Free Falling Type (e.g., Dropped Ball) Patents (Class 166/193)
-
Patent number: 12152472Abstract: A well treatment method can include pumping a treatment fluid through a tubular in a well, deploying plugging devices into the tubular, and blocking flow of the treatment fluid through perforations formed through the tubular. At least one characteristic of the treatment fluid or the plugging devices is varied, thereby in the blocking flow step selectively blocking the flow of the treatment fluid through the perforations in a predetermined sequence. Another well treatment method can include varying at least one characteristic of perforations along an interval, thereby selectively blocking flow of a treatment fluid through the perforations in a predetermined sequence. Another well treatment method can include varying a center flow to side flow (CS) ratio along an interval, thereby selectively blocking flow of a treatment fluid through perforations in a predetermined sequence.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2020Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Randy C Tolman, Erik Jorgensen, Brock W. Watson, Roger L. Schultz, Gary P. Funkhouser
-
Patent number: 11578560Abstract: A liner string includes a liner hanger assembly and a liner hanger deployment assembly. The liner hanger assembly includes a liner hanger. The liner hanger includes a plurality of slips and a liner hanger actuation assembly configured to set the plurality of slips. The liner hanger deployment assembly is disposed within the liner hanger assembly. The liner hanger deployment assembly includes a setting tool configured to selectively allow fluid communication between a central bore of the setting tool and the liner hanger actuation assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings LLCInventors: Jose V. Zavala, Zach Trine, Mark J. Murray
-
Patent number: 11352540Abstract: A hydraulic fracking plug assembly comprises a mandrel, sealing element, upper and lower backup rings, upper and lower cones, upper and lower slips each having teeth configured to engage a well casing, and a shoe. At least one of these parts, and in a further example most or all of these parts, are soluble in a solvent such as a potassium chloride solution, an acid, or a base. In some such examples, the soluble parts comprise magnesium, a magnesium alloy, or a soluble polymer.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Wyoming Completion Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Scott J. Hecht
-
Patent number: 11242727Abstract: A plugging device, well system and method. In one example, a wrap, band or other type of binding is utilized to secure together multiple fibers, tubes, filaments, films, fabrics or lines of the plugging device. In another example, fibers, tubes, filaments, films, fabrics or lines are fused, adhered or bonded to an outer surface of a body of the plugging device. In other examples, a material of the plugging device may become more rigid or swell in a well. A plugging device may comprise a body loosely enclosed in a bag, wrapper or other enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser, Roger L. Schultz, Andrew M. Ferguson
-
Patent number: 11131161Abstract: A fluid control system may comprise a flow control device including one or more floats attached within the flow control device, an outlet within the flow control device that is connected to the one or more floats, a regulatory valve that is fluidly connected to the flow control device, and a blocking element placed within the regulatory valve. An autonomous flow control system may comprise a first flow control device attached to a production tubing at a first location in a wellbore, a second flow control device attached to the production tubing at a second location in the wellbore, a first set of floats attached within the first flow control device, and a second set of floats attached within the second flow control device.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2019Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Stephen Michael Greci, Hadi Arabnejad Khanouki, Ibrahim El Mallawany
-
Patent number: 11125047Abstract: Methods and systems for diverting the flow of fluids within a wellbore are disclosed. The methods and systems use a flow conveyed diverter pack, which includes a package portion and a wing portion. The package portion may contain a ball (a.k.a. a diverter ball) and may contain additional components. The diverter pack may be formed by sandwiching a diverter ball between films of a flexible material, for example, films of a dissolvable polymer. The diverter pack may be deployed in a wellbore, whereby the pack is conveyed by fluid flow to an opening to be sealed. The diverter pack seats upon the opening, thereby diverting flow from the opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Workover Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Carl Andrew Rosenholm
-
Patent number: 10851618Abstract: A procedure and apparatus for cementing and cleaning a reservoir liner 3 comprises installing a reservoir liner using a drill string 4 which extends only as far as the distal end of a cased part 2 of the well, then, using the drill string, displacing cement into the reservoir liner using completion fluid whereby, when the cement is in place in the annulus around the reservoir liner, the reservoir liner is already clean and filled with completion fluid. A ball valve 6 at the top of the reservoir liner 3 is then closed before the cased part 2 of the wellbore is cleaned, to avoid debris entering the reservoir liner.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Hans Martin Leistad, Donald R. Girdler, Leif Arne Kvarme
-
Patent number: 10851284Abstract: A method for enhancing wellbore integrity and/or for sealing a wellbore by sealing formation or micro-annulus fractures in a wellbore. Such sealing can be at least partially accomplished by the use of timed expansion of an expandable sealant material that is placed a wellbore. The expansion of the expandable sealant material causes the cement surface or formation surface to be compressed, thereby creating a tight seal and/or eliminating annulus cracking, fracture, and/or gas channels in the wellbore. A degradable polymer can be used when restoration of the wellbore formation is desired.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2019Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Terves, LLCInventors: Andrew Sherman, Mrigadhara V Raghu V Meesala
-
Patent number: 10738564Abstract: A fibrous plugging device for use in a subterranean well can include a body having fibers and a retainer material. The retainer material retains a shape of the body. A system for use with a well can include a fibrous plugging device conveyed by fluid flow in the well. The fibrous plugging device includes a body comprising multiple fibers. The fibrous plugging device engages an opening in the well, and thereby seals off the opening. A method for use with a well can include flowing a fluid through the well, thereby conveying at least one fibrous plugging device including a body having multiple fibers, and the fibrous plugging device sealingly engaging an opening in the well, thereby substantially preventing flow through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2016Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser, Roger L. Schultz
-
Patent number: 10738566Abstract: A flow conveyed device for use in a well can include a body and a plurality of lines joined to the body, each of the lines having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body, and each of the lines including fibers. A method of controlling flow in a well can include a device introduced into the well being conveyed by flow in the well, and the device including a plurality of lines extending outwardly from a body. Each of the lines may include fibers. A system for use with a well can include a flow conveyed device conveyed through a tubular string by flow in the tubular string, the flow conveyed device including a body with a plurality of lines extending outwardly from the body, the body including at least one knot.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2016Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
-
Patent number: 10724336Abstract: A method of controlling degradation of a degradable material including forming a fluid in a hydration unit, admixing one or more additives to the fluid in a blender, introducing the fluid into a wellbore, injecting a degradation fluid between the hydration unit and the blender. The degradation fluid forms a degradation zone in the fluid. A degradable component formed from a degradable material is introduced into the degradation zone, and the degradable material and the degradation zone is pumped into a wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Matthew Stone, Herb Dhuet, Colin Andrew, Crystal Lowe
-
Patent number: 10641070Abstract: A method of controlling flow in a well can include a device introduced into the well being conveyed by flow in the well, and the device having a plurality of fibers extending outwardly from a body, the fibers being retained by a retainer. A well system can include a flow conveyed device conveyed through a tubular string by flow in the tubular string, and the flow conveyed device including a body with a plurality of fibers extending outwardly from the body. A retainer can at least partially enclose the device. A flow conveyed device for use in a well can include a body, and a plurality of fibers joined to the body, each of the fibers having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
-
Patent number: 10563476Abstract: A frac plug is provided. The frac plug may include a plug body, a slip, a sealing element, and a flapper. The plug body may have an inner surface, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The inner surface may define a bore extending axially between the first end portion and the second end portion. The slip may be circumferentially disposed about the plug body and configured to expand and couple the frac plug to a tubular section. The sealing element may be circumferentially disposed about the plug body and configured to compress and create a seal between the plug body and an inner surface of the tubular section. The flapper may be coupled to the plug body proximate to the first end portion and configured to seal the bore of the plug body.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: PETROFRAC OIL TOOLS, LLCInventors: Roddie R. Smith, Robert Joe Coon
-
Patent number: 10519746Abstract: A downhole tool that comprises an outer housing with an uphole end, a downhole end and an inner surface therebetween. The inner surface defines an interior space with a first inner-diameter and a recess with a larger second inner-diameter. The downhole tool also comprises a sleeve that is positionable within the recess of the outer housing. The sleeve comprises a ramp with a larger inner diameter towards an uphole end. The tool also comprises a seat that is positionable within the sleeve. The seat defines at least one plateau section that is configured to receive and support an equatorial portion of a ball, wherein when a pressure force is applied to the ball and seat, the ball and the seat slide along the ramp and a compressive force is applied to the equatorial portion of the ball.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Integrity Well Completions Inc.Inventors: Jeremy Charles Collie Hollan, Iain Dolphe Collie Hollan
-
Patent number: 10428616Abstract: A frac plug having a mandrel body, a cap coupled to an upper end of the mandrel body and an outer housing coupled to a lower end of the mandrel body. A guide shoe is coupled to the outer housing. A single slip assembly is positioned between the cap and the guide shoe and surrounds the mandrel body. A sealing element is positioned between the cap and the single slip assembly and surrounds the mandrel body.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: FORUM US, INC.Inventor: Robert Dirocco
-
Patent number: 10415344Abstract: An embodiment may take the form of a method usable with a well including communicating an untethered object downhole in the well to land the object in a restriction to form a fluid barrier, and using an agent carried by the untethered object to seal at least one gap in the fluid barrier. Another embodiment may take the form of an apparatus usable with a well having a solid component to be deployed and be communicated downhole as an untethered object to land in a restriction in the well to form a fluid barrier and an agent attached to the solid component to seal at least one gap in the fluid barrier.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Gregoire Jacob, Indranil Roy, Michael Dardis, Isaac Aviles Cadena
-
Patent number: 10180037Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The RPE includes a first composition and a second composition that changes phase or strength under wellbore conditions. After a stage is perforated, RPEs are deployed to isolate toe ward pressure communication. The second composition changes phase to create flow channels in the RPE during production. In an alternate system/method, the second composition changes phase or strength thereby deforming the RPE to reduce size and pass through the RSM's. The RPEs are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.Inventors: John T. Hardesty, Michael D. Wroblicky, Philip M. Snider
-
Patent number: 10167698Abstract: A configurable composite bridge plug apparatus and method for converting bridge plugs into frac plugs in the field of operation is disclosed. The bridge plug apparatus includes a body with a cylindrical hollow inner mandrel, an upper threaded end and a lower threaded end. A release ring with threads disposed on an outer surface is attached to the upper threaded end. An upper restriction element and a lower restriction element plug both ends of the hollow inner mandrel so that flow is restricted in either directions. A stand-off pin holds the lower restriction element in place. A ball seat inserted proximally to the upper restriction element towards the upper threaded end. A cage retainer is attached to the ball seat with a ball. The configurable bridge plug transformed to a frac plug by removing the upper restriction element and the lower restriction element from the bridge plug.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.Inventor: Wayne Rosenthal
-
Patent number: 10167691Abstract: A multilayered unit includes a core comprising an energetic material and an activator; a support layer disposed on the core; and a protective layer disposed on the support layer, wherein the support layer and the protective layer each independently comprises a polymeric material, a metallic material, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, provided that the support layer is compositionally different from the protective layer. The multilayered unit can be embedded in a component, attached to a component, or disposed between two components of a downhole assembly. The downhole assembly containing the multilayered unit has controlled disintegration in a downhole environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Zhihui Zhang, Zhiyue Xu, Goang-Ding Shyu, Juan Carlos Flores Perez
-
Patent number: 10053968Abstract: A completion assembly designed to perforate a section of casing along a wellbore, comprises a perforating gun, a canister, and a locator device. The canister contains ball sealers that are dimensioned to seal perforations, while the locator device is a casing collar locator that senses the location of the assembly within the wellbore based on the spacing of casing collars. The completion assembly also includes an on-board controller configured to send an actuation signal to the perforating gun to cause one or more detonators to fire when the locator has recognized a selected location of the completion assembly, thereby perforating the casing, and to release the ball sealers from the canister. Methods for seamlessly perforating and fracturing multiple zones along a wellbore are also provided, using a select-fire perforating gun.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Randy C. Tolman, Pavlin B. Entchev, Timothy I. Morrow
-
Patent number: 10030464Abstract: A downhole tool member for hydrocarbon resource recovery, comprising a shaped body of a polyglycolic acid resin having a weight average molecular weight of at least 70,000, having an effective thickness which is ½ or more of a critical thickness of surface decomposition, and exhibiting a thickness reduction rate in water which is constant with respect to time. As a result, it has become possible to more accurately design the strength and time up to the collapse of the downhole tool member which forms the whole or a part of a downhole tool for developing or repairing downholes for recovery of hydrocarbon resources, such as oil and gas.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: KUREHA CORPORATIONInventors: Masayuki Okura, Hikaru Saijo, Katsumi Yoshida, Hiroyuki Sato
-
Patent number: 9963960Abstract: Methods for stimulating a subterranean formation comprising providing a stimulating fluid stream to a casing conduit that is defined by a production casing that extends within the subterranean formation to increase a fluid pressure within the casing conduit. The methods further include locating an isolation device on an isolation sleeve to fluidly isolate a downhole portion of the casing conduit from an uphole portion of the casing conduit and opening an injection port that is associated with the isolation sleeve to permit an injection port fluid flow into the subterranean formation. The methods also include sealing the injection port and creating an uphole perforation in the uphole longitudinal section of the production casing responsive to the fluid pressure exceeding the threshold perforating pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Randy C. Tolman, Timothy G. Benish, Geoffrey Steiner, Kris J. Nygaard
-
Patent number: 9957763Abstract: A ball release tool includes a body providing a first end and a second end, and defining a flow passageway extending between the first and second ends. A ball is releasably coupled to the body at the second end. One or more flow ports are defined in the body and in fluid communication with the flow passageway, wherein pressure of a fluid introduced into the flow passageway is increased to release the ball from the body.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Aimee Kathleen Greening, Brian Keith Ogle, Tina Denise Hawkins, Pedro Alfredo Sors, Carlos Daniel Wild
-
Patent number: 9951600Abstract: A method of cementing a tubular string in a wellbore includes: deploying the tubular string into the wellbore; pumping cement slurry into the tubular string; launching a cementing plug after pumping the cement slurry; propelling the cementing plug through the tubular string, thereby pumping the cement slurry through the tubular string and into an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore; and controlling flow of fluid displaced from the wellbore by the cement slurry to control pressure of the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Don M. Hannegan, Cesar Pena, David Pavel, Michael Brian Grayson, Said Boutalbi, Todd Douglas Cooper, Timothy P. Dunn, Frank Zamora, Jr.
-
Patent number: 9765602Abstract: Disclosed are wellbore flow control devices that allow on-site field adjustments to flow characteristics. One autonomous inflow control device (AICD) assembly includes a base pipe defining one or more flow ports and an interior, a first end ring and a second end ring each arranged about the base pipe, the second end ring being axially-offset from the first end ring such that a fluid compartment is defined therebetween, an AICD arranged within the fluid compartment and having at least one fluid inlet and an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with one of the one or more flow ports, and a flow ring arranged about the base pipe and in fluid communication with the AICD, the flow ring being operable to regulate a fluid flow into the interior of the base pipe and being accessible and manipulatable by a well operator on-site.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: David Alexander Smart, William Ryan Huffer, Aaron Bonner, Jean Marc Lopez, John Benjamin Cox
-
Patent number: 9624746Abstract: Protection at a hydrocarbon well is enhanced by placing a blowout preventer over a well head. An adapter is connected to the blowout preventer. The adapter includes a valve that when turned off prevents non-production flow from the blowout preventer to a riser pipe.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2015Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Inventors: Rudolf H. Hendel, Catherine G. Lin-Hendel
-
Patent number: 9567826Abstract: A flow conveyed device for use in a well can include a body and a plurality of lines joined to the body, each of the lines having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body, and each of the lines including fibers. A method of controlling flow in a well can include a device introduced into the well being conveyed by flow in the well, and the device including a plurality of lines extending outwardly from a body. Each of the lines may include fibers. A system for use with a well can include a flow conveyed device conveyed through a tubular string by flow in the tubular string, the flow conveyed device including a body with a plurality of lines extending outwardly from the body, the body including at least one knot.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
-
Patent number: 9567824Abstract: A fibrous plugging device for use in a subterranean well can include a body having fibers and a retainer material. The retainer material retains a shape of the body. A system for use with a well can include a fibrous plugging device conveyed by fluid flow in the well. The fibrous plugging device includes a body comprising multiple fibers. The fibrous plugging device engages an opening in the well, and thereby seals off the opening. A method for use with a well can include flowing a fluid through the well, thereby conveying at least one fibrous plugging device including a body having multiple fibers, and the fibrous plugging device sealingly engaging an opening in the well, thereby substantially preventing flow through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser, Roger L. Schultz
-
Patent number: 9556694Abstract: Method and apparatus for collecting data. The apparatus for a motorless seismic tool includes a body; a motorless clamping mechanism connected to the body; and an anchoring arm attached to the body and the motorless clamping mechanism. The motorless clamping mechanism is configured to close or open the anchoring arm based on gravity.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: SERCELInventors: Jerome Decressat, Jean-Eric Negre
-
Patent number: 9540904Abstract: A combination profile and burst-disc subassembly is provided for use in directional, horizontal or deviated or vertical wells during snubbing, bridge plug retrieval or zone separation operations in combination with packers and/or completion strings; the sub provides an plug for non-vertical situations which can be opened without wireline, while providing a landing for a wireline plug which may be required for vertical well sections during related operations.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Inventor: Conrad Petrowsky
-
Patent number: 9534472Abstract: An apparatus that is usable within a well includes a string and an object. The object is adapted to be communicated into the well through a passageway of the string to form an obstruction downhole in the well. The object includes an inner core; a layer to surround the inner core; and a structure to extend from the layer to support the inner core while the layer is being formed to position the inner core with respect to the layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Manuel P. Marya, Timothy R. Dunne, Tatiana Reyes Hernandez
-
Patent number: 9523267Abstract: A method of controlling flow in a well can include a device introduced into the well being conveyed by flow in the well, and the device having a plurality of fibers extending outwardly from a body, the fibers being retained by a retainer. A well system can include a flow conveyed device conveyed through a tubular string by flow in the tubular string, and the flow conveyed device including a body with a plurality of fibers extending outwardly from the body. A retainer can at least partially enclose the device. A flow conveyed device for use in a well can include a body, and a plurality of fibers joined to the body, each of the fibers having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
-
Patent number: 9428976Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, comprising a sleeve system comprising a ported case, a sliding sleeve within the case and movable between a first sleeve position in which the sleeve restricts fluid communication via the case and a second sleeve position in which the sleeve does not, a radially divided segmented seat movable between a first seat position in which the seat restricts movement of the sleeve and a second seat position in which the seat does not, and a sheath covering a portion of the seat, the sleeve system being transitionable from a first, to a second, to a third mode, in the first mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its first position, in the second mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its second position, and, in the third mode, the sleeve is in its second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jesse Cale Porter, Kendall Lee Pacey, Matthew Todd Howell, William Ellis Standridge
-
Patent number: 9151143Abstract: A well screen assembly for use downhole comprises a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restrictor disposed in the fluid pathway, and a plug disposed in series with the flow restrictor in the fluid pathway. The plug substantially prevents a fluid flow through the fluid pathway. The plug is configured to be at least partially dissolvable when contacted by a fluid, and the fluid comprises a chemical configured to dissolve the plug.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Luke William Holderman, Jean-Marc Lopez
-
Publication number: 20150129239Abstract: A packing apparatus including at least one sealing surface formed from a degradable material. The degradable material may be a biodegradable polymer such as polyglocolic acid, polylactic acid, or their copolymers. The body of the packing apparatus may also be formed from a degradable material. The packing apparatus may be deployed in a subterranean well and disposed of without milling.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2013Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Bennett M. Richard
-
Patent number: 9022107Abstract: A dissolvable tool includes, a body with a surface having at least one perforation therethrough, the at least one perforation being dimensioned to control a rate of intrusion of an environment reactive with at least a portion of the dissolvable tool located below the surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gaurav Agrawal, Zhiyue Xu
-
Patent number: 9016363Abstract: A frustoconical member includes a metal composite that has a cellular nanomatrix comprising a metallic nanomatrix material; a metal matrix disposed in the cellular nanomatrix; and a first frustoconical portion. A process of making the frustoconical member includes combining a metal matrix powder, a disintegration agent, and metal nanomatrix material to form a composition; compacting the composition to form a compacted composition; sintering the compacted composition; and pressing the sintered composition to form the frustoconical member having a tapered portion on an outer surface of the frustoconical member. The frustoconical member can be used by contacting a frustoconical portion of the frustoconical member to a tapered surface of an article; applying pressure to the frustoconical member; urging the frustoconical member in a direction relative to the article to expand a radial dimension of the article; and contacting the frustoconical member with a fluid to disintegrate the frustoconical member.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Zhiyue Xu, YingQing Xu, Gregory Lee Hern, Bennett M. Richard
-
Patent number: 9010413Abstract: A ball drop wellhead control apparatus provides a control ball between one of a frac ball drop and a frac ball injector used to drop frac balls into a frac fluid stream being pumped into a subterranean well to ensure that only frac balls intended to be dropped reach the frac fluid stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Oil States Energy Services, L.L.C.Inventors: Danny Lee Artherholt, Bob McGuire
-
Patent number: 9010412Abstract: A ball drop wellhead control apparatus provides a ball controller between a frac ball drop or frac ball injector used to drop frac balls into a frac fluid stream being pumped into a subterranean well.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Oil States Energy Services, L.L.C.Inventor: Bob McGuire
-
Publication number: 20150101797Abstract: A downhole tool useable for isolating sections of a wellbore, the downhole tool including a setting sleeve; and a mandrel further comprising a first end and a second end. The second end includes a first outer surface area and a second outer surface area. The second outer surface area is in contact with the setting sleeve prior to setting of the tool, and at least part of the first outer surface area is not in contact with the setting sleeve prior to setting of the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Evan Lloyd Davies, Duke VanLue
-
Publication number: 20150101801Abstract: A method of pressure testing a wellbore during a cementing operation includes positioning a tubular within a wellbore, the tubular including a collar assembly at a distal end of the tubular; urging cement through the collar assembly using a plug, the plug including a releasable sealing member; releasing the sealing member from the plug; sealing the collar assembly using the sealing member; and pressurizing the tubular to a predetermined test pressure and holding the predetermined test pressure for a predetermined time period. In another embodiment, a cementing plug for use with a collar assembly includes a plug body having a bore; and a releasable sealing member coupled to the bore, wherein sealing member is configured to engage and seal the collar assembly, after release.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventor: Marcel BUDDE
-
Patent number: 8985227Abstract: A dampered drop plug drops down a bore of a drill string. The dampered drop plug includes a retainer configured to land on an upward facing shoulder of a tubular sleeve, and a plug releasably coupled to the retainer. The plug couples to the retainer while at a first pressure in the bore and decouples from the retainer at a second pressure in the bore. The dampered drop plug lands on the upward facing shoulder of a tubular sleeve and actuates a first function. The plug then releases from the retainer, and passes fluid through the retainer at a controlled flowrate. The plug then lands on a ball seat and actuates a second function.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Kevin James Nikiforuk
-
Publication number: 20150075773Abstract: A frac plug is configured to seal a bore of a pipe of a downhole well. The frac plug comprises a generally cylindrical plug member comprising a glass body. The glass body may be tempered or high-compression glass. The plug member has axial opposite ends and a length extending between the axial ends. The plug member has an outer diameter surface extending along the length. The outer diameter surface is tapered. The frac plug further comprises a seal of compressible material extending substantially around the plug member outer diameter. The seal has opposite axial ends generally corresponding to the axial ends of the plug member. The seal is movable axially relative to the plug member outer diameter surface. The seal is compressible against the plug member outer diameter surface and expandable radially outward to engage the bore of the pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventor: William Raggio
-
Patent number: 8978760Abstract: A method for placing ball sealers within a well formed within a subterranean formation for sealing holes in a casing of the well is carried out by performing at least one of two operations. The first operation involves providing a tag with at least one ball sealer or a carrier fluid containing the at least one ball sealer to facilitate monitoring of the location of the ball sealer. A tag monitoring device is provided within the well for monitoring the location of the tag. The ball sealer and carrier fluid with the tag are introduced downhole into the well. Information from the monitor device regarding the location of the tag is communicated to a remote monitoring location to the thereby provide an indication of the location of the tag within the well to a surface location. In the second operation a container is provided within the well at a known location downhole within the well. The container contains at least one ball sealer.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Sascha Trummer, Eric Clum, Curtis L. Boney, Jorge E. Lopez de Cardenas, Belgin Baser, Jason Swaren
-
Publication number: 20150068771Abstract: A downhole ball dropping system operable to be positioned in a well. The system includes a tool string having a flow path. A ball dropper assembly is interconnected in the tool string. The ball dropper assembly has a sliding sleeve including a port. A ball is releasably retained by the ball dropper assembly. An actuation assembly is operably associated with the ball dropper assembly and is operable to receive a deployment signal. A release assembly is disposed within the ball dropper assembly. A sensor is operable to detect deployment of the ball and is operable to generate a signal indicating whether the ball deployed. In operation, responsive to the deployment signal, the actuation assembly triggers shifting of the sliding sleeve to align the port with the ball and shifting of the release assembly to push the ball into the flow path through the port.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: William Mark Richards, Timothy Edward Harms, Bryon David Mullen
-
Publication number: 20150068772Abstract: A downhole ball dropping system operable to be positioned in a well. The system includes a tool string having a flow path. First and second ball dropper assemblies are interconnected in the tool string. The first ball dropper assembly releasably retains a first ball and the second ball dropper assembly releasably retains a second ball. A sensor is operable to detect deployment of the first ball and is operable to generate a signal to prevent release of the second ball from the second ball dropper assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: William Mark Richards, Timothy Edward Harms, Bryon David Mullen
-
Patent number: 8950438Abstract: A method of delivering a concentrated quantity of sealing elements to a leak site in a vessel includes deploying a flexible body of material and at least one sealing element into fluid flowing within the vessel upstream of the leak site. The body of material transports the sealing elements through the vessel to the leak site where the body of material is drawn to the leak by fluid flow created by a pressure differential at the leak site. The sealing element(s) are constrained by the body of material at the leak site such that the sealing element(s) become(s) entrained within the leak.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Brinker Technology LtdInventor: Nicholas John Ryan
-
Publication number: 20150021024Abstract: An improved ball drop apparatus including an atmosphere-to-pressure frac ball injection chamber. A ball is first inserted into the atmosphere-to-pressure ball injection chamber from a ball feeding apparatus. The ball is then pushed into a pressure equalization section through a first seal pack. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure equalization section is connected to a pressure equalization apparatus and also to the wellbore through a second seal pack. Once the ball is injected into the pressure equalization section, the pressure equalization apparatus applies pressure, thereby causing the pressure of the pressure equalization section to increase until it reaches close to wellbore pressure. Once the pressures of the pressure equalization section and the wellbore are close, the atmosphere-to-pressure frac ball injection chamber and the frac ball are pushed through the second seal pack and into the wellbore, where the frac ball can be pumped downhole.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: OIL STATES ENERGY SERVICES, L.L.C.Inventors: Danny Artherholt, Bob McGuire, Jeremy Gardner, Dennis Artherholt
-
Publication number: 20140367083Abstract: A modular changeable fractionation plug for use in a wellbore with a crown engagement and a plug receiving end formed on a mandrel which is adapted to be a caged ball configuration, a drop ball configuration and a bridge plug configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Tony D. McClinton, Stanley Keeling
-
Patent number: 8905146Abstract: A downhole assembly with controlled degradation including a body having a cavity therein and is formed from a first material having a first electrode potential. An insert is disposed in the cavity, the insert electrically coupled to the body and formed from a second material having a second electrode potential, with the first electrode potential being more negative than the second electrode potential.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sean Gaudette, Wayne Furlan