable. Sensor can detect borehole variables and transmit readings to a remote location. Commands can be sent from the remote location to a borehole controller to configure the piping system for addition or removal of fluid from the inflatable to a desired level. A power source can power the pump and automatic valves to configure the system for addition or removal of fluid. Control from a remote location can be manual or automatic based on algorithms loaded on a processor that can be remotely locally located by the inflatable. A reservoir with clean fluid that is in pressure balance with borehole fluids can be used with a fluid separation device between clean and well fluids. Well fluids can be screened before being delivered to the inflatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: George N. Krieg, Frank J. Jupena, John K. Cinnater, Jr., Joseph Puryear
  • Patent number: 10613691
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus including a tubular body, first and second ports in a wall of the body, and a fluid pressure-responsive valve arrangement having a locked first configuration associated with a first pressure in which the first port is open and the second port is closed, an unlocked second configuration associated with a second pressure higher than the first pressure in which the first port is open and the second port is closed, and a third configuration associated with a third pressure lower than the second pressure in which the second port is open and the first port is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON MANUFACTURING AND SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Edmund Bruce, Stephen Kent, Dominic Patrick Joseph McCann, David Allan Noblett, David Grant, Ewan Colin Smith
  • Patent number: 10528816
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for displaying pertinent data, using augmented reality, to supplement information in images acquired by an imaging device of a mobile communication device. The images can be analyzed to find one or more matched objects, and recognition can be performed on the matched objects to recognize target components. It can be determined whether the recognized target components match one or more known patterns. Based on the known patterns pertinent data pertaining to the known patterns can be retrieved from one or more data sources, and displayed at a display using augmented reality to supplement information in the images acquired by the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: salesforce.com, inc.
    Inventors: Sachin Desai, Eugene Oksman
  • Patent number: 10502003
    Abstract: A wet connection system has pressure compensation operative when running in and thermal effects compensation active in the duration between running in and supporting a bottom hole assembly and hooking up a production string having a mating upper part of the wet connect to the lower part of the wet connect already in the hole. The thermal compensation system is then defeated by locking a floating piston so that applied pressure in a given control line will be used to operate an associated tool connected to that control line. Multiple control lines each similarly compensated are envisioned. The pressure compensation system comes out of the hole with the running tool for the bottom hole assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10465469
    Abstract: A slip-on hydraulic packer system and method. The packer system includes a tubular, a packer assembly that includes a piston moveable within a cylinder, a sealing element connected to the piston, and a biasing member connected between a stop member and the piston. Retaining elements selectively connect the packer system to an exterior surface of the tubular. A predetermined amount of hydraulic pressure may be applied to move the piston moving the sealing element from an unset position to a set position. The retaining elements may be snap rings and/or set screws that engage a profile on the tubular. Hydraulic pressure may be applied from an interior of the tubular through a port in the tubular or from an exterior of the tubular through a port in the cylinder. The predetermined amount of hydraulic pressure may shear an element or burst a member before moving the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: James Scott Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10443340
    Abstract: A method of making a controlled swell-rate swellable packer comprises disposing a sealing element about at least a portion of the mandrel, applying a mask onto at least a portion an outer surface of the sealing element, wherein the sealing element comprises a swellable material, and wherein the mask comprises void spaces, and applying a jacket to the sealing element not covered by the mask. The jacket may be disposed such that it covers at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing element. The jacket is configured to substantially prevent fluid communication between a fluid disposed outside of the jacket and the portion of the outer surface of the sealing element covered by the jacket. The mask may be removed from the sealing element after applying the jacket to the sealing element not covered by the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Pontus Gamstedt, Jens Hinke
  • Patent number: 10443379
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to testing tools that comprises: a cable-head assembly for connecting the testing tool to an end of a length of coiled tubing; a pump assembly comprising a downhole pump; an upper packer-assembly comprising an upper packer-element; a lower packer-assembly comprising a lower packer-element; a sensor assembly comprising one or more sensors with the sensor assembly positioned in fluid communication with a plenum between the upper and lower packer assemblies; and a testing port that is adjacent the sensor assembly. The testing tool is moveable between a first configuration where the upper and lower packer-elements are unset and a second position where the upper and lower packer-elements are set and the testing port is in fluid communication with the downhole pump. Methods of using the testing tools is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Pursuit Techmologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Steve Fitzel, Dave Jellett, Trevor Coleman, Jeremy Thompson, Karen Osadchuk
  • Patent number: 10370929
    Abstract: A downhole seal system comprising at least one a deformable member; and at least one expandable seal; wherein the deformable member is provided proximate, adjacent, against, or fixed to the expandable seal. Optionally, the expandable seal is or comprises a swellable seal and/or the deformable member comprises or at least partially defines a seal receiving groove and at least part of the expandable seal is received or receivable within the seal receiving groove such that the expandable seal is expandable so as to deform the deformable member and thereby increase an outer diameter or extent of the deformable member. Also described is an associated deformable member and fixing member and associated methods for producing and using the seal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Tendeka B.V.
    Inventors: Neil Anderson, Colin Mackie
  • Patent number: 10370934
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system that includes a downhole packer assembly that includes an outer skin having a first axial length and an inner packer having a second axial length greater than the first axial length. The inner packer is disposed within the outer skin such that inflation of the inner packer causes the outer skin to expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Rania El Fadil
  • Patent number: 10364636
    Abstract: A method for anchoring a casing string within a wellbore is disclosed. The method includes providing a casing string, where the casing string being generally tubular, and coupling a swellable elastomeric material on at least a portion of the exterior of the casing string. In addition, the method includes positioning the casing string within a wellbore, exposing the swellable elastomeric material to a swelling fluid, and sealing the swellable elastomeric material to the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: TAM INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Tim Davis, Art Loginov, Ray Frisby
  • Patent number: 10364638
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier to be expanded in an annulus between a well tubular structure and an inside wall of a borehole downhole. The annular barrier comprises a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular part and having an inner face facing the tubular part, each end of the expandable sleeve being connected with a connection part which is connected with the tubular part, a space between the inner face of the sleeve and the tubular part, and an element arranged in connection with the sleeve, the element having a first part and a second part both of which extend around the inner face, the first part of the element being fastened to the inner face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Welltec Oilfield Solutions AG
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Paul Hazel, Thomas Sune Andersen
  • Patent number: 10323476
    Abstract: A downhole system and method is disclosed for sealing an inflow control device installed in a subterranean formation along a length of production tubing adjacent a productive zone of the subterranean formation. The system includes a truss structure radially expandable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration and a sealing structure disposed radially external to the truss structure. The truss structure and the sealing structure are set in their expanded configurations so that the sealing structure is put into engagement with the inflow control device so as to restrict the flow of fluids from the subterranean formation into the production tubing at the location of the inflow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Ryan Murphree, Michael Linley Fripp, John Gano
  • Patent number: 10309188
    Abstract: A plug is provided that includes a mandrel, a sealing element, a slip and ramp assembly, a lock ring, at least one antirotation device, and a lower ball standoff. The slip and ramp assembly have linear and radial angles allowing a mandrel wall that is thin when compared to the overall diameter of the mandrel. The sealing element is configured so that when set additional pressure from the surface increases the sealing ability of the sealing element. Antirotation devices are provided to assist in mill out. Lock ring is provided to keep the slips in their set position and a further configured so that additional downward forces increase the locking ability of lock ring. A lower ball standoff is provided so that in the event of reverse flow a ball from below is prevented from lodging within the plug and is held at the lower end of the plug were standoffs are provided to allow fluid flow around the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Advanced Frac Systems LLC
    Inventor: Henry Joe Jordan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10240422
    Abstract: A reinforced seal for maintaining a pressure differential in a well bore includes an elastomeric layer and a backup layer between a drill pipe and the elastomeric layer at the wellhead. The backup layer has a first end portion, a second end portion, and a tapered portion, wherein the first end portion has a larger inner diameter than the second end portion and the tapered portion connects the first end portion and second end portion. In addition, the backup layer includes a plurality of slats substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the drill pipe and arranged circumferentially about the perimeter of the drill pipe along the internal surface of the backup layer such that a portion of each slat underlies a portion of each adjacent slat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Larry Lucius Cox, Christopher Allen Grace
  • Patent number: 10240448
    Abstract: A frac plug system for use at the end of well drill string in a fractured underground formation, including an elongated mandrel body, a nose cone, a mandrel head, and a sealing assembly; at least one sensor positioned on the nose cone, the sensor being optionally a temperature sensor, pressure sensor, pH sensor, or fluid composition sensor; a battery operated microcontroller located in the mandrel body, the microcontroller constructed and arranged to periodically read the data output of the sensor and store the data from the sensor; a transmitter constructed and arranged to transmit the stored data from the set of sensors to a receiver on a pup joint when the receiver is in receiving range of said transmitter, the receiver constructed and arranged to write the transmitted stored data to an electronic memory; and whereby the data may be retrieved from the electronic memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventors: Dillon W Kuehl, Charles M Williams, Josiah J Leverich
  • Patent number: 10209221
    Abstract: An equipment testing apparatus may include one or more test connections. The equipment testing apparatus may also include a power cable and/or power supply in electrical communication with the one or more test connections. The power cable and/or power supply may be configured to provide electrical energy to the one or more test connections to verify the performance of various components of the equipment to be tested. In particular, an equipment testing apparatus may be configured to verify the performance of various components of drill pipe inspection equipment. Components of drill pipe inspection equipment that are tested may include a drive motor, an electromagnetic coil, and a signal cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Corey J. Davis
  • Patent number: 10180039
    Abstract: A device is provided for cementing a casing in a well bore. The device includes, on the well head side, a shutter disposed within the casing that controls opening and closing of at least one cementing aperture. The at least one cementing aperture makes an interior of the casing communicate with an annular space situated between an external face of the casing and an internal wall of the well. The device also includes, on the well bottom side, a packer having two expandable liners mounted along the external face of the casing and at least one communication passage between an exterior of the first external liner and the annular volume. The at least one communication passage is situated on the packer side orientated towards the well bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: SALTEL INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Saltel, Samuel Roselier, Romain Neveu, Anas Gaby
  • Patent number: 10174580
    Abstract: A hydraulic dump valve (10) for use with an inflatable packer (38) in a downhole (32) installation. The hydraulic dump valve (10) includes disc springs (102, 118) to adjust the pressure of operation of the valve (10) to allow use of liquid operated packers (38) in boreholes (32) with low static water levels by isolating the hydrostatic pressure in an inflation line (51) from the packers (38) and at the same time provide communication from the inflatable packer (38) to the well annulus (30) to allow downhole deflation of the packer (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Inflatable Packers International Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Clement Rowe, David Knell
  • Patent number: 10156120
    Abstract: A downhole system useable for downhole operations that includes a work string comprising a downhole end; a setting sleeve coupled with the downhole end; and a downhole tool engaged with the setting sleeve during run-in. The setting sleeve has an outer sleeve surface having an at least one channel disposed therein. The downhole tool includes a mandrel made of a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Downhole Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Evan Lloyd Davies, Duke VanLue
  • Patent number: 10145200
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for controlling packer activation in a riser slip joint. The system comprises a first electronically actuated valve disposed between a first packer and a fluid pressure source for the actuation of the first packer. A second electronically actuated valve is disposed between a second packer and a fluid pressure source for the actuation of the second packer. A control unit is operable to actuate the first and/or second electronically actuated valve in response to at least one input signal to control the activation of the first and second packers, and is configured to control the actuation of the first and second electronically actuated valves independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Romar International Limited
    Inventor: Martin McKenzie
  • Patent number: 10125566
    Abstract: An isolation of part of a well, which includes a pipe provided, along its external face, with a first external sleeve, wherein the opposite ends are connected directly or indirectly to said external face of the pipe. The pipe, first external sleeve and its ends together delimit an annular space, the wall of said pipe exhibiting at least one opening which allows it to communicate with said space, this sleeve being likely to expand and to be applied tightly against the well over an intermediate part of its length. The device also includes on the one hand, a second internal sleeve, which extends between said pipe and the first sleeve, its ends being also connected directly or indirectly to the external face of said pipe and, on the other hand, at least one communication passage between the exterior of the first sleeve and said space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Saltel Industries
    Inventors: Samuel Roselier, Benjamin Saltel, Jean-Louis Saltel
  • Patent number: 10081992
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for removing drill cuttings loosened by a drilling tool (113) during the operation of producing a drill hole (101, 102) for laying a pipeline, having at least one pump (12) for pumping out drilling fluid mixed with the drill cuttings, and having at least one receiving body (11) with at least one receiving chamber (17), which is connected to a drill-cuttings region (117) behind the drilling tool (113) via openings (14). It is therefore an object of the invention to create an apparatus for removing drill cuttings which makes it possible for the drill cuttings to be transported away reliably using a pressure-delivery method. The solution of the invention provides, on the receiving body (11), a receiving element (13), which is intended for receiving the drill cuttings mechanically and on which are arranged at least some of the openings (14) via which the drill cuttings pass into the receiving chamber (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Herrenknecht AG
    Inventors: Tobias Gerhardt, Michael Lubberger
  • Patent number: 10072483
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly can be operably positioned within a wellbore. The sand control screen assembly can include a base pipe and an unperforated shroud. The assembly can also include a filter medium positioned between the unperforated shroud and the base pipe. The base pipe and the filter medium can define an inner passageway for fluid flow along the base pipe. The filter medium and the unperforated shroud can define an outer passageway for fluid flow between the filter medium and the unperforated shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Greci
  • Patent number: 10060259
    Abstract: A device and method to quantitatively measure concentrations of volatile organic compound vapors below the ground surface using a preferably “fully” passive device that is placed in a drilled or bored hole for a specified period of time, wherein the sampler constrains the uptake rate to match values that minimize or eliminate the starvation effect and provide acceptable sensitivity for most soil types as calculated via mathematical models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Arthur McAlary, Suresh Seethapathy, Tadeusz Gorecki
  • Patent number: 10036221
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a mandrel made of composite material, a fingered member disposed around the mandrel, and a first conical member also disposed around the mandrel. There is an insert positioned proximate to the fingered member and the first conical member, and in engagement with an end of the fingered member. The insert has a circular body, a first end, a second end, and a helical winding groove formed in the circular body between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Downhole Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Evan Lloyd Davies, Duke VanLue, Luis Miguel Avila