Destructible Element Patents (Class 166/317)
  • Publication number: 20140048271
    Abstract: A sliding sleeve valve for wellbore operations includes: a tubular body including a tubular wall including an outer surface and an inner surface defining an inner bore; a fluid port extending through the tubular wall and providing fluidic communication between the outer surface and the inner bore; a sliding sleeve in the inner bore slidably moveable between a port closed position and a port open position, the sliding sleeve including a ball seat on which a plug is landed to move the sleeve from the port closed position to the port open position; an initial sleeve holding mechanism for holding the sliding sleeve in the port closed position, the initial sleeve holding mechanism selected to be overcome by landing a plug on the ball seat to move the sliding sleeve; and a second sleeve holding mechanism for holding the sliding sleeve in the port closed position after the sliding sleeve is reclosed from the port open position to the port closed position, the second sleeve holding mechanism selected to be overcome b
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Joe Coon, Daniel Jon Themig, John Lee Emerson, Gustavo Mendoza
  • Patent number: 8646523
    Abstract: Porous objects, such as porous balls, may be employed within telescoping devices to control proppant flowback through a completed well during production. The telescoping devices may connect a reservoir face to a production liner without perforating. Acid-soluble plugs initially disposed within the telescoping devices may provide enough resistance to enable the telescoping devices to extend out from the production liner under hydraulic pressure. The plugs may then be dissolved in an acidic solution, which may also be used as the hydraulic extension fluid. After the plugs are substantially removed from the telescoping devices, the reservoir may be hydraulically fractured using standard fracturing processes. The porous balls may then be inserted into the telescoping devices to block proppant used in the fracturing process from flowing out of the reservoir with the production fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tianping Huang, Richard YingQing Xu
  • Patent number: 8607872
    Abstract: The present invention comprises fire arrestor device a triggering mechanism operatively connected to a well head and a plunger with a plug at one end being connected to the triggering mechanism. A guide and a valve are mounted to an inner surface of oil piping positioned below the well head align the plunger. A plug is formed at the distal end of the plunger, and is seated on a spring below the valve seat. The spring is held in compressed mode during normal operation. In the event of destruction of the well head, the triggering mechanism will melt or break. The spring then urges the plug upward engaging the valve seat and shutting off the fuel flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Adrian Bugariu
  • Patent number: 8607811
    Abstract: A flapper valve preferably used in injection application in deep subterranean locations has an actuating sleeve with a seat to accept an object. A j-slot connects the actuation sleeve movement to the housing so that with an object on the seat and an applied pressure cycle the sleeve moves the flapper to the open position. The plug is dissolved and the injection begins. The plug can have an opening so as to allow continuous injection flow as the flapper is operated. Closing the flapper involves a second object on the same seat and a pressure cycle so that a spring can push the sleeve away from the flapper to allow a torsion spring on the flapper to close it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Lale Korkmaz
  • Publication number: 20130327540
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprises: at least a first material, wherein the first material: (A) is a metal or a metal alloy; and (B) is capable of at least partially dissolving when an electrically conductive path exists between the first material and a second material and at least a portion of the first and second materials are in contact with an electrolyte, wherein the second material: (i) is a metal or metal alloy; and (ii) has a greater anodic index than the first material. A method of removing the wellbore isolation device comprises: contacting or allowing the wellbore isolation device to come in contact with an electrolyte; and allowing at least a portion of the first material to dissolve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Syed HAMID, Michael FRIPP, Pete DAGENAIS
  • Patent number: 8602105
    Abstract: An actuator device for downhole tools comprising: indexing means for progressively moving a rupturing member (12, 16); a pressure activated actuating member in fluid communication with a chamber; and a frangible member (HA) interposing the indexing means and the chamber, wherein the actuator device is adapted such that, upon a predetermined movement of the rupturing member, the rupturing member ruptures the frangible member to allow high pressure fluid to enter the chamber and activate the actuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Ewan Sinclair
  • Patent number: 8590623
    Abstract: A downhole tool disposed in a drillstring includes a bypass valve unit including at least one bypass port, wherein the bypass port is configured to control fluid flow from a central bore of the drillstring to a wellbore annulus, and an activation sub having a frangible obstruction disposed in a central bore thereof and configured to prevent fluid flow to an anchor downhole during a circulation mode, wherein the frangible obstruction is configured to break at a specified fluid pressure in the central bore to allow fluid communication to below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Ervin
  • Patent number: 8584746
    Abstract: An isolation element includes a body having at least one sealing surface, an internal cavity within the body, and a chemical agent disposed within the internal cavity. The chemical agent is configured to substantially increase a rate of degradation of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Manuel P. Marya, John Fleming, Larry W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20130292125
    Abstract: A downhole tool comprising a housing having at least one flow port disposed providing a communication path between the interior and exterior of the sleeve. A sleeve assembly has an expandable seat and an inner sleeve, and is moveable within the housing between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the sleeve assembly is radially positioned between the flow ports and the flowpath to substantially prevent fluid communication. Shearable port inserts are positioned within the flow ports, with each port insert having a shearable portion extending into the interior of the housing and engaging the sleeve assembly when the inner sleeve is in said first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Raymond A. Hofman, Steve Jackson
  • Publication number: 20130292123
    Abstract: Degradable balls for downhole use may include an incompliant degradable polymer and a compliant filler material, the incompliant degradable polymer having an elastic modulus of about 2 GPa or greater, and the compliant filler material having an elastic modulus of less than about 2 GPa. Such degradable balls may be useful in sealing segments of a wellbore and actuating wellbore tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Zachary Ryan Murphree, Michael Linley Fripp, Zachary William Walton, Feng Liang, Dwight Fulton
  • Publication number: 20130292133
    Abstract: A valve assembly (2) which is configured to be coupled to a tubing string comprises a housing (8) defining a housing flow path (9) for communicating with the tubing string, and a barrier member (14) located in the housing (8) and configurable between a normally-closed position in which the barrier member (14) restricts access through the housing flow path (9), and an open position in which access is permitted through the housing flow path (9). The valve assembly (2) also comprises a bypass arrangement reconfigurable between an open state in which the bypass arrangement defines a bypass flow path that communicates with the housing flow path (9) on opposite sides of the barrier member (14) to permit fluid to bypass the barrier member and thereby fill the tubing string, and a closed state in which fluid is prevented from bypassing the barrier member to thereby permit pressurization of the tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Expro North Sea Limited
    Inventor: Richard William Thompson
  • Patent number: 8544548
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow of a fluid into a wellbore tubular may include a flow control device controlling the flow of the fluid; and a disintegrating element associated with the flow control device. The flow control device may be actuated when the disintegrating element disintegrates when exposed to the flowing fluid. The disintegrating element may disintegrate upon exposure to water in the fluid. A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation includes: configuring an element to disintegrate when exposed to a selected fluid; positioning the element in a wellbore; and actuating a flow control device using the element. The element may disintegrate when exposed to water. Actuating the flow control device may restrict a flow of fluid into a wellbore tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Martin P. Coronado, Steven R. Hayter
  • Publication number: 20130248193
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to system and method for delaying actuation using a destructible impedance device. In one embodiment, a delayed actuating system can comprise a base pipe comprising a first portion of an orifice, a sliding sleeve around the base pipe, the sliding sleeve comprising a second portion of said orifice, further said sliding sleeve maneuverable into a first position, wherein said first portion of said orifice rests at least partially over said second portion of said orifice, a second position, a distance away from said second position. Further, the delayed actuating system can comprise a biasing device biasing the sliding sleeve toward the second position, and a destructible impedance device at least partially in side said orifice, the destructible impedance device preventing the sliding sleeve from leaving the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Kristian Brekke
  • Publication number: 20130228338
    Abstract: There is provided A device for conveying a pressure pulse for activating fluid-activated equipment in a pipe (12/27), wherein the device is characterized in that the pipe (27) comprises a flexible membrane (24) which isolates the fluid F1 in the fluid conveying pipe from a fluid F2 in another canal which is in fluid communication with the equipment, wherein the membrane, on account of its elasticity, conveys pressure changes (pressure pulses) in the fluid P1 in the pipe (12) to the fluid P2 in the other canal (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Viggo Brandsdal
  • Publication number: 20130213665
    Abstract: In one aspect, a device for use downhole is provided that in one embodiment includes a member having a composite material reinforced with a water-soluble material. In another aspect a method of performing an operation in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment includes placing a device at a selected location in the wellbore, which device includes a member having a composite material reinforced with a water-soluble material, performing the operation and allowing the water-soluble material to dissolve at least partially in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20130206425
    Abstract: A selectively corrodible downhole article includes a movable cylindrical member comprising a first section and an axially separated second section, the first section comprising a first material having a first galvanic activity, the second section comprising a second material having a second galvanic activity, the first galvanic activity being greater than the second, the first section being electrically isolated from the second section; and a fixed member disposed on the cylindrical member and configured for electrical contact with the first or second section, the fixed member comprising an intermediate material having an intermediate galvanic activity, the intermediate galvanic activity being intermediate the first and second galvanic activity, the movable cylindrical member configured for movement from a first position where the first section is disposed and in electrical contact with the fixed member and a second position where the second section is disposed and in electrical contact with the fixed member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Oleg A. Mazyar, Michael H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8499834
    Abstract: A milling tool which includes a nose cutting portion, a cutting section having a plurality of hardened cutters and a shaft portion. A wear pad is disposed on the cutting section and shaft portion. Upon the shaft portion, the wear pad extends radially outwardly to an engagement diameter that exceeds the maximum cutting diameter of the cutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher W. Guidry, Guruswami Navin, Lambertus C. F. Joppe, Andrew D. Ponder, Calvin Stowe
  • Publication number: 20130180725
    Abstract: A non-ballistic tubular perforating system includes a tubular having a wall with perforations therethrough, and plugs positioned within the perforations that are configured to dissolve in response to exposure to a first environment thereby creative of a second environment that can dissolve or increase porosity of cement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Oleg A. Mazyar
  • Patent number: 8479808
    Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a tubular member having a radially expandable seat member disposed within the tubular member. The radially expandable seat member comprises one or more arcuate members, each having first and second ends. The radially expandable seat member comprises a first position in which the first and second ends are disposed relative to each other to provide a first inner diameter opening through the radially expandable seat member for receiving a plug element, and a second position in which the first and second ends are moved radially outward relative to one another to provide a second inner diameter opening through the radially expandable seat member, the second inner diameter being greater than the first inner diameter thereby facilitating the plug element passing through the radially expandable seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Varun Gouthaman
  • Patent number: 8479822
    Abstract: A downhole tool comprising a housing having at least one flow port disposed providing a communication path between the interior and exterior of the sleeve. A sleeve assembly has an expandable seat and an inner sleeve, and is moveable within the housing between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the sleeve assembly is radially positioned between the flow ports and the flowpath to substantially prevent fluid communication. Shearable port inserts are positioned within the flow ports, with each port insert having a shearable portion extending into the interior of the housing and engaging the sleeve assembly when the inner sleeve is in said first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, Steve Jackson
  • Publication number: 20130153236
    Abstract: A reactant fluid is retained in an isolated state from another reactant using a barrier made of a controlled electrolytic material (CEM). The isolated reactant degrades the CEM barrier in a predetermined time to let another reactant that is preferably well fluid pass through a housing port to reach the formerly isolated reactant. The mixing of the reactants creates pressure that is transmitted to a subterranean tool to set the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: David S. Bishop
  • Publication number: 20130146302
    Abstract: A downhole assembly with controlled degradation including a body having a cavity therein and is formed from a first material having a first electrode potential. An insert is disposed in the cavity, the insert electrically coupled to the body and formed from a second material having a second electrode potential, with the first electrode potential being more negative than the second electrode potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sean Gaudette, Wayne Furlan
  • Patent number: 8443897
    Abstract: A subsea safety system (50) for use during a well treatment operation. The subsea safety system (50) includes a tubular string having an inner flow passage (112). At least one valve assembly (116, 134) is positioned within the tubular string. The valve assembly (116, 134) is operable between open and closed positioned to selectively permit and prevent fluid flow therethrough. A frangible liner (134) is disposed within the valve assembly (116, 134). The frangible liner (134) has a close fitting but not fluid tight relationship with the valve assembly (116, 134). The frangible liner (134) is operable to protect the valve assembly (116, 134) from particle flow during the well treatment operation. In addition, the frangible liner (134) is operable to shatter responsive to closure of the valve assembly (116, 134), thereby allowing full operation of the valve assembly (116, 134).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Paul Zeller
  • Patent number: 8434559
    Abstract: A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Thomas D. Welton, Luke W. Holderman, Ivan Suleiman
  • Publication number: 20130105175
    Abstract: A frangible pressure control plug includes a first portion of a body adjacent a first end of the plug. A second portion of the body adjacent a second end of the plug. The second portion attached to the first portion in a first condition. A groove in the body interposed between the first portion and the second portion. A bore within the body passing through the first end and the first portion and inaccessible from the second end and wherein, fluid communication between the bore and the groove is prevented in the first condition and allowed in a second condition. Also included is a method of actuating a tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jason C. Mailand, Justin C. Kellner
  • Patent number: 8430174
    Abstract: A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include an elongated passageway and a plug which prevents fluid communication through the passageway for a predetermined period of time. The plug can including an anhydrous boron compound, whereby the predetermined period of time is determined by a length of the anhydrous boron compound. A method of operating a well tool in conjunction with a subterranean well can include exposing an anhydrous boron compound to an aqueous fluid, with the anhydrous boron compound being included in a plug which prevents fluid communication through a passageway of the well tool. The well tool can be operated in response to fluid communication being permitted through the passageway a predetermined period of time after the exposing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke W. Holderman, Jean-Marc Lopez
  • Patent number: 8430173
    Abstract: A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Thomas D. Welton, Luke W. Holderman, Ivan Suleiman
  • Patent number: 8424610
    Abstract: A flow control arrangement includes a housing defining one or more openings therein. A valve structure is alignable and misalignable with the one or more openings in the housing. Further included in the flow control arrangement is one or more plugs, one each in each of the one or more openings. Each plug is reducible by one or more of exposure to downhole fluids and applied dissolution fluids. A method for carrying out a series of downhole operations includes running the flow control arrangement to a target depth, carrying out a downhole operation requiring the housing to be radially permeability fluid restricted, reducing the plug, carrying out a downhole operation requiring fluid pressure communication through the one or more openings, and mechanically intervening to close the valve structure thereby rendering the one or more openings of the arrangement radially impermeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel Newton, Yang Xu
  • Patent number: 8397813
    Abstract: A plug (20) is described for carrying out tests of a well (30), a pipe or the like, comprising an explosive charge (55) with an activation mechanism (50, 51, 53) and which is detonated to remove the plug when the test is completed, and the plug is characterized in that the explosive charge elements are arranged internally in the plug. The plug preferably comprises a boring (54) that holds said explosive charge (55) with the activation mechanism, and it can alternatively comprise two or more borings (54) for the placing of a corresponding number of explosive charges (55) with activation mechanisms. The explosive charge (55) with ignitor (56) and ignition pin (57) is preferably arranged in the plug boring (54) while the other parts (50, 51, 53) of the activation mechanism are integrated in the wall of the pipe bundle (10) that holds the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: TCO AS
    Inventor: Viggo Brandsdal
  • Patent number: 8397741
    Abstract: A flow control valve including, a tubular housing having a valve port, a piston disposed in the tubular housing having an orifice, the piston being slidable in the tubular housing to align the orifice with the valve port, a combustion portion at least partially defined by the tubular housing and the piston, and a propellant disposed in the combustion portion and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen Bisset
  • Publication number: 20130062072
    Abstract: A system for stimulating a multi-zone well includes a tubular body apportioned into at least a first zone and a second zone. The system has a first set of plugs placed in pre-drilled holes along the tubular body within the first zone. The plugs in the first set of plugs are fabricated to substantially dissolve upon contact with an acidic stimulation fluid within a first selected time. The system also has a second set of plugs placed in pre-drilled holes along the tubular body within the second zone. The plugs in the second set of plugs are fabricated to substantially dissolve upon contact with the acidic fluid within a second selected time that is greater than the first selected time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Jose Oliverio Alvarez, Michael T. Hecker
  • Publication number: 20130056206
    Abstract: A valve for use in fracing through cement casing in a well allows for flow of cement down the well during the cementing process and in the open position allows for fracing fluid to be directed through the cement casing for fracturing the formation adjacent the valve. The valve is constructed so as to reduce the likelihood of the valve to jam as a result of cement or other foreign material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: TEAM OIL TOOLS, LP
    Inventors: Stephen L. Jackson, Michael T. Sommers
  • Publication number: 20130048298
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing apparatus, comprising a housing defining an axial flowbore and comprising ports, a first sleeve, a second sleeve movable relative to the housing from (a) a first position in which the second sleeve obstructs fluid communication via the ports of the housing to (b) a second position in which the second sleeve allows fluid communication via the ports of the housing, and wherein the first sleeve is movable relative to the housing from (a) a first position in which the first sleeve does not allow a fluid pressure applied to the axial flowbore to move the second sleeve from the first position to the second position to (b) a second position in which the first sleeve allows a fluid pressure applied to the axial flowbore to move the second sleeve from the first position to the second position, and an expandable seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew James MERRON, Matt T. HOWELL, Jesse Cale PORTER
  • Patent number: 8381807
    Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated propellant stimulation downhole tool for hydrocarbon wells. According to one embodiment of the invention, the tool comprises a first section having an internal sidewall defining at least a portion of a flowpath, and a ported outer sidewall. A propellant volume having at least a portion within said first section. An annular portion has at least one pressure chamber having an end positioned adjacent to the propellant volume and an inlet providing a communication path to said flowpath. A detonator assembly is located within each pressure chamber proximal to the propellant volume such that detonation of the assembly causes detonation of the propellant volume. A firing pin is propelled toward the detonation assembly by providing communication between the pressure chamber and the flow path, causing a pressure differential between the pressure isolated ends of the firing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Summit Downhole Dynamics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steve Jackson, Stan Wall
  • Patent number: 8365829
    Abstract: A pluggable seat includes, a first portion, positionable within a tubular, that is receptive to a runnable member seatable thereagainst, a second portion positioned downstream of the first portion, having a radial dimension smaller than a smallest radial dimension of the first portion, and a profile disposed at the second portion configured to increase resistance to extrusion of a runnable member past the pluggable seat in comparison to the same pluggable seat without the profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Justin Kellner, Travis Harris, Jason Coe, Dwayne Walkoviak, James Scott Sanchez, David B. Ruddock
  • Patent number: 8356671
    Abstract: A tool for use in a wellbore which includes a housing having an axial flow bore and a piston sleeve moveably disposed within the flow bore. The tool is moveable between first and second operating positions by an actuation mechanism having a piston with a ball seat having a partially annular shape with an outer base and a plurality of retaining segments projecting radially inwardly therefrom. The tool can be moved between first and second operating positions with the use of actuating balls of different sizes that can be landed upon the ball seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Guillory, Daniel R. Hart, Gregory L. Hern
  • Publication number: 20130000923
    Abstract: A downhole circulation apparatus comprises at least one tubular body portion defining a first through-flow passage through which drilling fluid can pass along the drill string. A first sleeve is slidably mounted in the tubular body portion and is biased into a position in which the first port means is closed by a biasing means such as a spring. Second port means is formed through the tubular body portion at a location below the first port means in the drill string. The second port means may comprise a plurality of second nozzles, wherein each of the second nozzles has a diameter greater than the diameter of each of the first nozzles of the first port means. Larger nozzles enable large particle size drilling fluid to be bypassed. A second sleeve is slidably mounted inside the tubular body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: SCHOELLER BLECKMANN OILFIELD EQUIPMENT AG
    Inventor: Paul Bernard Lee
  • Patent number: 8322448
    Abstract: A device is described for removal of a plug which is used in a well, a pipe, or the like for carrying out tests, and it is characterized by an element which, with an applied forced, is arranged to penetrate into the plug material so that this is crushed, said element is arranged to be supplied said force from an above lying element. The element (16) is preferably a ring (1) the lower end of which is arranged to be forced in a radial direction into the plug element at axial driving of a hydraulic pressure piston. Furthermore, the element is integrated into the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: TCO AS
    Inventor: Viggo Brandsdal
  • Patent number: 8322426
    Abstract: A downhole actuator apparatus that selectively maintains a pressure differential between two pressure regions in a well. The apparatus includes a body defining first and second chambers. A piston is slidably disposed in the body and is selectively moveable between first and second positions. A barrier is disposed in the body to selectively separate the first and second chambers. A fluid is disposed in the first chamber between the barrier and the piston. A control system that is at least partially disposed within the body is operable to generate an output signal responsive to receipt of a predetermined input signal. The output signal is operable to create a failure of the barrier such that at least a portion of the fluid flows from the first chamber to the second chamber and the piston moves from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Wright, Donald Herbert Perkins, Michael Linley Fripp, Scott Luke Miller
  • Publication number: 20120285702
    Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation of a downhole tool in a well string. The downhole tool may be actuated hydraulically via the controlled flow of a hydraulic fluid under pressure to the downhole tool through a port. Flow of the pressurized fluid through the port is controlled by a barrier member which may be opened by a plunger working in cooperation with the barrier member. Movement of the plunger is controlled by selectively increasing the pressure acting on the plunger through, for example, actuation of an expansion device or other suitable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gary L. Rytlewski
  • Publication number: 20120279723
    Abstract: A downhole tool comprising an inner sleeve with a plurality of sleeve ports and a housing positioned radially outwardly of the inner sleeve and having a plurality of housing ports, with the housing and inner sleeve partially defining a space radially therebetween. The space is occupied by a shifting sleeve. A fluid path extends between the interior flowpath of the tool and the space. A fluid control device, occupies at least portion of the fluid path, and may selectively permit fluid flow, and thus pressure communication, into the space to cause a differential pressure across the shifting sleeve. When a sufficient differential pressure is reached, the shifting sleeve is moved from a first position to a second position, which opens the communication paths through the housing and sleeve ports between the interior flowpath and exterior of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Peak Completion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, William Sloane Muscroft
  • Patent number: 8297364
    Abstract: A telescopic member includes, at least a central component and a barrier disposed within the central component, the barrier has a selectively tailorable dissolution rate curve and has structural properties enabling the containment of high pressure prior to structural failure of the barrier through dissolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gaurav Agrawal, Zhiyue Xu, Bennett Richard, Yang Xu
  • Publication number: 20120267119
    Abstract: A technique facilitates actuation of a downhole tool, such as a valve, in a simple, rapid, and cost-effective manner. The technique comprises installing the downhole tool with a trip saver. The trip saver can be actuated by increasing a tubing pressure or other suitable pressure source beyond a threshold level. Once the trip saver is actuated, a fluid under suitable pressure is provided to a downhole tool through a passageway opened via the trip saver. This enables actuation of the downhole tool to a desired state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 8291980
    Abstract: A tubular valving system includes a tubular having a plurality of ports. A plurality of sleeves are disposed at the tubular covering the plurality of ports, and a plug runnable within the tubular is seatingly engagable with the plurality of sleeves such that attainment of a first pressure applied against the plug and one of the plurality of sleeves causes movement of the one of the plurality of sleeves to thereby uncover at least one of the plurality of ports covered by the one of the plurality of sleeves. At least one of the plurality of sleeves is yieldable to allow passage of the plug upon attainment of a second pressure applied thereagainst, and a plurality of occlusive members occlude the plurality of uncovered ports until a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter J. Fay
  • Patent number: 8276670
    Abstract: A downhole plug can include a housing having an aperture disposed generally through the center of the housing. A stopper can be disposed in the aperture and adapted to block fluid flow therethrough. The stopper can have a composition of at least two different materials. One or more covers can be at least partially disposed on the stopper, wherein and the stopper can be at least partially encapsulated by the one or more covers. A flow control device can be disposed adjacent the stopper to selectively introduce fluid to at least a portion of the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Publication number: 20120241143
    Abstract: Well tools including valves operable by low electrical input. One well tool includes a valve which controls fluid communication between pressure regions in a well, the valve including a rotatable member which is biased to rotate, and a brake or clutch which prevents rotation of the member. Another valve includes a barrier which separates reactants, with the valve being operable in response to the barrier being opened and the reactants thereby reacting with each other. Yet another valve includes a barrier which separates the pressure regions, and a control circuit which heats the barrier to a weakened state. Another valve includes a member displaceable between open and closed positions, a restraining device which resists displacement of the member, and a control device which degrades or deactivates the restraining device and thereby permits the member to displace between its open and closed positions, in response to receipt of a predetermined signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Adam D. Wright, Michael L. Fripp, Kevin D. Fink, Donald Perkins, Jimmie R. Williamson, Mark D. Kalman
  • Publication number: 20120234545
    Abstract: A valving system includes a tubular and a sleeve slidably engaged with the tubular having a seat thereon. The sleeve is configured to occlude flow from an inside of the tubular to an outside of the tubular when in a first position, allow flow between an inside of the tubular and an outside of the tubular at a first location upstream of the seat and a second location downstream of the seat when in a second position, and allow flow between an inside of the tubular and an outside at the tubular at the first location and not the second location when in a third position. The valving system also includes a disappearing member in operable communication with the tubular and the sleeve configured to prevent movement of the sleeve to the third position until disappearance thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Richard YingQing Xu
  • Patent number: 8267177
    Abstract: A plug for a pipe in an oil or gas well includes a packer, a slip ring and a cone disposable on a mandrel and pressed between an upper push sleeve and a lower anvil on the mandrel. The plug can be field configurable with a frac plug kit, a bridge plug kit and a soluble insert plug kit. A pair of concentric locking rings is disposed between the push sleeve and the mandrel with an outer annular cone with an outer conical shape tapered upwardly and inwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Exelis Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Jon Vogel, Randall Williams Nish, Randy Arthur Jones
  • Patent number: 8267178
    Abstract: A valve for use in fracing through cement casing in a well allows for flow of cement down the well during the cementing process and in the open position allows for fracing fluid to be directed through the cement casing for fracturing the formation adjacent the valve. The valve is constructed so as to reduce the likelihood of the valve to jam as a result of cement or other foreign material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Team Oil Tools, LP
    Inventors: Michael T. Sommers, Stephen L. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20120205121
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, comprising a sleeve system comprising a ported case, a sliding sleeve within the case and movable between a first sleeve position in which the sleeve restricts fluid communication via the case and a second sleeve position in which the sleeve does not, a radially divided segmented seat movable between a first seat position in which the seat restricts movement of the sleeve and a second seat position in which the seat does not, and a sheath covering a portion of the seat, the sleeve system being transitionable from a first, to a second, to a third mode, in the first mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its first position, in the second mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its second position, and, in the third mode, the sleeve is in its second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jesse Cale PORTER, Kendall Lee PACEY, Matthew Todd HOWELL, William Ellis STANDRIDGE