Perforating, Weakening Or Separating By Mechanical Means Or Abrasive Fluid Patents (Class 166/298)
  • Publication number: 20110155375
    Abstract: A system for dynamic underbalanced perforation of a hydrocarbon well includes a perforation fluid located within the hydrocarbon well. A perforation gun is suspended within the perforation fluid and a completion fluid is located within the hydrocarbon uphole of the perforation fluid. An isolation fluid is located within the hydrocarbon well uphole of the perforation fluid and downhole of the completion fluid. A method of perforating a hydrocarbon well includes a perforation fluid placed in the hydrocarbon well. A perforation gun is placed within the perforation fluid. A completion fluid is placed in the hydrocarbon well. An isolation fluid is placed in the hydrocarbon well. A local dynamic underbalance condition is created in the hydrocarbon well. A flow of the completion fluid downhole is inhibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Martin Griffith
  • Publication number: 20110146989
    Abstract: An apparatus for abrasive jet cutting comprises an abrasive jet perforating tool coupled rotatably to a tubing string and a horizontal indexing tool coupled connectably to the perforating tool. A tubing swivel, an extension tool with protective sleeve, and an anchor may also be used. A method for abrasive jet cutting comprises determining well parameters for a well; assembling, according to the well parameters, the apparatus for abrasive jet perforating; and using the perforating tool to perforate tubular members in the well. A horizontal indexing tool is used to rotate the perforating tool and the perforating tool is used to cut tubular members in the well. An extension tool with a protective sleeve is used to protect the apparatus. A tubing swivel may be used to allow the perforating tool to rotate freely and an anchor may be used to prevent the perforating tool from moving vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas L. Dotson
  • Patent number: 7963331
    Abstract: An embodiment of a well bore servicing apparatus includes a housing having a through bore and at least one high pressure fluid aperture in the housing, the fluid aperture being in fluid communication with the through bore to provide a high pressure fluid stream to the well bore, and a removable member coupled to the housing and disposed adjacent the fluid jet forming aperture and isolating the fluid jet forming aperture from an exterior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Matthew Howell
  • Patent number: 7963342
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for actuating a downhole tool in a wellbore. The method and apparatus including an actuator that operates the tool in response to the functioning of an energetic charge. The energetic charge may be set off as a part of a perforating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventor: Kevin R. George
  • Patent number: 7963332
    Abstract: A abrasive jet perforating tool comprises a generally cylindrically shaped tube with a side, an upper portion, and a lower portion; a plurality of holes tapped and threaded into the side of the tube; threaded abrasive jets mounted in at least some of the plurality of threaded holes; protective plates mounted on the side of the tube around the abrasive jets; gauge rings that slide onto an outer diameter of the upper portion and the lower portion of the tube; and a mechanical casing collar locator connected to the upper portion of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas L. Dotson, James F. Farr
  • Patent number: 7950456
    Abstract: Casing deformation and control for inclusion propagation in earth formations. A method of forming at least one inclusion in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a liner within a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; and expanding the liner and the casing section, thereby applying an increased compressive stress to the formation. Another method of forming the inclusion includes the steps of: installing an expansion control device on a casing section, the device including at least one latch member; expanding the casing section radially outward in a wellbore, the expanding step including widening at least one opening in a sidewall of the casing section, and displacing the latch member in one direction; and preventing a narrowing of the opening after the expanding step, the latch member resisting displacement thereof in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, Grant Hocking, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 7950457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to stimulate subterranean production and injection wells, such as oil and gas wells, utilizing rocket propellants. Rapid production of high-pressure gas from controlled combustion of a propellant, during initial ignition and subsequent combustion, together with proper positioning of the energy source in relation to geologic formations, can be used to establish and maintain increased formation porosity and flow conditions with respect to the pay zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Dale B. Seekford
  • Patent number: 7946793
    Abstract: Apparatus for drilling holes through concentric pipes is provided. The apparatus clamps on the exterior pipe and contains drilling assemblies that may be used for drilling sequentially or simultaneously two colinear holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Phillip D. Jaudon
  • Patent number: 7926570
    Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hudson Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Blanchard, Jr., Sandra Remedies, John Rucker, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7921924
    Abstract: A technique is provided for controlling actuation of a well component. A resistance device is deployed in a tool string and connected to a well tool to be actuated. The resistance device comprises a deformable body and a deforming member that move relative to one another during actuation of the well tool. Deformation of the deforming member provides constant resistance and consequent control over component actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Zheng R. Xu, William D. Eatwell
  • Patent number: 7918280
    Abstract: A communication tool apparatus is described which is adapted to provide selective communication of control fluid through a downhole tool, such as a safety valve. The downhole safety valve is a tubing retrievable subsurface safety valve (“TRSSSV”). The communication tool may be run downhole and within the TRSSSV. Once within the TRSSSV, the communication tool apparatus activates a cutting device within the TRSSSV such that communication of control fluid through the TRSSSV is possible. A replacement safety valve run on a wireline may then be inserted into the TRSSSV and be operated via the control fluid line, as a new communication path created by the communication tool described herein. A method of using the communication tool apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jason C. Mailand, Bahr A. Glenn
  • Patent number: 7913753
    Abstract: A system for injecting a substance into the annular space surrounding a well tubular with an assembly to be inserted into a well tubular. The assembly includes a cutting part capable of making a hole through a well tubular; a substance chamber for storage of the substance and a substance injecting part capable of injecting the substance into the annular space. The system includes a cutting part having a chamber with a first end and a second end and having a wall surrounding the chamber and including at least one entrance for substance at the first end and including an exit for delivery through the well tubular and into the annular space at the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Maersk Olie OG Gas A/S
    Inventors: David Ian Brink, Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
  • Publication number: 20110067871
    Abstract: Methods of regulating flow in a hydrocarbon well include identifying at least two dissimilar zones in an interval of a well, perforating a well completion in the interval according to a limited-entry perforation strategy, and re-perforating the well completion in the interval according to a re-perforating strategy. The limited-entry perforation strategy is adapted to produce a plurality of limited-entry perforations. The limited-entry perforation strategy varies the perforations within the interval based at least in part on dissimilarities between the at least two dissimilar zones. The re-perforation strategy produces a plurality of re-perforations and is based at least in part on the limited-entry perforation strategy. The re-perforation strategy is adapted to at least substantially align a portion of the re-perforations with a portion of the limited-entry perforations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Jason A. Burdette, Dieter Postl, Bruce A. Dale, Federico A. Tavarez, Ted A. Long
  • Publication number: 20110067870
    Abstract: A method of inducing fracture complexity within a fracturing interval of a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises defining a stress anisotropy-altering dimension, providing a straddle-packer assembly to alter a stress anisotropy of a fracturing interval, based on defining the stress anisotropy-altering dimension, isolating a first fracturing interval of the subterranean formation with the straddle-packer assembly, inducing a fracture in the first fracturing interval, isolating a second fracturing interval of the subterranean formation with the straddle-packer assembly, inducing a fracture in the second fracturing interval, wherein fracturing the first and second fracturing intervals alters the stress anisotropy within a third fracturing interval, isolating the third fracturing interval with the straddle-packer assembly, and inducing a fracture in the third fracturing interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Loyd E. East, JR.
  • Patent number: 7909118
    Abstract: A movable boring assembly and a boring tool positioner for drilling a plurality of holes in a well casing and jetting a well production zone through the plurality of holes. All of the holes can be drilled in the casing at different angular positions, as well as different levels within the casing. The drilling tool can then be removed and a perforation jet can be reliably and accurately reoriented into the drilled holes to perforate a production zone in multiple directions and at multiple levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Rudy Sanfelice, William C. Davis, Christopher Sanfelice, Bradley A. Pomeroy
  • Patent number: 7909100
    Abstract: Casing cutter for severing multiple tubulars in a well bore has a pair of cutter blades pivotally mounted on a support body. The blades are pivotally mounted for gradual movement outside of the support body when downward force is applied to proximate ends of the cutter blades. The support body is rotated inside the innermost of the multiple tubulars, while the cutter blades sever the tubulars of progressively increasing diameter. Should the cutter blades or pivotal connections become unusable, the tool body can be rotated about the vertical axis and secured to a downhole string by the opposite end. A substitute pair of cutter blades are then engaged on the tool body and operated to cut the casings similar to the first set of the cutter blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Deltide Fishing & Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Larue Bryant, Jr., David J. Ruttley
  • Patent number: 7905286
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and sealing a hole in the sidewall of a borehole are provided. The method may include conveying a carrier into the borehole, forming the hole in the sidewall using a bit, and sealing at least a portion of the hole by leaving at least a portion of the bit in the hole. An apparatus includes a carrier conveyable into the borehole, and a bit disposed on the carrier that forms the hole in a sidewall, the bit including a sealing portion that seals at least a portion of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael J. Moody, John M. Michaels
  • Publication number: 20110056691
    Abstract: A shaped charge includes a casing defining an interior volume, wherein the casing is prepared by sintering a metal powder or a mixture of metal powders; a liner located in the interior volume; and an explosive between the liner and the casing. A method for manufacturing a shaped charge casing includes the steps of mixing a metal powder or a metal powder mixture with a binder to form a pre-mix; pressing the pre-mix in a mold to form a casing green body; heating the casing green body to a first temperature to vaporize the binder; raising the temperature to a second temperature in an inert or reducing atmosphere to sinter the metal powder or the metal powder mixture to produce the shaped charge casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Allan W. King, Richard Caminari
  • Patent number: 7900703
    Abstract: A reaming tool includes a tubular body having a nose portion with a concave center. A plurality of blades defining junk slots therebetween extend axially behind the nose portion and taper outwardly from the exterior of the tubular body. Rotationally leading edges of the blades carry a plurality of cutting elements from the axially leading ends. Selected surfaces and edges of the blades bear tungsten carbide, which may comprise crushed tungsten carbide. The shell of the nose is configured to ensure drillout from the centerline thereof toward the side wall of the tubular body. A method of drilling out a reaming tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Lester I. Clark, John C. Thomas, Jeffrey B. Lund, Eric E. McClain
  • Patent number: 7900704
    Abstract: A method of perforating a downhole pipe by cutting at a location within the pipe in a radial direction toward the pipe, producing a determined reaction force, and using the determined reaction force to enhance the cutting of the pipe. The method may include continuing cutting in the radial direction to create an opening in the pipe, and attenuating a pressure wave through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Robertson Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventor: Michael C. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20110024117
    Abstract: A slim perforating gun includes a plurality of shape charges; a positioning device that orients the perforating gun in relation to a down direction of a deviated well; the shaped charges being positioned inside the perforating gun and aimed in predetermined directions with respect to the down direction of the deviated well; wherein a ratio of the outer diameter of the slim perforating gun to the inner diameter of a casing used in connection with the slim perforating gun is from 0.85 to 0.30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jorge E. Lopez De Cardenas, Jason Swaren, Desmond E. Rees, Jerry D. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7878247
    Abstract: Methods for cleaning out horizontal wellbores using coiled tubing are provided for use during downhole operations. A coiled tubing having a bottom hole assembly is deployed into a horizontal wellbore. Fluid is circulated down the annulus of the wellbore and up the bottom hole assembly while the bottom hole assembly is moved upward at a selected rate and distance. This method may be used to remove downhole solids, such as formation sands and proppant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John Gordon Misselbrook, William Arthur Hutton Aitken, Jeff Li
  • Publication number: 20110017453
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wellbore subassembly with a perforating gun. The wellbore subassembly includes a tubular body and a perforating charge. The tubular body has a wall defining an interior space and an exterior space and the wall has a cavity. In some embodiments, the cavity may be shaped to define a charge socket that receives only a single perforating charge. The perforating charge is configured in the cavity at a location inside the wall. The perforating charge is configured to discharge toward and into the interior space and penetrate into the exterior space by perforating the wall across the interior space from the location of the perforating charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Terry Lee Mytopher, Nathan Brian Coffey
  • Publication number: 20110005755
    Abstract: An oilfield downhole cutting tool is provided. The cutting tool comprises a tool body that comprises a non-cutting stabilizing section. The cutting tool further comprises a plurality of cutters coupled to the tool body forward of the non-cutting stabilizing section, wherein a maximum cutting diameter defined by the cutters is less than 1.1 times a diameter defined by the non-cutting stabilizing section. The cutting tool further comprises a cutting rate limiting component coupled to the tool body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Wesley P. Dietz, David J. Steele
  • Publication number: 20110000670
    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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, James D. Brugman
  • Publication number: 20110000668
    Abstract: Apparatus for performing rotary or cutting operations in a subterranean borehole or conduit, particularly sealing operations, comprises a downhole assembly connected to a cable. The downhole assembly comprising at least one of a rotary tool coupled to an electric motor or fluid motor, a rotary tool coupled to a fluid motor, or an axial cutting tool coupled to a piston. The fluid motor or piston is operated by differential fluid pressure created within the bore. Methods of sealing a subterranean borehole are also provided, in which one or more cuts are made with a cutting assembly in one or more conduits to remove at least a portion of a conduit and concrete is deposited in the resulting space. The space is free of debris, which could otherwise form leakage paths in the concrete seal. In a variant the space is created with a downhole crushing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce A. Tunget
  • Patent number: 7849924
    Abstract: A well bore servicing apparatus comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis and a through bore, and a movable member disposed in said housing, said movable member having a through bore and a fluid aperture therein, wherein said movable member is movable between a first stop position and a second stop position relative to said housing and along said axis, wherein said fluid aperture is in fluid communication with said housing through bore and said movable member through bore to provide a fluid stream to the well bore in said first and second axially spaced stop positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Surjaatmadja, Billy McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20100300690
    Abstract: A method for use in a wellbore includes the steps of providing an elongated, closed tubular body defining an internal chamber wherein the tubular body has an external surface formed with treated areas and an elongated recess extending longitudinally of the tubular body and running through the treated areas; retaining a detonating device in the recess adjacent the external surface of the tubular body; positioning the tubular body with the explosive in a wellbore adjacent perforation tunnels previously formed in a surrounding well formation and filled with debris; and activating the detonating device to rupture the tubular body inwardly along the external surface forming the recess at the treated areas to expose the chamber within the tubular body to a dynamic underbalanced pressure condition such that fluid from the wellbore and debris from the perforation tunnels is drawn through the wellbore and into the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Adil Mahallab Al Busaidy
  • Publication number: 20100288491
    Abstract: A tubular cutter that cuts with extendable and rotating blades has its depth of cut limited upon getting through the tubular to be cut. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular has a loosely mounted member exterior thereto to be engaged by the rotating cutters. When such engagement happens the effect is that the loosely mounted member serves as a cover to the cutters to prevent them from cutting other structures beyond the tubular to be cut. The loosely mounted member is grabbed by the rotating blades for tandem rotation this preventing further cutting action. The load on the mill drops noticeably so that surface personnel have a signal to stop hydraulic pressure to the drive mechanism to allow the blades to retract and the cutter to be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Travis E. Cochran, Steven R. Hayter, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 7832480
    Abstract: A tubular extraction system for use in a plug and abandonment process and may include a structural mounting for adaptation to a well head, various mountings may be used to provide a structure for attaching actuators for griping the tubular string, indenting or crimping the tubular and shearing the tubular string. The system further use a fork supported on a lifting apparatus such as a top drive unit, draw works or portable crane, the fork is inserted within the mounting structure of the system to engage the crimped or indented portion of the tubular section being extracted and thus allow removal of sequentially sheared sections of the tubular string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Robert P. Fanguy
  • Patent number: 7832481
    Abstract: The fluid perforating/cutting nozzle is configured to provide long life to the nozzle. The nozzle is composed of a cylindrical shaft defining a bore for the passage of cutting fluid and having inlet and outlet ends, a shank portion and a relatively large diameter shroud disposed on the outlet end. The shroud protects both the nozzle and the tool from the high pressure cutting fluid reflecting off the surface of a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: James G. Martindale
  • Publication number: 20100276145
    Abstract: A mill for milling a window through metal casing in a well bore that includes a body having a plurality of blades; a plurality of cylindrically bodied cutting elements on said blades; and a plurality of diamond enhanced elements having a non-planar diamond working surface on said blades; wherein said cutting elements initiate cutting into said casing and mill said window into said well bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles H. Dewey, Praful C. Desai
  • Publication number: 20100263868
    Abstract: An abrasive slurry tool, the tool being attachable to a running string, the tool including a high-pressure assembly, the assembly including a nozzle assembly; and a low-pressure assembly in abrasive fluid communication with the high-pressure assembly, the low-pressure assembly comprising a low pressure holding tank configured to carry recharge abrasive fluid with the tool and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Gerald D. Lynde
  • Patent number: 7814979
    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: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varoo, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, James D. Brugman
  • Patent number: 7810569
    Abstract: A subterranean formation stimulation system, comprising a gas generator, a high pressure seal, and a fluid injection system. The high pressure seal may be a packer and or plug having an outer sealing surface on its outer periphery. The outer sealing surface is configured for metal to metal contact with the inner circumference of wellbore casing. The gas generator can be compressed gas or a propellant. A shaped charge can be included to activate the generator. The system is disposable in a wellbore on wireline, slick line, or tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Freeman L. Hill, Jeffrey R. Honekamp
  • Patent number: 7810568
    Abstract: A watermelon mill has a smaller dimension for run in and a larger one for reaming out the window made by a window mill and passes through a smaller drift and then gets larger for more effective widening of the window. The cutters are preferably tungsten carbide or polycrystalline diamond inserts and they are mounted to blades that are ramped outwardly by a cone upon relative movement between the two. The body can be in multiple pieces that are rotationally locked and movable relative to each other longitudinally. Actuation to the larger dimension can be by setting down weight or by fluid pressure with the dimension getting smaller as a return spring allows the cutters to retract upon removal of applied pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Toulouse
  • Patent number: 7810553
    Abstract: A wireline cutter comprises a primary housing with a first axial bore configured to receive a wireline positioned within a well bore, and a first blade mounted within the primary housing and operable to cut the wireline. A method of cutting a wireline in a well bore comprises running a wireline cutter into the well bore, receiving the wireline within the wireline cutter, and cutting the wireline with the wireline cutter. A one-trip cutting system for use in a well bore comprises a wireline cutter, and a coiled tubing cutter. A method for cutting a coiled tubing with a wireline disposed therein comprises running a system comprising a wireline cutter and a coiled tubing cutter into the well bore, cutting the coiled tubing with the coiled tubing cutter, and cutting the wireline with the wireline cutter, wherein both cutting steps are performed in one trip into the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Cruickshank, Benjamin Bianchi, Richard Messa
  • Publication number: 20100252265
    Abstract: Bottom hole assemblies for cutting windows in wellbore casing comprise a window mill, a first upper mill, a second upper mill, and a third upper mill. The first mill has an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameters of the window mill and the second and third upper mills. The first upper mill is disposed above the window mill at a distance measuring approximately twenty to thirty-seven percent of the distance measured from the window mill to the third upper mill. The second upper mill is disposed above the window mill at a distance measuring approximately fifty-five to seventy-five percent of the distance measured from the window mill to the third upper mill. The third upper mill is disposed above the window mill at a distance measuring approximately one-hundred twenty to one-hundred thirty percent of the length of a ramp of a whipstock for guiding the mills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Suhas S. Verma
  • Publication number: 20100243253
    Abstract: A well bore servicing apparatus comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis and a through bore, and a movable member disposed in said housing, said movable member having a through bore and a fluid aperture therein, wherein said movable member is movable between a first stop position and a second stop position relative to said housing and along said axis, wherein said fluid aperture is in fluid communication with said housing through bore and said movable member through bore to provide a fluid stream to the well bore in said first and second axially spaced stop positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jim Surjaatmadja, Billy McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7793721
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member. The apparatus includes a support member, an expansion device coupled to the support member and at least one of a cutting device coupled to the support member, an actuator coupled to the support member, a sealing assembly, or a packer assembly coupled to the support member. The apparatus may further include a gripping device for coupling the tubular member to the support member. The expansion device may be used for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member which may be coupled to the support member. The cutting device may be used for cutting the tubular member. The actuator may be used for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member. The sealing assembly may be used for sealing an annulus defined between the support member and the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Eventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Brock Wayne Watson, David Paul Brisco
  • Publication number: 20100224367
    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: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Charles Brunet, Michel Bouchard
  • Publication number: 20100212903
    Abstract: A abrasive jet perforating tool comprises a generally cylindrically shaped tube with a side, an upper portion, and a lower portion; a plurality of holes tapped and threaded into the side of the tube; threaded abrasive jets mounted in at least some of the plurality of threaded holes; protective plates mounted on the side of the tube around the abrasive jets; gauge rings that slide onto an outer diameter of the upper portion and the lower portion of the tube; and a mechanical casing collar locator connected to the upper portion of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas L. Dotson, James F. Farr
  • Publication number: 20100193192
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for drilling drainholes into a subterranean formation around a well are provided. A tool body on tubing directs a mechanical cutter or jet bit to the casing. A hole is cut in casing and a rotary detent mechanism may be used to drill additional holes through casing and enable reliable alignment of a jet bit with the holes for drilling drainholes without removing apparatus from the well. This method significantly reduces operating time to drill multiple laterals at a given depth in a wellbore. Disposable nozzles in a guide channel or nozzles on the tool body may be used for drilling through casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Buckman Jet Drilling
    Inventors: William G. Buckman, SR., William C. Maurer, Zachary D. Pearl
  • Patent number: 7766083
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of isolating hydrajet stimulated zones from subsequent well operations. The method includes the step of drilling a wellbore into the subterranean formation of interest. Next, the wellbore may or may not be cased depending upon a number of factors including the nature and structure of the subterranean formation. Next, the casing, if one is installed, and wellbore are perforated using a high pressure fluid being ejected from a hydrajetting tool. A first zone of the subterranean formation is then fractured and stimulated. Next, the first zone is temporarily plugged or partially sealed by installing an isolation fluid into the wellbore adjacent to the one or more fractures and/or in the openings thereof, so that subsequent zones can be fractured and additional well operations can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Willett, Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Billy W. McDaniel, Leldon Mark Farabee, David M. Adams, Lloyd E. East
  • Patent number: 7762330
    Abstract: Methods of removing casing from a wellbore, the method including disposing a drilling tool assembly in a wellbore, the drilling tool assembly including a cutting device, a spearing device, and a jarring device. The methods further including activating the cutting device, cutting a first casing segment, deactivating the cutting device and activating a spearing device. The method further including engaging the spearing device with the first casing segment, activating the jarring device to free the first casing segment, and removing the first casing segment from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Saylor, III, Thomas D. Helbert, Marc Henderson, Joeseph V. Hebert, Trygve Berthelsen, Randall Louis Hebert, Malcolm Perschke, A. J. Dach, III, Harshad Patil, Praful C. Desai
  • Publication number: 20100175879
    Abstract: A method of perforating a downhole pipe by cutting at a location within the pipe in a radial direction toward the pipe, producing a determined reaction force, and using the determined reaction force to enhance the cutting of the pipe. The method may include continuing cutting in the radial direction to create an opening in the pipe, and attenuating a pressure wave through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Michael C. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20100170675
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatuses for gripping and shearing a downhole cable. In one embodiment, a line cutter mandrel includes: a tubular mandrel; a pocket disposed along an outer surface of the mandrel and longitudinally coupled to the mandrel; a channel disposed through the pocket for receiving a cable; and a line cutter. The line cutter includes a blade, is operable to engage an outer surface of the cable in a gripping position, is operable to at least substantially sever the cable with the blade in a cutting position, and is operable from the gripping position to the cutting position by relative longitudinal movement between the cable and the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Guy A. Daigle, John J. Grunbeck
  • Publication number: 20100163238
    Abstract: A perforating system having a perforating gun with a tubular gun housing defining an inner volume and extending in an axial direction. A shaped charge is held in a loading tube. The loading tube is located in the gun housing. The loading tube extends along the axial direction. The shaped charge faces in a firing direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. A portion of the gun housing adjacent to the shaped charge in the firing direction is a perforating portion for removal upon firing of the shaped charge. An eccentralizer member extends from the perforating gun in a second direction that is substantially opposite and parallel with the firing direction. A first retainer part extends from an outer surface of the gun housing adjacent to the perforating portion. A second retainer part extends from the outside of the gun housing adjacent to the perforating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lang Zhan, Jean-Luc Lafontan, Harvey Williams, Jeremy P. Harvey, Brenden Grove, Lawrence A. Behrmann
  • Publication number: 20100147520
    Abstract: A method for removing at least a portion of an object in an annulus formed between an external surface of a tubular element and a wall surface. A method for removing an annulus packer, of the swellable type or the foam type, from an annulus in a wellbore comprises the placement of a jetting tool inside the tubular element and effecting a high-pressure fluid flow from the jetting tool to the object, whereby the object is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Rune Freyer
  • Publication number: 20100139921
    Abstract: A cutting device and a method for emergency cutting of a line in a well are disclosed. The cutting device includes a tapering guide including a narrow end portion and a wide end portion for feed-through of the line, the narrow end portion being placed, when in its position of use, at a lower position than that of the wide end portion; at least one sliding block arranged axially movable within the tapering guide; at least one cutting knife connected to the sliding block and directed inwards in the tapering guide; at least one releasable holding mechanism for standby holding of the at least one sliding block at the wide end portion of the guide, and for releasing the at least one sliding block in connection with emergency cutting of the line. Upon release, the at least one sliding block will move downward in the direction of the narrow end portion of the guide where it will force its at least one cutting knife with increasing force against the line until it is cut off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: SMART INSTALLATIONS AS
    Inventors: Petter Birkeland, Oyvind Koldal