Perforating, Weakening Or Separating By Mechanical Means Or Abrasive Fluid Patents (Class 166/298)
  • Patent number: 8720566
    Abstract: An apparatus including a body, a mandrel disposed at least partially within the body, and a spring. The spring maintains the mandrel in a retracted position within the body until a predetermined pump rate is applied. The spring allows the mandrel to move to an extended position when the predetermined pump rate is applied. The spring returns the mandrel to the retracted position within the body when the predetermined pump rate is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin M. Banack
  • Patent number: 8720564
    Abstract: Techniques for severing a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation are provided. A blade is extendable by a ram of a blowout preventer positionable about the tubular. The blade includes a blade body having a front face on a side thereof facing the tubular. At least a portion of the front face has a vertical surface and at least a portion of the front face has an inclined surface. The vertical surface is perpendicular to a bottom surface of the blade body. The blade body includes a loading surface on an opposite side of the blade body to the front face. The loading surface is receivable by the ram. The blade also includes a cutting surface along at least a portion of the front face for engagement with the tubular, and a piercing point along the front face for piercing the tubular. The piercing point has a tip extending a distance from the cutting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, Christopher Dale Johnson, Shern Eugene Peters, Eric Trevor Ensley
  • Publication number: 20140124201
    Abstract: A downhole hydraulic tool employing multiple nozzles in a selectable fashion from an oilfield surface. At least one of the nozzles of the tool is equipped with a burst disk such that fluid pressure directed from the surface may be utilized in activating the nozzle. The pressure may be driven to exceed a predetermined level for sake of the activating by way of sealing off access to other nozzle(s) therebelow, for example, by way of standard ball drop techniques. Thus, nozzle selectivity may be taken advantage of when a first nozzle wears out without requiring time consuming removal of the tool from the well for sake of remedial repairs or replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Victor Lyashkov, Mark Callister Oettli
  • Publication number: 20140124199
    Abstract: A tubular assembly is disclosed for use in a wellbore (5) of an oil, gas or water well, typically for landing a downhole device in the wellbore. The assembly has a sleeve (1) adapted to receive the body of the downhole device. The sleeve is deployed into a conduit in the wellbore and expanded, so that the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve is radially expanded against the inner surface of the conduit. The sleeve has a bore with an inner circumferential surface comprising an inwardly facing formation adapted to engage with an outwardly facing formation on the body of the downhole device when the body of the downhole device is disposed in the bore of the sleeve. The sleeve is typically deployed in the wellbore at the desired location and is radially expanded by an expander device (2) that is deployed within the bore of the sleeve. The expanded sleeve plastically deforms and retains its expanded configuration after the radial expansion force is removed from the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Gorrara, Peter Wood
  • Publication number: 20140124202
    Abstract: Tools and methods for cutting multiple, co-extending casings in oil and gas wells are provided. The tools comprise a cylindrical body and first and second sets of cutting blades. Each set of cutting blades is mounted to the body for actuation from a retracted, run-in position to an extended, cutting position. The cylindrical body is rotated and the first set of cutting blades is actuated to cut the co-extending casings within a first sweep diameter. The second set of cutting blades then is actuated to cut the co-extending casings beyond the first sweep diameter and within a second sweep diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas T. Beynon
  • Publication number: 20140102705
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing abrasive jet perforating in a well comprises a generally cylindrically shaped tube with a side, an upper portion, and a lower portion; a plurality of smooth holes drilled into the side of the tube; abrasive jets mounted in at least some of the plurality of smooth holes; protective plates mounted in the side of the tube and surrounding the abrasive jets to hold the abrasive jets in place; wafers recessed into pockets on the protective plates and surrounding the abrasive jets to protect the abrasive jets from damage due to rebound of abrasive-carrying fluid slurry ejected by the abrasive jets; and fasteners securing the protective plates to the side of the tube and positioned away from the rebound of abrasive-carrying fluid slurry ejected by the abrasive jets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: TD Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Dotson
  • Patent number: 8695506
    Abstract: A perforating system having a perforating gun with shaped charges, a chassis sub, a communication line in communication with a controller and extending through the chassis sub and perforating gun, a selectively opened and closed continuity switch in the communication line, a lead line connecting the communication line to a detonator, and an arming switch in the lead line. A method of testing the detonator involves confirming electrical continuity through the detonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Ronald Lanclos
  • Publication number: 20140096966
    Abstract: A method of completing a subterranean well having a well casing extending though an earth formation is provided, including the steps of: suspending an apparatus at a selected depth within the well casing; creating an unbalanced condition within the well casing; forming a lateral bore in the formation by jetting a pressurized fluid from the apparatus through a casing opening in the well casing and into the earth formation; receiving in the well casing through the casing opening fluid and formation debris created from forming the lateral bore; and lifting the fluid and formation debris received by the well casing upwardly through the well casing to the well surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Freitag
  • Patent number: 8684084
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perforating a formation in a wellbore without perforating a well bore casing. The methods and apparatus include an external casing perforating device configured so as not to perforate the casing. The interior of the perforating device serves as a fluid flow path between the casing and the formation following perforation and a valve in the casing selectively opens and closes the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Wesson, Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider
  • Patent number: 8678088
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to cut a control line and/or to run a control line on a rig may include a movable cutting apparatus to cut a control line, a load transfer member to engage a control line, a load measuring device to measure a load imparted to a load transfer member, and a drive member to engage and drive a control line. The apparatuses and methods may be used with a control line positioning apparatus, a pipe engaging apparatus, and/or may be used by themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Dougal Hugo Brown
  • Publication number: 20140076557
    Abstract: In stimulating a subterranean zone surrounding a well bore, a perforation trajectory is identified that is transverse to a predicted direction of primary fracture propagation in the subterranean zone. A perforating gun in the well bore is aimed to perforate in the perforation trajectory, and then operated to perforate the well bore in the perforation trajectory. Thereafter, a fracture treatment is performed on the subterranean zone through the perforations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Jim B. Surjaatmadja
  • Publication number: 20140076564
    Abstract: A perforation tool assembly. The perforation tool assembly comprises a tool string connector, a perforation gun coupled to the tool string connector, and a structure configured to absorb mechanical energy released by firing one or more perforation guns. The coupling is configured to provide a limited range of motion of the tool string connector relative to the perforation gun. The tool string connector and the perforation gun retain the structure configured to absorb mechanical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: John P. Rodgers, Marco Serra, Timothy S. Glenn, John D. Burleson
  • Publication number: 20140069648
    Abstract: An apparatus for isolating fluid flow in a bottomhole tool assembly comprises a generally cylindrically shaped flow tube with a side, a top, and a bottom; an upper ball seat connected to the top of the flow tube; a lower ball seat connected to the bottom of the flow tube; a plurality of openings in the side of the flow tube; a tapered inner diameter in the upper ball seat, acting as a ball valve; a tapered inner diameter in the lower ball seat, acting as a ball valve, smaller than the tapered inner diameter in the upper ball seat; an upper sub attached to the bottomhole tool assembly; a lower sub attached to the bottomhole tool assembly; shear pins connecting the upper ball seat to the upper sub; and a limiting pin in the lower sub below the lower ball assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: TD Tolls, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Dotson, Barrett Tucker
  • Publication number: 20140060838
    Abstract: The invention relates to the completion and enhancement of oil and gas wells. The invention provides for a downhole tool which: enters vertical or horizontal wells located adjacent to the oil and gas bearing formation, parts the casing and extends outward forming micro-boreholes necessary to remove residual oil and gas which remain in place. After the initial fluid production has been harvested, the invention can be employed on new or old wells and can operate in all conditions which wells encounter during the standard drilling process. The process of micro-holes can replace the process known as “fracking”. Fracking is being employed; however the process is being reviewed due to safety of human life. The invention employs special alloys and procedures to form the extended reach micro-boreholes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Herman Joseph Schellstede
  • Patent number: 8657006
    Abstract: A method of severing a well string that extends into an oil well from an oil platform with a deck includes supporting upper and lower sections of the well string, the lower section supported at the platform deck with a deck located string support. A shear mechanism cuts the well string at a position that can be above the deck located string support. The upper section is then lifted a selected distance and the deck located string support again supports the string at a position below the cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Mire
  • Patent number: 8651185
    Abstract: The uncontrolled flow of fluid from an oil or gas well may be reduced or stopped by injecting a composition including 2-cyanoacrylate ester monomer into the fluid stream. Injection of the monomer results in a rapid, perhaps instantaneous, polymerization of the monomer within the flow stream of the fluid. This polymerization results in formation of a solid plug that reduces or stops the flow of additional fluid from the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Robert E. Hermes
  • Publication number: 20140034317
    Abstract: A section mill for removing a portion of a casing in a wellbore. The section mill may include a body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a bore formed axially therethrough. A plurality of blades may be coupled to the body. Each of the blades may have a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of each blade may be coupled to the body via a hinge pin, and the second end portion of each blade may have a cutting surface formed thereon. A seat may be formed within the bore. The blades may be adapted to actuate from an inactive position to an active position in response to an impediment forming a seal against the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Hekelaar
  • Publication number: 20140034316
    Abstract: A shearing device that torsionally shears an oilfield tubular by gripping the tubular at vertically spaced apart locations and exerting a torsional force at the locations. Tong assemblies are provided for gripping the tubular, where the tong assemblies include a tong member pivotally mounted on a tong arm. The tong assemblies may be housed in a blowout preventer mounted on a wellhead assembly; projecting the tong assemblies radially inward engages the tong members with the tubular, and moving the arm further radially inward imparts the torsional force onto the tubular. In an alternate embodiment, the shearing device includes holding rams that project radially inward to engage the tubular and a torque rack that tangentially engages the tubular thereby torqueing the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: HYDRIL USA MANUFACTURING LLC
    Inventor: Eric Dale Larson
  • Publication number: 20140020897
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perforating a formation in a wellbore without perforating a well bore casing. The methods and apparatus include an external casing perforating device configured so as not to perforate the casing. The interior of the perforating device serves as a fluid flow path between the casing and the formation following perforation and a valve in the casing selectively opens and closes the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: GeoDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Wesson, Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider
  • Publication number: 20140014343
    Abstract: Systems and methods of managing cuttings and debris resulting from milling a casing exit are disclosed. An exemplary milling system includes a mill arranged within a shroud and configured to translate axially with respect to the shroud once detached therefrom, a guide block is coupled to a distal end of the mill and supports the mill while the mill forms the casing exit. A guide support arranged within the shroud defining one or more longitudinal channels configured to accumulate cuttings and debris. The shroud defines a plurality of perforations arranged as first and second axial perforation sets, and a sleeve is arranged therein and defines one or more piston guides that align one or more pistons with either the first or second axial perforation sets, depending on the amount of cuttings and debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Saurer
  • Publication number: 20140014333
    Abstract: In a method of evaluation of deposits and opening of productive formations in recovery of oil or gas, a previously drilled well is located and investigated to determine at least one first zone which is not productive for oil or gas extraction and at least one second zone which is productive for oil or gas extraction; the at least one first zone which is not productive for oil or gas extraction is skipped, while hydroslotting is performed in the at least one second zone by making a plurality of slots and thereby producing unloaded regions so as to provide again a flow of oil or gas in the previously drilled well which was not in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: ARGOSY TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Leon Marmorshteyn, Peter Mouler
  • Publication number: 20140014342
    Abstract: A method of treatment and perforation of a near-well zone of oil and gas recovery wells, includes making an oil or gas recovery well in deposits with carbonate collectors, performing slotting opening by sand treatment with a jet containing sand and a sand carrying liquid, and using as the sand carrying liquid a sand carrying liquid which contains light hydrocarbons C3-C12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Argosy Technologies
    Inventors: Leon Marmorshteyn, Peter Mouler
  • Publication number: 20140014327
    Abstract: A method of producing reservoir fluids from a condensate gas reservoir traversed by a production well includes the formation of a protrusion into natural gas bearing rock along a producing interval of the reservoir. A heater element is placed into the protrusion and configured for operation. Reservoir fluids are produced from the producing interval while the heater element heats the natural gas bearing rock proximate the heater element. The heat supplied by the heater element reduces condensate build up in the natural gas bearing rock adjacent the production well during production. The heater element is configured to heat the natural gas bearing rock that is proximate the heater element to a temperature that is sufficient to vaporize and/or reduce the viscosity of condensate that is proximate the heater element. A related system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: MOHAMMED BADRI, WAEL ABDALLAH, REZA TAHERIAN
  • Publication number: 20140000895
    Abstract: A shear pig assembly and method of use for severing a linear conductor within a surrounding tubular. A shear pig assembly includes a main body and a nose that radially surround the linear conductor within the tubular. The main body and nose are axially moveable with respect to each other to cause a shear plug to move radially within a shearing chamber, thereby severing the linear conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: John Gordon Misselbrook
  • Patent number: 8616281
    Abstract: A well bore servicing apparatus comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis and a through bore, and a movable member disposed in the housing, the movable member having a through bore and a fluid aperture therein, wherein the movable member is movable between a first stop position and a second stop position relative to the housing, wherein the fluid aperture is in fluid communication with the housing through bore and the movable member through bore to provide a fluid stream to the well bore in the first and second axially spaced stop positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Billy W. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8602101
    Abstract: A downhole pipe cutting tool includes a tool body having a piston assembly disposed in a central bore thereof, wherein the piston assembly is configured to translate longitudinally along the central axis of the tool body, and a plurality of cutter knife sets. Each of the plurality of cutter knife sets includes at least two individual cutter knives circumferentially spaced about a central axis of the tool body and is configured to selectively engage with the piston assembly to extend outward to perform pipe cutting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Gibson, Stephen Hekelaar
  • Patent number: 8602102
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for severing a wellbore tubular, the apparatus, in certain aspects, including: a first member movable toward a tubular to be severed; a second member with a second blade disposed opposite to the first member and movable toward the tubular; a first blade on the first member having a projection projecting from a center of a blade body with point structure on the projection for puncturing the tubular and cutting surfaces on the projection for cutting the tubular; and cutting surfaces, as needed, on the blade body adjacent the projection for cutting the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, James D. Brugman
  • Publication number: 20130319675
    Abstract: Downhole cutting tools such as blade mills comprise a body having an upper end for connection with a rotating component of a drill string and a guide member disposed at lower end. The guide member can comprise a shape that is reciprocal to an engagement member disposed on an object within the well that is to be cut by the cutting mill. In certain embodiments, the guide member comprises a portion that is spherically shaped or an apex formed by two angled cutting elements. The cutting tools can also include one or more blades having cutting elements disposed thereon in a stepped arrangement. In one such embodiment, the cutting elements are disposed to cover one or more steps profiled on a lower end of the blade to lessen wear of the blade caused by the cutting of the object by the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: CALVIN J. STOWE, II
  • Patent number: 8596362
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing method includes injecting a fluid containing a transitory binder and filler into a substantially horizontal well casing without any placement apparatus present in the substantially horizontal well casing, the filler containing particles of a solid material. The transitory binder and filler are placed over first perforations in the well casing. The method includes opening second perforations through the well casing, injecting additional fracturing fluid through the substantially horizontal well casing, and forming a plug over and through the first perforations with the transitory binder and filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Scott Gregory Nelson
  • Patent number: 8590618
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for a single run process for well installations to cut or mill away a section of the casing of a well and then position an attached deflecting device to form radial boreholes or passages in a production formation that is intersected by the wellbore. This invention allows the lateral boreholes to be selectively oriented angularly upwardly or downwardly in relation to the casing space that has been formed or oriented in selectively radially spaced relation if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Radial Drilling Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Henk H. Jelsma
  • Publication number: 20130299173
    Abstract: A tool assembly and method for completing a well are provided. The tool includes debris relief features that enable use in solids-laden environments, for example in the presence of sand. Forward and reverse circulation pathways to the isolated interval are present to allow clearing of debris from the wellbore annulus while the sealing device remains set against the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Marty Stromquist, Donald Getzlaf, Robert Nipper
  • Publication number: 20130284440
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for abrasive jet fluid cutting is provided wherein a modular downhole cutting tool provides Z-Axis, X-Axis, W-Rotation, and Y-Angle manipulations individually or simultaneously and provides the ability to cut one or more windows or shapes in a target (e.g. casing, formation structure, etc.) and extend the cutting tool (or other device) through the window or shape to perform further work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Patent number: 8561683
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cutting a wellbore tubular may include an upper section and a lower section mating at a juncture plane defined by a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wellbore tubular. Each section may include a support plate having a passage, a liner positioned adjacent to the support plate, and an energetic material disposed between the support plate and the liner. An initiator having a shaft may be positioned in the passages of the upper section and the lower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Owen Oil Tools, LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Wood, Timothy Edward LaGrange, Matthew Clay
  • Patent number: 8555955
    Abstract: Multiple section mills are run in a single trip with an intervening mill preferably a watermelon mill to grind up any cuttings that get past the first mill in a direction toward the second mill below it. The blades of the second mill are held by the innermost tubular until the location of the initial cut is reached at which point the longer arms of the second mill can be extended and its body centralizes due to the flexibility of the connection between the mills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: John P. Davis
  • Patent number: 8540027
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perforating a formation in a wellbore without perforating a well bore casing. The methods and apparatus include an external casing perforating device configured so as not to perforate the casing. The interior of the perforating device serves as a fluid flow path between the casing and the formation following perforation and a valve in the casing selectively opens and closes the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: GEODynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Wesson, Kevin R. George, Philip M. Snider
  • Patent number: 8534957
    Abstract: A method and system for repairing, replacing or installing an underground pipeline using an appropriate tool head. A coolant, preferably a cryogenic liquid, is injected in front of the tool head to embrittle or otherwise reduce the toughness of the material ahead of the tool head. The method and system of this invention are particularly suitable for use in connection with pipe splitting and pipe bursting, where a pig disposed within the underground pipeline is connected with the appropriate tool head forming a space between the pig and the tool head into which the coolant is introduced. The pipe between the pig and the tool head is embrittled by the coolant, reducing the resistance of a pipe to splitting or bursting which, in turn, reduces the force required for the pig to pull the tool head as the pig is motivated through the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: Daniel Allen Ersoy
  • Publication number: 20130233555
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole punch for insertion into a wall of a casing. The downhole punch comprises a body having a first end and a second end and a through-bore forming an inner face of the body and an outer face of the body, wherein the first end comprises at least one cutting edge at least forming a leading tip or a leading edge for punching an opening in the casing, and a component is arranged in the through-bore. The present invention also relates to a downhole valve for insertion into a wall of a casing. The downhole valve comprises a housing having a first end and a second end and an inner face and an outer face. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole tool for inserting a downhole valve into a wall of a casing, to a downhole system comprising the downhole tool as well as to a downhole method for insertion of a downhole unit into a casing downhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Paul Hazel
  • Patent number: 8528630
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus, for performing rotary, cutting and/or crushing operations in a subterranean borehole or conduit thereof, which use higher and lower pressures therein to operate a motor, actuator and/or piston, particularly for sealing operations using a downhole assembly, placeable with a cable. The downhole assembly comprises at least a motor or actuator coupled to at least one of a rotary tool, axial cutting tool and/or packer or piston. The motor or actuator piston may be operated by differential fluid pressure across ends thereof, to form a space free of debris that may be provided for placement of a settable sealing material to prevent leakage paths in the concrete seal of said subterranean borehole or conduits thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce A. Tunget
  • Patent number: 8528644
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving control over the milling force applied to a milling bit that is turned through a rotary drive to form a hole in a wellbore casing. A bit-weighting sub is applied between the tubing used to lower the rotary drive's motor into the wellbore and the rotary drive itself, the sub serving to take the weight of the tubing off the rotary drive when the motor lands in operative connection with the drive, and further serving to apply a known milling force to the drive (and thus to the bit) independent of the weight of the tubing. In a preferred form the sub includes a spring that is compressed against the drive when the tubing and motor are landed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Radjet LLC
    Inventors: Charles Brunet, Michel Bouchard
  • Publication number: 20130220615
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include an internal tubing cutter including ramp surface(s) and roller that cause cutters to move linearly between retracted and deployed positions. The linear actuation of the cutters can allow for more robust cutting and increased cutting efficiency. Implementations of the present invention also include cutting systems including an internal tubing cutter, and methods of cutting tubular members, such as borehole casings and drill strings, using such drilling systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: LONGYEAR TM, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Drenth, George Ibrahim, Anthony Lachance
  • Publication number: 20130213655
    Abstract: A technique facilitates removal of excess sand during a jet perforating operation without requiring that the perforating string be pulled out of hole. A jet perforating tool is provided with at least one perforating nozzle for creating perforations in a well via high-pressure fluid. The jet perforating tool also comprises at least one wash nozzle oriented to direct fluid under pressure against a sand plug to break loose excess sand. A pair of seats and plug members may be used in the jet perforating tool to control the flow of pressurized fluid through the perforating jet nozzle and/or the wash nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Carolina Gonzalez Martinez
  • Publication number: 20130206411
    Abstract: A method for performing shale gas operation is disclosed. The method may include drilling a first well, performing a fracturing operation in the well, recovering shale gas from the first well, supplying at least part of the shale gas recovered from the well to an electrical generator, generating electricity using the generator, and transferring the generated electricity to drilling equipment used to drill a second well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Mi ZHANG, Jun CHEN, Mingshe WANG, Xuanguo LIU, Ping TANG, Meng HE, Jiangyang WANG, Tao CHEN, Wei XIE, Zhongcai LIANG, Yinchun LIU, Guang CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130206412
    Abstract: The present techniques provide methods and systems for fracturing reservoirs without directly treating them. For example, an embodiment provides a method for fracturing a subterranean formation. The method includes causing a volumetric decrease in a zone proximate to the subterranean formation so as to apply a mechanical stress to the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, Kevin H. Searles, Sheng-Yuan Hsu, Elizabeth Land Templeton-Barrett, Michael S. Chelf
  • Publication number: 20130199785
    Abstract: A downhole cutting tool includes a tool body and a plurality of cutter knife sets, each of the plurality of cutter knife sets configured to extend outwardly to separately perform a pipe cutting operation. A first cutter knife set has a diameter in an extended position larger than a diameter in an extended position of a second cutter knife set. A method includes running the downhole cutting tool into a wellbore, deploying the first set of expandable cutting arms to an extended position and engaging the extended expandable cutting arms with a first work piece, rotating the downhole cutting tool and cutting the first work piece, deploying the second set of expandable cutting arms during a single trip into the wellbore to an extended position and engaging the extended expandable cutting arms with a second work piece, and rotating the downhole cutting tool and cutting the second work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130199784
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus and method to facilitate milling of a casing window by improving the interaction between the mill and the casing. The cutting apparatus comprises a whipstock having a plurality of ramp sections which provide a ramp profile arranged and designed to cooperate with the cutting structure of a mill to achieve a desired loading on the mill cutting elements during milling of the casing window. The plurality of ramp sections, having specific lengths and oriented at specific angles, adjust the loading on the mill as the mill cuts through the casing during formation of the casing window. The improved whipstock maintains a more balanced loading across the cutting elements during milling operations. Additional mill cutting structures, including one or more disclosed herein, may also be selected and evaluated to further balance the cutting load during window milling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Shantanu N. Swadi, John E. Campbell, Shelton W. Alsup
  • Patent number: 8499834
    Abstract: A milling tool which includes a nose cutting portion, a cutting section having a plurality of hardened cutters and a shaft portion. A wear pad is disposed on the cutting section and shaft portion. Upon the shaft portion, the wear pad extends radially outwardly to an engagement diameter that exceeds the maximum cutting diameter of the cutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher W. Guidry, Guruswami Navin, Lambertus C. F. Joppe, Andrew D. Ponder, Calvin Stowe
  • Publication number: 20130192830
    Abstract: Tools and methods for abrasively cutting downhole pipes and casing. The tools and methods are ideally suited for situations where the pipe to be cut or perforated is positioned partly or wholly inside another pipe and damage to the outer pipe must be avoided. The jet nozzles are positioned at a non-normal angle to the target surface to reduce the jets' effective cutting distance. While pumping the abrasive fluid, the jets are supported at a selected radial distance from the target surface so that within a predetermined operating time the jets will cut or perforate the inner pipe but leave the outer pipe substantially intact. The tool may be rotated with a motor to perform cutoff operations or held in a fixed position for perforating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
  • Patent number: 8490702
    Abstract: A tool assembly and method for completing a well are provided. The tool includes debris relief features that enable use in solids-laden environments, for example in the presence of sand. Forward and reverse circulation pathways to the isolated interval are present to allow clearing of debris from the wellbore annulus while the sealing device remains set against the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: NCS Oilfield Services Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Marty Stromquist, Donald Getzlaf, Robert Nipper
  • Publication number: 20130180725
    Abstract: A non-ballistic tubular perforating system includes a tubular having a wall with perforations therethrough, and plugs positioned within the perforations that are configured to dissolve in response to exposure to a first environment thereby creative of a second environment that can dissolve or increase porosity of cement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Oleg A. Mazyar
  • Publication number: 20130175035
    Abstract: A perforating tool usable in a well casing to perforate the well casing is described. Perforating tool comprises an activation member disposed in body wherein the activation member is moveable relative to the body to move at least one working member between and inwardly retracted condition an outwardly deployed condition relative to the body. A plurality of pistons is arranged to move the activation member relative to the body, each said piston being disposed in a respective pressure chamber arranged to be filled with fluid in response to an increase in fluid pressure in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Bernard Lee