Discharging Cement From Casing At Different Levels Patents (Class 166/289)
  • Patent number: 11713646
    Abstract: A stage cementing system includes a stage cementing assembly having a stage tool. The stage tool has an outer mandrel, an inner mandrel coupled to and disposed inside of the outer mandrel, an annular chamber between the outer mandrel and the inner mandrel, a first outer port through the outer mandrel, and longitudinally spaced first and second inner ports through the inner mandrel. The stage cementing system further includes an inner string assembly configured to be located inside the inner mandrel. The inner string assembly has a tubular body having a central throughbore and longitudinally spaced first and second side ports, a lower external seal element below the first and second side ports, a middle external seal element between the first and second side ports, and an upper external seal element above the first and second side ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Jeffery Morrison, Jobby T. Jacob
  • Patent number: 11365606
    Abstract: A bottom hole actuator tool for locating and actuating one or more sleeve valves spaced along a completion string. A shifting tool includes radially extending dogs at ends of radially controllable, and circumferentially spaced support arms. Conveyance tubing actuated shifting of an activation mandrel, indexed by a J-Slot, cams the arms radially inward to overcome the biasing for in and out of hole movement, and for releasing the arms for sleeve locating and sleeve profile engagement. A cone, movable with the mandrel engages the dogs for positive locking of the dogs in the profile for sleeve opening and closing. A treatment isolation packer can be actuated with cone engagement. The positive engagement and compact axial components results in short sleeve valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: KOBOLD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Andreychuk, Per Angman, Allan Petrella, David Christopher Parks
  • Patent number: 11220886
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus comprises a housing, a seat mounted in the housing and configured to receive an object such that the object may engage and axially move the seat to operate the downhole apparatus, and a moveable barrier located on one axial side of the seat such that when an object is engaged with the seat a volume is defined between the object and the moveable barrier, wherein the moveable barrier permits said volume to be moved within the apparatus to allow the object to axially move the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford U.K. Limited
    Inventor: Michael John Maclurg
  • Patent number: 11142989
    Abstract: A tool for perforating, packing and fracturing and a tubing string comprising the tool are disclosed. The tool comprises an upper connector, a connection sleeve, a mandrel, a packer, a lower connector, and an inner sleeve. The upper connector is provided with communication holes, and a nozzle is provided at each communication hole. The inner sleeve is provided on an inner wall of the upper connector to block the nozzle. Under an action of a fracturing fluid, the inner sleeve moves downwards to expose the nozzle, and the packer is packed. Then, perforating is performed through the nozzle. After perforating is finished, the nozzle is configured to be lost at a communication hole, and then fracturing is performed. When the tool is used, operation cost can be reduced, and reservoir stimulation effect can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignees: CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORPORATION, SINOPEC SOUTHWEST OIL & GAS COMPANY
    Inventors: Zhenwei Gan, Bin Qi, Shunqu Hu, Zhimin Hou, Yongmao Lin, Yijun Zhou, Lei Wang, Tao Liu, Wenjiang Teng, Jingyu Cui
  • Patent number: 11136862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of conducting a perf wash cement (“P/W/C”) abandonment job in an offshore oil or gas well annulus (2), in particular the washing or cementing operation using a rotating head (6, 8) with nozzles (7, 9) dispensing wash fluid or cement at pressure. Certain values of parameters of a washing or cementing job have been found surprisingly to affect the quality of the job, or the degree to which they affect the quality of the job has been unexpected. These include including rotation rate of the tool, the direction of translational movement of the tool, and the volume flow rate and pressure per nozzle of cement or wash fluid (and hence nozzle size).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Rick Watts, Stein Haavardstein, Lars Hovda, James C. Stevens, Dan Mueller, Brett Borland, Amal Phadke, Praveen Gonuguntla
  • Patent number: 11125048
    Abstract: A stage cementing system includes a stage cementing assembly having a stage tool. The stage tool has an outer mandrel, an inner mandrel coupled to and disposed inside of the outer mandrel, an annular chamber between the outer mandrel and the inner mandrel, a first outer port through the outer mandrel, and longitudinally spaced first and second inner ports through the inner mandrel. The stage cementing system further includes an inner string assembly configured to be located inside the inner mandrel. The inner string assembly has a tubular body having a central throughbore and longitudinally spaced first and second side ports, a lower external seal element below the first and second side ports, a middle external seal element between the first and second side ports, and an upper external seal element above the first and second side ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Jeffery Morrison, Jobby T. Jacob
  • Patent number: 11111755
    Abstract: Downhole apparatus comprises: a tubular body for mounting on an inner tubing string (10); a first flow port (24); a second flow port (12a); and a connector (68) associated with the tubular body (10) and operable to at least one of engage with and disengage from a lower end (22) of a bore-lining tubing string (20). The apparatus has a first configuration in which the first flow port (24) is open and the second flow port (12a) is closed, whereby a settable material (54) may be pumped in a first direction (56) downwards through the tubular body, through the connector, and through the first flow port, and a second configuration in which the first flow port (24) is closed and the second flow port (12a) is open, whereby a fluid may be pumped in the first direction (58) downwards through the tubular body (10), exit the tubular body through the second flow port (12a), and then flow in a second direction upwards and externally of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: DeltaTek Oil Tools Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Edmund Bruce, David Michael Shand, Tristam Paul Horn
  • Patent number: 11098557
    Abstract: A plug for delivering to a bottom end of a tubular in a wellbore and method of use. The plug includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end engageable to a landing member in an interior of the tubular uphole of the bottom end. A bore extends through the body from the first end to the second end. A rupture disk that breaks above a rupture threshold pressure is on an outer diameter of the body. The plug is run into the tubular and engaged to the landing member. A hydraulic pressure is applied in the tubular to rupture the rupture disk to form an inlet to the plug. Fluid is delivered to the bottom end of the tubular via the inlet of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Josef Hoffman
  • Patent number: 11091970
    Abstract: Systems and methods include a mechanical isolation device that comprises a sleeve, which includes a port for fluid flow between an internal bore of the sleeve and an inside of a tubular. A receiver positioned in the internal bore includes a first orifice at a first axial location on the receiver, and a second orifice at a second axial location on the receiver. The second orifice is either aligned or un-aligned with the port of the sleeve. The receiver is slidable within the sleeve to: (i) move the first orifice into alignment with the port and either move the second orifice out of alignment with the port or keep the second orifice out of alignment with the port; and (ii) move the first orifice out of alignment with the port so that a portion of the receiver covers the port to block fluid flow between the internal bore of the sleeve and the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Drilling Innovative Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Samuel P. Hawkins, III
  • Patent number: 11008828
    Abstract: A completion method for completing a well includes running of a second well tubular metal structure into the well to a position at least partly below a first well tubular metal structure, circulating cleaning fluid at a first pressure out through the second end to remove at least part of the mud, displacing cement at a second pressure down through the second well tubular metal structure into an annulus between the second well tubular metal structure and a wall of the borehole, pressurising the inside of the second well tubular metal structure to a third pressure above the first pressure and the second pressure breaking a breakable element in the valve assembly, which changes condition from the first condition to the second condition, further pressurising the inside of the second well tubular metal structure, expanding the expandable metal sleeve to abut the wall of the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Welltec Oilfield Solutions AG
    Inventor: Jon Kræmer
  • Patent number: 10858569
    Abstract: Liners may be cemented in a well bore contaminated with an oil-based or synthetic fluid by injecting an aqueous cleaning fluid into the well, energizing the cleaning fluid to displace fluids present in an annulus between the liner and the bore and to create turbulent flow of the cleaning fluid in the annulus, and injecting a cementitious slurry into the annulus after the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid comprises a weighting agent, a suspending agent, a surfactant, and nut shell particulates. The turbulent flow of the cleaning fluid through the annulus is effective to remove oily residues left by the oil-based or synthetic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: American Cementing, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick B. Pernites, Diankui Fu, Jordan Lee Clark
  • Patent number: 10822908
    Abstract: A circulation coupler for continuous or constant circulation of drilling mud during operation of a drill string, the circulation coupler comprising: a housing having an upper open end and a lower open end, wherein the housing has a port through the housing between the upper and lower ends; an upper rotating control device positioned in the upper open end of the housing, wherein the upper rotating control device comprises a bearing package and a sealing component for sealing engagement with a drill string; and a lower rotating control device position in the lower open end of the housing, wherein the upper rotating control device comprises a bearing package and a sealing component for sealing engagement with a drill string, wherein when a drill sting is positioned within the circulation coupler and engaged by the sealing components of the upper and lower rotating control devices a chamber is defined within the housing between the upper and lower rotating control devices around the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Scott Coffey
  • Patent number: 10472928
    Abstract: A bottom hole actuator tool for locating and actuating one or more sleeve valves spaced along a completion string. A shifting tool includes radially extending dogs at ends of radially controllable, and circumferentially spaced support arms. Conveyance tubing actuated shifting of an activation mandrel, indexed by a J-Slot, cams the arms radially inward to overcome the biasing for in and out of hole movement, and for releasing the arms for sleeve locating and sleeve profile engagement. A cone, movable with the mandrel engages the dogs for positive locking of the dogs in the profile for sleeve opening and closing. A treatment isolation packer can be actuated with cone engagement. The positive engagement and compact axial components results in short sleeve valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: KOBOLD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Andreychuk, Per Angman, Allan Petrella, David Christopher Parks
  • Patent number: 10428584
    Abstract: A bit for drilling with a casing or liner string includes: a tubular stem made from a high strength metal or alloy; a head: having a cutting face with an inner cone, an outer shoulder, and an intermediate nose between the cone and the shoulder; attached to an end of the stem; and made from a nonferrous metal or alloy; a plurality of blades formed integrally with the head, made from the nonferrous metal or alloy, and each extending from a center of the cutting face to the shoulder; a plurality of superhard cutters mounted along each blade; a plurality of gauge pads formed integrally with the stem; and a flush joint formed between each blade and a respective gauge pad. A yield strength of the high strength metal or alloy is at least twice a yield strength of the nonferrous metal or alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: VAREL INTERNATIONAL IND., L.P.
    Inventors: Gary M. Thigpen, Bruno Cuillier de Maindreville, Gilles Gallego
  • Patent number: 10107067
    Abstract: Methods for sealing a wellbore include placing a barrier material within an annular space between a wellbore tubing and a wellbore casing, wherein a seal is placed across or below openings in the wellbore tubing at at least one location above a lowermost tubing to annulus opening. In some embodiments, an intervention tubing may be used to insert the barrier material into successively exposed ones of the annulus openings, whereby no seal sleeve is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: AARBAKKE INNOVATION, A.S.
    Inventors: Henning Hansen, Tarald Gudmestad
  • Patent number: 10066452
    Abstract: A flexible collet on a subterranean tool has sacrificial soft components to protect seal bores through which the collets have to compress to get through. The sacrificial components can be replaced when the tool is removed to the surface. In one embodiment, threaded fasteners are used alone or with washers for height adjustment such that the heads of the fasteners which are softer than the seal bore material ride on the seal bore and take the wear. The tool can ultimately be used to latch into shifting sleeves to move such sleeves to open or close wall ports. Alternatively axial ridges with beveled profile ends can be used or rolling members such as wheels or balls can be used to keep sharp edges off the seal bore. EDM method can be used to create multiple fingers with an axial ridge profile and rounded end transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Travis E. Cochran, Steven R. Hayter
  • Patent number: 9976391
    Abstract: A flexible collet on a subterranean tool has sacrificial soft components to protect seal bores through which the collets have to compress to get through. The sacrificial components can be replaced when the tool is removed to the surface. In one embodiment, threaded fasteners are used alone or with washers for height adjustment such that the heads of the fasteners which are softer than the seal bore material ride on the seal bore and take the wear. The tool can ultimately be used to latch into shifting sleeves to move such sleeves to open or close wall ports. Alternatively axial ridges with beveled profile ends can be used or rolling members such as wheels or balls can be used to keep sharp edges off the seal bore. EDM method can be used to create multiple fingers with an axial ridge profile and rounded end transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventor: Steven R. Hayter
  • Patent number: 9856715
    Abstract: A stage tool and a method for stage cementing a wellbore annulus. The method includes: running into a wellbore toward bottom hole with a tubing string to a position in the wellbore; setting the tubing string in the wellbore to create the wellbore annulus between the tubing string and a wall of the wellbore; opening a cementing port through a side pocket structure positioned alongside the tubing string; pumping cement through the cementing port; and closing the cementing port to hold the cement in the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Jon Themig, Robert Joe Coon
  • Patent number: 9127522
    Abstract: A well system (100) includes a production string (130) adapted to extend from a wellhead (120) to a subterranean zone (110). The production string (130) includes one or more joints of tubing comprising a bore; a seal (150) actuable by a specified pressure in the bore to substantially prevent fluid communication in an annulus (140) between a first portion of a wellbore (115) and a second portion of the wellbore (115), and an intervention sub (200) comprising a body (210) and a plurality of ports (228, 230) adapted to allow fluid communication between the bore and the annulus (140). The annulus is disposed between an exterior surface of the production string (130) and the wellbore (115). The intervention sub (200) further includes a seat (226) adapted to receive a plug (224) from the terranean surface (105) and seal the bore to substantially prevent fluid communication through the ports (228, 230).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian K. Kent, Stewart R. Hollett
  • Patent number: 9085952
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in launching cement plugs in a well cementing operation, comprising: a cylinder (130); a piston (110) slideably received in the bore of the cylinder; and an actuator, operable by the piston, for launching a plug from the apparatus into the well; wherein the cylinder has a resiliently mounted latching member (132) positioned in the wall thereof and biased to project into the bore of the cylinder; and the piston has a profiled outer surface defining a recess (114) into which the latching member (132) can project to hold the piston in position in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Rondeau, André Salvaire
  • Patent number: 9074437
    Abstract: An actuator for a subterranean tool is releasably retained by a collet. The actuation system features opposing actuation pistons with ports communicating to the tubing. The spaced ports are sequentially straddled for initial setting and a subsequent release using a predetermined applied pressure. The applied pressure overcomes the retaining force of the collet and actuates a one of two opposed pistons to set the tool, which is preferably a liner hanger. Upon shifting the actuation tool to communication to another port leading to an actuating piston pushing in another direction with applied pressure releases the tool and re-latches a retaining collet. The tool can be set, released and repositioned for another cycle in the same trip in the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jason C. Stingerie, Louis M. Gambertoglio, David L. Nevels
  • Patent number: 9051813
    Abstract: System, devices, and methods are described relating to the treatment (e.g., perforating, fracturing, foam stimulation, acid treatment, cement treatment, etc.) of well-bores (e.g., cased oil and/or gas wells). In at least one example, a method is provided for treatment of a region in a well, the method comprising: positioning, in a well-bore, a packer above the region of the well-bore, fixing, below the region, an expansion packer, treating the region, the treatment fixing the packer, moving the expansion packer, and moving the packer after the moving of the expansion packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin Howard, Phillip Mandrell, Marty Stromquist
  • Publication number: 20150027706
    Abstract: A cementing port collar has an opening sleeve biased from a closed position to an opened position relative to the collar's exit port, and a first restraint temporarily holds the opening sleeve closed. The collar also has a closing sleeve biased from an opened position to a closed position, and a second restraint temporarily holds the closing sleeve opened. During cementing, the first restraint is electronically activated with a first trigger to release the opening sleeve opened so cement slurry can pass out of the collar's exit port to the borehole annulus. When cementing is completed, the second restraint is electronically activated with a second trigger to release the closing sleeve closed to close off the collar to the borehole so the cement can set. The restraints can include bands of synthetic fiber, which are burned by fuses activated by a controller of the collar responding to passage of RFID tags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Wealtherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua V. Symms
  • Publication number: 20150021026
    Abstract: A stage tool operable with a plug is used for cementing a tubing string in a wellbore annulus. The tool can have a housing with a closure sleeve movably disposed in the internal bore of the housing. When pressure is applied downhole to the tool, a breachable obstruction on an exit port of the tool's bore opens and allows fluid such as cement slurry to communicate to the wellbore annulus. When cementing through the open tool finished, a plug deployed downhole lands on a seat in the closure sleeve, and applied fluid pressure in the tool's bore against the seated plug closes the closure sleeve relative to the housing's exit port. Rotational catches between the housing's bore and the closure sleeve prevent the closure sleeve from rotating. Preferably, an intermediate sleeve is used in the housing's bore and has rotational catches on each end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Richard L. Giroux
  • Patent number: 8800655
    Abstract: A mechanical stage cementing tool that includes a mechanical opening and closing seat sleeve and a pin sub. The mechanical stage cementing tool may be converted to a hydraulic stage cementing tool by inserting a hydraulic tube assembly into the mechanical opening and closing seat sleeve at a hydraulic modification area and by adding a hydraulic seat to the pin sub. The stage cementing tool has a running-in-hole position, an open position, and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Michael E. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8727026
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing fluid communication includes a housing having a port; an inner sleeve adapted to seal the port; and a seal sleeve adapted to seal the port, wherein the seal sleeve is disposed between the inner sleeve and the housing and is movable with the inner sleeve to seal the port. In another embodiment, the port is sealed using a metal to metal seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Rebecca M. Caldwell, Christopher J. Cuffe
  • Patent number: 8720561
    Abstract: A downhole tool provided within a casing string for use in cement staging operations. The tool includes a sleeve in the tool that selectively slides downward under pressure to expose ports formed in a side wall of the tool. Also, an annulus through the tool is selectively blocked so that cement in the casing string flows radially outward through the ports and into an annulus between the tool and a wellbore. An inflatable packer is included that is integral to the body of the tool and is inflated with a fluid that is pushed into the packer as the sleeve slides downward. An optional expanding agent can be included in the packer that is a metal oxide and is activated with the addition of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Shaohua Zhou
  • Patent number: 8657004
    Abstract: A downhole tool provided within a casing string for use in cement staging operations. The tool includes an inflatable packer that is integral to the body of the tool and ports in sides of the tool. The ports are selectively opened and closed for circulating cement from within the tool so that cement can flow between the casing string and a wellbore. The ports are actuated by sliding the casing string upward or downward within the wellbore. The packer can be pressure tested after being set to ensure its efficacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Shaohua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140034310
    Abstract: A method of cementing a liner string into a wellbore includes deploying a liner string into a wellbore; pumping cement slurry into a workstring; and pumping a dart through the workstring, thereby driving the cement slurry into the liner string. The dart engages a first wiper plug and releases the first wiper plug from the workstring. The dart and engaged first wiper plug drive the cement slurry through the liner string and into an annulus formed between the liner string and the wellbore. The dart and engaged first wiper plug land onto a first fracture valve. The dart releases a first seat into the first wiper plug. The dart engages a second wiper plug connected to the first fracture valve and releases the second wiper plug from the first fracture valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: Clayton R. ANDERSEN
  • Patent number: 8607859
    Abstract: A well is drilled and casing installed utilizing a casing drilling technique. A bottom hole assembly having a drill bit and a fluid diverter is secured to a string of drill pipe and installed within a casing string. Drilling fluid is pumped down the drill pipe string to cause the drill bit to rotate and drill the well while the fluid diverter is in a drilling mode position. At the total depth for the casing string, the operator moves the fluid diverter to a cementing position and pumps cement down the drill pipe and up the casing string annulus. After cementing, the operator moves the fluid diverter to a packer set position and again pumps drilling fluid down the drill string to set the packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Erik P. Eriksen
  • Patent number: 8496051
    Abstract: A stage tool apparatus is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the stage tool apparatus is part of tubular string or casing positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Top-Co Cementing Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Cejero, Hoang The Truong, Steve Giordano
  • Publication number: 20130112410
    Abstract: A subsurface release plug release apparatus comprising a mandrel comprising a bottom plug portion, a top plug portion, a work string attachment portion, a first release portion between the bottom plug portion and the top plug portion, wherein the first release portion comprises a controlled strength segment configured to fail structurally and thereby release the bottom plug portion at a first fluid pressure, and a second release portion between the top plug portion and the work string attachment portion, wherein the second release portion is configured to release the bottom plug portion at a second fluid pressure, wherein the first fluid pressure is less than the second fluid pressure, a bottom plug body disposed about the bottom plug portion of the mandrel, and a top plug body disposed about the top plug portion of the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: David D. Szarka, David Levie
  • Publication number: 20120261127
    Abstract: A downhole tool provided within a casing string for use in cement staging operations. The tool includes a sleeve in the tool that selectively slides downward under pressure to expose ports formed in a side wall of the tool. Also, an annulus through the tool is selectively blocked so that cement in the casing string flows radially outward through the ports and into an annulus between the tool and a wellbore. An inflatable packer is included that is integral to the body of the tool and is inflated with a fluid that is pushed into the packer as the sleeve slides downward. An optional expanding agent can be included in the packer that is a metal oxide and is activated with the addition of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Shaohua Zhou
  • Patent number: 8281878
    Abstract: A well is drilled and casing installed utilizing a casing drilling technique. A bottom hole assembly having a drill bit and a fluid diverter is secured to a string of drill pipe and installed within a casing string. Drilling fluid is pumped down the drill pipe string to cause the drill bit to rotate and drill the well while the fluid diverter is in a drilling mode position. At the total depth for the casing string, the operator moves the fluid diverter to a cementing position and pumps cement down the drill pipe and up the casing string annulus. After cementing, the operator moves the fluid diverter to a packer set position and again pumps drilling fluid down the drill string to set the packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Erik P. Eriksen
  • Publication number: 20120247767
    Abstract: A stage tool for wellbore annular cementing includes: a main body including a tubular wall with an outer surface and a longitudinal bore extending from a top end to a bottom end, the tubular wall including a first tubular and a second tubular telescopically secured relative to and axially slidable along the first tubular; a fluid port through the tubular wall and, when opened, providing fluidic access between the longitudinal bore and the outer surface, the fluid port being openable with the first tubular and the second tubular are a first overlapping position and being closed by axially sliding the first tubular and the second tubular into a further overlapping position relative to the first overlapping position; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned over the port and drivable by fluid pressure from a position sealing against fluid flow out of the tool from the fluid port and a position retracted from the fluid port to permit fluid flow out of the tool from the fluid port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Jon Themig, Christopher Denis Desranleau, James Fehr
  • Patent number: 8230926
    Abstract: A cementing tool for cementing a casing in a well has an inner mandrel that defines a central flow passage and has at least one fluid port defined through a wall thereof. An outer mandrel is disposed about the inner mandrel and the inner and outer mandrels define an annular space therebetween. The outer mandrel has at least one sealing element affixed thereto. An opening sleeve is positioned in the inner mandrel and is movable from a closed position to an open position in which the fluid port is uncovered. An expansion cone is positioned in the annular space. Fluid pressure applied through the central flow passage, and the fluid port will pass into the annular space and will urge the expansion cone through the annular space which will plastically deform the outer mandrel so that sealing elements affixed to the outer mandrel engage a previously installed casing in the well to seal thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Steven L. Holden, Alan T. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20120138298
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
  • Patent number: 8066069
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
  • Publication number: 20110220356
    Abstract: A cementing tool for cementing a casing in a well has an inner mandrel that defines a central flow passage and has at least one fluid port defined through a wall thereof. An outer mandrel is disposed about the inner mandrel and the inner and outer mandrels define an annular space therebetween. The outer mandrel has at least one sealing element affixed thereto. An opening sleeve is positioned in the inner mandrel and is movable from a closed position to an open position in which the fluid port is uncovered. An expansion cone is positioned in the annular space. Fluid pressure applied through the central flow passage, and the fluid port will pass into the annular space and will urge the expansion cone through the annular space which will plastically deform the outer mandrel so that sealing elements affixed to the outer mandrel engage a previously installed casing in the well to seal thereagainst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Steven L. Holden, Alan T. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7857052
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a cementing operation for use with a drilling with casing application. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for stage cementing using a full opening stage tool. In another embodiment, an apparatus is provided for reverse cementing of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Steven M. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7726913
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for casting a cementitious or stone pile into the ground. The present invention comprises an exterior driving casing and an interior mandrel acting in cooperation to hold and deliver the pile forming material. A retrievable driving driving shoe is also disclose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: David Sjogren
  • Publication number: 20100051276
    Abstract: A stage cementing tool for use in cementing a casing in the well is disclosed. The stage cementing tool includes a housing with a mechanically set packer to seal against the well. A hydraulically actuated opening sleeve will move in the housing to uncover flow ports in the housing, and allow flow therethrough into the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Anthony M. Badalamenti
  • Publication number: 20090090508
    Abstract: An installation system for installing a liner in a well includes drilling while simultaneously running the liner. A string of drill pipe with a bottom hole assembly including a drill bit on a lower end is lowered into the liner while the liner is suspended at the rig floor. The bottom hole assembly engages a lower sub of the liner for torque transmission. A running tool secured to the drill pipe engages the upper sub such that the running tool supports the weight of the liner and transmits torque. The drill pipe and liner are rotated to drill deeper into the welbore. The liner hanger can be set to engage the casing, then released and reset at a different point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Tesco Corporation (US)
    Inventor: Michael Brouse
  • Patent number: 7472752
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming plugs in a wellbore, according to which a first volume of slurry is introduced into a work string in a wellbore so that it flows through the work string and discharges before hardening to form a plug. A second volume of slurry is also introduced into the work string so that it flows through the work string and discharges before hardening to form an additional plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Frank V. Acosta
  • Publication number: 20080251249
    Abstract: A system and method for using a pneumatic line to automate the launch a cement plug from a cement head. The pneumatic line is in communication with the valves and retaining devices normally found on a typical cement head. The system ensures that the proper sequence of opening and closing valves in combination with the removal of the retaining device is used to safely launch a cement plug from the cement head. The pressure in the single pneumatic line may be varied to launch multiple cement plugs from a cement head. The system may be used to remotely launch a cement plug from a cement head. A wireless remote may be used to regulate the pressure in the pneumatic line to launch cement plugs from the cement head as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: BJ Services Company
    Inventor: Bradley T. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20080223577
    Abstract: A foam delivery system comprises two delivery tubes providing a mixing chamber with a two-part polymeric foam. The mixing chamber mixes the two-part polymeric foam below a ground surface. A delivery manifold with delivery arms discharges the two-part polymer resin from the foam delivery system. A method of distributing a foam delivery systems comprises lowering a foam delivery system below a ground surface and discharging a polymer resin into the ground surface from a mixing chamber located below the ground surface. The mixing chamber discharges the polymer resin while the mixing chamber is lifted towards the ground surface, providing an expanding base of polymer resin. In that the chemicals are mixed at depth, that is, at the depth of the desired injection points, the possibility of premature setting and plugging of the delivery system is negated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Casey Moroschan
  • Publication number: 20080190613
    Abstract: A method of servicing a well bore comprising positioning a launching apparatus at a location remote from a work string, routing a first mechanical plug through the work string and a tubular, actuating a first cementing plug within the tubular via the first mechanical plug, and pumping a cement slurry into the well bore. A method of servicing a well bore comprising disposing a downhole tool within a work string in the well bore, positioning a launching apparatus remote from the work string, wherein the launching apparatus comprises a first device operable to actuate the downhole tool, and launching the first device into the work string to actuate the downhole tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thor Tjorswaag, Stein Olaussen, Henry E. Rogers, Nichalos C. Braun, Brett Fears
  • Patent number: 7409990
    Abstract: A two part encapsulated cementing system is mixed downhole in a method of plugging an abandoned well. Using this two part system, one of the components is first placed in the well at the desired plugging depth. Next, the other component is placed in the well above the first placed component. Densities of the components have been selected such that the density of the second placed component is sufficiently higher then the density of the first placed component to facilitate gravity mixing of the two components as the second placed component moves through the first placed component and in the process activation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventors: Boyce D Burts, Jr., Boyce Donald Burts, III, Freddie L. Sabins, Larry Waters
  • Patent number: 7363976
    Abstract: A method of remediation of a well is provided utilizing a cement and cement activator plugging composition, in which one of the components is first placed in the well at the desired remediation depth. Next, the other component is placed in the well above the first placed component. Densities of the components have been selected such that the density of the second placed component is sufficiently higher then the density of the first placed component to facilitate gravity mixing of the two components as the second placed component moves through the first placed component and in the process activation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Bottom Line Industries, Inc
    Inventors: Boyce D Burts, Jr., Boyce Donald Burts, III, Freddie L. Sabins, Larry Waters
  • Patent number: 7237611
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for a one trip completion of fluid production wells. A completion tool string includes a pressure activated cementing valve, an external casing packer, a pressure activated production valve, an opening plug and a plug landing collar and a closing plug and seat. This tool series is assembled near the end of a production tube string upstream of the well production screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ray Vincent, Steve Geste