With Indicating, Testing, Measuring Or Locating Patents (Class 166/250.01)
  • Patent number: 8760657
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for measuring a chemical in a subsurface formation comprising housing component traversable within the well, a guide extending down the well from a fixed location being operatively connected to the housing, a radiation source, and an optical pathway between a sample and detector wherein the detector is located at the ground surface. Also disclosed is a method for reducing long distance transmission of radiation comprising placing a radiation source in a housing, placing a housing down in a well bore, lowering a spectrometer down the well bore, and controlling movement of a spectrometer by a guide wire controller at the ground surface. Further disclosed is a method of radiating a sample comprising, transmitting the radiation through at least one optical pathway, interacting a sample with the radiation, producing characteristic radiation from the sample, and transmitting by an optical pathway to a detector located in a spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Gas Sensing Technology Corp
    Inventors: John M. Pope, Quentin Peter William Morgan, Arthur R. Toews
  • Patent number: 8761912
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the status of a plurality of tensioner assemblies and rig motion assemblies from a secondary location. The system not only monitors a status of a tensioner from a secondary location but simultaneously enables preventive maintenance to be ascertained remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ashford Technical Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Marion Chapman, Jr., Ronald Lyle Brown
  • Patent number: 8757254
    Abstract: A method for controlling drilling fluid rate in a wellbore is disclosed. A drill string is disposed into the well and connected to a formation testing or sampling tool. Drilling fluid is circulated at a first rate through the drill string. Data related to the wellbore, a formation about the wellbore or the formation sampling tool is transmitted to a processor. Upon analysis of the data, the drilling fluid circulation rate is changed to a second rate that is different from the first rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Steven G. Villreal, Julian J. Pop, Vladimir Vaynshteyn
  • Patent number: 8761911
    Abstract: A system to monitor a status from a secondary location of a plurality of equipment on a drilling site, while simultaneously enabling preventive maintenance is described herein. A user can view at least one cycle, at least one control state, and at least one pressure. The user can also view equipment information, equipment repair history, and other information necessary to ensure that a piece of equipment has minimal down time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ashford Technical Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Marion Chapman, Ronald Lyle Brown
  • Publication number: 20140166270
    Abstract: A system and method for positioning equipment on a track system where the equipment may descend a wireline or a cable into a borehole for well logging. The equipment may be a drum unit for storing, deploying and retracting the cable, a winch, a dancer unit and an auxiliary power supply. The equipment may be positioned with the track system for either operations or transport. The cable may be threaded through the equipment to descend into the borehole for well logging purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Barry Lee Schuler, Jeffrey Joseph Kamps
  • Publication number: 20140166275
    Abstract: A method and/or a system determines mechanical properties of a fluid-bearing formation. One or more packers may be used to measure and/or collect data regarding mechanical properties of a formation. The formation characteristics may be, for example, the stability of the formation, design parameters for frac-pack/gravel-pack operations, and sand production. The packer may expand within a wellbore of a formation until enough pressure is applied to fracture a wall of the wellbore. Before, during and/or after the fracturing of the wall, multiple measurements may be taken by the packer. After fractures are initiated, fluid may be pumped into and/or drawn from the formation using drains disposed on the packer. Additional packers may be used above and/or below the packer for isolating intervals of the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Jean-Louis Pessin, Julian Pop
  • Publication number: 20140166267
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system comprising a pump, a fluid supply flow path configured to supply fluid to the pump, and a suction pressure monitoring system comprising a transducer in pressure communication with the fluid supply flow path, and an electronic circuit in electrical communication with the transducer and a monitoring system, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to generate a lower pressure envelope signal, wherein the lower pressure envelope signal is representative of a low pressure within the fluid supply flow path over a predetermined duration of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn H. WEIGHTMAN, Joseph A. BEISEL
  • Publication number: 20140166269
    Abstract: A downhole compressible fluid sampling tool includes a primary fluid flow line deployed between a fluid inlet probe and a fluid outlet line. A fluid analysis module and a fluid pumping module are deployed in the primary fluid flow line. The fluid pumping module includes a pump in parallel with a bypass flow line having a bypass valve. A compressible fluid sampling vessel is deployed in parallel with and in fluid communication with the primary flow line. A method for obtaining a sample of a compressible downhole fluid includes turning off the pump and opening the bypass valve to enable the downhole fluid to flow into the fluid sampling vessel. The pump may then be optionally turned back on to pressurize the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Julian Pop, Pierre Henri Campanac
  • Publication number: 20140166266
    Abstract: A sensing indicator for a downhole tool, the sensing indicator includes a sensing mechanism including a sensing device and an RFID tag. Wherein the RFID tag is only readable when a set limit is exceeded. The set limit related to a sensed condition of a downhole component of the downhole tool; and, a housing supporting the sensing mechanism. The housing protecting the sensing mechanism from downhole conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Ellen E. Read
  • Publication number: 20140166268
    Abstract: A pressure monitoring method comprising providing wellbore servicing equipment comprising a pump, a discharge flow path configured to discharge fluid from the pump, a discharge pressure monitoring system comprising a transducer in pressure communication with the discharge flow path, and an electronic circuit in electrical communication with the transducer and a monitoring system, collecting an electrical signal indicative of the pressure within the discharge flow path, processing the electrical signal to generate an upper pressure envelope signal, wherein the upper pressure envelope signal is representative of a high pressure within the discharge flow path over a predetermined duration of time, and comparing the upper pressure envelope signal to a predetermined upper threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn H. WEIGHTMAN, Joseph A. BEISEL
  • Publication number: 20140166273
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Danny W. Wagoner
  • Publication number: 20140166272
    Abstract: A system and method of measuring and controlling the operation of a downhole steam generator. The system may include surface and/or downhole control systems for sending and/or receiving control and measurement signals. The control systems may also communicate with and control surface and/or downhole equipment for supplying process fluids, gasses, and/or mixtures to the downhole steam generator. The control system may control operation of the downhole steam generator by storing, processing, and/or analyzing measured data corresponding to one or more downhole steam generator operations and/or one or more field, formation, reservoir, or other operating objective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: World Energy Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Allen R. HARRISON
  • Publication number: 20140166271
    Abstract: A technique involves monitoring a hydraulic system having a hydraulic pump coupled to a hydraulic motor which can be used to drive well related equipment. The system and methodology utilize sensors positioned to monitor parameters related to operation of the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor. A processor system is coupled to the sensors to obtain data output by the sensors. The processor system analyzes the sensor data for failure signatures that can be used to determine a failure or potential failure in the hydraulic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Evgeny Khvoshchev, Sarmad Adnan
  • Publication number: 20140166276
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to treat a subterranean formation comprising a wellbore including introducing a tool to a wellbore in a region of low permeability or damage, treating the region of low permeability or damage with a fluid, simultaneously measuring a fluid pressure drop and volume of fluid flow in a particular region, and moving the tool to another region. A method and apparatus to treat a subterranean formation comprising a wellbore including introducing to a wellbore a tool in a region of low permeability or damage, treating the region of low permeability or damage with a fluid, introducing a diversion agent, and moving the tool to another region wherein the fluid comprises a tracer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Curtis L. Boney, Murtaza Ziauddin, Mohd Fazrie bin Abd Wahid
  • Publication number: 20140158346
    Abstract: Analyzing wells of mature field. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: gathering data about a group of wells; determining a condition of each well; creating an initial prioritization; creating a secondary prioritization based on at least one criteria provided by the client and the initial prioritization; analyzing at least some of the wells selected based on priority of each well in the secondary prioritization; interfacing with a service providing entity; providing to the client a first recommendation regarding corrective action, the first recommendation without regard to the service providing entity's availability to perform services; providing to the client a second recommendation regarding corrective action, the second recommendation taking into account the service providing entity's availability of crews and equipment; and performing at least one corrective action on at least one well, the performing based from the first or second recommendations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert M. HULL, Sung Hyun KIM, Darrin S. SEULAKHAN, Michael L. BOOTHE
  • Publication number: 20140158363
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore within a subterranean formation comprising providing a drill string disposed within the wellbore having one or more tubulars associated therewith and forming one or more annuli around the drill string; placing an insulating packer fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a viscosifying agent into at least one of the one or more annuli surrounding the drill string; and performing a drill stem test while the insulating packer fluid is in place. A method of servicing a wellbore within a subterranean formation comprising placing an insulating packer fluid in an annular space between a tubular and a marine riser extending from a surface vessel or platform and a subsea wellhead, wherein the insulating packer fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a viscosifying agent and has a thermal conductivity of from about 0.008 BTU/(hr·ft·F) to about 0.245 BTU/(hr·ft·F).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Larry R. DEEN
  • Publication number: 20140158348
    Abstract: A weight down system comprises a wellbore comprising a plurality of restrictions, and a weight down tool. The weight down tool comprises a central mandrel configured to be coupled to a wellbore tubular, an outwardly extending indicator disposed about the central mandrel, and a plurality of radially expandable weight down lugs configured to selectively transition between an expanded position and a retracted position. The indicator is configured to expand the weight down lugs into the expanded position in response to moving through one or more restrictions of the plurality of restrictions in an upwards direction, and the weight down lugs are configured to retract to the retracted position in response to the weight down lugs moving through one or more restrictions of the plurality of restrictions in an upwards direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC
    Inventors: William Mark Richards, Thomas Jules Frosell
  • Publication number: 20140158876
    Abstract: The presence of organosulfur compounds in a substance may make analyses of the substance difficult, particularly in the presence of interfering compounds. Methods for analyzing a substance may comprise: providing a substance comprising an organosulfur compound; optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with the substance and an integrated computational element; and analyzing for the organosulfur compound in the substance using the integrated computational element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Jones, Michael Pelletier, Robert P. Freese
  • Publication number: 20140158347
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensing wellbore conditions in artificial lift wells using low profile sensors that are installed on down hole production equipment that makes them easier to install and retrieve. In one embodiment, low profile sensors are installed on a rod string making their insertion and removal much easier than it would be if they were mounted on production tubing. The sensors can be attached directly to the rod string or can be attached to a cable that is attached to the rod string. The sensors can transmit their data electrically through the cable or through the rod string. Alternatively, the sensors can transmit their data acoustically through the rod string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ESP COMPLETION TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lance I. FIELDER, Robert P. FIELDER, III
  • Patent number: 8746347
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a wellhead body which disposed to support an isolation sleeve for a production tree and to support below the isolation sleeve a production casing hanger for a production casing string. The body also supports a second casing string outside the production casing string whereby to form an annulus between the casing strings. The body includes a passageway which is in communication with the annulus near a lower end of the body and extends upwardly within the wall of the body towards the upper end of the body. A valve is accommodated in the upper part of the body and provides controlled communication between the passageway and a port which can be coupled to the isolation sleeve. The valve is controllable from a production tree in particular is moveable between an open position and a closed position in response to fluid pressure applied to the valve from a production tree by way of the isolation sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Aker Subsea Limited
    Inventor: Daniel A Willoughby
  • Publication number: 20140151031
    Abstract: An apparatus for mitigation of torsional noise effects on borehole measurements. The apparatus may include a conveyance device; a sleeve having a sensor section, the sleeve rotatably disposed on the conveyance device; a sensor having at least one component disposed on the sensor section; and a driver coupled to the conveyance device and configured to rotate at least the sleeve sensor section. The driver may rotate the sleeve sensor section independent of the conveyance device. The driver may rotate the sleeve sensor section at a preset substantially constant rotational speed. The sleeve may include at least one arm configured to selectively lock the sleeve to a surface in the borehole. The driver may rotate the sleeve sensor section during measurement by the sensor. The driver may selectively couple the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Arcady Reiderman, Robert Estes, Fei Le, Hanno Reckmann, Christian Herbig
  • Publication number: 20140151034
    Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a parameter of interest includes a conduit and a reactive media in the conduit. The reactive media interacts with a selected fluid component to control a flow parameter of the conduit. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor responsive to the flow parameter. The apparatus may be used for estimating a water content of a fluid flowing from a subterranean formation. The apparatus may include a flow path configured to convey fluid from the formation. The at least one sensor may be responsive to a pressure change in the flow path caused by interaction of the reactive media with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Paul JOSEPH, Tianping HUANG
  • Publication number: 20140151030
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses used with coiled tubing are disclosed. A method of inserting a fiber optic cable into coiled tubing is provided. The method comprises providing a coiled tubing having a first opening at a first end of the coiled tubing and a second opening at a second end of the coiled tubing. The fiber optic cable is fed into the first opening of the coiled tubing so that the fiber optic cable advances inside the coiled tubing along a direction from the first end to the second end. The fiber optic cable is vibrated during the feeding of the fiber optic cable into the coiled tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Chris Andrew Marvel
  • Publication number: 20140151032
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining downhole fluid parameters are disclosed herein. An example method includes disposing a sensor in a fluid in a wellbore. The sensor includes a heater and a temperature sensor, and the fluid is flowing at a velocity of about zero centimeters per second to about ten centimeters per second. The fluid includes particulates, paraffin or asphaltenes. The example method further includes obtaining a first measurement via the heater and obtaining a second measurement via the temperature sensor. Based on the first measurement and the second measurement, the velocity of the fluid is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Abdur Rahman Adil, Elena Borisova, Tullio Moscato
  • Publication number: 20140151033
    Abstract: Methods for performing oilfield operations are provided. The methods involve performing a fracture operation. The fracture operation involves generating fractures and a fracture network about the wellbore. The fracture network includes a plurality of fractures and a plurality of matrix blocks positioned thereabout. The fractures are intersecting and hydraulically connected. The matrix blocks are positioned about the plurality of fractures. The method also involves generating flow rate through the fracture network, generating a fluid distribution based on the fracture network, and performing a production operation comprising generating a production rate from the fluid distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wenyue Xu
  • Patent number: 8739867
    Abstract: A remediation process that a employs improved quantitative method(s) of estimating of the volume and/or mass of contaminant in the subsurface, removal and or in situ degradation of the contamination using subsurface pulsing treatment (“SPT”) technology, and evaluation of the degree of remediation by re-applying the quantitative contaminant evaluation methods. The process uses SPT technology with the addition of a vacuum or sub-atmospheric pressure to an extraction well in order to create a push-pull effect to remove free contaminant or residual in conjunction with the pressure wave driving force created in the excitation or excitation well. The process can quantitatively measure the amount of residual contaminant, which up until now has not been possible or tractable using in situ methods, as well as measure the amount of residual that can be removed by SPT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: RemMetrik, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Panter
  • Patent number: 8739868
    Abstract: A technique physically amplifies strain to facilitate measurement of strain/displacement. A strain amplifying mechanism is mounted to a component being monitored for strain and comprises an input port and an output port. The strain amplifying mechanism is attached to the component such that the input port moves when the component undergoes strain. Movement of the input port causes movement of the output port over a distance greater than the physical movement of the input port. A strain sensor is coupled to the output port to detect its movement over the greater distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Firas Zeineddine
  • Patent number: 8733438
    Abstract: A technique for determining conditions downhole in a well, particularly load conditions acting on a well tool, e.g. a bottom hole assembly. The loads acting on a bottom hole assembly or other well tool during a well related operation are measured. Load data is collected and may be transmitted uphole in real time for evaluation at a surface control unit. Based on the load data and other possible data related to the downhole operation, corrective actions can be taken to improve the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Kenison, Richard Morrison, Robert Van Kuijk, Jose Vidal Noya, Carlos Foinquinos Bocco, Robin Mallalieu
  • Publication number: 20140138083
    Abstract: Devices and methods for cutting a workpiece. A cutter is provided with a fluid jet generator that creates and projects a jet of fluid proximate the cut being made in a workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Baker Hughes Incorporated
  • Patent number: 8727017
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for obtaining data corresponding to a property of interest on an unstructured grid. An exemplary method comprises defining a path of interest at least a portion of which goes through the unstructured grid. The exemplary method also comprises extracting data corresponding to the property of interest on the unstructured grid where the path of interest and the unstructured grid overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Lucas J. Hilliard, Marek K. Czernuszenko, Yao-Chou Cheng, Neal L. Adair
  • Patent number: 8726982
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing gaseous and liquid components from one or more multi-phase streams in one or more pipelines. The method includes passing a first multi-phase stream along a first pipeline, and passing the first multi-phase stream through a first slugcatcher system to provide a first gaseous component stream and at least one first liquid component stream. The method also includes selectively opening a first branch pipeline from the first pipeline upstream of the first slugcatcher system to pass at least a fraction of the first multi-phase stream through the first branch pipeline to provide a first branch multi-phase stream, and passing at least a fraction of the first branch multi-phase stream to a first gas/liquid separator to provide an overhead gaseous stream and a bottom liquid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Adekunle Adeyelure, Robert John Rockall
  • Patent number: 8727006
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for promoting the production of oil and/or gas from organic carbon-rich sedimentary rocks in a subterranean formation. Aspects of the method comprise detecting hydrogen starvation in the formation and remedying the hydrogen starvation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Petroleum Habitats, LLC
    Inventor: Frank D. Mango
  • Publication number: 20140131033
    Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating the formation and a single probe configured to be extended from the carrier and to seal with a wall of the borehole. The apparatus further includes a fluid analysis sensor disposed at the carrier and configured to sense a property of a formation fluid sample extracted from the formation by the probe. A coring device is disposed at the carrier and configured to extend into the probe, to drill into the wall of the borehole, and to extract a core sample. A core sample analysis sensor is disposed at the carrier and configured to sense a property of the core sample. A processor is configured to receive data from the fluid analysis sensor and the core sample analysis sensor and to estimate the property using the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Francisco Galvan-Sanchez, Olufemi A. Adegbola, Chris Morgan, Gigi Zhang, Matthias Meister
  • Patent number: 8720553
    Abstract: A completion assembly for operation in a subterranean well having multiple production zones. The completion assembly includes a lower completion assembly operably positionable in the well. The lower completion assembly includes first and second zonal isolation subassemblies. An upper completion assembly is operably positionable at least partially within the lower completion assembly to establish fluid communication between first and second fluid flow control modules, respectively, with the first and second zonal isolation subassemblies. A first communication medium having a connection between the upper and lower completion assemblies extends through the first and second zonal isolation subassemblies. A second communication medium is operably associated with the first and second fluid flow control modules. Data obtained by monitoring fluid from the production zones is carried by the first and second communication media and is used to control production through the first and second fluid flow control modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, William Mark Richards
  • Patent number: 8720554
    Abstract: A method of flow testing multiple zones in a wellbore includes lowering a tool string into the wellbore. The tool string includes an inflatable packer or plug and an electric pump. The method further includes operating the pump, thereby inflating the packer or plug and isolating a first zone from one or more other zones; monitoring flow from the first zone; deflating the packer or plug; moving the tool string in the wellbore; and operating the pump, thereby inflating the packer or plug and isolating a second zone from one or more other zones; and monitoring flow from the second zone. The zones are monitored in one trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Dale Clapp, Robert Murphy, Paul James Wilson, Mark Rogers
  • Publication number: 20140129506
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a well control expert system that provides well control recommendations for a drilling system. The well control expert system includes a well control Bayesian decision network (BDN) model that receives inputs and outputs recommendations based on Bayesian probability determinations. The well control BDN model includes a circulation section, a well control practices section, and a troubleshooting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicants: Texas A&M University, Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Abdullah Saleh Hussain Al-Yami, Jerome Schubert
  • Publication number: 20140124195
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for remotely and selectively control fluid flow through tubular string disposed within a wellbore and further control fluid flow between the tubular string inner flow passage and the annular flow passage. The present invention further discloses a method of selectively and remotely receiving and interpreting a form of command or information at a desired apparatus within the wellbore caused by the operator on earth surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: MIT Holdings Ltd
    Inventors: Ahmed M. Tahoun, Raed Kafafy, Karam Jawamir, Mohammed Aldheeb, Abdul Mushawwir Mohamad Khalil
  • Publication number: 20140124210
    Abstract: A system, method and device may be used to monitor fluid levels in a drill pipe in borehole. The system includes an electromagnetic (EM) generator to generate a traveling wave of electromagnetic energy to propagate along a linear path through the drill pipe towards a surface of the fluid, a detector to detect a portion of the electromagnetic wave reflected from the surface of the fluid and propagated through the drill pipe towards the detector, a processor to analyze detected signals to determine a level of the surface of the fluid. In an embodiment, the system includes a pump controller to control the operation of a pump located in the wellbore or at the mudline based on the fluid surface level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: James David Dowell
  • Patent number: 8714284
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing pressure signals which indicate when weight-on-bit, during the drilling of a wellbore, exceed a predetermined, upper limit. The apparatus includes a first mandrel and a second mandrel that inserts into and is axially moveable within the first mandrel. The position of the second mandrel may be dependent upon the balance of a biasing member's biasing strength and the weight-on-bit exerted on the drill bit. If weight-on-bit values overcome the biasing strength of the biasing member, the second mandrel may move uphole within the first mandrel and create a pressure signal that is detectable at surface so that the operator is made aware that weight-on-bit values exceed the upper limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: BBJ Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley R. Cote
  • Publication number: 20140116684
    Abstract: A wellbore monitoring system comprising a length of tubing defining an axial flowbore, two or more data conduits extending within the axial flowbore of the coiled tubing, two or more sensors, each of the two or more sensors configured to measure a wellbore parameter and to communicate data indicative of the measured wellbore parameter via one of the two or more data conduits, and two or more deployable tubular packers, each of the deployable tubular packers disposed within the axial flowbore of the tubing, wherein each of the deployable tubular packers is selectively secured within the axial flowbore of the tubing, and wherein the two deployable tubular packers provide fluid isolation between a first region of the axial flowbore, a second region of the axial flowbore, and a third region of the axial flowbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth James HUESTON, Douglas HUBER
  • Publication number: 20140116686
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert C. Odell, II, Richard Lee Giroux, Tuong Thanh Le, Gary Thompson, Karsten Heidecke, Joerg Lorenz, Doyle Fredric Boutwell, JR., Michael Hayes
  • Publication number: 20140116687
    Abstract: A method of connecting a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular includes: engaging threads of the tubulars; and rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular, thereby making up the threaded connection. The method further includes, during makeup of the threaded connection: measuring torque applied to the connection; measuring turns of the first tubular; and detecting a shoulder position. The method further includes: displaying the measured torque and turns; overlaying a reference curve onto the display; evaluating the threaded connection by comparing the measured torque and turns to the reference curve; and graphically displaying the evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer RUEHMANN
  • Publication number: 20140116685
    Abstract: This invention is a solvent based gravity drainage process whereby the vertical growth rate of the chamber is restricted by placing, monitoring and managing a buoyant gas blanket at the top of the vapour chamber. This invention reduces the heat loss to the overburden as well as providing a means to preserve a barrier layer of bitumen saturated reservoir sand at the top of the pay zone in reservoirs where there is limited or no confining layer present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: N-Solv Corporation
    Inventor: N-Solv Corporation
  • Patent number: 8708054
    Abstract: A technique enables protection of subsea wells. The technique employs a subsea test tree and associated control system to ensure control over the well in a variety of situations. The subsea test tree may be formed with an upper portion releasably coupled to a lower portion. The upper portion employs at least one upper shut-off valve, and the lower portion employs at least one lower shut-off valve to protect against unwanted release of fluids from either above or below the subsea test tree. The subsea test tree also is coupled with the control system in a manner which allows control to be exercised over the at least one upper shut-often valve and the at least one lower shut-off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Terrell Eugene Dailey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8708052
    Abstract: Systems, computer readable medium, program code, and methods for monitoring and managing a plurality of marine riser assets are provided. An example of a system includes a computer and a computer readable medium containing a program code of instructions that when executed by the computer, cause the computer to perform operations for tracking the subsea deployment and retrieval of each of a plurality of riser joints. The operations can include receiving riser joint identification data from a riser joint identification indicator connected to the respective riser joint during the operational deployment thereof, and identifying the respective riser joint being operationally deployed to thereby track the deployment thereof. The operations can also include receiving riser joint identification data from the riser identification indicator of the respective riser joint during retrieval thereof, and identifying the respective one or more riser joints being retrieved to thereby track the retrieval thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Amin Radi
  • Publication number: 20140110107
    Abstract: Systems and methods for maximizing energy recovery from a subterranean formation are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, a selected subterranean open-hole interval is isolated and at least one fracture is stimulated in the isolated subterranean open-hole interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: AltaRock Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Bour, Susan Petty
  • Publication number: 20140110105
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring a multiphase fluid and determining a characteristic of the multiphase fluid. One system includes a flow path containing a fluid, at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the fluid and thereby generate optically interacted light, at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light from the at least one integrated computational element and generate an output signal corresponding to at least one characteristic of a phase of the fluid, and a signal processor communicably coupled to the at least one detector and configured to determine the at least one characteristic of the phase of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Jones, Robert P. Freese, Michael T. Pelletier, Robert Atkinson
  • Publication number: 20140110106
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore extending from a surface and penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises placing an assembly in the wellbore, wherein the assembly comprises at least a first downhole tool, a signal receiver subassembly, and a conveyance between the first downhole tool and the surface. The method further comprises the signal receiver subassembly receiving a first signal generated by contact between the wellbore and the assembly and initiating a first function of the first downhole tool based on the first signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. FRIPP, Donald KYLE, Pete DAGENAIS
  • Patent number: 8701761
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and method for servicing a wellbore and otherwise triggering a downhole tool. One method includes arranging an assembly within a lubricator coupled to a tree. The assembly includes at least one downhole tool and a signal receiver subassembly. A signal is communicated to the signal receiver subassembly before the assembly is introduced into the wellbore, the signal being configured to activate a timer. The assembly is then introduced into the wellbore and advanced until reaching a target depth. At the target depth, a trigger signal is transmitted to the at least one downhole tool using the signal receiver subassembly, the trigger signal being configured to initiate actuation of the at least one downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. MacPhail, Paul Ringgenberg
  • Publication number: 20140102695
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus for determining fluid parameters are disclosed herein. An example method includes disposing a sensor in a first fluid flow passageway. The sensor has a heater and a temperature sensor. The example method further includes flowing a first fluid into the first fluid flow passageway via a second fluid flow passageway and determining a first fluid property value of the first fluid via the sensor when the first fluid is in the first fluid flow passageway. Based on the first fluid property value, a state of an operation is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Elena Borisova, Tullio Moscato