Cleaning Or Unloading Well Patents (Class 166/311)
  • Patent number: 11572749
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for positioning a non-expandable liner hanger in a wellbore. A liner is coupled to the liner hanger, wherein the liner hanger comprises: a conduit body; and a reactive metal sealing element disposed on the conduit body, wherein the reactive metal sealing element comprises a reactive metal having a first volume. An example method includes contacting the reactive metal with a fluid that reacts with the reactive metal to produce a reaction product having a second volume greater than the first volume; and contacting a surface adjacent to the reactive metal sealing element with the reaction product to form a seal against the surface and to anchor the liner hanger from the surface, wherein anchoring the liner hanger to the surface suspends the liner in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Emile Edmund Sevadjian, Abdol Reza Gharesi
  • Patent number: 11414946
    Abstract: Systems and methods for retaining magnetic debris from drilling fluid include an exterior sleeve with an interior space receiving an interior holder. A first end of the exterior sleeve is connectible to drill string to place the interior space in fluid communication with the drill string, and a longitudinal passage between the interior holder and exterior sleeve defines a flow path for drilling fluid from the drill string. Magnetic materials along and/or around the interior holder provide a magnetic field extending into or across the longitudinal passage such that magnetic debris is removable by the magnetic field from the flow path of drilling fluid passing through the longitudinal passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: James Edward Atkins
  • Patent number: 11401788
    Abstract: A method and system of producing fluid from a well with a gas lift system that includes a virtual plunger made from a plunger forming material. The virtual plunger is formed downhole by injecting the plunger forming material directly into a column of liquid inside production tubing and from an annulus that circumscribes the production tubing. The flow of plunger forming material into the production tubing is controlled by an injection valve intersecting a sidewall of the production tubing. The plunger forming material is added to the annulus from the surface, and enough is added so its upper level is above the injection valve. Adding injection gas to the production tubing below the virtual plunger pushes the virtual plunger and column of liquid to surface. The plunger forming material has properties so that the virtual plunger remains cohesive while traveling uphole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: SILVERWELL TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventor: Joel David Shaw
  • Patent number: 11371315
    Abstract: The present invention provides a milling tool (1) for a wellbore, comprising a milling section (2) and a metal cuttings removal section (3), the milling section (2) comprises radially arranged milling elements (4); and the metal cuttings removal section (3) has a first end (5) and a second end (6) and comprises a cylinder-shaped magnetic element (7), a rotation generating device (8) and a helix-shaped longitudinal guide element (9), wherein the first end (5) is connected to the milling section; the helix-shaped longitudinal guide element (9) is arranged around the cylinder-shaped magnetic element (7); the rotation generating device (8) is operably connected to the cylinder-shaped magnetic element (7) or the helix-shaped longitudinal guide element (9); wherein the cylinder-shaped magnetic element and the helix-shaped longitudinal guide element (9) are rotatable relative to each other around a common centreline (C), and configured such that metal cuttings accumulating on the cylinder-shaped magnetic element dur
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Swarfix AS
    Inventor: Jan Stangeland
  • Patent number: 11255159
    Abstract: Cleanout tools and related methods of operation. At least some of the example embodiments are cleanout tools including a tool body that defines an internal annular channel, a joiner coupled to the tool body, a sleeve telescoped within the joiner and tool body, and a ball disposed within the annular channel. The ball held within the annular channel by the sleeve, and the ball configured to move along the annular channel under force of fluid pumped into the cleanout tool. The ball creates a pulsing of fluid streams exiting the tool body. Moreover, in some example systems the fluid streams created by the tool body intersect the inside diameter of a casing at non-perpendicular angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Michael W. Dennis
  • Patent number: 11125690
    Abstract: Corrosion inhibitor and kinetic hydrate inhibitor formulations, and methods of using each are provided. Each formulation optionally includes a fluorophore, which can be used to fluorometrically control dosage of each formulation into an aqueous liquid utilized in a downhole application, thereby providing improved precision of dosage into aqueous liquids having relatively high turbidity, and consequently relatively high light absorbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: ChampionX USA Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Issa Abla, Jeffery Dennis Breshears, John E. Hoots, Jeremy Moloney, Allan Scott, Peter A. Webber
  • Patent number: 11021937
    Abstract: Apparatuses and method to reduce a pore-water pressure of water within a subsurface formation below a first pressure, include creating a pressure discontinuity in a well for a first period of time. The pressure discontinuity is created using ambient ground water pressure. A ground water flow regulating device (GFRD) is used to create the pressure discontinuity such that the GFRD restricts ground water flow through the well, which causes a pressure below the GFRD to increase. A flow of ground water is released through the well casing after the first period of time under natural ground water pressure. The GFRD releases the flow of the ground water and the pore-water pressure decreases to a second pressure after the ground water is released and the second pressure is less than the first pressure, wherein a first purge cycle is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: SEVEE & MAHER ENGINEERS, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Austin Fowler
  • Patent number: 10941334
    Abstract: A foam solution for profile control and plugging in heavy oil thermal recovery process, a preparation method thereof, and a method for profile control and plugging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM (EAST CHINA)
    Inventors: Chao Zhang, Zhaomin Li, Xingchang Xue, Zhaohui Shang, Haifeng He, Linghui Xi, Mingxuan Wu
  • Patent number: 10889751
    Abstract: A stimulation fluid including (i) an aqueous solution of an ammonium salt capable of being exothermally oxidized to produce heat and gas, (ii) an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent capable of oxidizing the ammonium salt; (iii) a water-soluble inorganic acid salt and/or an organic carboxylic acid salt of a tertiary amine; (iv) a low molecular weight carboxylic acid; and (v) a high salinity brine containing divalent metal ions; and (vi) optionally, a surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Liberty Oilfield Services, LLC
    Inventors: Ahmed M. Shahin, Bilu Cherian
  • Patent number: 10883333
    Abstract: A sealing device includes a tubular body having a bore; a collet seat having a plurality of collets; a frangible sealing element disposed in the collet seat and blocking fluid communication through the bore; and a releasable sleeve releasably attached to the tubular body and retaining the collet seat against the tubular body. In one embodiment, the plurality of the collets includes threads mated with threads on the tubular body. In another embodiment, the plurality of the collets is attached to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Jobby T. Jacob, Jeffery Morrison, Joshua Vernon Symms, Luis A. Urdaneta
  • Patent number: 10884437
    Abstract: A continuous fluid metering system for continuously dispensing a fluid for injection and for accurately measuring the fluid dispensed. The system generally includes one or more fill valves for transferring fluid from an additive tank to first and second measuring tubes, one or more injection valves for directing fluid dispensed by the measuring tubes to an injection point such as an oil well, a pump, and first and second sensors that indicate the volume of fluid dispensed by the first and second measuring tubes as it is dispensed. The system also includes a control unit that controls the injection and fill valves to cause the fluid dispensed from the first and second measuring tubes to be alternately and continuously and directed to the injection point, and the first and second measuring tubes to be alternately and repeatedly refilled without substantial interrupting the flow of fluid to the injection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: FlowCore Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Charles D. Black, Ian C. Black, Alec J. Driscoll, Steven E. Hayden
  • Patent number: 10883314
    Abstract: A rupture disc assembly and a float tool incorporating the rupture disc assembly is disclosed. The rupture disc assembly may include a rupture disc assembly comprising a rupture disc, an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular portion, and a securing mechanism for holding the rupture disc between the upper and lower tubular portions. A float tool for creating a buoyant chamber in a casing string may include the rupture disc assembly and a sealing device for sealing the lower end of the casing string, the buoyant, sealed chamber may be created there between. In operation, applied fluid pressure causes the rupture disc to move downward. The rupture disc may be shattered by contact with a surface on the lower tubular portion. Full casing internal diameter may be restored in the region where the rupture disc formerly sealed the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Donald Getzlaf, Marty Stromquist, John Ravensbergen, David Devlin, Douglas Braden, Travis Harris
  • Patent number: 10865622
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical discharge generating device for cleaning an equipment arranged in a wellbore of a subterranean formation in order to improve the recovery of formation fluids and/or gases, said electrical discharge generating device comprising a discharge unit for generating at least one electrical discharge that propagates at least one shock wave for cleaning from said equipment, wherein said electrical discharge generating device further comprises a retaining module configured for retaining a volume of liquid in order to immerse the discharge unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Blue Spark Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Fensky, Robert Harries, Steve Petten
  • Patent number: 10815757
    Abstract: A receptacle is formed with a bottom end and a top end and houses an auger conveyor. The system includes at least one bottom sub comprising an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end is releasably connectable to a receptacle bottom end. At least one top assembly, comprising a house with an entrance releasably connectable to the receptacle top end and an outlet for connection to an outlet line, and a chamber within the house. The chamber forms a flow path between the entrance and the outlet. A retention tank is connected to the at least one top assembly outlet by the outlet line. A pump is connected to the retention tank on a pump suction side by a supply line, and the pump on the pressure side being connected to the at least one bottom sub by an inlet line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Altus Intervention (Technologies) AS
    Inventors: Espen Osaland, Daniel Skretting
  • Patent number: 10781646
    Abstract: A wellbore cleaning system provides a relockable shearing swivel tool that can be used in tandem with a lockable weight set circulation tool. Suspended from an upper drill string is an assembly consisting of a landing sub, the lockable weight set circulation tool and relockable shearing swivel tool are located immediately above a liner top and from which is suspended a lower drills string. The lower drill string and production liner are both significantly smaller in diameter than the upper drill string and production casing such than when fluid is pumped at high rates through the entire drill string and reduced cross sectional area of the lower drills string and production liner causes a large pressure drop characterized at surface by a high pump pressure. As part of the method, an operator makes up a drill string assembly that includes an upper drill string, a lower drill string, a landing sub or device, the lockable weight set circulation tool, and the relockable shearing swivel tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: ODFJELL WELL SERVICES NORWAY AS
    Inventors: Simon Leiper, Nikolas Tzallas, Raymond Cain
  • Patent number: 10662364
    Abstract: A drilling fluid comprising a carrier fluid, an aromatic polyester polyol and an additive selected from a thickener, a wetting agent, an emulsifier, a weighting agent, a pH control agent, a lubricant or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: RESINATE MATERIALS GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Shakti L. Mukerjee, Kevin Anthony Rogers, Rick Tabor
  • Patent number: 10550308
    Abstract: A method and system for removing water from the near wellbore during scale inhibitor squeeze treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: David Blumer, Ying Xu, Greg McLelland, Judy Waters
  • Patent number: 10538980
    Abstract: A single-use pressure-controlled actuator for downhole well tools or mechanisms is provided. The actuator is configured for control of activation/deactivation by agency of wellbore fluid pressure (e.g., pressure levels of drilling fluid or drilling mud in the wellbore). The actuator is further configured for hydraulic actuation by agency of the wellbore fluid. The actuator comprises a plunger displaceably mounted on a sealed cylinder body, with a non-reclosable frangible device closing off wellbore fluid access to an interior of the cylinder body. The frangible device is configured for automatic in response to exposure of wellbore fluid pressures exceeding a predetermined activation threshold. Failure of the frangible device causes exposure of the plunger to the wellbore fluid, resulting in actuated movement of the plunger by hydraulic action of the wellbore fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Servics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mikko Jaaskelainen
  • Patent number: 10465445
    Abstract: A rupture disc assembly and a float tool incorporating the rupture disc assembly is disclosed. The rupture disc assembly may include a rupture disc assembly comprising a rupture disc, an upper tubular portion and a lower tubular portion, and a securing mechanism for holding the rupture disc between the upper and lower tubular portions. A float tool for creating a buoyant chamber in a casing string may include the rupture disc assembly and a sealing device for sealing the lower end of the casing string, the buoyant, sealed chamber may be created there between. In operation, applied fluid pressure causes the rupture disc to move downward. The rupture disc may be shattered by contact with a surface on the lower tubular portion. Full casing internal diameter may be restored in the region where the rupture disc formerly sealed the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: NCS MULTISTAGE INC.
    Inventors: Donald Getzlaf, Marty Stromquist, John Ravensbergen, David Devlin, Douglas Braden, Travis Harris
  • Patent number: 10294747
    Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a rotating and reciprocating swivel of adjustable stroke length and shearable by ram blow out preventers can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the lower wellbore from the riser. In one embodiment the mandrel of the swivel extends through a sleeve/housing. The sleeve/housing has a wiping arrangement of improved configuration that wipes debris from the mandrel, preventing entry of the debris into the sleeve/housing. Ports enable discharge of the removed debris from the area of the sleeve/housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kip M. Robichaux, Terry P. Robichaux
  • Patent number: 10240417
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tool (1) for removing metal debris from a well bore, comprising a magnet element (2), rotation generating means (5), a debris removal unit (3) and a debris container (6), wherein the magnet element comprises a cylinder-shaped housing (10) having a first end (7) and a second end (8); the debris removal unit (3) comprises a first helix-shaped longitudinal guide element (4) arranged around the cylinder-shaped housing; the rotation generating means (5) are operably connected to the cylinder-shaped housing or the first helix-shaped longitudinal guide element; the debris container (6) comprises a first opening (9) arranged at the second end (8) of the cylinder-shaped housing, wherein the cylinder-shaped housing (10), or the first helix-shaped longitudinal guide element (4), is rotatable around its centerline (C), and configured such that metal debris accumulating on the cylinder-shaped housing during use is guided by the first helix-shaped longitudinal guide element towards the firs
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Norse Oiltools AS
    Inventor: Jan Stangeland
  • Patent number: 10053975
    Abstract: A downhole wireless actuation based pipe lifting system with wireless communications and data acquisition capabilities for lifting casing from a well formation. The system may be deployed along a casing string with centralizers in the closed position to prevent any resistance that would be created by the centralizers. Upon reaching the proper location in the well, one or more pipe lifting systems may be actuated to lift the pipe from the well formation thereby providing a path for cement to flow around the casing. The system may collect, and store data before, during, and after the cementing process is performed, and may transmit the data wirelessly or by cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: TUBEL ENERGY, LLC
    Inventor: Paulo Tubel
  • Patent number: 10047268
    Abstract: A self-triggering, in-situ crosslinking fluid system is provided for controlling lost circulation for drilling in a carbonate formation. Methods of drilling a well include the steps of: (A) forming a drilling fluid comprising an aqueous phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises: (i) water; (ii) acid, wherein the acid is at least sufficiently strong and in at least a sufficient concentration such that the aqueous phase has an initial pH of less than about 2; (iii) a viscosity-increasing agent; and (iv) a crosslinker, wherein the crosslinker is selected or controlled to crosslink the viscosity-increasing agent at a pH range anywhere in a range of about 1.5 to about 6.5 and that is at least higher than the initial pH of the aqueous phase; and (B) drilling with the drilling fluid to form a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventors: Chaitanya Mallikarjun Karale, Sharath Savari, Vijaya Kumar Patnana, Prajakta R Patil
  • Patent number: 10040983
    Abstract: A dispersion solution for drilling obtained by dispersing, in an aqueous medium, a hydrolysable resin material that contains a resin that is hydrolysable but sparingly and a hydrolysable resin that accelerates the decomposition of esters. The dispersion solution for drilling exhibits a highly hydrolysable capability despite of using an inexpensive hydrolysable resin material, and can be favorably used for extracting resources relying on a well drilling method such as hydraulic fracturing method, rotary drilling method or riserless drilling method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: TOYO SEIKAN GROUP HOLDINGS, LTD.
    Inventors: Seishi Yoshikawa, Tsutaki Katayama
  • Patent number: 9739114
    Abstract: Downhole tools and methods for isolating a wellbore. A downhole tool can include a body having a bore or flowpath formed therethrough, and one or more sealing members disposed therein. The one or more sealing members can include an annular base and a curved surface having an upper face and a lower face, wherein one or more first radii define the upper face, and one or more second radii define the lower face, and wherein, at any point on the curved surface, the first radius is greater than the second radius. The sealing members can be disposed within the bore of the tool using one or more annular sealing devices disposed about the one or more sealing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 9689251
    Abstract: A method to dislodge debris from a pump system in which the pump system includes a down-hole pump coupled by a rod string to an above-ground pump actuator, which is coupled to a controller configured to operate the pump system, and where the actuator has an adjustable stroke length. The method also includes determining that the pump system should begin operating in a pump clean mode, implementing the pump clean mode configured in the controller, and cycling the pump actuator at a preset command speed using a preset starting stroke length, preset acceleration rate and a preset deceleration rate. The method also includes continuing to cycle the pump actuator while incrementally decreasing the stroke length by a preset stroke length increment resulting in increased pump cycling frequencies. Further, the method calls for determining that the pump clean mode is complete, and returning the pump system to a normal operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Peterson, Jonathan D. Bender
  • Patent number: 9617837
    Abstract: A hydraulic oil well pumping arrangement employs a compensating type hydraulic pump, a directional valving arrangement and a proportioning valving arrangement. When the directional valve is energized, oil is directed to the rod end of the hydraulic cylinder. In one embodiment, a time delay halts the movement of the sucker rod or pumping string to allow accumulation of oil in a slow following well. In another embodiment, the pumping string rapidly falls to the bottom of the stroke in order to shake or jar debris from the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Lufkin Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Vincent, Joel Lasseigne
  • Patent number: 9581281
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for inserting a new pipe into an old pipe by means of a self-driven impact device, which simplifies the insertion of a new pipe into an old pipe, and wherein blocking elements of an apparatus according to the invention engage with the inside wall of an old pipe in order to prevent any movement of the self-driven impact device in a direction opposite the direction of advance, as well as a method for using the device. The apparatus according to the invention has blocking elements, which are disposed on at least one base body, but preferably four base bodies, which are in turn releasably mounted on the self-driven impact device. This method is characterized in that the base bodies together with the blocking elements and the self-driven impact device are salvaged by the new pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: TRACTO-TECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Volkel, Christian Loher
  • Patent number: 9580991
    Abstract: A shear valve (1) for use in a downhole tool between the annulus and tubing in a well comprises an outer housing (11) and an internal body (13) movable in a longitudinal direction within the housing when the valve is activated, and at least one obstruction device (16, 10) which can be arranged to obstruct the internal body from moving. The obstruction device is capable of being deactivated by pressure from the tubing side of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY COMPANY AS
    Inventors: Kristian Harestad, Helge Skorve, Magnar Tveiten
  • Patent number: 9493697
    Abstract: A breaker fluid for breaking a filtercake in a wellbore. The fluid including a hydrolysable ester of carboxylic acid, and a chelant, an alkyl glycoside, or a combination thereof. The breaker fluid may be pre-mixed and include an amount of water less than required to completely hydrolyze the ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark Luyster, LaTosha Moore, Andrew Jones
  • Patent number: 9328580
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for collecting debris in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Atlus Intervention AS
    Inventor: Bard Martin Tinnen
  • Patent number: 9297242
    Abstract: This invention provides a multi-frac composite perforation device having (i) a gun body having an outer wall, (ii) an inner gunpowder box between adjacent perforating charges in the charge frame 1 of said perforation device, and (iii) a structure for gunpowder charge with an outer gunpowder box 4 attached to an outer wall of the charge frame 1, the gun body has a pressure releasing structure corresponding to a closed end of the perforating charge. This invention further provides a method of using the multi-frac composite perforating device to fracture a formation and the choice of gunpowders and gun body thickness with regards to the pressure required for fracturing a formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignees: Tong Oil Tools Co., Ltd., Tong Petrotech Inc
    Inventors: Guoan Zhang, Jianlong Cheng, Xianhong Sun
  • Patent number: 9291035
    Abstract: A debris collecting tool for use within a wellbore is provided. The tool comprises a filter body having an upstream end and a downstream end. A first fluid passage extends longitudinally between the upstream and downstream ends of the filter body, and at least one second fluid passage connects the first fluid passage with the exterior of the filter body. A filter is located between the first fluid passage and the at least one second fluid passage. The tool further comprises a flow controller movable between a first position in which fluid is prevented from entering the at least one second fluid passage from the exterior of the filter body, and a second position in which fluid is permitted to enter the at least one second fluid passage from the exterior of the filter body. An agitator body is attached to the upstream end of the filter body, and includes at least one radially projecting agitation member. Methods of using the tool to collect debris and clean a wellbore are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Switzerland Trading and Development GMBH
    Inventor: Ruairidh Cooper
  • Patent number: 9260941
    Abstract: A cleaning tool (1) for use in cleaning ferrous material from a wellbore has a magnetic cleaning functionality by provision of magnets (5) in an Halbach array on a downhole tool component of a workstring. The Halbach array may be an Halbach cylinder positioned on a mandrel wherein the magnetic field is external to the cylinder with substantially zero magnetic field within the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: M-I Drilling Fluids UK Limited
    Inventor: James Linklater
  • Patent number: 9163474
    Abstract: A packer cup assembly uses a shape memory alloy packer cup reformed for run in into a cylindrical shape about a mandrel with opposed end rings that extend radially further out during run in to protect the cup. Upon application of a thermal stimulus the cup reverts to a functional cup seal shape by engaging the rim and parts of the cup to the surrounding wellbore. The shape change can also involve a shortened axial dimension that results in the cup shape moving away from the end ring to which it is unattached. The stimulus is provided with well fluids or artificially through heaters or other techniques. External elongated protective elements can be provided to overlay the cup seal during run and bend outwardly with the cup seal during reversion to its functional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Ramon
  • Patent number: 9121242
    Abstract: A tool for suspending in a well retrieves various metal debris from the well, and includes an elongated tool body with a plurality of magnets included in a plurality longitudinal ridges which are circumferentially spaced. In the method a plurality of magnets can be positioned within openings, recesses, or pockets in each ridge, and held in place by one or more retaining plates, the tool being connected to a drill string and lowered into a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Odfjell Well Services Norway AS
    Inventors: Simon Leiper, Kevin Robertson
  • Patent number: 9109416
    Abstract: A one trip method for cleaning an existing string while performing testing on the string allows in the same trip the drilling of additional wellbore. The cleanup equipment is retracted after the testing is completed so that it will not impede the advancement of the drill bit at the lower end of the string. The cleanup tools are typically extend for run in through the string and they can be collapsed by a technique such as dropping a ball to shift a sleeve to disable the piston assembly that holds the cleanup tools extended and allows them to be retracted using a return spring or other source of potential energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Yang Xu
  • Patent number: 9068416
    Abstract: Disclosed is a downhole knock-out tool (900) for use in a tubing string (702) with a power head (704) for creating reverse flow. The tool has a cylindrical housing (910) with an inner tube (920) in the housing directing well fluids against a knock-out (940) or deflector cone to accumulate debris in the annulus (926) formed between the housing and tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Benton T. Knobloch, Jr., David J. Tilley, Todd J. Roy
  • Publication number: 20150114654
    Abstract: A tool for polishing a seal surface of a wellhead assembly includes a cylindrical tool body with an axis. The tool body includes a base member with a first end, and a second end. A tubular skirt member extends from the second end of the base member. The skirt member has a sidewall, a base end connected to the base member, and an open end opposite the base end. A plurality of axial slots extend through the sidewall of the skirt member, the axial slots being spaced circumferentially around the skirt member. A polishing belt is woven through the axial slots of the skirt member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Noel Anthony Monjure, Eugene Allen Borak, Andrew Browne Helvenston
  • Patent number: 9010430
    Abstract: Shaped particulates which have been compressed from a composite of a well treatment agent and adsorbent in a matrix may be introduced into horizontal or deviated oil or gas wells. The well treatment agent of the shaped pellets may be used to prevent and/or control the formation of deposits in a production well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John Gregory Darby, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Dong Shen
  • Patent number: 9010434
    Abstract: A method for connecting coupling parts of a subsea coupling arrangement, the coupling parts having at least one sealing surface, in which the coupling parts are connected by displacing the coupling parts towards each other, wherein a watertight seal is formed when the coupling parts are connected, feeding filtered sea water through a channel into a space between the coupling parts during the displacement, flowing the filtered sea water over the sealing surfaces to prevent particles and dirt from being trapped between the sealing surfaces, and discharging the filtered sea water from the space into surroundings of the subsea coupling arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventor: Svend Erik Rocke
  • Patent number: 9004173
    Abstract: Wiper plugs or other shapes are made from shape memory foam in a size large enough to wipe or clean a tubular of a predetermined size. The plug or other shape is then reformed to a smaller dimension above its transition temperature and allowed to cool while holding that shape. The smaller shape allows delivery through a running string that is smaller than the tubular string to be wiped. Preferably before reaching the string to be wiped, the trigger is applied to get the wiper or other shape above its transition temperature where it then reverts to the prior larger dimension for effective wiping of the string that it will next pass through. The trigger can be well fluid temperature or composition, applied heat from the tubular, generated heat within the wiper or other shape, or heat released from agents introduced into the well acting alone or in conjunction with well fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Oleg A. Mazyar
  • Patent number: 8985214
    Abstract: A method for reducing corrosion on the exterior or interior surface, for example coiled tubing and casing, includes mixing a selected surfactant and particles of a polymer in oil, then adding the oil to water and contacting the surfaces of the tubing with the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Coil Chem, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry W. Noles, Jr., Alex J. Watts
  • Publication number: 20150075799
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing debris from a wellbore using a cleaning tool. The tool may comprise an inner mandrel and a cup member coupled to the inner mandrel. The cup member is moveable between a collapsed position where fluid may flow across the exterior of the cup member, and an extended position where fluid is diverted into a flow path disposed between the inner mandrel and the cup member. The fluid is diverted through a filter member that is coupled to the inner mandrel below the cup member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy L. WILSON, Albert C. ODELL, II, Simon J. HARRALL
  • Patent number: 8973682
    Abstract: A wellbore obstruction-clearing tool connected to the bottom of a tubing string, such as casing, utilizes a sleeve which is axially and rotationally moveable in response to axial reciprocation of a tubing string to engage and clear obstructions in the wellbore. Fluid is discharged through the casing and the tool to engage the obstructions and to convey debris through the annulus to surface. Thus, the obstructions are cleared from the wellbore, permitting the casing to be advanced, without the need to rotate the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Randall E. Gosselin
  • Patent number: 8967241
    Abstract: A downhole tool for removing debris from fluid flowing through the downhole tool uses a screen member and wiper member, the wiper member having at least one window disposed through the inner and outer wall surfaces of the wiper member. Either the screen member or the wiper member is rotatable such that rotation of the screen member or the wiper member causes debris disposed on the outer wall surface of the screen member to fall-off the screen member. At least one direction port disposed at either the upper end of the screen member or the upper end of the wiper member causes rotation of the screen member or wiper member when fluid flows through the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ying Qing L. Xu, Yang Xu
  • Patent number: 8967265
    Abstract: A flow control apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a screen, a first inflow control device and a second inflow control device, wherein a fluid inflow path is provided through the screen and from an outer portion to an inner portion of each inflow control device. A method of cleaning a flow control apparatus such as that described above comprises providing in a wellbore a flow control apparatus comprising at least one screen and at least one inflow control device wherein a fluid inflow path is provided through the at least one screen and from an outer portion to an inner portion of the at least one inflow control device, targeting the at least one inflow control device with a treatment fluid and delivering the treatment fluid such that the fluid flows in a reverse direction along the fluid inflow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford U.K. Limited
    Inventors: Abdurrezagh Awid, Annabel Green, Murray Dowsett
  • Patent number: 8960282
    Abstract: A subterranean debris catcher takes in debris laden fluid at a lower end. The inlet flow is induced with an eductor whose discharge goes around the housing to the lower end inlet for the debris. The eductor suction induces flow into the lower end of the housing as well. Incoming debris goes up an annular space around the collection receptacle and turns to pass through a bladed wheel that imparts a spin to the flowing stream. The flow direction reverses from up before the wheel to down through a tube after the wheel. The solids are flung to the tube periphery and the fluid reverses direction to go back up to a screen before reaching the eductor suction connection. The debris swirls down an open bottom tube and is collected in a housing surrounding the down tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Hong Zhu
  • Patent number: 8960297
    Abstract: A well cleanout tool configured to replace a joint of tubing in a multi-joint tubing string for a wellbore. The well cleanout tool having a bushing threadable to a tubular and a one piece integral nozzle threaded to the tubular opposite the bushing, with an inner gas separator assembly contained within the tubular for flowing particulate out the nozzle end and cleaned wellbore fluid out the bushing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Daman E. Pinson
  • Patent number: 8955584
    Abstract: A method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore while rotating the drill string after full drilling depth is reached without running the drill string out the bore to install a clean up work string is disclosed wherein a drill string having a drill bit at one end includes at least one near bit selectively activatable cleaning tool (10, 11, 12) mounted within the length of the drill string, said cleaning tool having a cleaning member (18) adapted to be moved from a close fitting stowed configuration within a recess (17) to a deployed configuration upon a body of the tool, wherein the cleaning member has magnets (19, 43) for use in positioning thereof, and compact tools for scraping, milling and brushing with improved resistance to ingress of detritus, debris and formation particulates are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited
    Inventor: George Telfer