Including Testing Or Treating Tool Having At Least One Actuatable Packer Patents (Class 166/250.17)
  • Publication number: 20140020890
    Abstract: A sampling assembly of a single packer assembly may have more guard drains than sampling drains. The single packer assembly having the sampling assembly may be deployed in a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation, and the single packer assembly may be deployed on a wireline cable or another deployment or conveyance. The number and the area of the sampling drains, the number and the area of the guard drains, and the positions of the sampling drains and the guard drains may be designed so that the guard drains which are operational may provide a fluid intake rate exceeding a predetermined threshold if one of the guard drains is congested and/or blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Stephane Metayer, Alexander F. Zazovsky, Stephen Yeldell, Darya Mustafina
  • Publication number: 20140014331
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a geological formation (20) of non-homogeneous porosity and permeability, particularly in exploration for hydrocarbon fluids, comprising the steps of: (a) inserting a formation evaluation tool (30) into a borehole (10) to a location (10a) within the geological formation (20); (b) setting the formation evaluation tool (30) into position isolating interval(s) of the borehole (10) with a packer arrangement (50) forming portion of the formation evaluation tool (30), for sample evaluation for said interval(s); (c) extracting representative samples of formation fluid from the location within the geological formation (20) for evaluation under downhole conditions using sampling means (32a, 52b, 54b) operative to extract formation fluid samples over a range of porosity and permeability encountered within the geological formation (20); and (d) analysing the formation fluid samples and measuring formation (20) permeability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: CROCKER RESEARCH PTY LTD
    Inventor: Hugh Crocker
  • Patent number: 8616277
    Abstract: A system for measuring a formation parameter, the system including: a formation parameter test device having: a structure capable of segregating a discrete volume including a formation interface surface within a well, and a parameter sensor in operable communication with the volume; a high bandwidth communications system in operable communication with the parameter sensor; and a processing unit in operable communication with the high bandwidth communications system and disposed remotely from the parameter sensor, the processing unit configured to receive parameter data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Oliver Backhaus, John D. Macpherson
  • Patent number: 8584748
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a tool body configured to be conveyed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, an inflatable packer coupled to the tool body, and a probe assembly coupled to the tool body and comprising an inner sealing element and an outer sealing element, wherein at least one of the inner sealing element and the outer sealing element comprises an elongated shape, and wherein at least a portion of the probe assembly is disposed on the inflatable packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan Church, Stephane Briquet, Darya Mustafina, Alexander Skibin, Alexander Zazovsky
  • Publication number: 20130299176
    Abstract: A hybrid-tieback seal assembly and methods for tying a well back to the surface or subsea well head are disclosed. A method to tie a well back to the surface or subsea well head comprises running a hybrid-tieback seal assembly into a wellbore, the hybrid-tieback seal assembly comprising one or more anchoring bodies, one or more packer seal assemblies; and a device for creating a pressure differential in a tieback string, wherein the tieback string is coupled to the hybrid-tieback seal assembly. The method further comprises landing a casing hanger in a well head, increasing pressure in the tieback string, setting the anchoring bodies and one or more packer seal assemblies within at least one of a previously installed liner hanger system and a host casing above a previously installed hanger system, and testing the hybrid-tieback seal assembly down an annulus between the host casing and the tieback string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: John M. Yokley, Curtis W. Payne
  • Patent number: 8579027
    Abstract: A multi-functional completion tool which may be lowered into a wellbore coupled to a length of tubing, and then utilized to test various lengths of the tubing at pressure. The tool may also function as a positive plug, may be used to set a packer, and is also useable as a tubing self-filling tool. Various retention elements are disposed within the tool and configured to release at predetermined pressures, or within predetermined ranges of pressure, thereby transforming the tool from a first configuration to a second configuration depending on the desired function. The tool may use a flapper mechanism to regulate passage of fluids through the housing, and a piston and/or flow tube may also be utilized to lock the flapper in an open or closed orientation within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Downhole & Design International Corp.
    Inventors: Adel Ghobrial Abdelmalek, S Keith Fry, Lance C Fry
  • Publication number: 20130240205
    Abstract: A reservoir production management system includes a plurality of dielectric spectrometers disposed at different locations along the length of production tubing within a wellbore, each of the plurality dielectric spectrometers being in fluid communication with separate producing zones of the reservoir, wherein the plurality of dielectric spectrometers are configured to detect one or more dielectric properties by measuring the response of incident radio waves through fluids from each of the respectively separate producing zones, and a plurality of valves in the production tubing to selectively control production from each of the respectively separate producing zones in response to detected dielectric fluid properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A., INC.
    Inventor: Luis Phillipe Tosi
  • Publication number: 20130213645
    Abstract: A downhole formation testing and sampling apparatus. The apparatus includes an expandable packer having a radially contracted running configuration and a radially expanded deployed configuration. At least one elongated sealing pad is operably associated with the expandable packer such that operating the expandable packer from the running configuration to the deployed configuration establishes a hydraulic connection between the at least one elongated sealing pad and the formation. The at least one elongated sealing pad has at least one opening establishing fluid communication between the formation and the interior of the apparatus. In addition, the at least one elongated sealing pad has an outer surface operable to seal a region along a surface of the formation to establish the hydraulic connection therewith. The at least one elongated sealing pad further has at least one recess operable to establish fluid flow from the formation to the at least one opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8511379
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a property of a sample of fluid in a borehole. A fluid sample is collected in a downhole tool. While collecting, X-rays are transmitted proximate the fluid from an X-ray source in the tool and an X-ray flux that is a function of a property of the fluid is detected. The detected X-ray flux data is processed to determine the property of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Spross, Jerome Allen Truax, Paul F. Rodney, Daniel David Gleitman
  • Publication number: 20130186618
    Abstract: The invention relates to the oil and gas production industry, in particular, to development and production of oil reservoirs with various permeability zones, specifically, with lateral/lateral horizontal holes, drilled from the production casing. The method described includes running into the well of a tubing string with a cable, control devices in form of electrical valves, measurement pressure and temperature sensors, and one or more packers for isolation of the downhole space, in which information from the sensors is passed to the measurement unit at the wellhead, and signals for opening/closing of the control devices are transferred from the wellhead control unit by the cable. A device for carrying out this method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Otkrytoe aktsionemoe obschestvo " Tantneft" im.V.D. Shashina
    Inventor: Otkrytoe aktsionemoe obschestvo " Tatneft" im.V. D. Shashina
  • Patent number: 8490704
    Abstract: A technique facilitates enhanced hydrocarbon recovery through selective stream injection. The technique employs a system and methodology for combining a fracturing technique and application of selective injection streams. The selective injection streams are delivered to select, individual subterranean layers until a plurality of unique subterranean layers are fractured to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology
    Inventors: Diana Paola Olarte Caro, Renny Yeguez
  • Publication number: 20130168087
    Abstract: A downhole packer for providing a seal in a well bore to allow integrity testing of well bore with drill ahead capability immediately thereafter has a disengageable packer assembly wherein the packer element may be rendered disengageable by mounting the packer to the string using a tool body (61) provided with a sleeve (62) bearing a packer element (55), wherein the body is initially restrained from movement within the sleeve by engagement of an internal selectively movable retaining element (64). A method of testing a well bore with follow on drilling after disengaging the packer element is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: M-I DRILLING FLUIDS U.K. LIMITED
    Inventors: James Linklater, George Telfer
  • Patent number: 8469087
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and/or apparatus for deploying wireline tools with a non-electric string. In one embodiment, a method of determining a free point of a tubular string stuck in a wellbore includes deploying a tool string in the stuck tubular with a non-electric string. The free point assembly includes a battery, a controller, and a free point tool. The method further includes activating the free point tool by the controller. The free point tool contacts an inner surface of the stuck tubular string. The method further includes applying a tensile force and/or torque to the stuck tubular string; and measuring a response of the tubular string with the free point tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Gray
  • Patent number: 8453725
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base plate having a first aperture to receive an inlet in fluid communication with a downhole tool; a compliant outer cover having a first end terminating at the base plate and a second end terminating adjacent a forward opening of the inlet, the compliant outer cover having a first surface configured to engage a borehole wall and a second surface forming an inner cavity with the base plate; and a core disposed within the inner cavity and having a second aperture forming at least a portion of the inlet, wherein the outer cover comprises a first material and the core comprises a second material more compliant than the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Brennan, III
  • Publication number: 20130133883
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for placing a dual pressure barrier in a vertical or horizontal well and verifying by pressure sensors in the well that the pressure barriers are operable. Communication of data from the well may be by electromagnetic or acoustic signals, and the data may be acquired on a ship near the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: TEJAS RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING, LLC
    Inventor: Tejas Research and Engineering, LLC
  • Patent number: 8448703
    Abstract: A method according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure comprises disposing a tool in a wellbore, the tool comprising a displacement unit for pumping a fluid at least partially through the tool, a first flowline hydraulically connected to the displacement unit through a valve network, and a second flowline hydraulically connected to the displacement unit; pumping a fluid from the first flowline to the second flowline; monitoring a pressure at a chamber of the displacement unit; and monitoring flowing pressure in the first flowline across the valve network from the displacement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Simon Ross, Pierre Campanac
  • Patent number: 8439110
    Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer comprises an outer seal layer, and the at least one drain is positioned in the outer seal layer. A viscosity system also is incorporated and enables the viscosity of a surrounding fluid to be selectively lowered for sampling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Stephen Yeldell, Carsten Sonne, Anthony Robert Holmes Goodwin, Stephane Briquet, Alexander F. Zazovsky
  • Publication number: 20130112408
    Abstract: Disclosed is a packer that is ported to provide fluid communication through the packer between the wellbore annulus above the packer and the wellbore annulus below the packer. Such a ported packer can be used to allow for pressure testing the casing and/or for controlling a failed well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: John A Oxtoby
  • Publication number: 20130092372
    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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8322416
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a fluid at a position within a wellbore that penetrates a subterranean formation includes a body adapted to be disposed in the wellbore on a conveyance equipped with one or more expandable packers providing a sample region disposed between an upper cleanup zone and a lower cleanup zone when expanded into abutting contact with the wellbore wall. An upper cleanup port is provided at the upper cleanup zone. A lower cleanup port is provided at the lower cleanup zone. A fluid cleanup flowline in fluid connection with the upper and lower cleanup ports can be provided. A sampling inlet is provided at the sampling region, and a sampling flowline is in fluid connection with the sampling inlet for drawing fluid from the sampling region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Julian J. Pop, Pierre-Yves Corre
  • Patent number: 8322415
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for deploying one or more sensors into a wellbore. The method can include at least partially embedding one or more sensors in one or more swellable elements; conveying the one or more sensors and the one or more swellable elements into the wellbore; at least partially swelling one or more of the swellable elements; and measuring at least one wellbore property with the one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ives Loretz, Carlos Araque, Muhammad Shafiq, Donald Ross
  • Patent number: 8286703
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for flow testing multiple zones in a single trip are provided. In one embodiment, 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: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Dale Clapp, Robert Murphy, Paul James Wilson, Mark Rogers
  • Patent number: 8281862
    Abstract: An aspect encompasses a method of testing a subsea umbilical where a first portion of testing is performed on the subsea umbilical, the testing comprising hydraulic testing and at least one of electrical or optical testing, and a second portion of the testing is performed independent of a diver or an ROV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Robert I. Barber, Alan C. Clunie
  • Patent number: 8283174
    Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with reactants which are carried downhole and which are combined in order to generate heat energy which is applied to the formation adjacent the borehole. By applying heat energy to the formation, the formation fluids are heated, thereby increasing mobility, and fluid sampling is expedited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. G. Van Hal, Anthony Goodwin, Oliver C. Mullins, Peter S. Hegeman, Bhavani Raghuraman, Soraya S. Betancourt, Cosan Ayan, Ricardo Vasques, Francois Xavier Dubost, Christopher Scott Del Campo
  • Patent number: 8272438
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for accurately determining a pore pressure of a subsurface formation (20) penetrated by a wellbore (40). The systems and methods provide for measuring pressure and temperature at a measuring location proximal to the wellbore for a predetermined amount of time, storing the measurements, communicating the measurements and processing the pore pressure from the pressure and temperature measurements. The measuring location may be a location in a channel (50) drilled from the wellbore into the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John Cook, Marc Thiercelin
  • Patent number: 8251140
    Abstract: A wireline logging tool and method for fluid monitoring and flow characterization in individual zones of controlled salinity is disclosed. The tool and method advantageously facilitate zone-specific testing. Sets of packers are used to create hydraulically distinct zones proximate to the tool. Coiled tubing and isolation valves are used to selectively introduce and remove an electrically conductive fluid such as brine to and from a selected zone. Individual sensors are disposed near each zone to make zone-specific measurements while fluid properties are changed, e.g. while salinity is changed to cause salinity fronts in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan, Tarek M. Habashy, Badarinadh Vissapragada
  • Patent number: 8230919
    Abstract: Evaluating a subterranean formation fluid by lowering a testing tool to a depth in a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation, limiting wellbore fluid convection near the depth with the testing tool, heating formation fluid in the subterranean formation near the depth, obtaining a sample of the heated formation fluid from the subterranean formation, and evaluating at least a portion of the sample of heated formation fluid obtained from the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Goodwin, Carlos Abad, Amy Simpson
  • Patent number: 8220543
    Abstract: A method well treatment includes establishing fluid connectivity between a wellbore and at least one target zone for treatment within a subterranean formation, which is intersected by a wellbore. The method includes deploying coiled tubing into the wellbore and introducing a treatment composition into the wellbore. The method includes contacting a target zone within the subterranean formation with the treatment composition, introducing a diversion agent through the coiled tubing to an interval within a wellbore and repeating the introduction of the treatment, the contacting of the target zone and the introduction of the diversion agent for more than one target zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: William Ernest Clark, Doug Bentley, John Daniels, Christopher N. Fredd, Charles Miller, John Lassek
  • Patent number: 8220538
    Abstract: A plug for installation in a well is described, which comprises a housing (1) that carries at least two discs (5, 6) made from a brittle material which can be crushed with mechanical stress. Between at least two of the discs (5, 6) is a gas-filled cavity (15) that is in connection with a drainage channel (14) and a closing device (16) which is set up to open to release the gas from the cavity (15). Arranged in the cavity is at least one break bar 7 or a break bushing (8-12) that is set up to crush at least one of the discs (5, 6). Also arranged is a shear pin (13) that holds the discs (5, 6) apart, but which is set up to be broken when the pressure difference across at least one of the discs (5, 6) exceeds a given value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Gustav Wee
  • Publication number: 20120055669
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a parameter of a subterranean formation using swellable materials is disclosed. The system may include a sensor device configured to detect a parameter of a subterranean formation. The system may also include a swellable material configured to position the sensor device toward a surface of the subterranean formation by swelling of the swellable material. The system may further include a telescoping section coupled to the sensor device and emplaced in the swellable material. The telescoping section may be configured to extend with the positioning of the sensor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Stewart A. Levin, Ron G. Dusterhoft, Jim Longbottom, Norman R. Warpinski, James D. Vick, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120048540
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for catching a test fixture released from a shaft of a downhole tool during the uphole calibration and testing of the shaft force generation capability of the tool. The safety apparatus includes a hollow body having a distal end that will partially envelope the test fixture to catch the test fixture once the test fixture is released from the downhole tool. The safety apparatus further includes a proximal end portion that is releasably securable to the body of the tool. A method for testing and calibrating the tool is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Darrell Housden, Kenneth Thomas Black
  • Patent number: 8091634
    Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer flexible skin and one or more drains coupled to the outer flexible skin. The single packer further comprises one or more sensors positioned to detect one or more specific parameters that may be related to well characteristics and/or single packer characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Corre, Stephane Briquet, Stephen Yeldell, Carsten Sonne, Edward Harrigan, Alexander F. Zazovsky
  • Publication number: 20110315377
    Abstract: A downhole equipment includes a tubing configured for deployment in a wellbore; and a measurement unit disposed on outside of the tubing, wherein the measurement unit comprises a detector embedded in a swellable material. A method for formation property measurement includes deploying a downhole equipment to a predetermined location inside a wellbore, wherein the downhole equipment comprising a tubing and a measurement unit dispose on outside of the tubing, wherein the measurement unit comprises a detector embedded in a swellable material; allowing the swellable material to swell; and performing measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Emmanuel Rioufol
  • Publication number: 20110277997
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to one or more apparatuses and methods to determine fluid movement within a formation. The apparatus includes a first packer configured to selectively engage a wall of a borehole of the formation, an outlet disposed adjacent to the first packer, wherein the outlet is configured to pump a first fluid therefrom and into the formation, and a detecting tool configured to detect the first fluid within the formation. Movement of the first fluid may be determined based upon the detection of the first fluid within the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Allen Ray Harrison, Edward Harrigan
  • Publication number: 20110272148
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a multi-zone reservoir while reservoir fluids are flowing from within the wellbore. The method and apparatus enables isolation and testing of individual zones without the need to pull production tubing. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It may not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Lovell, Warren Zemlak, Marc Allcorn, Luis F. Peixoto, Steven Harrison, Andrew Prestridge, Gokturk Tunc, Frank Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8016032
    Abstract: System, devices, and methods are described relating to the treatment (e.g., perforating, fracturing, foam stimulation, acid treatment, cement treatment, etc.) of well-bores (e.g., cased oil and/or gas wells). In at least one example, a method is provided for treatment of a region in a well, the method comprising: positioning, in a well-bore, a packer above the region of the well-bore, fixing, below the region, an expansion packer, treating the region, the treatment fixing the packer, moving the expansion packer, and moving the packer after the moving of the expansion packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Phillip Mandrell, Dustin Howard, Marty Stromquist
  • Patent number: 7980306
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a multi-zone reservoir while reservoir fluids are flowing from within the wellbore. The method and apparatus enables isolation and testing of individual zones without the need to pull production tubing. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It may not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Lovell, Warren Zemlak, Marc Allcorn, Luis F. Peixoto, Steven Harrison, Andrew Prestridge, Gokturk Tunc, Frank Espinosa
  • Publication number: 20110162835
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and/or apparatus for deploying wireline tools with a non-electric string. In one embodiment, a method of determining a free point of a tubular string stuck in a wellbore includes deploying a tool string in the stuck tubular with a non-electric string. The free point assembly includes a battery, a controller, and a free point tool. The method further includes activating the free point tool by the controller. The free point tool contacts an inner surface of the stuck tubular string. The method further includes applying a tensile force and/or torque to the stuck tubular string; and measuring a response of the tubular string with the free point tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin L. Gray
  • Publication number: 20110114310
    Abstract: A method according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure comprises disposing a tool in a wellbore, the tool comprising a displacement unit for pumping a fluid at least partially through the tool, a first flowline hydraulically connected to the displacement unit through a valve network, and a second flowline hydraulically connected to the displacement unit; pumping a fluid from the first flowline to the second flowline; monitoring a pressure at a chamber of the displacement unit; and monitoring flowing pressure in the first flowline across the valve network from the displacement unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Simon Ross, Pierre Campanac
  • Publication number: 20110108280
    Abstract: The method of providing flotation modules on subsea drilling riser joints comprising providing flotation modules as a full circle, installing said flotation modules sequentially onto the end of the central pipe of said drilling riser joints in a desired orientation, providing passageways through said flotation modules which extend from one end of said subsea drilling riser joints to the other end of said drilling riser joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
  • Patent number: 7934556
    Abstract: A method well treatment includes establishing fluid connectivity between a wellbore and at least one target zone for treatment within a subterranean formation, which is intersected by a wellbore. The method includes deploying coiled tubing into the wellbore and introducing a treatment composition into the wellbore. The method includes contacting a target zone within the subterranean formation with the treatment composition, introducing a diversion agent through the coiled tubing to an interval within a wellbore and repeating the introduction of the treatment, the contacting of the target zone and the introduction of the diversion agent for more than one target zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: William Ernest Clark, Doug Bentley, John Daniels, Christopher N. Fredd, Charles Miller, John Lassek
  • Patent number: 7921714
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for making measurements at multiple locations in an annular region of a cased sequestration well. A first tool module is positionable within the well and adapted to directly or indirectly measure changing pressure at a first location in the annular region of the well. A pressure change is induced at the first location in the annular region. A second tool module is positionable within the well and adapted to directly or indirectly measure changing pressure at a second location in the annular region. The measured pressure changes at the second location are in response to the induced pressure change at the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew John Duguid, Edward C. Boratko, Ahmad Latifzai
  • Patent number: 7909096
    Abstract: A method for stimulating a reservoir formation while running a casing string into the wellbore includes the steps of: connecting a stimulation assembly to a casing string, the stimulation assembly including a packer actuator in operational connection with a packer and a logging sensor; running the casing string into the wellbore and positioning the logging assembly proximate to a selected reservoir formation; logging the reservoir formation; positioning the stimulation assembly proximate to the reservoir formation; actuating the packer to substantially isolate the reservoir formation from the wellbore; performing the stimulation operation; releasing the packers from sealing engagement with the wellbore; positioning the logging assembly proximate to the reservoir formation; logging the reservoir formation; and disconnecting the stimulation assembly from the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Clark, J. Ernest Brown, Marc Jean Thiercelin, Arkady Segal, Ian D. Bryant, Matthew J. Miller, Valerie Jochen
  • Publication number: 20110061862
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for deploying one or more sensors into a wellbore. The method can include at least partially embedding one or more sensors in one or more swellable elements; conveying the one or more sensors and the one or more swellable elements into the wellbore; at least partially swelling one or more of the swellable elements; and measuring at least one wellbore property with the one or more sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ives Loretz, Carlos Araque, Muhammad Shafiq, Donald Ross
  • Publication number: 20100252256
    Abstract: A downhole tool including an inner mandrel, a first sealing element disposed around the inner mandrel, a second sealing mandrel disposed around the inner mandrel and axially below the first sealing elements, and a monitoring device disposed on the downhole tool between the first and second sealing elements. Also, a method of monitoring a downhole formation, the method including disposing a downhole monitoring tool in a wellbore, isolating a first production zone from a second production zone, wherein the first production zone is axially above the second production zone, and monitoring a condition of the first production zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Plooy, Bruce Cram
  • Patent number: 7805988
    Abstract: A formation tester system with a tester tool comprising two or more functionally configured flow lines. The two or more functionally connected flow lines cooperating with one or more pumps and cooperating valves direct fluid to and from various axially disposed sections of the tester tool for analysis, sampling, and optionally ejection into the borehole or into the formation. The functionally connected flow lines extend contiguously through the sections of the tester tool. The functionally configured flow lines, cooperating with the one or more pumps and valves, can also direct fluid to and from various elements within a given tester tool section. Manipulation of fluid flows within the tester tool, as well as analysis, sampling and/or ejection operations, can be varied with the tester tool disposed in the borehole using appropriate commands from the surface of the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan William Kasperski, Margaret Cowsar Waid, Stanley Robert Thomas, Jr., Dennis Eugene Roessler
  • Publication number: 20100206561
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for controlling the connection speed of first and second downhole connectors (316, 146) in a subterranean well. The apparatus (100) includes a first assembly that is positionable in the well. The first assembly includes the first downhole connector (316) and a first communication medium. A second assembly includes the second downhole connector (146) and a second communication medium. The second assembly has an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion is selectively axially shiftable relative to an inner portion, such that upon engagement of the first assembly with the second assembly, the outer portion of the second assembly is axially shifted relative to the inner portion of the second assembly allowing the first and second downhole connectors (316, 146) to be operatively connected to each other, thereby enabling communication between the first communication medium and the second communication medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: William Mark Richards
  • Publication number: 20100200225
    Abstract: A multi-functional completion tool which may be lowered into a wellbore coupled to a length of tubing, and then utilized to test various lengths of the tubing at pressure. The tool may also function as a positive plug, may be used to set a packer, and is also useable as a tubing self-filling tool. Various retention elements are disposed within the tool and configured to release at predetermined pressures, or within predetermined ranges of pressure, thereby transforming the tool from a first configuration to a second configuration depending on the desired function. The tool may use a flapper mechanism to regulate passage of fluids through the housing, and a piston and/or flow tube may also be utilized to lock the flapper in an open or closed orientation within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: DOWNHOLE AND DESIGN INTERNATIONAL CORP.
    Inventors: ADEL GHOBRIAL ABDELMALEK, S. Keith Fry, Lance C. Fry
  • Patent number: 7757782
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for navigating a subterranean tool comprising a body member and a head member steerably associated with the body member. A determining unit is configured to determine a transversal target position of a nose of the head member relative to the body member and a steering unit is configured to steer the head member relative to the body member so that the nose of the head member is located at the transversal target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Tashiro, Ryuki Odashima, Joonhyung Bae, Ahmed Tahoun
  • Publication number: 20100139914
    Abstract: A drilling fluid test device including a cell body having a pressurization inlet configured to allow for pressurization of the cell body, a fluid inlet configured to provide a test fluid, a filtrate outlet configured to discharge a filtrate, and a fluid outlet configured to discharge the fluid. The device also including a filter medium disposed in the cell body and a cleaning system disposed in the cell body and configured to clean the filter medium. Additionally, a method of testing a drilling fluid including injecting a drilling fluid into an automated testing cell, the automated testing cell having a filter medium. Furthermore, pressurizing the automated testing cell, forming a filter cake on the filter medium, and separating the drilling fluid into a filtrate and a residual drilling fluid. Additionally, transferring the filtrate to a filtrate collection vessel and determining a volume of filtrate in the filtrate collection vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Mostafa Ahmadi Tehrani, Jacqueline Joan Cameron