Screens Patents (Class 166/227)
  • Publication number: 20100051270
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (50). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having a plurality of openings (46) in a sidewall portion thereof and an internal flow path (44). A plurality of radially extendable filter members (52) are each operably associated with at least one of the openings (46) of the base pipe (42). The radially extendable filter members (52) have a circumferential dimension that is less than a longitudinal dimension thereof. The radially extendable filter members (52) have a radially retracted running configuration and a radially extended operating configuration, in which, the radially extendable filter members (52) preferably contact the wellbore (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Kim Vance Thornton, Carl Bismark Ferguson, Tommy Frank Grigsby, Floyd Randolph Simonds, William Mark Richards
  • Publication number: 20100051271
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (64). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having at least one opening (46) in a sidewall portion thereof. A filter medium (48) is disposed exteriorly of at least a first circumferential portion of the base pipe (42). The filter medium (48) is in fluid communication with the at least one opening (46). A swellable material layer (56) is disposed exteriorly of a second circumferential portion of the base pipe (42) such that in response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (56) causes the filter medium (48) to contact the wellbore (64).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Gano, Jean Marc Lopez
  • Patent number: 7665526
    Abstract: An isolation system for producing oil and gas from one or more formation zones and methods of use are provided comprising one or more pressure activated and tool shiftable valve assemblies. The tool shiftable valve may be actuated before or after actuation of the pressure activated valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Dewayne Turner, Marvin Bryce Traweek, Richard J. Ross
  • Publication number: 20100025037
    Abstract: A technique is provided for controlling sand in a well. The technique may utilize a vent screen assembly having a main screen, a vent screen, and a tubular member extending from the main screen to the vent screen. An expandable element is positioned around the tubular member between the main screen and the vent screen. After the vent screen assembly is deployed into a wellbore, a gravel pack can be formed around at least the main screen. The expandable element is selectively expanded in a radial direction to secure the gravel pack and to enable higher production rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ramond J. Tibbles
  • Publication number: 20100018697
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securing lines to well sand control screens. A method of securing at least one line to a tubular string includes connecting together longitudinal ends of longitudinal sections of the tubular string; then wrapping a shroud circumferentially about the connected tubular string sections; and securing the line to the shroud. A well screen assembly includes a generally tubular filter portion, a shroud wrapped circumferentially about the filter portion, and a retainer which connects opposite circumferential ends of the shroud to each other without being welded to at least one of the shroud ends, with the retainer being positioned on an interior of the shroud. Another well screen assembly includes multiple longitudinal sections of a tubular string, at least one of the longitudinal sections comprising a well screen, and a shroud wrapped circumferentially about the tubular string sections and rotationally secured to the tubular string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: William M. Richards, Tommy F. Grigsby
  • Patent number: 7647968
    Abstract: A transition piece is provided near an end of a screen assembly to allow transition from a lighter weight and collapse resistant pipe under the screen sections to a heavier wall and higher collapse strength pipe between the top of the screen and the isolation packer. When a screen out occurs, the heavier wall pipe can handle the new pressures that are applied to the formation and to the tubular to try to collapse it. The screen portion can still be built with thinner wall pipe as the screen out condition protects that pipe from collapse pressure because the fully gravel packed annular space keeps the surface applied pump pressure from exerting a collapse force on the base pipe under the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas G. Corbett, Christian F. Bayne
  • Patent number: 7644758
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a valve that operates in association with a downhole screen is threaded into the wall of a base pipe after being inserted through a saddle. When the valve body is threaded in, the engagement into the wall threads in the base pipe acts as a sealing force on a ring seal between the saddle and the base pipe and between the valve body and the saddle. The valve itself can be outfitted with a cover with openings that can be integral or removable and disposed at the end of the valve that is innermost to the base pipe. Preferably a series of elongated slots are used that can catch slurry if the well is to be killed while allowing subsequent production to drive the accumulated solids from well killing back into the base pipe. Another feature places the valve in a base pipe opening under a cylindrical screen section to reduce assembly time and cost of constructing an adjacent housing to one side of the cylindrical screen section to accommodate the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Martin P. Coronado, Stephen L. Crow, Knut Herman Henriksen
  • Patent number: 7644773
    Abstract: A screen that conforms to the borehole shape after expansion is disclosed. The screen comprises a compliant outer layer that takes the borehole shape on expansion. The outer layer is formed having holes to permit production flow. The material that is selected preferably swells with prolonged contact to well fluids to further close off annular gaps after expansion. In an alternative embodiment, the screen is not expanded and the swelling of the material alone closes off annular gaps. The outer sleeve is placed over the screen and the screen is placed on a base pipe and initially expanded from within the base pipe to secure the components of the screen assembly for running downhole, while minimizing or eliminating any welding among the layers. A variety of expansion tools can be used to expand the screen or screens downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Bennett M. Richard
  • Publication number: 20100000742
    Abstract: An expanded non-bonded mesh well screen. A method of manufacturing a well screen includes the steps of: expanding at least a portion of a screen jacket; and then securing the screen jacket onto a base pipe. A well screen system includes a base pipe and an at least partially expanded screen jacket surrounding the base pipe. The screen jacket is expanded prior to being positioned on the base pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron J. BONNER, Jean-Marc LOPEZ, Stephen M. GRECI
  • Patent number: 7597141
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provides an improved shunt nozzle which is part of an alternative pathway for a slurry to by-pass an obstruction such as a sand bridge during gravel packing. The nozzle includes a hardened insert that lines a surface of an aperture in a shunt. A jacket secured to the shunt receives the insert, which is trapped from movement relative to the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Rouse, James R. Hardin, Pete Olenick, John R. Setterberg, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090242193
    Abstract: There is provided a cutting tool (100) which is capable of performing cutting operations on a variety of materials such as, for example, plasterboard, glass, wood, laminated wood, cardboard, Perspex (Trade Mark), tiles, plastics or the like. The cutting tool (100) comprises an upper and lower part (102,104), said upper and lower parts (102,104) being separated by spacing means which are preferably retractable, the upper and lower parts (102,104) comprising at least one cutting device (116), and wherein the upper and lower parts (102,104) are held together with magnetic attraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas John Oliver Thornton
  • Publication number: 20090229823
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assembly for use in a wellbore which includes a base pipe; a filter medium surrounding at least a portion of the external surface of the base pipe; and an internally profiled sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the filter media. Also included is a method for attaching a hardware accessory to a sand screen assembly which includes providing a base pipe having an inner surface and an outer surface; surrounding the outer surface of the base pipe with a filter medium; engaging the sleeve with the filter medium; and connecting the hardware accessory to the sleeve. Also included is a downhole apparatus which includes a basepipe, where at least a portion of the external surface of the basepipe is profiled; and a sleeve mounted external to the basepipe, where the internal profile of the sleeve corresponds to the external profile of the basepipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terje Moen, Arthur H. Dybevik, Michael D. Langlais, Brody Dunn, Tage Thorkildsen, Kjartan Roaldsnes
  • Publication number: 20090218101
    Abstract: An inflow control assembly. The inflow control assembly can include an inner tubular member comprising a hole formed therethrough. A cover assembly can encircle the hole. The cover assembly can include a first outer member disposed about at least a portion of the inner tubular member. The first outer member can be secured to the inner tubular member. A second outer member can be disposed about at least a portion of the inner tubular member, and the second outer member can be secured to the inner tubular member. A screen portion can be disposed between the outer members and between the inner tubular member and the outer members. An annulus can be formed between the outer members and the inner tubular member, and the annulus can provide a flow path between the hole and the screen portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael D. Langlais, Tage Thorkildsen, Terje Moen, Odd Ronnestad
  • Patent number: 7581586
    Abstract: A wellbore screen includes a base pipe including a wall, an inner bore surface and an outer surface, an opening formed through the base pipe wall and a filter cartridge mounted in the opening. In one aspect, the wellbore screen includes an impermeable layer relative to the opening and the impermeable layer may be selected to be substantially impermeable when in a closed position in the opening to passage of fluids through the opening and, the impermeable layer is at least one of (i) selectively openable to permit fluid flow through the opening and (ii) selectively closeable when triggered to close the opening. In another aspect, the opening may include a tapering diameter from one end to the other and the filter cartridge may include an outer diameter formed to reversibly and substantially correspondingly taper relative to the opening to permit a taper lock fit in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Absolute Completion Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Thane Geoffrey Russell
  • Patent number: 7578343
    Abstract: A flow balancing system for long screen sections particularly useful in high viscosity hydrocarbon production features an annular flow path whose height and length can be varied to provide a predetermined resistance to a given flow rate of a material of a given viscosity. In assembling a long length of screen sections, greater resistance configurations are placed closer to the wellhead end of the screen section with the more remote sections having progressively less restriction until the furthest section of the screen string where low or no resistance to flow internally to the screen section is offered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Jody R. Augustine
  • Patent number: 7580797
    Abstract: Method and system for determining a characteristic of a subsurface formation traversed by a wellbore. A fluid flow rate in the wellbore is established, the flow being associated with fluid movement in one or more layers in the formation. Fluid data is generated from the fluid flow. The fluid flow rate in the wellbore is selectively altered, and fluid data is re-generated pertaining to the altered flow rates. The fluid data is processed to determine desired reservoir parameters and/or characteristics of an identified stratum in the formation. A method identifies inflexion points on a single phase oil only curve plot using the fluid data to determine layer characteristics and flow stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Agha Hassan Akram, Lawrence Camilleri
  • Patent number: 7559375
    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: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventors: Arthur Dybevik, Ove Sigurd Christensen, Terje Moen
  • Publication number: 20090151942
    Abstract: A method for controlling sand production in a well drilled in a subterranean formation comprising installing an expandable sand screen assembly in the well. The expandable sand screen assembly comprises an expandable sand screen in an unexpanded configuration. A slurry is pumped down the well and circulated through the annular space defined by the expandable sand screen and the formation. The expandable sand screen is expanded thereby dehydrating the slurry in the annular space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Louis Anthony BERNARDI, JR.
  • Patent number: 7546875
    Abstract: An integrated sandface completion tool that can be positioned within a wellbore in a single trip and a method of providing a sandface completion in a wellbore. An embodiment of the integrated sandface completion tool includes a casing section having a casing wall, at least one explosive charge connected to the casing wall, and a screen assembly connected within the casing section forming a screen-casing annulus, the screen assembly having openings formed along a portion thereof and a port in selective communication with the screen-casing annulus. The method includes the steps of positioning the integrated completion tool in the wellbore, detonating the explosive charge and packing the screen-casing annulus with a material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John Whitsitt, Vladimir Vaynshteyn, Steven W. Henderson
  • Patent number: 7543648
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for filtering in a wellbore during various well related operations while limiting the potential for plugging. A well screen is used for filtering particulates from a fluid at a wellbore location. To remove accumulated material and avoid plugging, the well screen may be flexed via pressure differentials created across the well screen. The flexing of the well screen breaks free the accumulated materials, thereby avoiding premature job failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Hill, Lawrence J. Leising, Frank Espinosa
  • Publication number: 20090133874
    Abstract: A method and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a tubular member having a central opening within an internal portion of the tubular member, wherein the central opening allows hydrocarbons to flow through the tubular member. Also, the tubular member includes openings between the central opening and a region external to the tubular member. In addition to the tubular member, at least two adjacent wire segments are disposed around the tubular member. The at least two adjacent wire segments create at least two flow paths to the central opening. Also, the at least two adjacent wire segments form at least two openings configured to prevent particles greater than a specific size from entering the openings in the tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, Charles S. Yeh
  • Patent number: 7520335
    Abstract: Casing is scored but not penetrated in one embodiment of a method that allows access to the formation without perforating or section milling the casing. In the run in condition the casing is impervious, to allow cement to be pumped through it to seal the annular space between the casing and the wellbore. After the cement is delivered and displaced through a shoe, the casing is expanded in the regions where it was scored to create openings that go against the wellbore wall. In between the expanded sections the cemented casing offers isolation between adjacent formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, John L. Baugh, Luis E. Mendez
  • Publication number: 20090084556
    Abstract: A flow control apparatus (800) includes a tubular member (818) having a plurality of openings (820, 822, 824, 826) that allow fluid flow between an exterior and an interior flow path (828) of the tubular member (818) and a multi-stage flow restricting section (804) operably positioned in a fluid flow path between a fluid source disposed exteriorly of the tubular member (818) and the interior flow path (828). The flow restricting section (804) including a plurality of flow restricting devices (838, 844, 850) each operable to create a pressure drop. Actuatable devices (830, 832, 834, 836) operably associated with the openings (820, 822, 824, 826) are sequentially actuatable to allow fluid flow through the associated openings (820, 822, 824, 826), thereby sequentially reducing the pressure drop experienced by fluids flowing from the fluid source to the interior flow path (828).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: William Mark Richards, Jean Marc Lopez
  • Publication number: 20090078408
    Abstract: A flow conduit may have at least one orifice is in the vicinity of a flow source. The source is at least partially covered (and flow blocked by) an optional temporary coating or barrier. The flow pathway between the orifice and the source is temporarily blocked with a degradable material or barrier. The material disintegrates (e.g. under the influence of time or temperature) to optionally produce a product that removes the temporary coating in the area adjacent the barrier. The method is useful in one non-limiting context of recovering hydrocarbons where the flow conduit is the casing or liner of the well and the flow source is a subterranean reservoir where the temporary coating is a filter cake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Paul McElfresh, Chad Williams
  • Patent number: 7503386
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wellscreen and a wellscreen that have the mechanical properties of a direct-wrap wellscreen and the precise slot tolerance of a slip-on wellscreen are provided. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a wellscreen for use in a wellbore is provided. The method includes disposing a filter subassembly on a base pipe sized so that there is annulus between the base pipe and the filter subassembly. The filter subassembly includes a length of wire wrapped and welded along a plurality of rods so that a slot is defined between adjacent coils of wire. The method further includes expanding the base pipe so that the slot is not substantially altered, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Rouse, Ken Miller, Jeffrey Bode
  • Patent number: 7497267
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a jumper tube to a shunt tube in a well screen assembly for use in gravel packing features a jumper tube having a telescoping connector that extends to engage the shunt tube and a locking mechanism that extends the connector the proper distance and then locks the connector into place by engaging lugs that are connected to the jumper tube. An apparatus and method for securing a connector tube to a well screen assembly features a receiver that is attached to the well screen assembly and is configured to receive a connector tube and secure the connector tube into place with screws. The receiver can be mounted to the well screen assembly via the shunt tube, a top/middle-bottom ring assembly, directly to the base pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: John Richard Setterberg, Jr., Alejandro Eduardo Perez
  • Patent number: 7497257
    Abstract: A particle control screen includes a support layer. A first filter layer is disposed around the support layer. A second filter layer is disposed around the first filter layer. A third filter layer is disposed around the second filter layer. Each of the filter layers has a pore size. The pore size of the third filter layer is greater than the pore size of the second filter layer. The pore size of the second filter layer is greater than the pore size of the first filter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Purolator Facet, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam A. Hopkins, Donald G. Wells
  • Patent number: 7478687
    Abstract: Milling in casing that is over 4½ inches is done with coiled tubing that is anchored against torque reaction. An improved debris catcher is part of the bottom hole assembly to capture cuttings from the milling. A thruster can be used to maintain weight on the mill during the milling. The coiled tubing supports a mud motor to drive the mill. Return fluid is separated from the cuttings and returned to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerald D. Lynde, John P. Davis
  • Patent number: 7475725
    Abstract: A wellbore apparatus and method for use in a wellbore for completion and production are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer permeable material (15) in the wellbore comprising a first basepipe section (11) with at least a portion of the basepipe is perforated (21), the first basepipe is inside the outer permeable material (15) and at least part of the perforated basepipe is designed to be adjacent to a production interval (14), a second basepipe section (10) with at least a portion of the second basepipe is slotted (16), the second basepipe is inside the outer permeable material (15) and above the perforated basepipe section (11) designed to be adjacent to the production interval wherein at least a portion of the slotted basepipe is designed to be adjacent to a non production section of the wellbore. The production completion apparatus may be installed into the wellbore to provide redundancy against well-screen failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, Bruce A. Dale
  • Publication number: 20090008092
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. The system includes a wellbore that accesses a subsurface reservoir; a production tubing string disposed within the wellbore; and one or more sand control devices coupled to the production tubing string and disposed within the wellbore. At least one of the sand control devices includes a first tubular member having a permeable section and a non permeable section; a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a plurality of openings and an inflow control device that each provide a flow path to the interior of the second tubular member. Also, the at least one of the sand control devices includes a sealing mechanism disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The sealing mechanism is configured to provide a pressure loss during gravel packing operations that is less than the pressure loss during at least some of the production operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: David C. Haeberle, Charles Yeh, Timothy G. Benish, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Jon Blacklock
  • Patent number: 7469743
    Abstract: Inflow control devices for sand control screens. A well screen includes a filter portion and at least one flow restrictor configured so that fluid which flows through the filter portion also flows through the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes at least one tube which forces the fluid to change momentum within the tube. An inflow control device for restricting flow into a passage of a tubular string in a wellbore includes at least one flow restrictor configured so that fluid flows between the passage and the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes at least one tube which forces the fluid to change momentum within the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Richards
  • Publication number: 20080314590
    Abstract: A system that is usable with a well includes a tubular member and an inflow control device. The screen receives a well fluid flow, and the tubular member has a well fluid communication passageway. The inflow control device changes a momentum of the well fluid flow and/or introduces a flow resistance to regulate a pressure of the well fluid. The number of momentum changes and/or the flow resistance may be changed while the inflow control device is deployed downhole in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 7464752
    Abstract: A wellbore apparatus and method suitable for either wellbore completions and production. The completion and production apparatus comprises at least one primary flow joint, the primary flow joint comprising at least one three-dimensional surface defining a body capable of fluid flow with at least one permeable surface, and at least one secondary flow joint, the secondary flow joint comprising at least one three-dimensional surface defining a body capable of fluid flow with at least one permeable surface. The method comprises providing a completion and production apparatus comprising at least one primary flow joint and one secondary flow joint wherein multiple fluid flow paths can be provided. The production completion apparatus may be installed into the wellbore to provide at least two flowpaths in the wellbore during well completion, injection and production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, John W. Mohr, Charles S. Yeh
  • Patent number: 7458423
    Abstract: A method of forming a seal circumferentially about a liner having pre-formed openings that is positioned in a wellbore includes the steps of running a perforating device and a seal applicator into the slotted liner, the seal applicator carrying a sealing fluid and a pumping mechanism, creating an aperture through the slotted liner at the region by activating the perforating device and pumping the sealing fluid from the seal applicator through the aperture and circumferentially about the liner to form a sealing plug in the annulus between the slotted liner and the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Claude Joseph Vercaemer, Hubertus V. Thomeer, Charles Woodburn
  • Patent number: 7451815
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore includes a tubular base pipe having a first perforated section. The first perforated section has at least a first opening that allows fluid flow therethrough. The assembly also includes an internal seal element disposed within an internal diameter of the tubular base pipe and positioned at least partially overlapping the first perforated section. The internal seal element is able to control fluid flow through the first opening. The internal seal element includes a first material that is dissolvable by a first solvent, and may be dissolved by exposing the internal seal element to the first solvent until the internal seal element no longer controls fluid flow through the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis T. Hailey, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080277114
    Abstract: A transition piece is provided near an end of a screen assembly to allow transition from a lighter weight and collapse resistant pipe under the screen sections to a heavier wall and higher collapse strength pipe between the top of the screen and the isolation packer. When a screen out occurs, the heavier wall pipe can handle the new pressures that are applied to the formation and to the tubular to try to collapse it. The screen portion can still be built with thinner wall pipe as the screen out condition protects that pipe from collapse pressure because the fully gravel packed annular space keeps the surface applied pump pressure from exerting a collapse force on the base pipe under the screen. The internal diameter under the screen does not have to be reduced because the heavy wall pipe is not provided there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas G. Corbett, Christian F. Bayne
  • Patent number: 7448501
    Abstract: A screen for separating solids and liquids is formed from parallel strips of wedge wire or similar material into a substantially cylindrical two-sided enclosure in a generally C-shaped profile. Unfiltered liquid containing solids contacts the screen surface on both the convex and concave sides of the C-shaped enclosure. The unit may be placed in a vessel adapted to accommodate two such C-shaped devices in concentric relationship. The vessel may function similar to a candle filter, or a more conventional flow may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Total Separation Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080271926
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fiber optic cable downhole tool mounting system. The system includes, a downhole tool, a support member attached to the downhole tool and a fiber optic cable parameter transmissively mounted to the downhole tool by the support member. The support member has an elongated body with a pair of legs extending therefrom, the pair of legs intersect at an oblique angle and define a volume therebetween receptive of the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable is attached to the support member and the support member is attached to the downhole tool such that a parameter encountered by the downhole tool is sensible by the fiber optic cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Martin P. Coronado, Stephen L. Crow, Vinay Varma
  • Publication number: 20080264628
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a valve that operates in association with a downhole screen is threaded into the wall of a base pipe after being inserted through a saddle. When the valve body is threaded in, the engagement into the wall threads in the base pipe acts as a sealing force on a ring seal between the saddle and the base pipe and between the valve body and the saddle. The valve itself can be outfitted with a cover with openings that can be integral or removable and disposed at the end of the valve that is innermost to the base pipe. Preferably a series of elongated slots are used that can catch slurry if the well is to be killed while allowing subsequent production to drive the accumulated solids from well killing back into the base pipe. Another feature places the valve in a base pipe opening under a cylindrical screen section to reduce assembly time and cost of constructing an adjacent housing to one side of the cylindrical screen section to accommodate the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Martin P. Coronado, Stephen L. Crow, Knut Herman Henriksen
  • Publication number: 20080245533
    Abstract: A fiber support arrangement for a downhole tool includes a tubular; at least one end ring positioning the tubular spaced radially from a downhole tool and lacking contact therewith; and a fiber supported at the tubular and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Martin P. Coronado, Stephen L. Crow, Vinay Varma
  • Publication number: 20080217002
    Abstract: A sand control screen (40) includes a perforated base pipe (42) and a filter layer (50) that has micro-perforations (52) therein. The filter layer (50) is attached to the base pipe (42) along the entire length of the filter layer (50). Channels (46) are formed between the base pipe (42) and the filter layer (50) to allow fluid to flow therebetween. The sand control screen (40) is formed by micro-perforating a length of material, such as sheet metal, to form the filter layer (50), creating channels (46) that will allow fluids to flow between the base pipe (42) and filter layer (50), wrapping the filter layer (50) around the base pipe (42), attaching the filter layer (50) to the base pipe (42) along the length of the filter layer (50) and creating a seam between the two edges of the filter layer (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Floyd Randolph Simonds, Ronald Glen Dusterhoft, Nicholas Hubert Gardiner, Carl Bismarck Ferguson, Tommy Frank Grigsby, Eric Paul Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 7422067
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running an isolation device into the well and using the isolation device to form a seal to create a first region of the well isolating the surface of the well from a second higher pressure region of the well. The technique includes running an assembly into the first region and engaging the isolation device with the assembly to remove the seal. After removal of the seal, the isolation device and assembly are run together further into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James Fouras, Joseph Young
  • Patent number: 7419003
    Abstract: An aperture design minimizes erosion on the surrounding casing and to the aperture itself and is particularly effective in fluid injection wells where large volumes of fluids over a long period of time with entrained solids are expected to be pumped through. The preferred design is an elongated shape with a flaring wider in the downhole direction. The downhole end of the opening features an exit that flares in the downhole direction with multiple slopes with an arc transition. Other options for the opening configuration are envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Ronnie D. Russell
  • 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: 7413022
    Abstract: The invention involves the use of a base pipe perforated only in a specific section under each screen section. Inflow comes through an outer shroud that is optional and goes through the screen material and into an annular space between the screen material and the unperforated base pipe. After traveling longitudinally in that annular space, the flow must go through a restriction that preferably comprises a porous media in a passage defined outside the still unperforated base pipe. After passing through the porous media in a particular screen section, the flow can pass through openings in the base pipe. A surrounding ring preferably protects the porous media during run in and expansion and can also optionally create additional resistance to flow to work in tandem with the porous media. Other flow restricting techniques in place of the porous media are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John T. Broome, Knut H. Henriksen
  • Patent number: 7407013
    Abstract: An expandable well screen system includes a screen assembly having a base pipe, a strut, and a screen expandable from a retracted position to an expanded position in the wellbore; and an insert guide disposed in the base pipe when the screen is in the expanded position, wherein the base pipe maintains substantially the same geometric dimensions when the screen is in the retracted position and the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: John Whitsitt
  • Publication number: 20080149347
    Abstract: An expandable well screen system includes a screen assembly having a base pipe, a strut, and a screen expandable from a retracted position to an expanded position in the wellbore; and an insert guide disposed in the base pipe when the screen is in the expanded position, wherein the base pipe maintains substantially the same geometric dimensions when the screen is in the retracted position and the expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: John Whitsitt
  • Patent number: 7383886
    Abstract: A device and a method for selective control of fluid flow between a flow pipe (14) of a well and surrounding rocks (12). The flow pipe (14) is provided with at least one flow-through particle filter (16) placed externally on the flow pipe (14) and between the flow pipe (14) and the rocks (12). The filter (16) is connected in a flow-through manner to the flow pipe (14) via a flow channel (38). The characteristic of the invention is that the flow pipe (14) is provided with an imperforated pipe wall inside of and vis-a-vis said flow channel (38) when installing the flow pipe (14) in the well. Then the flow pipe (14) may be perforated selectively inside of the flow channel (38) for one or several filters (16) along the flow pipe (14), whereupon fluids may flow through the flow channel (38) and the filter (16) via perforation apertures (54) in the flow pipe (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Reslink AS
    Inventors: Arthur H. Dybevik, Svein Kvernstuen
  • Patent number: 7380595
    Abstract: A system that is usable with a wellbore includes a deployment tool that is attached to a conveyance device and has an unexpanded state and an expanded state. The system also includes a scrolled tubular, such as a sand screen, which is attached to the deployment tool. The tubular is scrolled around the deployment tool in the unexpanded state with the scrolled tubular having an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of a tubing that is located in the wellbore. The tubular is then unscrolled to expand against a surface in an expanded state of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney J. Wetzel, Don Eubank, Matthew R. Hackworth
  • Patent number: RE40648
    Abstract: An isolation system for producing oil and gas from one or more formation zones and methods of use are provided comprising one or more pressure activated valve and one or more tool shiftable valve. The tool shiftable valve may be actuated before or after actuation of the pressure activated valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: DeWayne Turner, Marvin Bryce Traweek, Dick Ross