Determining Position Of Object In Well Patents (Class 166/255.1)
  • Patent number: 8950483
    Abstract: A positional feedback system includes a seal assembly coupled to a running tool, the seal assembly having a seal ring and an energizing ring positioned between a hanger and a subsea wellhead. The energizing ring moves relative to the seal ring from an unset position to a set position to seal to the wellhead and the hanger. The system includes a magnet disposed on the energizing ring and having a magnetic field. One or more sensing devices are disposed on running tool and positioned in the magnetic field of the magnet in the set position and the unset position. The sensing devices are configured to communicate with a surface platform when the rare earth magnet passes a magnetic field through the sensing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray U.K. Limited
    Inventors: Guy Harvey Mason, Stephen Paul Fenton
  • Publication number: 20150034312
    Abstract: A downhole magnetic latching tool includes at least one permanent magnet deployed on a non-magnetic tool body. A magnetically permeable housing is deployed about the permanent magnet. The magnetic latching tool provides an attractive magnetic force between a drill string and a cased target wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Graham Arthur McElhinney, Charles Henry Duck, JR., Christopher William Lillis
  • Publication number: 20150027695
    Abstract: A system and method for forming a cavern in a formation beyond a cased wellbore utilizes a locator to position a perforating gun in the wellbore for forming axially aligned, spaced-apart perforations through the casing. The locator has a stationary portion, run in and anchored in the wellbore below a zone of interest. The perforating guns have a moveable portion of the locator at a downhole end and are run in and coupled with the stationary portion. Where two or more guns are used to form the perforations, the guns are indexed relative to one another for forming the offset perforations. The guns are tripped from the wellbore and a wash tool having a moveable portion of the locator at a downhole end is run in and coupled in the wellbore. The locator acts to delimit a reciprocation of the wash tool along the space-apart perforations for delivering a non-abrasive fluid therethrough for forming the cavern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce MITCHELL, Richard BENNETT
  • Patent number: 8939219
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling a snubbing unit having traveling slips and stationary slips are provided. Position sensors are associated with the slips for detecting opened and closed positions of the slips. Load sensors are associated with the slips for detecting load status of the slips. A control system receives input signals from the sensors, and confirms that either the traveling slips or the stationary slips are loaded before releasing or allowing the release the opposing set of slips, when transferring the pipe string load from the one set of slips to the other set of slips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Snubco Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: John Taskinen, Troy Leblanc, Shawn McKinnon, Lance Thornell
  • Publication number: 20150021021
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for carrying out multiple-interval stimulation of a wellbore. One disclosed method includes introducing one or more wellbore projectiles into a work string including a completion assembly having a first downhole tool arranged within a first interval, a second downhole tool arranged within a second interval, and a third downhole tool arranged within a third interval that interposes the first and second intervals, detecting the one or more wellbore projectiles with first and second sensors of the first and second downhole tools, opening first and second sliding sleeves arranged within the first and second downhole tools, treating the first and second intervals, sealing the first and second intervals, detecting a wellbore projectile with a third sensor of the third downhole tool, opening a third sliding sleeve arranged within the third downhole tool, and treating the third interval independent of the first and second intervals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew James Merron, Zachary William Walton
  • Publication number: 20150013975
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a cable within a coiled tubing is disclosed. A first set of excitation signals is applied to the coiled tubing at a first point in time. The first set of excitation signals comprises one or more signals applied at one or more depths. The cable is positioned at a first location within the coiled tubing at the first point in time. A signal corresponding to the first set of excitation signals is detected at one or more fiber optic lines associated with the cable and location of the cable within the coiled tubing is determined using the detected signal corresponding to the first excitation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn R. McColpin
  • Publication number: 20150013976
    Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Rodney J. Wetzel, Peter V. Howard, Craig D. Johnson, Sudhir Pai, David R. Smith, Jake A. Danos, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Publication number: 20140374092
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical indicator system for signaling when a droppable object (such as, for example, a dart, plug or ball) is released during well cementing operations. A body section has first and second chambers divided by a fluid and pressure sealing barrier. A mechanical trigger mechanism is situated in the first chamber, which is exposed to elevated pressures and harsh wellbore fluids. Less robust components, such as sensor(s), power source(s), and signal device(s) located in the second chamber, remain isolated from the wellbore environment and elevated pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: KENNETH FLANIGAN, JAMES F. GIEBELER, JUAN CARLOS E. MONDELLI, RON D. ROBICHAUX
  • Patent number: 8915296
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for setting an anchor in a borehole and milling a window in a side surface of the borehole in a single trip. The apparatus includes a mechanically-settable anchor initially forming part of the drill string, a plug member position below the anchor, and a milling assembly. When the drill string reaches a desired depth in the wellbore, the plug member may be activated from the surface, thus setting the plug member in position with respect to the wellbore. The anchor has an activation element which, when contacted in a predetermined manner, sets the anchor. The plug member has an operation element adapted so that, when the anchor and plug member come into contact with one another in a predetermined orientation, the activation element is operated by the operation element, thus setting the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce McGarian
  • Patent number: 8899322
    Abstract: Autonomous control of a wellbore tool is provided by programming a memory module of a processor with a database having data relating to a selected parameter of interest; conveying a sensor and the processor along the wellbore; and activating the wellbore tool if the processor determines that a measurement provided by the sensor correlates with the database data. The processor may correlate the sensor measurements with a predetermined pattern associated with the data, a preset value, and/or a preset range of values. Well tool activation may occur when the processor finds: a substantial match between a predetermined pattern and at least one measured value; a present value and at least one measured value, and/or a preset range of values and at least one measured range of values. Also, activating the well tool may occur only if a measurement from a second sensor meets a preset criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary J. Cresswell, William Befeld, Robert Estes
  • Publication number: 20140345858
    Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating objects include a plurality of actuators distributed on a rig. The actuators cooperate to orient and move the well equipment. Each actuator may include at least one non-rigid tension member configured to engage the well equipment, and at least one sensor generating a signal representative of at least one parameter of: (i) a length of at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members, (ii) a tension along at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members, (iii) a position of at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members; and (iv) an orientation of at least one of the at least one non-rigid tension members. The actuators may also each include a drum guiding each of the at least one non-rigid tension members and a motor rotating each drum. The apparatus further includes a controller in communication with the actuators, the controller being programmed to move the object based on the at least one sensor signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Dominik Brouwer, Joerg Lehr
  • Patent number: 8887799
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical indicator system for signaling when a droppable object (such as, for example, a dart, plug or ball) is released during well cementing operations. A body section has first and second chambers divided by a fluid and pressure sealing barrier. A mechanical trigger mechanism is situated in the first chamber, which is exposed to elevated pressures and harsh wellbore fluids. Less robust components, such as sensor(s), power source(s), and signal device(s) located in the second chamber, remain isolated from the wellbore environment and elevated pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Blackhawk Specialty Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Ron D. Robichaux, James F. Giebeler, Juan Carlos E. Mondelli, Kenneth Flanigan
  • Patent number: 8884778
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Also provided are apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more perforating guns, release devices, and explosive devices in a string to be lowered into a wellbore. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, “each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. Control and power functions are accomplished with voltage of different polarities for safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hunting Titan, Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan C. Lerche, James E. Brooks
  • Patent number: 8875785
    Abstract: A method of correcting a downhole speed of a tool string moving in a wellbore. In some implementations, the method includes obtaining a downhole tool speed with an accelerometer, moving the tool string past at least two casing collars, calculating the average tool speed over the interval between collars, and comparing the downhole tool speed as calculated using the data from the accelerometer to the average tool speed calculated based on the time and the interval between the casing collars, determining a correction factor, and determining a corrected downhole tool speed. A system includes a casing collar locator, an accelerometer, and a processor adapted to compare the downhole tool speed calculated using data from the accelerometer to the average downhole tool speed calculated using the time and casing collar location, determine a correction factor and determine a corrected downhole tool speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph S. Coles
  • Patent number: 8869885
    Abstract: A downhole tool with a feedback arrangement including a tool having one or more fluid outflow ports that exhaust fluid during normal operation of the tool. A feedback arrangement in operable communication with the fluid exhausted from the one or more fluid outflow ports during operation of the tool. The feedback arrangement interacting with exhausting fluid to produce a signal receivable at a remote location indicative of proper tool operation. A method for confirming operation of a downhole tool is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 8857510
    Abstract: A system and a method determine movement of a drilling component, such as, for example, a tool, a drill bit or other wellbore device, within a wellbore. The system and method may process information obtained from the wellbore by using, for example, a numerical processing algorithm. The information may be data acquired during drilling of the wellbore. Rig surface data recording systems may track the position of the drill bit, the BHA and/or other component of the drill string during the time the component is within the wellbore. Downhole measuring devices may record data at various positions along the BHA and above the drill bit as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John Rasmus, John James, William Lesso
  • Publication number: 20140262251
    Abstract: Fractures are induced from lobe shaped inflatable members disposed at different axial locations along a string with frac ports in the circumferential gaps between the lobes. The lobes are inflated by landing a ball on a seat on a sleeve that is initially shifted enough to expose a fill port on each lobe. The lobes are inflated to a pressure that initiates fractures in the formation as the lobes extend. Further raising the pressure induces the sleeve to move a second time to open frac ports. The annulus can be cemented and fracturing can penetrate the cement to further propagate the initiated fractures from lobe inflation. The process is repeated at different levels until the zone of interest is completed. Sensors can relay information by telemetry techniques as to the onset of fractures or other well conditions. The sleeve for the frac ports can be moved in a variety of ways without intervention tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
  • Publication number: 20140251603
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a system and a method for locating a cement plug within a wellbore. The system includes a signal transmitter mounted to the cement plug, a receiver at the opening to the wellbore, one clock positioned on the cement plug and in communication with the transmitter, a second clock which is synchronized to the first clock and in communication with the receiver, and a controller for triggering the transmittal of the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Marius Raducanu, Yildirim Hurmuzlu, Sorin Gabriel Teodorescu
  • Patent number: 8826980
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing apparatus is disclosed that includes a housing having one or more ports, a first sliding sleeve that is movable from a first position to a second position, a second sliding sleeve that is movable from a first position to a second position, a chamber within the housing, and an indicator within the chamber. When the first sliding sleeve is in the first position, the ports are obstructed and the second sliding sleeve is retained in the first position. When the first sliding sleeve is in the second position, the ports are unobstructed and the second sliding sleeve is not retained in the first position. When the second sliding sleeve is in the first position, the indicator is retained within the chamber. When the second sliding sleeve is in the second position, the indicator is not retained in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Kent Neer
  • Patent number: 8818729
    Abstract: Provided are a system and method for identifying planned markers while drilling a borehole. In one example, the method includes obtaining a plan containing planned markers that each corresponds to a baseline marker from an existing well. Each of the baseline markers corresponds to a waveform from a log file obtained from the existing well and is associated with a waveform representation of the corresponding waveform. Each of the planned markers is associated with an estimated true vertical depth (TVD) value. A second log file corresponding to the borehole is obtained that contains waveforms representing formation information detected within the borehole. The second log file is scanned for a planned marker based on the estimated TVD value and the waveform representation of the baseline marker corresponding to the planned marker. At least one match may be identified and reported for the planned marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hunt Advanced Drilling Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian E. Stokeld, Todd W. Benson, Dwight A. Lockhart
  • Publication number: 20140231079
    Abstract: A velocity sensor, a controller, a plunger lift system and method for controlling a plunger lift system is provided. The velocity sensor can use a first magnetic field sensor and a second magnetic field sensor spaced a sensor distance to determine a velocity of a plunger as it passes the velocity sensor. The controller can use information received from the velocity sensor to both control the operation of the plunger lift system using the measured plunger velocity obtained from the velocity sensor and shut down the well if the plunger is measured travelling to fast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Extreme Telematics Corp.
    Inventors: Mark David Scantlebury, Timothy Daly, James La Haye, Valens D'Silva
  • Publication number: 20140216735
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to measurement and control systems and methods of improved spooling accuracy. Specifically, the systems and method disclosed herein provide techniques for accurately monitoring the depth of a sandline in a wellbore through sensing spool rotation, and controlling certain aspects of the spooling and/or producing certain notifications when the depth is above or below a certain threshold. Thus, the spool can be operated with increased diligence when it gets close to the wellhead. In certain example embodiments, the depth of the sandline is measured based at least partially on the number of spool rotations, compensating for decreasing length of sandline per layer of sandline on the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: KEY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon S. Bell, David E. Lord, Rodney W. Hollums, Roger P. Burke
  • Publication number: 20140216734
    Abstract: A method for locating casing collars in a cased wellbore includes moving a well logging instrument coupled within a drill string through the cased wellbore. The instrument includes at least one electromagnetic transmitter and at least two spaced apart electromagnetic receivers. The at least one electromagnetic transmitter is energized with alternating current. A phase difference between electromagnetic signals detected by each of the at least two electromagnetic receivers is measured. A position of at least one casing collar is determined when a change in the measured phase shift is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Douglas Hupp
  • Patent number: 8789588
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Mark Richards, Thomas Jules Frosell
  • Publication number: 20140202691
    Abstract: A method of correcting a downhole speed of a tool string moving in a wellbore includes inserting a tool string into a proximal upper end of the wellbore, spooling out cable at the surface allowing the tool string to move into the wellbore, obtaining a downhole tool speed with an accelerometer and providing said data to a processor that calculates the downhole speed of the tool string based on the accelerometer data, moving the tool string past at least two casing collars and sending data to the processor including the depth of each of the collars and time that the casing collar locator passes each of the casing collars, calculating the average tool speed over the interval between collars, and comparing the downhole line speed as calculated using the data from the accelerometer to the average tool speed calculated based on the time and casing collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Randolph S. Coles
  • Publication number: 20140190688
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for locating multiple windows in a wellbore. The windows are associated with lateral wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Knight Information Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald J. Cronley, Timothy T. Torrez
  • Patent number: 8770285
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for accurately locating wellbore servicing tools within a wellbore. A positioning system includes an elongate housing defining a piston bore with first and second axial ends, a sleeve arranged within the piston bore and having an upset extending radially outward therefrom, one or more lugs arranged within the elongate housing and radially movable when acted upon by the upset, a first biasing device arranged within the piston bore at the second axial end, and at least one RFID tag arranged on the production tubular and configured to communicate with at least one RFID reader arranged on the elongate housing, the at least one RFID reader being configured to deploy the first biasing device upon communicating with the at least one RFID tag, and thereby force the sleeve toward the first axial end and the upset into engagement with the lugs which engage a profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ben Colin McGregor
  • Publication number: 20140182849
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system comprising a casing string disposed within a wellbore, a work string at least partially disposed within the casing string and having a wellbore servicing tool incorporated therein, wherein the wellbore servicing tool is selectively transitionable between a jetting configuration and a mixing configuration, wherein the wellbore servicing tool is configured to transition between the jetting configuration and the mixing configuration via contact between the wellbore servicing tool and the casing upon movement of the work string upwardly within the casing string, upon movement of the work string downwardly within the casing string, or by combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Koustubh Dnyaneshwar KUMBHAR, Bharat Bajirao PAWAR, Yogesh Kamalakar DESHPANDE, Robert Brice PATTERSON
  • Publication number: 20140174731
    Abstract: Make-up speed for a tongs drive system is monitored and controlled to maintain the speed within a limited target range either throughout the make-up process or during the final portion of the make-up process, thereby improving make-up consistency and allowing for improved evaluation or torque during the make-up process. An encoder generates speed and position data during the make-up process. The speed data is compared to a target speed, which is based on rod and/or tongs characteristics. If the speed does not match the target speed or is not within a range of the target speed, a signal is transmitted to the tongs drive to adjust the speed accordingly. Furthermore, position data from the encoder, or other position sensors, provide position data for the rod during the make-up process to limit or vary the speed control parameters during different portions of the make-up process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Steve Conquergood, David Lord
  • Publication number: 20140174732
    Abstract: An apparatus and method may operate to mount one or more communication assemblies relative to the exterior of a casing being placed in a borehole. Two communication assemblies can be placed in longitudinally spaced relation to one another along the casing, wherein each communication assembly is configured to obtain data from RFID tags in one or more azimuthally oriented regions of the annulus surrounding the casing, and to interrogate RFID tags in a first fluid in the borehole. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Goodwin, Mark W. Roberson, Craig W. Roddy, Krishna M. Ravi
  • Patent number: 8752622
    Abstract: To investigate the quality and nature of perforations in a downhole environment, a ‘pecking’ finger and depth measuring probe that can be axially and radially displaced enables the perforation to be located and its depth determined, through sequentially pecking around the wall lining. By swinging a pecking finger supporting a depth measuring probe tip and measuring the displacement of the finger, the edge and center of the hole can be determined with the largest displacement being when the tip is fully in the hole. The depth measuring probe is then deployed and the depth of the perforation established by an increase in the force required to push the probe and by the displacement of the pecking finger as it is pushed back by the reaction forces. Radially extendable clamps at the ends of the tool fix the tool with a surrounding bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Perforating Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Eric Atherton, Tim Jones
  • Publication number: 20140138084
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus for locating lateral wellbores extending from a main wellbore includes a caliper sensing tool having spring actuated calipers extending radially therefrom. Each of the calipers is connected to a sensor, such as a linear variable displacement sensor, that is used to calculate the radial extension distance of the respective caliper. When the tool is inserted through a wellbore and moves past a lateral wellbore opening, the calipers extend into the lateral wellbore opening. The extension, as well as contact with the surfaces of the lateral wellbore, are used to determine the wellbore depth location and azimuthal direction of the lateral wellbore. A deflectable steering arm is operable to be selectively steered into the lateral opening to facilitate access to the lateral wellbore for logging or intervention purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Al-Mulhem
  • Publication number: 20140131035
    Abstract: A tool assembly for performing a wellbore operation including an actuatable tool, a location device, and on-board controller are together dimensioned and arranged to be deployed in the wellbore as an autonomous unit. The actuatable tool, such as a perforating gun having associated charges, perforates a wellbore along a selected zone of interest. The location device, such as casing collar locator, senses the location of the actuatable tool based on a physical signature provided along the wellbore. The on-board controller or micro-processor is configured to send an activation signal to the actuatable tool when the location device has recognized a selected location of the tool based on the physical signature. The tool assembly further includes a multi-gate safety system. The safety system prevents premature activation of the actuatable tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Pavlin B. Entchev, Renzo M. Angeles Boza, Randy C. Tolman, George R. King, Robert C. Stanton, Elton Winemiller, Jason Z. Gahr, Peter W. Sauermilch
  • Publication number: 20140124198
    Abstract: A wellbore y-block junction comprises a first bore channel, a second bore channel, a deflector selectable to a neutral position, to a first bore channel selected position, and to a second bore channel selected position, a radio receiver, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to command the deflector position to one of the neutral position, the first bore channel selected position, or the second bore channel selected position based on an input from the radio receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Stacet B. Donovan
  • Publication number: 20140124197
    Abstract: A method for maneuvering a downhole tool in a well system includes: displacing a tool through a riser; detecting electromagnetic radiation from a source in real time using a detector coupled to the tool; and altering the velocity of the tool in response to detecting the electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Intelliserv, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Marco Veeningen
  • Patent number: 8706463
    Abstract: A system for completing a wellbore (38) having multiple zones. The system includes a completion (42) having a plurality of landing points defined therein positioned within the wellbore (38). A service tool is axially movable within the completion (42). The service tool is coupled to a pipe string (36) extending from the surface and selectively supported by a movable block (30) above the surface. A subsurface model is defined in a computer operably associated with the wellbore (38). The model is operable to predict the position of the service tool relative to the landing points of the completion (42) based upon a dynamic lumped mass model of the service tool and a dynamic lumped capacitance thermal model of the wellbore environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, Kenneth L. Schwendemann, Orlando DeJesus, Michael L. Fripp, Syed Hamid, Tommy F. Grigsby
  • Publication number: 20140102698
    Abstract: A method for determining when a plunger reaches the bottom of an oil or gas well equipped with a plunger lift system. More particularly, the method identifies a surface pressure associated with the plunger reaching the bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventor: Patrick W. BERGMAN
  • Patent number: 8689868
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. The state machine need not return a signal including a unique identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hunting Titan, Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan C. Lerche, James E. Brooks, Jesper Oluf Larsen, Brian Thomsen, Kasper Juul Larsen
  • Patent number: 8689867
    Abstract: A well logging instrument deployment device according to this aspect of the invention includes a housing configured to be coupled to a pipe string. A latch disposed in the housing and is configured to retain a well logging instrument in a first longitudinal position inside the pipe string. An actuator is configured to release the latch to enable longitudinal movement of the well logging instrument inside the pipe string. A signal detector is operatively coupled to the actuator and is the configured to detect a command signal for operating the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tom MacDougall, Harold S. Bissonnette
  • Publication number: 20140090837
    Abstract: A system for identifying location of a plunger that moves along a length of a well, includes an acoustic source carried in the well configured to transmit an acoustic signal when the plunger reaches a sense location in the well. An acoustic receiver is positioned at a top of the well and is configured to receive the acoustic signal processing circuitry processes the received acoustic signal and provides an output indicative of the plunger reaching the sense location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Carl Hedtke, Nathan Len Wiater
  • Patent number: 8651183
    Abstract: The subject matter describes a tactile sensing device comprising an end effector and a control unit. The control unit is capable of receiving tactile information from the at least one end effector. The device enables a user to identify and relatively quickly map the shape and location of unknown surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: Schlumberger Technology Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Julio Guerrero, Steve Dubowsky, Francesco Mazzini, Dan Kettler
  • Publication number: 20140041866
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for accurately locating wellbore servicing tools within a wellbore. A positioning system includes an elongate housing defining a piston bore with first and second axial ends, a sleeve arranged within the piston bore and having an upset extending radially outward therefrom, one or more lugs arranged within the elongate housing and radially movable when acted upon by the upset, a first biasing device arranged within the piston bore at the second axial end, and at least one RFID tag arranged on the production tubular and configured to communicate with at least one RFID reader arranged on the elongate housing, the at least one RFID reader being configured to deploy the first biasing device upon communicating with the at least one RFID tag, and thereby force the sleeve toward the first axial end and the upset into engagement with the lugs which engage a profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ben Colin McGregor
  • Patent number: 8636062
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore extending from a surface and penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises placing a 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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Donald Kyle, Pete Dagenais
  • Publication number: 20140014334
    Abstract: A positional feedback system includes a seal assembly coupled to a running tool, the seal assembly having a seal ring and an energizing ring positioned between a hanger and a subsea wellhead. The energizing ring moves relative to the seal ring from an unset position to a set position to seal to the wellhead and the hanger. The system includes a magnet disposed on the energizing ring and having a magnetic field. One or more sensing devices are disposed on running tool and positioned in the magnetic field of the magnet in the set position and the unset position. The sensing devices are configured to communicate with a surface platform when the rare earth magnet passes a magnetic field through the sensing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Vetco Gray U.K. Limited
    Inventors: Guy Harvey Mason, Stephen Paul Fenton
  • Patent number: 8616288
    Abstract: A plunger lift system of an oil or gas well and method of use is described. The plunger lift system includes a plunger, a sensor, a flow valve assembly, and a controller. The plunger is positioned within the tube string and travels up and down the string in response to the opening and/or closing of the flow valve assembly. The sensor is connected to the tube string and detects vibrations generated by impacts created by the plunger temporarily catching on gaps in the tube string. The sensor generates a sensor signal in response to the impacts of the plunger which are used by the controller to determine the velocity of the plunger within the tube string. If the velocity of the plunger exceeds a preselected maximum velocity, the controller selectively opens or closes the flow valve assembly to reduce the velocity of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Byrne, Phillip P. Harris
  • Publication number: 20130333883
    Abstract: Techniques for correlating depth on a tubular in a wellbore include a casing collar locator tool that includes a tubular mandrel defining a bore therethrough; a top sub-assembly and a bottom sub-assembly carried on the tubular mandrel; a profile carried on the tubular mandrel axially between the top sub-assembly and bottom sub-assembly and adjustable between an engaged state defined by the profile extending radially away from the mandrel and a disengaged state defined by the profile refracted towards the mandrel; and a wedge sleeve carried on the tubular mandrel between the top sub-assembly and the bottom sub-assembly and arranged, at least in part, axially adjacent the profile, the wedge sleeve actuatable to urge the profile into at least one of the engaged state or the disengaged state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Muhammad Asif Ehtesham, Robert L. Pipkin, Tim Hunter
  • Patent number: 8607863
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore extending from a surface and penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises placing a workstring in the wellbore, wherein the workstring 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 workstring and initiating a first function of the first downhole tool based on the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Donald Kyle, Pete Dagenais
  • Publication number: 20130329522
    Abstract: A method of determining an azimuthal orientation of a well tool relative to a line in a well can include connecting at least one acoustic source to the well tool, the acoustic source having a known azimuthal orientation relative to the well tool, and detecting at least one acoustic signal transmitted from the acoustic source to an acoustic sensor, the acoustic sensor having a known azimuthal orientation relative to the line. A system for determining an azimuthal orientation of one or more lines relative to a well tool in a wellbore can include at least one acoustic source having a known azimuthal orientation relative to the well tool, and an optical waveguide connected to a distributed acoustic sensing instrumentation, the waveguide having a known azimuthal orientation relative to the lines, and in which the distributed acoustic sensing instrumentation detects acoustic signals transmitted from the acoustic source to the waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Neal G. SKINNER, Michael L. FRIPP
  • Patent number: 8579037
    Abstract: The method and apparatus involves the positioning of an arm of a wellbore tool, such that the tool moves bidirectionally in a wellbore. Techniques also include predicting and acting in advance on the mechanism of an oilfield tool inside a wellbore, enhancing bidirectional movement and operation of the tool inside a wellbore environment typically for logging the well. Such regulation or control between different sensing parts may control placement of the sensors with respect to the wellbore wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Gregoire Jacob
  • Publication number: 20130284434
    Abstract: A system for determining a depth in a wellbore of a reference point associated with a coiled tubing. The system comprises a sensor coupled to a coiled tubing spool, wherein the sensor coupled to the coiled tubing spool is configured to determine an angular position of the spool, a processor coupled to the sensor, a memory coupled to the processor, and an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, determines the depth in the wellbore of the reference point of the coiled tubing based on an input from the sensor coupled to the coiled tubing spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Chris Andrew MARVEL