Parallel String Or Multiple Completion Well Patents (Class 166/313)
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Patent number: 8256537Abstract: A system for blasting lateral holes in the formation around a well bore, the well bore containing production casing and production tubing inside the producting casing. The system includes: a coiled tubing system including a first pump for pumping under pressure cutting fluid; coiled tubing for inserting into the production tubing; a flexible hose having a first end attached to the bottom end of the coiled tubing; a jetting nozzle attached to a second end of the flexible hose; and a deflection shoe adapted for attaching to the bottom of the production tubing. The system further comprises a centering system for centering the coiled tubing within the production tubing; a fluid transport system comprising a second pump and tubing adapted for pumping circulating fluid through the production casing; and a flow-back system comprising tubing adapted for receiving spent cutting fluid out of the production casing.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Inventor: John Adam
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Patent number: 8251145Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: William Shaun Renshaw, Steven Ronald Fipke
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Patent number: 8215399Abstract: A multi-string well has an electric submersible pump (ESP) that can be removed without killing the well. A slotted liner is sealingly secured externally to casing and internally to a guide string that remains in the wellbore when the ESP is removed. A ported sub is part of the guide string and a concentric screen that can have instruments that moves relatively to the guide string can selectively allow flow in an annulus between them and to the ported sub or that annulus between the guide and concentric strings can be blocked off by manipulation of the concentric string to close the ported sub. With the lower portion of the well now blocked off, the wellhead can be removed so that the ESP can come out with the production string. The device has particular application to steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) systems as well as other downhole applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Terry R. Bussear, Kirk J. Huber
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Patent number: 8215400Abstract: A system for opening a window in a casing string (42) positioned in a wellbore (32). The system includes a hydraulic pressure intensifier (116) having a housing and a piston assembly with a differential piston area. The piston assembly is longitudinally shiftable relative to the housing and is initially secured relative thereto to prevent longitudinal movement therebetween. An anchor assembly (114) is operable to longitudinally secure the hydraulic pressure intensifier (116) within the casing string (42). A window opening tool (118) operably associated with the hydraulic pressure intensifier (116) is operably engagable with the casing string (42) such that when the anchor assembly (114) is longitudinally secured within the casing string (42) and the piston assembly is unsecured relative to the housing under hydrostatic pressure, longitudinal movement of the piston assembly transmits a force to the window opening tool (118), thereby opening the window in the casing string (42).Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Owen Roane, Stuart Alexander Telfer
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Patent number: 8196660Abstract: A method and apparatus for the management of injection and production of well fluids in a subterranean well is described to optimize the use of stimulation fluids to enhance their compatibility with subterranean reservoirs and the surface environment and thereby reducing the damage said fluids induce in subterranean reservoirs and upon flow back to the surface reduce their damage to the environment is described. More specifically, this method is directed to the subterranean treatment of injection fluids.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Inventor: David Randolph Smith
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Patent number: 8196655Abstract: Selective placement of conformance treatments in multi-zone well completions. A method includes injecting a relative permeability modifier into a zone and optimizing a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid produced from the zone, including adjusting at least one flow control device between fully open and fully closed configurations. Another method includes injecting a relative permeability modifier into multiple zones, one at a time, via respective flow control devices, and then producing fluid from each of the zones. Another method includes identifying which of the zones to treat by, for each of the zones: a) closing flow control devices corresponding to the other zones, and b) evaluating fluid produced from the zone; and injecting a conformance treatment into the zones identified as the zones to treat.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Kalman, Eldon D. Dalrymple, Larry Eoff
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Publication number: 20120132427Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore is provided. The method comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2012Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: William Shaun Renshaw, Steven Ronald Fipke
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Patent number: 8181698Abstract: A multi-function multi-hole rig including multiple machines for accomplishing various rig functions, e.g., drilling machine(s), tripping machine(s), casing machine(s), cementing machine(s), workover machine(s), etc., for drilling, completing and/or working over multiple wellbores without moving the rig. Rig functions may be performed one after the other and/or simultaneously, while allowing other functions related to completion and production to continue simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: National Oilwell Varco L.P.Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, Dean A. Bennett, David Gilbert Reid
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Patent number: 8181697Abstract: A multi-function multi-hole rig is disclosed which, in certain aspects, includes multiple machines for accomplishing rig functions, e.g. drilling machine(s), tripping machine(s), casing machine(s), and/or cementing machine(s), for producing multiple usable wellbores one after the other. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: National Oilwell Varco L.P.Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, David Gilbert Reid, Guy L. McClung, III
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Patent number: 8171995Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: William Shaun Renshaw, Steven Ronald Fipke
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Patent number: 8157007Abstract: The method of the invention comprises inserting into the well or the piping to be cased, a tube (1) including tube sections previously connected end to end, proceeding with the radial expansion of the tube using an inflatable bladder (3) so that the wall thereof bears against that (C) of the well or the piping; wherein the method is characterized in that the expansion is achieved not on the entire length of the tube but only at certain areas (4) thereof which are spaced from each other by non-expanded portions (5), so that the total length of the expanded areas (4) is substantially smaller than the total length of the non-expanded areas (5), the number of expanded areas (4) being at least equal to three. The invention can be used in the field of water or crude oil production.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Saltel IndustriesInventors: Frédéric Nicolas, Yoann Riou, Benjamin Saltel, Jean-Louis Saltel
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Patent number: 8127865Abstract: The present invention discloses a selection process for installing underground workspace in or near a hydrocarbon deposit that is an appropriate workspace from which to drill, operate and service wells applicable to any of a number of methods of recovering hydrocarbons. The present invention includes a number of innovative methods for developing workspace for drilling from a shaft installed above, into or below a hydrocarbon deposit, particularly when the hydrocarbon reservoir is at significant formation pressure or has fluids (water oil or gases) that can enter the workspace. These methods can also be used for developing workspace for drilling from a tunnel installed above, into or below a hydrocarbon deposit. The present invention also discloses a procedure for evaluating the geology in and around the reservoir and using this information to select the most appropriate method of developing workspace for drilling from a shaft and/or tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: OSUM Oil Sands Corp.Inventors: John David Watson, Michael Helmut Kobler, Dana Brock
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Patent number: 8082983Abstract: A completion system for use in a well includes a first completion section and a second section. The first completion section has a sand control assembly to prevent passage of particulates, a first inductive coupler portion, and a sensor positioned proximate to the sand control assembly that is electrically coupled to the first inductive coupler portion. The second section is deployable after installation of the first completion section. It includes a second inductive coupler portion to communicate with the first inductive coupler portion, to enable communication between the first completion section's sensor and another component coupled to the second section.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Donald W. Ross, Anthony Veneruso, Fabien Cens, John Lovell, Jean-Philippe Beaulieu
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Patent number: 8074743Abstract: A well system may be provided comprising a first primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to a surface device and a first secondary inductive coupler. The first secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a first portion of the well. In addition, the well system may comprise a second primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to the surface device and a second secondary induction coupler. The second secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a second portion of the well. The flow through at least one of the first and second portions of the well may be adjusted via at least one of the one or more completion components. A method for completing a well comprising inductive couplers may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Dinesh R. Patel
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Patent number: 8069920Abstract: A down-hole assembly used to locate an existing window in a main cased well bore and guide equipment through the window and into a lateral well bore after removal of a whip stock. The assembly includes a running tool with a convex section detachably connected to a concave section of a guide member. The running tool includes a window locator that locates the window. The guide member includes an inclined or wedge shaped portion for guiding tools or equipment through the window and into the lateral well bore so that remedial work can be carried out.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Knight Information Systems, L.L.C.Inventors: Gerald J. Cronley, Timothy T. Torrez
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Patent number: 8047294Abstract: A valve system for use in a subterranean well, the valve having multiple closure devices, or a closure device and a device for protecting the closure device. A valve system includes a valve with a closure assembly. The closure assembly has a closure device and a protective device which alters fluid flow through a flow passage of the valve prior to closure of the closure device to thereby protect the closure device. A safety valve system includes a safety valve with a closure assembly having at least two closure devices arranged in series for controlling flow through a flow passage of the safety valve. Another safety valve system includes a safety valve assembly including multiple safety valves arranged in parallel. One portion of fluid from a fluid source flows through one of the safety valves, while another portion of fluid from the fluid source flows through another safety valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Michael B. Vinzant, James M. Williams
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Patent number: 8037938Abstract: A completion system including a packer disposed in a wellbore and a tubular string having a bore therethrough configured to land into the packer. The tubular string includes an alignment sub, a seal assembly disposed below the alignment sub and having at least two longitudinal bores disposed through the seal assembly and offset from the bore of the tubular string. The tubular string also includes a sleeve sub disposed below the seal assembly, wherein the sleeve sub allows fluid communication between a bore of the tubular string and an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore. The tubular string also includes at least two control lines operatively connected to the sleeve sub, wherein the at least two control lines are run through he at least two longitudinal bores of the seal assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Meroveu Jardim De Azevedo, Flavio Froes Sant'ana, Sebastian C. Calo, Alejandro Stepkowski
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Patent number: 8037941Abstract: A dual packer for at least partially defining a production zone in a wellbore, the dual packer including a packer body having an up-hole side and a down-hole side. A first through bore and a second through bore each extend through the packer body from the up-hole side to the down-hole side. A first piping extends from the down-hole side of the first through bore and includes a perforated sub adjacent the down-hole side of the packer body. A second piping extends from the down-hole side of the second through bore and is communicably connected to the first piping down-hole of the first perforated sub.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignees: Jordan Development Company LLCInventor: William C. Quinlan
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Publication number: 20110226481Abstract: In one aspect, a passive flow control device for controlling flow of a fluid is provided, which device in one configuration include a longitudinal member configured to receive fluid radially along a selected length of the longitudinal member, the longitudinal member including flow restrictions configured to cause a pressure drop across the radial direction of the longitudinal member. In another aspect, a method of completing a wellbore is provided, which method in one embodiment may include providing a flow control device that includes a tubular with a first set of fluid flow passages and at least one member with a second set of fluid passages placed outside the tubular, wherein the first and second set of passages are offset along a longitudinal direction and the member is configured to receive a fluid along the radial direction; placing the flow control device at a selected location a wellbore; and allowing a fluid flow between the formation and the flow control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Darin H. Duphorne, Eddie G. Bowen
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Publication number: 20110214875Abstract: A method for deploying a completion string in a previously drilled borehole includes rotating the string at the surface while axially urging the assembly deeper into the borehole. This rotation is preferably only partially transferred down the completion string such that a lower portion of the string typically remains rotationally stationary with respect to the borehole. The completion string may be reciprocated upwards and downwards from the surface so as to enable the lower portion of the completion string to rotate. The completion string may alternatively be rotated back and forth, alternating between first and second rotational directions so as to maintain an applied surface torque below a predetermined threshold. The invention has been found to reduce drag between a completion assembly and the wall of a previously drilled borehole.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Eric E. Maidla, Marc Haci
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Patent number: 7984762Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore is provided. The method comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: William Shaun Renshaw, Steven Ronald Fipke
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Publication number: 20110139458Abstract: A technique facilitates deployment of completion stages downhole in a well environment. A first completion stage is deployed downhole into a wellbore with a plurality of control lines having at least one hydraulic control line and at least one electrical control line. A second completion stage is assembled with an electric submersible pumping assembly and a plurality of corresponding control lines having at least one hydraulic control line and a least one electric control line. The second completion stage is conveyed downhole into the wellbore until engaged with the first completion stage which automatically joins the plurality of control lines. The control lines may then be used to operate both electrical and hydraulic devices of the first completion stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Muhammad Shafiq, Donald W. Ross
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Publication number: 20110132611Abstract: Disclosed herein is a completion device that includes an interior layer that swells when exposed to a wellbore fluid; and an exterior layer encasing the interior layer and configured to be impermeable to the wellbore fluid at temperatures below an activation depth temperature, and configured to be permeable to the wellbore fluid at temperatures above the activation depth temperature. Also disclosed herein is a method of deploying a completion device that includes encasing an interior layer of the device in a temperature-sensitive exterior layer that is impermeable to a fluid in the wellbore at temperatures below an activation depth temperature; attaching the device on a tube string; inserting the tube string into the wellbore; creating a leak path in the temperature-sensitive exterior layer in response to the device being exposed to the activation depth temperature in the wellbore; and swelling the interior layer with the wellbore fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Gary Rytlewski, Nitin Vaidya
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Patent number: 7937223Abstract: A method that uses downhole fluid analysis in order to selectively collect and retain formation fluid samples in a drilling environment, as well as, control drilling using downhole fluid analysis.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Reinhart Ciglenec, Stephane Vannuffelen, Akira Kamiya, Steven G. Villareal, Tsutomu Yamate
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Patent number: 7918282Abstract: A zone isolation assembly array (794) for a well (712) includes a first zone isolation assembly (722A) and a second zone isolation assembly (722B). The first zone isolation assembly (722A) selectively inhibits fluid communication between a first zone (726) and a second zone (728) of the well (712). The second zone isolation assembly (722B) selectively inhibits fluid communication between the second zone (728) and a third zone (796) of the well (712). In another embodiment, the zone isolation assembly array (794) includes a first docking receiver (748A), a second docking receiver (748B), a first docking apparatus (750A) and a second docking apparatus (750B). The docking receivers (748A, 748B) can be positioned in an in-line manner. The second docking apparatus (750B) is coupled to the first docking apparatus (750A).Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Besst, Inc.Inventors: Noah R. Heller, Peter F. Moritzburke
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Patent number: 7900705Abstract: An apparatus for use in a well includes a flow control assembly to control fluid flow in a first zone of the well, where the flow control assembly has a fixed flow control device and an adjustable flow control device that cooperate to control the fluid flow in the first zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Dinesh R. Patel
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Patent number: 7894991Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for performing oilfield surveillance operations. The oilfield has a subterranean formation with geological structures and reservoirs therein. The oilfield is divided into a plurality of patterns, with each pattern comprising a plurality of wells. Historical production/injection data is obtained for the plurality of wells. Two independent statistical treatments are performed to achieve a common objective of production optimization. In the first process, wells and/or patterns are characterized based on Heterogeneity Index results and personalities with the ultimate goal of field production optimization. In the second process, the history of the flood is divided into even time increments. At least two domains for each of the plurality of wells are determined. Each of the at least two domains are centered around each of the plurality wells. A first domain of the at least two domains has a first orientation.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.Inventors: Yanil Del Castillo, Joo Sitt Tan, Richard Reese
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Publication number: 20110030963Abstract: A system for distributing fluid to a plurality of wellbores drilled from a common pad includes at least two fluid conduits extending between the wellbores. The fluid conduits are configured to couple at one end to a fluid pump. At least one remotely operable valve is hydraulically connected to each fluid conduit proximate each wellbore. At least one flow line hydraulically connects each remotely operable valve to each wellbore such that fluid moved through the flow line enters the wellbore. A control unit is disposed proximate the pad and is configured to operate the remotely operable valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventors: Karl Demong, Cleve Graham, Roy Kirby
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Patent number: 7878249Abstract: To perform communications in a multilateral well, a first communication unit having an electromagnetic (EM) field generating element is provided to generate an EM field in a formation between a main bore and a lateral bore of the multilateral well. The EM field generating element includes a component creating a voltage difference along the wellbore. A second communication unit is for positioning in one of the main bore and lateral bore to receive the EM field propagated through the formation between the main bore and the lateral bore.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: John R. Lovell
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Patent number: 7870909Abstract: A method of providing zonal isolation in a wellbore completion includes the steps of identifying an anticipated zone for isolation in a wellbore before completing the wellbore; selecting, before completing the wellbore, a completion assembly and a cooperative deployable isolation assembly to isolate the anticipated zone; completing the wellbore with the selected completion assembly; and connecting the selected deployable isolation assembly in the selected completion assembly to isolate the anticipated zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Colin P. John, Geoffrey R. Kernick, Vincent Rodet
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Publication number: 20110005762Abstract: A system includes a primary wellbore and a plurality of secondary wellbores. The primary wellbore includes a substantially vertical portion extending from a terranean surface to a predetermined location above a first target subterranean formation; a curved portion coupled to the substantially vertical portion and extending through the first target subterranean formation above a second target subterranean formation containing at least one of oil or gas; and a substantially horizontal portion coupled to the curved portion and extending through the first target subterranean formation and adjacent the second target subterranean formation. The plurality of secondary wellbores are coupled to the primary wellbore and extend angularly downward into the second target subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventor: James Michael Poole
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Patent number: 7866414Abstract: A well system may be provided comprising a first primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to a surface device and a first secondary inductive coupler. The first secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a first portion of the well. In addition, the well system may comprise a second primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to the surface device and a second secondary induction coupler. The second secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a second portion of the well. The flow through at least one of the first and second portions of the well may be adjusted via at least one of the one or more completion components. A method for completing a well comprising inductive couplers may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Dinesh R. Patel
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Patent number: 7866396Abstract: A system for use in a wellbore having a plurality of well zones includes a tubing disposed in the wellbore; and a plurality of valves connected to the tubing, wherein each of the plurality of valves comprises at least one port for communication between the tubing and one of the plurality of well zones, wherein each of the plurality of valves further comprises a sleeve moveable by an actuating device between an open position, wherein the at least one port is open, and a closed position, wherein the at least one port is closed, wherein the actuating device comprises a head part and a tail part, the head part having a disk-like or partial spherical structure having a diameter slightly smaller than an internal diameter of the tubing and the tail part having at least one fin arranged substantially perpendicular to the disk-like or partial spherical structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Gary L. Rytlewski
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Publication number: 20100307770Abstract: A junction selective contaminant exclusion tool includes a tubular positionable within the junction and having an opening through a wall thereof, a material disposed on an outside surface of the tubular, the material being capable of increasing a radial dimension between a surface of the material in contact with the tubular and an opposite surface of the material upon exposure to a selected species. A method for excluding selected contaminants from a wellbore junction is also disclosed. The method includes: disposing a junction at a wellbore casing window; disposing a tubular member having at least one opening through a wall thereof at the junction, the tubular member including an exclusion material thereon capable of existing in a first configuration and a second configuration, the second configuration obtainable upon exposure to a selected species; and exposing the material to the selected species.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: BARTON F. SPONCHIA, AMY L. FARRAR, AUBREY C. MILLS, DOUGLAS J. MURRAY, JOHN J. JOHNSON, JAMES L. MCGOWIN
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Publication number: 20100300695Abstract: The pump can be utilized in gassy oil wells to prevent gas slugs from locking the electrical submersible pump. A shroud assembly is provided with a bottom that can be fixed to the top of a seal section connected to the top of a motor. Additional lengths of shroud can be added as the shroud assembly is lowered into the well. The electrical submersible pump can then lowered into the shroud and supported from a production tubing string. A hanger can then be attached to the production tubing string to carry the weight of the shroud assembly, motor, and seal section.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Donn J. Brown, Brown Lyle Wilson, Steven K. Tetzlaff, John J. Mack
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Patent number: 7823645Abstract: A system and method for controlling inflow of fluid into a production string. In aspects, the invention provides a downhole sand screen and inflow control device with a gas or water shut-off feature that can be operated mechanically or hydraulically from the surface of the well. The device also preferably includes a bypass feature that allows the inflow control device to be closed or bypassed via shifting of a sleeve. In embodiments, the flow control device can be adaptive to changes in wellbore conditions such as chemical make-up, fluid density and temperature. Exemplary adaptive inflow control devices include devices configured to control flow in response to changes in gas/oil ratio, water/oil ratio, fluid density and/or the operating temperature of the inflow control device. In other aspects of the present invention, inflow control devices are utilized to control the flow of commingled fluids drained via two or more wellbores.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Knut Henriksen, Craig Coull, Erik Helsengreen
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Patent number: 7789162Abstract: Methods for installing tubulars into a highly deviated wellbore may include a) drilling the well to the planned total depth of the interval, b) placing a first fluid into the wellbore below a prescribed measured depth in the high-angle portion of the wellbore, c) placing a second fluid into the wellbore above the prescribed measured depth, d) plugging the distal port ion of the tubular with a lower plug and an upper plug, e) as the tubular is run into the wellbore, placing a lightweight fluid into the plugged section of tubular and a heavy fluid above the plugged section of tubular, and f) running the tubular into the wellbore to the planned total depth. The first fluid has a density that causes the portion of the tubular that extends into the first fluid to become substantially neutrally buoyant, and the second fluid has a density less than the first fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Stuart R. Keller, John K. Montgomery, Paul M. Spiecker, Bruce A. Dale
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Patent number: 7789155Abstract: An apparatus having a modular support frame with a top deck. The top deck has a passage therein. A tower is mounted on the top deck. A moveable plate and a track are positioned within the passage. The movable plate is slidingly attached to the track. A support rotary table is disposed within the modular support frame and suspends jointed tubulars. A coiled tubing injector head interface plate is operatively attached to the movable plate, and positioned over the first aperture of the movable plate. The first aperture is positioned over the well in a first position. A rotary table is positioned over the well in a second position. Well intervention work is conducted with the coiled tubing and jointed tubulars.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Devin International, Inc.Inventors: James Devin Moncus, Joseph Hayden Miller, Jr.
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Patent number: 7784536Abstract: A packer insert for sealing multiple items used in a wellbore includes an elastomeric member having one or more channels configured to seal on the multiple items when compressed by a packing unit, wherein the elastomeric member is made of a material selected from rubber, an elastomer, and a composite material, and wherein the packer insert is not affixed to a pressure control apparatus having the packing unit disposed therein. The packer insert is axially fixed to at least one of the multiple items.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLCInventors: John P. Scoggins, William L. Carbaugh
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Publication number: 20100170677Abstract: A production tubing assembly for accessing multiple boreholes includes an outer shroud having an axial throughbore, a deflector disposed in the axial throughbore and releasably coupled to the outer shroud, and at least two tubular members releasably coupled to the deflector by extendable latch assemblies, wherein the deflector with the coupled tubular members is extendable from within the outer shroud to a position beyond the outer shroud, wherein, in the extended position, the latch assemblies extend to release the tubular members and latch the deflector to the outer shroud.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Derek Ingraham
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Patent number: 7748443Abstract: A dual packer for at least partially defining a production zone in a wellbore, the dual packer including a packer body having an up-hole side and a down-hole side. A first through bore and a second through bore each extend through the packer body from the up-hole side to the down-hole side. A first piping extends from the down-hole side of the first through bore and includes a perforated sub adjacent the down-hole side of the packer body. A second piping extends from the down-hole side of the second through bore and is communicably connected to the first piping down-hole of the first perforated sub.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignees: Jordan Development Company, LLCInventor: William C. Quinlan
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Publication number: 20100163240Abstract: A tubing assembly for entering multiple boreholes includes an outer shroud having an axial throughbore, and an inner tubular member disposed in the axial throughbore, wherein the tubular member is releasably coupled to the shroud, and wherein the outer diameter of the shroud is adjustable. A tubing assembly for entering multiple boreholes may also include a shroud having an axial throughbore, a movable tubular member disposed in the axial throughbore, and a releasable coupling between the shroud and the tubular member, wherein the releasable coupling includes a retracted position allowing entry of the tubing assembly into a junction between two boreholes, wherein the releasable coupling includes an expanded position allowing movement of the tubular member relative to the shroud and prevents re-entry of the tubing assembly into the junction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Derek Ingraham, Bruce Cram
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Publication number: 20100147524Abstract: A multi-function multi-hole rig including multiple machines for accomplishing various rig functions, e.g., drilling machine(s), tripping machine(s), casing machine(s), cementing machine(s), workover machine(s), etc., for drilling, completing and/or working over multiple wellbores without moving the rig. Rig functions may be performed one after the other and/or simultaneously, while allowing other functions related to completion and production to continue simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, Dean A. Bennett, David Gilbert Reid
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Patent number: 7735559Abstract: A technique enables simultaneous deployment of both treatment equipment and screen assemblies for use during production. The technique utilizes a multi-stage well treatment system deployed in a wellbore to enable treatment of a plurality of sections along the wellbore. Additionally, a plurality of screen assemblies are positioned at the plurality of sections, and each screen assembly comprises a valve to control the flow of fluids through the screen assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Bradley P. Malone
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Patent number: 7730942Abstract: A method and equipment for reducing or avoiding multiple dispersions in fluid flows each having two or more non-mixable fluid components with different specific gravities and viscosities, in particular fluid flows of oil, gas and water from different oil/gas production wells (B1-B8) in formations beneath the surface of the earth or sea. The fluid flow from each well (B1-B8), depending on whether it is oil-continuous (o/w) or water-continuous (w/o), is fed to a transport pipeline (T) so that the oil-continuous fluid flows (o/w) are supplied to the transport line (T) first and the water-continuous fluid flows (w/o) second, or the two fluid flows (o/w, w/o) are fed to two separate transport lines (T1, T2). In a preferred embodiment, the two separate transport lines (T1, T2) may be connected to a common transport line (T); the two fluid flows (o/w, w/o) are mixed before further transport and any subsequent separation in a separator.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASAInventors: Per Eivind Gramme, Gunnar Hannibal Lie
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Patent number: 7730953Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively operating multiple hydraulic pressure controlled devices (PCDs) within a borehole using a common inflow and outflow line and a common cycling line. A control system is used wherein each of the PCDs is operationally associated with a separate sleeve controller. The sleeve controller for each PCD controls whether the individual PCD can be actuated by hydraulic pressure variations in the common inflow and outflow lines.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Dario Casciaro
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Patent number: 7726401Abstract: A casing exit joint with an easily milled and low density barrier. A casing exit joint for use in drilling a lateral wellbore outwardly from a parent wellbore includes a generally tubular window structure having a window formed through a sidewall of the structure. An outer sleeve is disposed external to the window structure, so that the sleeve overlies the window. A hardenable substance supports the sleeve against deflection toward the window. A method of drilling a lateral wellbore extending outwardly from a parent wellbore includes the steps of: providing a casing exit joint including a hardenable substance positioned in a sidewall of the casing exit joint; then installing the casing exit joint in the parent wellbore; and then cutting through the hardenable substance in order to provide access for drilling the lateral wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Joseph D. Parlin, William W. Dancer, Jody R. McGlothen
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Publication number: 20100126729Abstract: Systems and methods usable to operate on a plurality of wells through a single main bore are disclosed herein. One or more chamber junctions are provided in fluid communication with one or more conduits within the single main bore. Each chamber junction includes a first orifice communicating with the surface through the main bore, and one or more additional orifices in fluid communication with individual wells of the plurality of wells. Through the chamber junctions, each of the wells can be individually or simultaneously accessed. A bore selection tool having an upper opening and at least one lower opening can be inserted into the chamber junction such that the one or more lower openings align with orifices in the chamber junction, enabling selected individual or multiple wells to be accessed through the bore selection tool while other wells are isolated from the chamber junction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventor: Bruce Tunget
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Publication number: 20100101772Abstract: To perform communications in a multilateral well, a first communication unit having an electromagnetic (EM) field generating element is provided to generate an EM field in a formation between a main bore and a lateral bore of the multilateral well. The EM field generating element includes a component creating a voltage difference along the wellbore. A second communication unit is for positioning in one of the main bore and lateral bore to receive the EM field propagated through the formation between the main bore and the lateral bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: John R. Lovell
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Patent number: RE43054Abstract: A system and method for setting an anchor and/or whipstock attached to a downhole motor having a cutting tool attached to a tubular member, such as coiled tubing. In one aspect, the motor allows flow therethrough sufficient to actuate an upstream MWD or other position measuring tool, and an orienter if so equipped, and retain the orientation of the motor with the attached whipstock. An increased flow rate or pressure actuates the motor once the whipstock is set and rotation of the cutting tool or other equipment can begin.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Bailey