Graveling Or Filter Forming Patents (Class 166/278)
  • Patent number: 11686183
    Abstract: A firing head assembly may include a tubular housing; a valve slidably disposed within the tubular housing; a lock mandrel disposed in the tubular housing between the valve and the tubular housing second end; a firing pin holder disposed in the tubular housing between the lock mandrel and the tubular housing second end; an engagement mechanism operably contacting the lock mandrel and the firing pin holder latch. The valve may have a piston end exposed to the lumen. The lock mandrel may be restrained from axial movement by a shear element. The firing pin holder may include a firing pin and latch. The engagement mechanism may be switchable between an engaged arrangement and a disengaged arrangement. The engagement mechanism may be configured to transition from the engaged arrangement to the disengaged arrangement in response to an axial movement of the lock mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: DynaEnergetics Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Ryan Brady
  • Patent number: 11629580
    Abstract: A multi-zone, one trip completion system for a wellbore is described. A plurality of isolation packers is installed in borehole to isolate a plurality of zones of the annulus between a tubing string and a wellbore. Each tubing string section is positioned in a zone and comprises a selectively openable stimulation port to provide stimulation fluid to its zone and a selectively openable production port to receive fluid from its zone. The system also comprises a circulation system with a plurality of circulation tubes and circulation tube valves, being configurable in a plurality of configurations to selectively connect, via a circulation flow path, the central bore or the borehole annulus of a wellbore at each of the plurality of sections, to an upper circulation flow path open to an annulus above an uppermost of the plurality of isolation packers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Packers Plus Energy Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Van Petegem, John Greff, Kelly Ireland
  • Patent number: 11629578
    Abstract: A method for shutting off a wet interval of a wellbore includes producing hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation through a production string installed in the wellbore, identifying the wet interval of the wellbore, perforating the production string in the wet interval using an explosive-free punch tool to produce a plurality of openings in the production string, isolating the production string in the wet interval, treating the wet interval with a sealing composition injected through the plurality of openings into an annulus of the wellbore in the wet interval, and restoring a fluid flow path through the production string in the wet interval. The restored fluid flow path through the wet interval enables continued production of hydrocarbons from downhole intervals, while the sealing composition cured in the annulus provides a barrier to prevent fluid flow from the wet interval into the production string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Feras Hamid Rowaihy, Ahmed A. Al Sulaiman, Suresh Jacob, Ayman Almohsin
  • Patent number: 11578256
    Abstract: Formulations for fracturing fluids that include (i) a fluid (D) including an oil phase in which the fluid (D) is an inverse emulsion including a water-soluble polymer (B) and said oil phase; and (ii) particles of a water-soluble polymer (C), which are different than water-soluble polymer (B), wherein the particles of polymer (C) are dispersed in said oil phase as solid discrete particles. The fluid (D) includes at least 15wt % polymer (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Independence Oilfield Chemicals LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dawson, Aiden Ashmore
  • Patent number: 11572497
    Abstract: Accordingly, this disclosure describes systems, compositions, and methods that may use pelletized diverting agent particulates for diversion, fluid loss control, and/or other subterranean treatments for controlling fluid flow in subterranean formations. In an embodiment, a method comprising: introducing a treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation wherein the treatment fluid comprises: a base fluid; a pelletized diverting agent comprising a degradable polymer, wherein the pelletized diverting agent at least partially plugs a zone in the subterranean formation; and diverting at least a portion of the treatment fluid and/or a subsequently introduced fluid away from the zone. In an embodiment, a treatment fluid comprising: a base fluid; and a pelletized diverting agent comprising a degradable polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Hope Larsen, Larry Steven Eoff, Aaron Michael Beuterbaugh, Chris A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 11566496
    Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus includes a base pipe defining an interior fluid conduit, the base pipe having a production section configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of the base pipe and an interior of the base pipe, the base pipe having a blank section. The apparatus also includes a screen surrounding the production section, the screen in fluid communication with an annular region of a borehole and configured to prevent particulate matter from passing therethrough, and a filtration assembly disposed proximate to the blank section, the filtration assembly including a fluid passage extending between an exterior of the blank section and an interior of the blank section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Vusal Rajabov, Christophe Malbrel
  • Patent number: 11549342
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include gravel pack assemblies, method to bypass a fluid restrictor during gravel packing operations, and methods to control fluid flow during and after gravel packing operations. In one embodiment, a gravel pack assembly including a flow restrictor that is coupled to a downhole string that is deployed in a borehole is disclosed. The flow restrictor forms a first fluid passageway from the borehole to an internal cavity of the string. The gravel pack assembly includes a fluid bypass portion having a first chamber, a sealing member inserted into the first chamber; and an actuation assembly operable to actuate the sealing member. The fluid bypass portion forms a second fluid passageway from the borehole to the internal cavity of the downhole string prior to actuation of the actuation assembly. After actuation of the actuation assembly, fluid flow through the second fluid passageway is restricted by the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Michael Linley Fripp, Caleb Thomas Warren
  • Patent number: 11542817
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and systems for providing fluid lighteners for use in downhole wells. The fluid lighteners may include one or more viscosifiers, one or more aphron generators, and a location-specific non-emulsifying surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Horizon Mud Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McGraw, Tony Farish, Ronnie Farish
  • Patent number: 11530600
    Abstract: Simulating fluid flow in a fractured reservoir includes generating a grid for a fractured reservoir model that includes a fracture and a matrix to obtain a generated grid. Cross-flow equilibrium elements are generated based on the generated grid. A volume expansion parameter is selected for the cross flow equilibrium elements, and used, along with physical properties, pore volume and transmissibility multipliers. The physical properties are included in the cross flow equilibrium elements. A fluid flow in the fractured reservoir model is simulated using the pore volume and transmissibility multipliers and a fracture relative permeability curve to obtain a result, which is presented. The fluid flow is calculated for the cross flow equilibrium elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Hussein Mustapha
  • Patent number: 11525340
    Abstract: A technique facilitates formation of a gravel pack along relatively lengthy wellbores. According to an embodiment, a completion system comprises a plurality of screen assemblies. The completion system also has an alternate path system disposed along the plurality of screen assemblies. The alternate path system includes shunt tubes, e.g. transport tubes, coupled together by jumper tubes. An anti-buckling structure is coupled to each jumper tube to prevent buckling when high operational pressures, e.g. operating pressures of 9000 psi or higher, are applied to the alternate path system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Dean Langlais, Michael Robbins
  • Patent number: 11525342
    Abstract: A technique facilitates formation of a gravel pack along relatively lengthy wellbores. According to an embodiment, a completion system comprises a screen assembly and an alternate path system disposed along the screen assembly. The alternate path system may include a transport tube and a packing tube placed in fluid communication at a manifold. The manifold is disposed along the screen assembly. In some embodiments, the completion system may comprise multiple screen assemblies with multiple corresponding manifolds. The packing tube is protected against erosion by a liner and a surrounding housing which are positioned to conduct fluid flow from the manifold as fluid flow moves from the transport tube, through the manifold, and into the packing tube during a gravel packing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Dean Langlais
  • Patent number: 11525339
    Abstract: A technique facilitates a gravel packing operation in a well. The system may utilize a Y-manifold having a manifold body through which or along which a gravel slurry may be flowed. A plurality of exit end shunt connectors extends from the manifold body to enable connection with corresponding exit end shunt tubes at a position separated from the manifold body. Additionally, a plurality of entrance end shunt connectors extends from the manifold body in a direction generally opposite the exit end shunt connectors. The extended entrance end shunt connectors enable connection with corresponding entrance end shunt tubes at a position separated from the manifold body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ernani Jeronimo, Marcelo Oblitas Ruiz, Abdulali Aliyev, Carlos Emilio Webel, Michael Dean Langlais
  • Patent number: 11525341
    Abstract: A fluid control device includes a support structure configured to be deployed in a borehole and a filtration component disposed at the support structure. The filtration component includes a porous medium made from a shape memory epoxy, the shape memory epoxy including a soft segment monomer and a hard segment monomer, the porous medium configured to be compacted from an initial shape to a compacted shape, deployed in the borehole, and subsequently expanded due to a downhole temperature to conform to a surface of the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Anton Kovalchuk, Anil Sadana, Soumya Vinod
  • Patent number: 11512544
    Abstract: A flow diverter for connecting a central bore to an outer conduit. The flow diverter defines a portion of the central bore and angled flow passages connecting the portion of the central bore to the outer conduit. Rounded edges between the central bore and angled flow passages reduce cavitation and/or turbulence. The rounded edges and an adjacent portion of the central bore may be defined by an insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Saturn Machine Works Ltd.
    Inventors: Bernard Wermann, Patrick Folick, Michael Lang
  • Patent number: 11506022
    Abstract: There is provided a method for well construction comprising the steps of: a first phase of the well construction, in which a bottom hole assembly, BHA, with a first drill is used for drilling, and a conductor casing is lowered into the well and cemented; a second phase of the well construction, in which a second drill is used for drilling, wherein a production adapter base, PAB, is installed in parallel with lowering a blowout preventer, BOP; and a third phase of the well construction in which a third drill is used for drilling, for the steps of landing and geonavigation inside a reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A.—PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Ricardo Freire Grandi, Renan da Silva Costa, Otavio Campos de Araujo, Leonardo Marazzo Garcia, Kris Pernasetti Dunlop, Jose Ricardo Brigido de Moura Filho, Joao Paulo Sanseverino Abdu, Joao Marcelo Mussi Baptista, Gustavo Salgueiro de Oliveira, Giovani Ferreira Machado, George Souza Costa, Frederico Ferreira Chaves Vaz, Ednaldo Goncalves de Moura, Cristiane Koslinski, Carolina Bertholdo da Cunha, Aliel Faria Riente, Antonio Carlos Ramos Junior, Alexandre Campos Manhaes
  • Patent number: 11473408
    Abstract: A wellbore completion system includes an expandable liner hanger with a post-setting fluid flow path. The system includes an expandable liner hanger that can be expanded by a running tool prior to a completion operation in a wellbore. The system also includes a circulating sleeve that can be manipulated by the running tool. The circulating sleeve can provide a return path for fluid internal to the expandable liner hanger for the completion operation that is performed subsequent to releasing the running tool from the expandable liner hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Craig Newton, Robert Ross Murdoch
  • Patent number: 11473000
    Abstract: Insulating fluids for use in drilling, production, and other applications are provided, the insulating fluids containing a porous medium (such as a sponge or foam) to limit the mobility of the liquid phase of the insulating fluid. The porous medium in the insulating fluid provides a mechanical means for reducing convective heat transfer, as the small pore spaces within the porous media create tortuous paths for the liquid moving therethrough. Methods include introducing the insulating fluid into an annulus of a drilling, riser, production, packer, or pipeline assembly to reduce heat transfer therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, William Walter Shumway, Xiangnan Ye
  • Patent number: 11466538
    Abstract: A chemically-activated inflow control device. The inflow control device comprises a tubular body configured to be connected in series to joints of sand screen in a wellbore. The tubular body forms a bore that receives a slotted base pipe. At the same time, the tubular body is fluidly connected with the sand screen joints, forming an annular flow path between the slotted base pipe and surrounding sand screen. Production fluids moving into the sand screen pass across a component that degrades in the presence of water. If the well begins producing water, the degradable component will dissolve, activating a sealing mechanism within the inflow control device and closing a restricted flow path. In this way, production fluids are not able to travel from the annular flow path into the bore of the slotted base pipe. A method for completing a wellbore having a chemically-activated inflow control device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Andy J. Veselka, Matthew S. Jackson, Federico G. Gallo
  • Patent number: 11459501
    Abstract: Chelating acid blends for stimulation of a subterranean formation, methods of utilizing the chelating acid blends, and hydrocarbon wells that include the chelating acid blends are disclosed herein. The chelating acid blends include an acid mixture and a chelating agent or set of chelating agents. The acid mixture includes hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid. The methods include providing the chelating acid blends to a wellbore of a hydrocarbon well, flowing the chelating acid blends into a subterranean formation, dissolving a fraction of a formation mineralogy of the subterranean formation with the acid mixture, and chelating poly-valent metal ions with the chelating agent. The hydrocarbon wells include a wellbore that extends within a subterranean formation, a downhole tubular that extends within the wellbore, a fracture that extends into the subterranean formation, and a chelating acid blend positioned within the fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Mauro Lo Cascio, Pavlin B. Entchev, Timothy J. Hall, P. Matthew Spiecker
  • Patent number: 11459855
    Abstract: A tool comprising a movable sleeve with an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a screen. The screen being configured to filter materials flowing into a first port within the moveable sleeve, wherein the outer diameter of the movable sleeve is positioned adjacent to an inner diameter of the tool, wherein the screen is configured to move with the moveable sleeve. The tool further comprising a temporary member positioned on the inner diameter of the moveable sleeve, the temporary member being configured to temporarily cover an inner sidewall of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Vertice Oil Tools Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Ibrahim Saraya, Andrew John Webber
  • Patent number: 11448036
    Abstract: Method is provided for preventing fluid from entering a well, such as a producing well, during a hydraulic fracturing treatment in another well completed in the same reservoir. Degradable ball sealers or degradable particulate material is injected into the well and pressure is maintained in the well during the fracturing treatment to prevent influx of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Ely and Associates, LLC
    Inventor: John W. Ely
  • Patent number: 11434728
    Abstract: A completion system apparatus having a body comprising a throughbore and lateral flow ports for providing access through a wall of the body and a valve arrangement including a first, uphole, valve assembly and a second, downhole, valve assembly. The valve arrangement is configurable between a first, open, configuration in which passage of fluid through the axial throughbore is permitted and a second, activated, configuration, the valve arrangement in the second, activated, configuration preventing passage of fluid in the first, downhole, direction so as to direct the fluid through the lateral flow ports while permitting the passage of fluid through the apparatus in a second, uphole, direction so as to permit return passage of the fluid through the apparatus. A bypass arrangement is configured to permit fluid travelling in the second direction to bypass the first valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford U.K. Limited
    Inventors: Mark Presslie, Andrew Franklin, Paul Day
  • Patent number: 11403440
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a particle-based fluid simulation method using multiple processors which is performed in a fluid simulation apparatus, including modeling a simulation region including multiple particles for a fluid, dividing the simulation region into multiple sub-regions, allocating each of the multiple processors to each of the multiple sub-regions, calculating, by each of the multiple processors, flow data of multiple particles for a sub-region corresponding to each of the multiple processors, and performing a fluid simulation based on the result of the calculation. The calculating, by each of the multiple processors, flow data of multiple particles for a sub-region corresponding to each of the multiple processors includes exchanging, by each of the multiple processors, the flow data of the multiple particles with at least one adjacent processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: E8IGHT Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jin Hyun Kim, Kwang Joon Cho, Sang Min Song
  • Patent number: 11401780
    Abstract: A completion assembly to aid in gravel packing a wellbore which assembly includes a plurality of interconnected sand screen assemblies, each sand screen assembly having a wireless adjustable electronic flow control node disposed along the sand screen base pipe to control flow of a gravel packing slurry from the base pipe into the wellbore annulus. Each electronic flow control node includes a valve that can be adjusted by an electric actuator powered by a power harvesting mechanism disposed in a flow path of the completion assembly. A wireless transmitter receives a control signal to control the electric actuator. The control signal may be transmitted sequentially from a distal most sand screen assembly to a proximal sand screen assembly in order to sequentially build the gravel pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Stephen Michael Greci
  • Patent number: 11401453
    Abstract: A variety of methods, compositions, and systems are disclosed, including, a method comprising: introducing a treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation wherein the treatment fluid comprises: a base fluid; and multi-grade diverting particulates, wherein the multi-grade diverting particulates comprise a degradable polymer, wherein the degradable polymer comprises a first portion of the degradable polymer and a second portion of the degradable polymer of different grades, wherein the multi-grade diverting particulate at least partially plugs a zone in the subterranean formation; and diverting at least a portion of the treatment fluid and/or a subsequently introduced fluid away from the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Hope Larsen, Aaron Michael Beuterbaugh, Larry Steven Eoff
  • Patent number: 11397839
    Abstract: A method of designing a particle size distribution of particulate bridging lost circulation material for a fractured leakage includes the following steps: classifying the lost circulation materials according to a particle size; calculating an expected range of a characteristic particle size of the lost circulation materials according to a fracture width and particle size selection criteria; setting a relative percentage content of the each level of the lost circulation materials; using a particle size distribution function to fit a particle size distribution curve; calculating the characteristic particle size of the lost circulation materials according to the particle size distribution curve; determining whether the calculated characteristic particle size conforms to the expected range of the characteristic particle size; and generating the particle size distribution of the lost circulation materials conforming to the particle size selection criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST PETROLEUM UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Gui Wang, Shengjiang Xu, Xiaolin Pu, Hu Jia, Tianshou Ma
  • Patent number: 11384628
    Abstract: A downhole completion system and methodology is provided for use in a well. The downhole completion comprises a packer and a plurality of flow control sand screens. Each flow control sand screen has an inflow control device (ICD). The downhole completion further comprises at least one lower sand screen positioned below the plurality of flow control sand screens. The at least one lower sand screen is configured without an ICD. A flow restrictor is disposed between the plurality of flow control sand screens and the at least one lower sand screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Dorban, Arnaud Andre
  • Patent number: 11359129
    Abstract: A method of placing compressible particles within a wellbore. The method first comprises accessing a wellbore. The wellbore has a first string of casing and a second string of casing, wherein the first string of casing surrounds an upper portion of the second string of casing, forming a trapped annulus. The method further includes pumping a fluid mixture down the second string of casing and back up the annulus. The fluid mixture comprises an aqueous carrier fluid having a plurality of compressible particles dispersed therein. Each of the compressible particles is fabricated to collapse in response to fluid pressure within the trapped annulus. The method additionally includes pumping cement into at least a lower portion of the annulus behind the fluid mixture, forming a column of cement, and thereby placing the fluid mixture in the annulus above the column of cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Ward E. Narhi, Sandeep A. Kibey, Sabine C. Zeilinger, Lillard E. Korn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11293270
    Abstract: A technique facilitates performance of a gravel packing operation and desired zonal isolation. An apparatus, e.g. a sliding sleeve shunt tube isolation valve, may be deployed downhole and configured to facilitate a gravel packing operation and zonal isolation. By way of example, the apparatus contains a conduit which in an open position allows the flow of gravel pack slurry and in a closed position creates a barrier. In the closed position, upper and lower portions of the conduit are isolated from one another. When the apparatus is coupled with a packer and sand screens, the apparatus serves to create complete zonal isolation in, for example, an open hole alternate path system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Malone, Kameron Klauber, Nitin Verroju, Robert Krush, Michael Huh, Farhan Ahmed Omer, Chidi Nwafor
  • Patent number: 11280156
    Abstract: A new tool and methodology to work, in a single-trip system, and create conduits through the casing or tubing to access the annuli, circulate out the annuli contents, accurately deliver the cement required to create the subsequent barrier. The tool and system provide a cost effective way of plugging an oil and gas well in a single trip without the need to remove in-place production casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Eli Hess, Bruce Wallace Techentien, Andy John Cuthbert, Keith David Romaine
  • Patent number: 11254853
    Abstract: A lost circulation material (LCM) that includes spheres having radially distributed and substantially-straight protrusions to facilitate engagement (such as interlocking and entanglement) of the spheres, and methods of preventing lost circulation using the spheres. Each sphere has a plurality of protrusions to contact protrusions of adjacent spheres. The spheres may form plugs in channels, fractures, and other openings in a lost circulation zone. Additionally or alternatively, the spheres may form a bridge on which other LCMs may accumulate to seal openings in a lost circulation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Raed A. Alouhali, Md Amanullah, Eric Moellendick, Mohammed Arfaj, Mohammed Al Rashead
  • Patent number: 11215036
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore for performing a treatment operation is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include an inner string that further includes a first tubular having a first communication link, and a service tool including a cross-over tool having a fluid flow passage therein for supplying a treatment fluid under pressure from an inside of the service tool to an outside of the service tool, and wherein the service tool includes a second communication link operatively coupled to the first communication link and wherein the second communication link runs across or through the fluid flow passage in the cross-over tool that is protected from direct flow of the fluid under pressure from the inside of the service tool to the outside of the service tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron C. Hammer, Robert S. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 11208869
    Abstract: Provided is a packer plug. The packer plug, in this example, may include an engagement member having a no go feature configured to engage a no go shoulder of an associated packer assembly. The packer plug, in the example, further includes a nose cone having one or more nose cone openings coupled proximate a downhole end of the engagement member, and a check valve coupled proximate the engagement member. The check valve, engagement member, and nose cone, in this example, create a fluid path between a lower end and an upper end of the packer plug. Further to this example, the check valve is configured to allow downhole fluid to pass uphole through the fluid path as the packer plug is being pushed downhole, but substantially prevent uphole fluid from passing downhole through the fluid path as the packer plug is being pulled uphole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Owen Roane, Antonio Rosas, Zheng Guan
  • Patent number: 11187059
    Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a hollow body having a wall and a port in the wall, and a closing sleeve movable relative to the body to open and close the port. A seal is provided between the body and the sleeve and is configured to hold differential pressure. An isolation member may be deployed in the tool to isolate the seal from differential pressure and close the port. The isolation member may be deployed following initiation of a tool activation process, a successful outcome of the process being translating the closing sleeve and closing the port, and positioning the seal to hold a differential pressure. If it is detected that the outcome has not been achieved, the isolation member is deployed to isolate the seal from differential pressure and close the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Churchill Drilling Tools Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Philip Churchill
  • Patent number: 11162020
    Abstract: A composition for use as a pressure-tolerant dual-crosslinker gel in a fracturing fluid that comprises polymer, the polymer operable to increase the viscosity of a fluid; boron-containing crosslinker, the boron-containing crosslinker operable to crosslink the polymer; and a transition metal oxide additive, the transition metal oxide additive operable to crosslink the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Feng Liang, Ghaithan Al-Muntasheri, Abdulrahman F. Alharbi
  • Patent number: 11162353
    Abstract: A method for determining an operating envelope for a wellbore can include receiving an indication of a hydrocarbon production rate of a hydrocarbon fluid into the wellbore from at least one production zone, receiving an indication of a fluid production rate of a fluid into the wellbore from the at least one production zone, receiving an indication of a pressure within the wellbore while producing the one or more fluids from the wellbore from the at least one production zone, correlating the indication of the pressure with the hydrocarbon production rate and the fluid production rate, and determining an operating envelope based on the correlating. The fluid production rate comprises at least one of: an aqueous fluid production rate or a gas production rate. The operating envelope defines a boundary for the indication of the pressure, the fluid production rate, and the hydrocarbon production rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: LYTT LIMITED
    Inventor: Pradyumna Thiruvenkatanathan
  • Patent number: 11149500
    Abstract: A system including a tool drill string having a downhole device. The system includes at least one external contact to be electrically coupled to the downhole device to communicate with the downhole device, one or more insulators that electrically insulate the at least once external contact from other parts of the system, and one or more seals situated between the one or more insulators and the at least one external contact to pressure seal the system from external fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignees: Black Diamond Oilfield Rentals, LLC, Erdos Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Miller, David Cramer
  • Patent number: 11143003
    Abstract: Methods to dehydrate a gravel pack and to temporarily increase a flow rate of fluid flowing from a wellbore into a conveyance are disclosed. A method to dehydrate gravel pack includes deploying a valve at a location proximate a gravel pack. The valve includes a rupture disk that ruptures in response to a threshold amount of pressure, and reactive fluid that actuates the valve to a closed position. The method also includes providing a fluid flow path from the gravel pack to the conveyance. The method further includes closing the valve after providing the fluid flow path from the gravel pack to the conveyance for a threshold period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Michael Novelen, Edmund Christopher Williamson, Stephen Michael Greci
  • Patent number: 11143001
    Abstract: A method and system for supporting unstable geologic materials surrounding a borehole after the borehole is drilled, while reducing the vertical migration in a sand pack behind a slotted screen in the casing. An annulus is defined between a drill casing and a continuous screened casing. Alternating sand fills and sealing layers are deposed in the annulus along a length of the borehole. The length of the sealed interval between the screened casing and the hole wall is reduced, allowing flow connection between the surrounding geologic formation and the interior of the casing over most of the casing length. The sand pack design between the screen and the borehole wall has a sufficient number of sealed barriers to vertical flow to approximate an ideal sand backpacking, which has a vertical conductivity no greater than that of the formation and a relatively low impedance to horizontal flow through the sand pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Carl E. Keller
  • Patent number: 11136858
    Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole gravel packing operations. The systems include a pressure activated fluid diverter and a plurality of inflow control devices attached to the pressure activated fluid diverter to form a section of a string. The pressure activated fluid diverter has a flow performance curve defined by: DP=AQ3+BQ2+CQ, where DP is the differential pressure across the pressure activated fluid diverter in psi and Q is the flow rate through the pressure activated fluid diverter in bpm, with a fluid passing therethrough being at room temperature, having a fluid density of 9.2 ppg, and a fluid viscosity of 1 cps, the flow performance curve of the pressure activated fluid diverter is equal to or below a maximum flow performance curve defined by A=0, B=313.43, C=?1.715.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Hang Nguyen, Christophe Malbrel
  • Patent number: 11118432
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow into a well includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a screen configured to enable fluid flow therethrough between an exterior and an interior of the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member is configured to be positionable within the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member is a remotely activated flow control device configured to control fluid flow between an exterior and an interior of the inner tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jules Frosell, Stephen Michael Greci, Gary John Geoffroy
  • Patent number: 11078402
    Abstract: Methods include drilling at least one interval of a wellbore with a water-based wellbore fluid producing a filtercake in the at least one interval of the wellbore. The methods also include gravel packing an interval of a wellbore traversing a subterranean formation with a gravel pack that comprises polyhydroxycarboxylic acid, and hydrolyzing the polyhydroxycarboxylic acid to degrade at least a portion of the filtercake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Offenbacher, Balkrishna Gadiyar
  • Patent number: 11041357
    Abstract: A system for facilitating fluid flow to a wellbore includes a packer having a first conduit and a second conduit adjacent to the first conduit. A portion of the second conduit is formed by an outer surface of the first conduit. The packer also includes a swelling element that surrounds and radially encloses the first conduit and second conduit. The first end of the packer includes a bulkhead manifold having a transition section that forms a fluid coupling from at least one external bypass conduit to the second conduit, and the swelling element is operable to form a seal against a wellbore wall upon exposure to a swell fluid. The first end of the packer is fluidly coupled to the fluid supply source via an external bypass conduit, and the second conduit is fluidly coupled to the annulus of the wellbore at the second end of the annulus bypass packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Robert Pounds, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11035208
    Abstract: Provided is method for gravel packing dual zones within a wellbore and integrating a zonal isolation system. The method, in one embodiment, includes creating an outer sub-assembly and an inner sub-assembly, wherein the inner sub-assembly is positioned within the outer sub-assembly. The method further includes running the outer sub-assembly proximate a bottom of a downhole portion of a wellbore, and setting an uphole packer in an uphole portion of the wellbore and a downhole packer in the downhole portion of the wellbore. The method further includes gravel packing an upper zone and a lower zone, pulling the gravel pack service tool assembly out of the wellbore thereby isolating the upper zone and the lower zone from each other and the wellbore, and running an upper completion into the wellbore to open one or both of the upper zone or the lower zone for production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Penno, Jean-Michel Alain Ranjeva, Simon White
  • Patent number: 11021927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a well tool assembly (1) comprising a setting tool (10) and a plugging tool (20). The plugging tool (20) comprises: an inner mandrel device (21) and an outer housing device (26), an upper sealing device (30), a slips device (40), a lower sealing device (50) and a centralizing device (60) connected to each other in an axial direction outside of the mandrel device 21. The slips device (40) is provided axially between the upper and lower sealing devices (30, 50). The centralizing device (60) is provided below the lower sealing device (50) or above the upper sealing device (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Interwell Norway AS
    Inventor: Espen Hiorth
  • Patent number: 11015102
    Abstract: A lost circulation material (LCM) is provided having an alkaline nanosilica dispersion, a polyester activator, and a formaldehyde resin. The alkaline nanosilica dispersion and the polyester activator may form a gelled solid after interaction over a contact period, such that the gelled solid incorporates the formaldehyde resin. Methods of lost circulation control using the LCM are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Vikrant Wagle, Rajendra Kalgaonkar, Abdullah Al-Yami, Zainab Alsaihati
  • Patent number: 10982511
    Abstract: A downhole system includes a tubular having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a conduit. A terminal member is connected to the tubular. A first screen system including a first screen housing is mounted to the tubular adjacent the terminal member, and a second screen system including a second screen housing is mounted to the tubular and spaced from the first screen system. The second screen system includes a beta blaster valve operable to selectively open flow into the conduit based on a pressure differential between the first screen system and the second screen system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Wilfred Provost
  • Patent number: 10975292
    Abstract: An omniphobic emulsion comprising an aqueous continuous phase having dispersed therein a plurality of non-aqueous discontinuous phase droplets; wherein the non-aqueous discontinuous phase droplets are characterized by a droplet size of less than about 100 micrometers (?m); wherein each of the plurality of non-aqueous discontinuous phase droplets comprises a plurality of surfactant molecules and an omniphobic agent, wherein each surfactant molecule has a hydrophilic head portion and a hydrophobic tail portion; wherein each of the plurality of non-aqueous discontinuous phase droplets comprises the plurality surfactant molecules having the hydrophilic head portions disposed into a droplet outer layer with the hydrophobic tail portions extending inward from the droplet outer layer toward the omniphobic agent; and wherein the droplet outer layer encloses the omniphobic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Sendees, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Tatyana V. Khamatnurova
  • Patent number: 10975642
    Abstract: A shifting tool is provided for locating and actuating downhole tools in a downhole tubular string, such as sleeve valves spaced along a completion string. The shifting tool includes dogs at ends of two or more radially controllable, and circumferentially spaced support arms. The arms are manipulated with an axially movable arm-constrictor spider for engaging radially variable cams on the sides of the arms. The spider includes cam follower tabs to cam the arms radially inward for in and out of hole movement, and for releasing the arms for sleeve locating and sleeve profile engagement. The tabs are radially inset from the arms to minimize obstruction of a tool annulus and interference damage when travelling along the downhole string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: KOBOLD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Per Angman, Mark Andreychuk
  • Patent number: 10954139
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an oleophilic foam includes providing a foam comprising a base material. The base material is coated with an inorganic material using at least one of an atomic layer deposition (ALD), a molecular layer deposition (MLD) or sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS) process. The SIS process includes at least one cycle of exposing the foam to a first metal precursor for a first predetermined time and a first partial pressure. The first metal precursor infiltrates at least a portion of the base material and binds with the base material. The foam is exposed to a second co-reactant precursor for a second predetermined time and a second partial pressure. The second co-reactant precursor reacts with the first metal precursor, thereby forming the inorganic material on the base material. The inorganic material infiltrating at least the portion of the base material. The inorganic material is functionalized with an oleophilic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Seth B. Darling, Jeffrey W. Elam, Anil U. Mane