Operated By Dropped Element Patents (Class 166/318)
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Publication number: 20150068762Abstract: A subterranean well fracturing system comprises a downhole well string having installed therein initially closed upstream and downstream sliding sleeve valve assemblies each openable to provide fracing fluid discharge outlets through well string side ports to an associated subterranean fracing zone. To inhibit an undesirable screen-out condition during formation fracturing, specially designed apparatus and methods are operative to sequentially (1) block the downstream valve seat, (2) open the blocked downstream valve seat using pressurized fracing fluid, (3) partially block the upstream valve seat, (4) open the partially blocked upstream valve seat using pressurized fracing fluid, a portion of which is flowed through the partially blocked upstream valve seat, and then (5) unblock the partially blocked upstream valve seat to permit a full flow of pressurized fracing fluid therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: UTEX Industries, Inc.Inventor: Mark Henry Naedler
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Publication number: 20150068757Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Raymond Hofman, Steve Jackson
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Publication number: 20150041133Abstract: Methods of controlling flow into a formation through the use of a stimulation valve in a tubular assembly installed in a well. Fluid is pumped into the formation through one or more ports in the stimulation valve. The stimulation valve defines a conduit for flow of fluids through the stimulation valve. The ports are adapted to allow flow of fluids between the conduit and the exterior of the stimulation valve and to receive a ball sealer for shutting off flow of fluids through the ports. The ports then are closed by introducing a plurality of ball sealers into the fluid. The fluid carries the ball sealers into the valve where they seat on and shut off flow of the fluid through the ports.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: Team Oil Tools LPInventor: Stephen J. Chauffe
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Publication number: 20150041146Abstract: An actuation device comprises a housing comprising one or more ports, a magnetic valve component, and a central flowbore. The central flowbore is configured to receive a disposable member configured to emit a magnetic field, and the magnetic valve component is configured to radially shift from a first position to a second position in response to interacting with the magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Luke William Holderman
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Patent number: 8950496Abstract: A counter assembly including an actuatable component. A counter component is disposed with the actuatable component and initially in a first position relative the actuatable component and movable with respect to the actuatable component. A lock member is engaged in a track formed between the actuatable component and the counter component. The lock member is operatively arranged for enabling relative movement between the actuatable component and the lock member in a first direction only and between the counter component and the lock member in a second direction only. At least one iteration of travel of the counter component to a second position relative the actuatable component and back to the first position progresses the lock member incrementally along the track. The actuatable component is immovably locked to the counter component by the lock member when the lock member has reached an end of the track.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Jeffery D. Kitzman
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Publication number: 20150034332Abstract: A ball seat valve employed in a downhole tool string includes a split-ring baffle that is configured to radially expand and to radially contract to catch a dropped ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Matthew James Merron
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Patent number: 8944169Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for fracturing a well in a hydrocarbon bearing formation. The apparatus can include one or more valve sub-assemblies assembled into a tubing string inserted into an unlined well. The valve sub-assembly can include a sliding piston initially pinned in place to seal off ports that provide communication between the interior of the tubing string and a production zone of the formation. A ball can be inserted into a tubing string and moved along the tubing string by injected pressurized fracturing fluid until the ball sits on a valve seat of a valve sub-assembly coupled to the sliding piston to close off the tubing string below the valve. The force of the fluid forces the piston downwards to shear off the pins and open the ports. Fracturing fluid can then exit the ports to fracture the production zone of the formation.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Stonecreek Technologies Inc.Inventor: Sean Patrick Campbell
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Publication number: 20150000920Abstract: Stimulation valves are provided that have a valve housing, an indexed driver, a reciprocating shifter, an actuation seat, and an isolation seat. The indexed driver is linearly actuated from an initial position through intermediate positions to a terminal position. In the driver initial and intermediate positions, the valve body shuts off fluid communication through ports provided in the housing. In the driver terminal position the valve body allows fluid communication through the ports. The reciprocating shifter indexes the indexed driver from its initial position through its intermediate positions to its terminal position. The actuation seat receives a ball for actuation of the shifter and releases the ball after actuation of the shifter. The isolation seat allows passage of the ball when the indexed driver is in its initial and intermediate positions and receives the ball when the indexed driver is in its terminal position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Michael J. Harris, Kenneth J. Anton
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Publication number: 20150000921Abstract: Stimulation valves for a well tubular having a cylindrical housing adapted for assembly into a tubular for a well. The valves have ports allowing fluid communication between a central conduit and the exterior of the housing and a valve body adapted for movement from a closed position to an open position allowing fluid communication through the ports. A ball seat is mounted in the valve conduit above the ports. The ball seat has an initial ball-catch state in which a ball may be received in the ball seat to move the valve body from its closed position to its open position. The ball seat is adapted to transition to a ball-pass state and release the ball as the valve body is moved to the open position. The ball seat remains in the ball-pass state after the transition from the ball-catch state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: Team Oil Tools LPInventors: Michael J. Harris, Kenneth J. Anton
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Patent number: 8915300Abstract: A valve includes: a housing; a mandrel disposed in the housing; a rupture disk disposed in a passageway of the mandrel; a sliding sleeve disposed between the housing and the mandrel; and a ball seat disposed in the mandrel. A method for actuating a valve includes: flowing a fluid through the valve; dropping a ball; seating the ball in the ball seat and blocking fluid flow through the mandrel; flowing fluid through the passageway to the sliding sleeve; moving the sliding sleeve axially within the valve; and exiting fluid through the openings of the housing and mandrel. A valve includes: a housing having an opening; a mandrel disposed in the housing; a sliding sleeve disposed between the housing and the mandrel; and a ball seat disposed in the mandrel blocking fluid communication between the mandrel and the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Team Oil Tools, LPInventors: Michael T Sommers, Stephen L Jackson
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Patent number: 8905125Abstract: An abrasive perforator tool with a bypass flow channel. The tool comprises a tubular body or housing with perforating nozzles in the sidewall. A sleeve assembly inside the central bore of the tool provides for sequential deployment of first and second sleeves. Prior to deployment of the sleeve assembly, pressurized fluid can be passed through the tool to operate other tools beneath the perforator in the bottom hole assembly. Deployment of the first sleeve diverts pressurized fluid through the nozzles for perforating. Deployment of the second sleeve redirects the pressurized flow through the outlet of the tool to resume operation of other tools below the perforator.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert J. Farkas
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Publication number: 20140352970Abstract: A trigger mechanism for a ball activated device comprises a seat sleeve with seat defining members forming a fluid seal between the ball and the seat in an initial state and allowing the ball to pass through the seat in a final state. An alternating member can move radially in an aperture through an inner sleeve and abuts an outer surface on the seat sleeve in the initial state, is received in a recess on the seat sleeve in an intermediate state, and is received in a groove in the outer sleeve in the final state. A protective sleeve may extend axially from the seat sleeve over a seat receiving area. The mechanism is suitable for cementing and fracturing as particles cannot penetrate to its moving parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: i-Tec ASInventor: Braekke Kristoffer
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Patent number: 8893810Abstract: For wellbore fluid treatment, sliding sleeves deploy on tubing in a wellbore annulus. Operators deploy a plug down the tubing to a first sleeve. The plug seats in this first sleeve, and pumped fluid pressure opens the first sleeve and communicates from the tubing to the wellbore annulus. In the annulus, the fluid pressure creates a pressure differential between the wellbore annulus pressure and a pressure chamber on second sleeves on the tubing. The resulting pressure differential opens the second sleeves so that fluid pressure from the tubing can communicate through the second open sleeves. Using this arrangement, one sleeve can be opened in a cluster of sleeves without opening all of them at the same time. The deployed plug is only required to open the fluid pressure to the annulus by opening the first sleeve. The pressure chambers actuate the second sleeves to open up the tubing to the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Patrick J. Zimmerman, David Ward, Cesar G Garcia
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Patent number: 8893811Abstract: A system for servicing a subterranean formation comprising a wellbore completion string comprising a first master activatable stimulation assembly, a first slave activatable stimulation assembly, wherein the first slave activatable stimulation assembly activates responsive to activation of the first master stimulation assembly; a second master activatable stimulation assembly, and a second slave activatable stimulation assembly, wherein the second slave activatable stimulation assembly activates responsive to activation of the second master stimulation assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Brock Miller
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Patent number: 8887811Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Inventors: Raymond A. Hofman, Steve Jackson
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Patent number: 8863853Abstract: Downhole tools that have a housing, a linearly indexing driver, a reciprocating shifter, and an actuation seat. The driver is adapted for linear indexing relative to the housing from an initial position sequentially through one or more intermediate positions to a terminal position. The shifter is adapted for axial reciprocation relative to the housing and is operatively connected to the driver and adapted to index the indexed driver from its initial position sequentially through its intermediate positions to its terminal position as the shifter reciprocates. The actuation seat is mounted on the shifter and is adapted to receive a ball for actuation of the shifter and to release the ball after the shifter has indexed the indexed driver. Thus, a series of such tools may be operated by deploying a series of balls, all of the same size, through the tools.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Team Oil Tools LPInventors: Michael J. Harris, Kenneth J. Anton
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Patent number: 8857517Abstract: A well tool (100) for use in cleaning a well of fluids and debris characterized by one or more wiper elements (30) for swabbing the wellbore and internal passageways (11, 15) and valves (70, 72) in the tool, permitting forward and reverse fluid circulation through the tool to bypass the wiper elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Kevin O. Trahan, Benton T. Knobloch, Jr., Todd J. Roy, Javier E. Bolivar
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Patent number: 8851180Abstract: A flow control system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a plug which is released in response to an increase in a ratio of undesired fluid to desired fluid in the fluid composition. Another flow control system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, a plug, and a structure which supports the plug, but which releases the plug in response to degrading of the structure by the fluid composition. Yet another flow control system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a plug which is released in response to an increase in a velocity of the fluid composition in the flow chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, John C. Gano
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Patent number: 8844634Abstract: A downhole circulation sub or valve includes a tubular housing with an outer port and a valve piston slidably disposed in the housing. A primary fluid flow path extends through an inner flow bore of the housing and valve piston. In a first position, the valve piston isolates the outer port to prevent fluid communication between the inner flow bore and a well bore annulus. In a second position, the valve piston is moved to obstruct the inner flow bore and expose the outer port to the inner flow bore and allow fluid communication between the inner flow bore and the well bore annulus. An indexing mechanism is coupled between the housing and the valve piston to guide the valve piston between the first and second positions. The indexing mechanism may include a rotatable component.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.Inventors: Jeffery Ronald Clausen, Nicholas Ryan Marchand
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Patent number: 8844635Abstract: Expandable apparatus include a triggering element comprising an at least partially corrodible composite material. Methods are used to trigger expandable apparatus using such a triggering element and to form such triggering elements for use with expandable apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: James Andy Oxford
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Publication number: 20140262302Abstract: A ball launching system includes a ball launcher with a removable ball pod and sleeve assembly that retains balls prior to injection. An interchangeable ball pod with a chamber corresponding to the ball diameter, fits into a pod sleeve and comprise the ball pod and sleeve assembly. The ball launcher further includes a housing with a moveably disposed piston that engages with the ball thereby launching it. The housing also includes a thru hole through which the piston may travel to externally indicate its position within the housing. The ball launching system also includes a control system having control inputs, which may be located remote to the ball launcher. By applying a pre-determined sequence of control inputs, the piston may engage with the balls retained in the ball pod and sleeve assembly to force the balls to be launched from the ball launcher.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Gerry M. Ferguson, Wilson P. Acosta, JR.
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Publication number: 20140251629Abstract: A downhole tool has a housing, a mandrel, a seat, and a piston. The housing defines a first bore, and the mandrel is movably disposed in the first bore and defines a second bore. The mandrel has first and second mandrel sections or upper and lower cones, and the first mandrel section defines a cross-port communicating the second bore with an annular space between the mandrel and the housing. The seat is disposed in the first bore of the housing between the first and second mandrel sections. The seat is movable to a constricted state in the first bore to catch a dropped ball and is movable to an expanded state in the first bore to pass a dropped ball. The piston is disposed in the annular space and at least temporality supports the seat in its constricted state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventor: Candido Castro
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Publication number: 20140251628Abstract: A sliding sleeve has an inner sleeve that moves in a housing. For example, the inner sleeve can move open relative to a port in the housing when a deployed ball engages a seat in the inner sleeve. Because the seat and the ball (if remaining) are preferably milled out of the inner sleeve after use, the inner sleeve preferably does not rotate in the housing during milling operations. To accomplish this, an anti-rotation clutch assembly in the sliding sleeve helps prevent the inner sleeve from rotating. A wedged cone is formed on a distal end of the inner sleeve and press fits into a cupped shoulder on the inside of the sleeve's housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: James F. Wilkin, Cesar G. Garcia
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Patent number: 8807227Abstract: An apparatus for pressure-testing a tubular body may be installed in the tubular-body interior. The apparatus comprises an activation-device seat, one or more bypass ports, a J-slot with an indexing pin and a spring. When an activation device, for example a ball, lands in the activation-device seat, fluid communication through the tubular body is blocked, allowing pressurization. During pressurization, the activation-device seat moves downward, causing the spring to compress and the indexing pin in the J-slot to move to the bottom position. Upon depressurization after the test, the activation-device seat moves upward, causing to spring to decompress and the indexing pin the J-slot to move to the top position. Upward movement of the activation-device seat unblocks the bypass ports, thereby reestablishing fluid communication through the tubular body. The tubular body may be drillpipe, casing or coiled tubing that is installed in the borehole of a subterranean well.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Jeremie Fould, Joel Rondeau
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Patent number: 8800655Abstract: A mechanical stage cementing tool that includes a mechanical opening and closing seat sleeve and a pin sub. The mechanical stage cementing tool may be converted to a hydraulic stage cementing tool by inserting a hydraulic tube assembly into the mechanical opening and closing seat sleeve at a hydraulic modification area and by adding a hydraulic seat to the pin sub. The stage cementing tool has a running-in-hole position, an open position, and a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Inventor: Michael E. Bailey
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Patent number: 8789602Abstract: A pressurizing device includes a main housing having a central bore therethrough and a ball drop module removably disposed within the main housing, the ball drop module including a ball seat hingedly attached within the ball drop module and configured to receive a dropped ball, wherein the ball seat is configured to rotate about a hinge from a closed position to an open position when a pressure above the ball seat exceeds a preset limit.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: William C. Gill, Michael J. Harris, Aju Abraham, Robert James Costo, Jr.
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Patent number: 8783365Abstract: A selective downhole tool including a tubular having a longitudinal bore enabling passage of fluids there through. Having a valve opening in a wall of the tubular. An expandable ball seat selectively movable between a first size sized to trap a ball to block flow through the tubular. A larger second size sized to release the ball through the tubular. A valve cover longitudinally movable within the tubular, the valve cover including a dissolvable insert. Also included is a method of operating a downhole tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Matthew McCoy, Matthew Solfronk
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Patent number: 8783338Abstract: A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley W. Loving, Bryan F. McKinley, Dale Norman
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Patent number: 8776886Abstract: An apparatus for use in launching cement plugs in a well cementing operation, comprising: —a cylinder (104) having ports (106) defined in a portion of the wall thereof; —a piston (108) slideably received in the bore of the cylinder below the ports; and —an actuator (110) extending from the piston through the cylinder and operable by the piston for launching a plug from the apparatus into the well; wherein the apparatus further comprises an elongate sleeve valve member located in the cylinder above the piston, the sleeve valve member (112) comprising at least one ball seat (114a-114c) for receiving a ball to block the interior of the cylinder, sleeve ports formed in the sleeve above the ball seat, and a spacer (118) extending between the ball seat and the piston.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Joel Rondeau
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Patent number: 8770299Abstract: A tubular actuating system includes a plurality of series of actuators disposed within a tubular with at least one of the series having a plurality of actuators. Each of the plurality of actuators in the at least one of the series is alterable from a first position allowing passage of plugs below a selected size to a second position allowing actuation by plugs of selected sizes. The plurality of actuators of the series are distributed within the tubular such that the more upstream of any two of the plurality of actuators is actuatingly engagable with a larger one of the plugs than the more downstream of the two of the plurality of actuators when in the second position, and the plurality of series is distributed such that for any two of the series the more upstream of the two series requires a larger plug to alter the actuators therewithin.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: James G. King
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Publication number: 20140174728Abstract: A system includes a tubular string and a hollow ball. The tubular string is adapted to be deployed downhole in a well and includes a seat. An activation ball adapted to be deployed in the well to lodge in the seat. The ball includes an outer shell that forms a spherical surface. The outer shell forms an enclosed volume therein, and the outer shell is formed from a metallic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Tracy Speer, Piro Shkurti, John Chrysostom Wolf
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Publication number: 20140166303Abstract: A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball. The sleeve has a seat disposed in the housing, and the seat has segments biased outward from one another with a C-ring or other biasing element. Initially, the seat has an expanded state in the sliding sleeve so that the seats segments expand outward against the housing's bore. When an appropriately sized ball is deployed downhole, the ball engages the expanded seat. Fluid pressure applied against the seated ball moves the seat into the inner sleeve's bore. As this occurs, the seat contracts, which increases the engagement area of the seat with the ball. Eventually, the seat reaches the shoulder in the inner sleeve so that pressure applied against the seated ball now moves the inner sleeve in the housing to open the sliding sleeve's flow port.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Cesar G. Garcia
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Patent number: 8746343Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Jim Fehr, Daniel Jon Themig
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Publication number: 20140151054Abstract: A system and methodology facilitate flow control through actuation of valves individually along a plurality of zones. The system and methodology may be used in a variety of applications, including fracturing operations in which the valves are selectively actuated to control flow of fracturing fluid to specific zones of a formation. In fracturing applications, a well string is provided with a plurality of stages positioned sequentially along a plurality of surrounding zones, e.g. well zones. Each stage may be uniquely actuated relative to other stages by dropping a ball or balls down to the desired stage and actuating the valve via application of pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: William Norrid
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Patent number: 8739864Abstract: 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. 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James Alan Crider, Gregory L. Hern, Charles W. Pleasants
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Patent number: 8739879Abstract: A series of sliding sleeves is actuated by a single ball that lands on a first ball seat and shifts the ball seat. The shifting of the ball seat also allows tubing pressure to communicate to a formerly atmospheric chamber on one side of a piston integrated into the back side of the sliding sleeve. The other side of the piston remains at atmospheric pressure so that the shifting of the ball seat not only releases the ball to go to the next ball seat but also puts a net force on the sliding sleeve to shift it against a travel stop to open a port to allow fracturing, even if there is cement in the annulus around the opened port.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: James G. King
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Patent number: 8733449Abstract: An apparatus comprising a tubular body defining a flowbore, a first valve that, when activated, restricts fluid communication via the flowbore in a first direction and allows fluid communication in a second direction, and, when deactivated, allows fluid communication in the first and second directions, a first sleeve slidable from a first to a second position that, when in the first position, the first valve is activated, and, when in the second position, the first valve is deactivated, a second valve, that, when activated, restricts fluid communication in the first direction and allows fluid communication in the second direction, and, when deactivated, allows fluid communication in the first and second directions, and a second sleeve slidable from a first to a second position, that, when in the first position, the second valve is deactivated, and, when in the second position, the second valve is activated.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Hilliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Muhammad Asif Ehtesham, Robert Lee Pipkin, Michael Brent Bailey
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Patent number: 8733445Abstract: A disposable downhole tool is disclosed. The tool is suitable for use as a frac tool. The tool includes a housing having an inner wall surface defining a bore. The tool also includes a valve structure disposed within the bore, the valve structure comprising a disposable plug seat, the disposable plug seat comprising a first natural rock material. The disposable tool may also include a disposable plug in fluid sealing engagement with the seat, the plug comprising a second natural rock material, the plug and the plug seat comprising a plug valve. The first and second natural rock materials may include sedimentary rock, such as various forms of limestone, including Carrara marble or Indiana limestone.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Tianping Huang
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Patent number: 8733448Abstract: A method of operating an isolation valve can include transmitting a signal to a detector section of the isolation valve, and a control system of the isolation valve operating an actuator of the isolation valve in response to detection of the signal by the detector section. An isolation valve can include a detector section which detects a presence of an object in the isolation valve, and a control system which operates an actuator of the isolation valve in response to an object presence indication received from the detector section. A well system can include an isolation valve which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between sections of a wellbore, the isolation valve including a detector section which detects a signal, and the isolation valve further including a control system which operates an actuator of the isolation valve in response to detection of the signal by the detector section.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, Ricardo R. Maldonado
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Patent number: 8733450Abstract: A tubular seating system includes a seat disposed at a deformable first tubular which is sealable with a plug such that pressure is buildable thereagainst. A second tubular in operable communication with the deformable first tubular defining a support cavity therebetween is configured such that pressure within the support cavity provides support to the seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Douglas J. Murray, James C. Doane
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Publication number: 20140138098Abstract: A downhole fracturing system including a seat assembly having a plurality of like-sized openings therein. Each of the like-sized openings has a cross sectional area complementary to a corresponding plurality of objects such that each of the objects is matable therewith to substantially inhibit fluid flow through each like-sized opening. The objects have dimensions insufficient to mate with an opening in a next adjacent upstream seat assembly. A method of hydraulic fracturing is also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: JUSTIN KELLNER
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Patent number: 8714272Abstract: A downhole sleeve has an insert movable in the sleeve's bore from a closed condition to an opened condition when a ball dropped in the bore engages an indexing seat in the sliding sleeve. In the closed condition, the insert prevents communication between the bore and the sleeve's port, while the insert in the opened condition permits communication between the bore and port. Keys of a seat extend into the bore to engage the ball and to move the insert open. After opening, the keys retract so the ball can pass through the sleeve to another cluster sleeve or to an isolation sleeve of an assembly. Insets or buttons disposed in the sleeve's port temporarily maintain fluid pressure in the sleeve's bore so that a cluster of sleeves can be opened before treatment fluid dislodges the button to treat the surrounding formation through the open port.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Cesar G. Garcia, Patrick J. Zimmerman, David Ward, Antonio B. Flores, Michael Dedman
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Patent number: 8701776Abstract: A mechanical counting device for actuating a plurality of output devices, the device comprising: linear indexing means adapted to count a plurality of actuating signals and to cause actuation of the output devices when a predetermined number of actuating signals for each output device has been received, wherein the mechanical counting device is adapted to cause actuation of a particular output device when a different predetermined number of actuating signals has been received such that the output devices are sequentially actuable.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Petrowell LimitedInventors: Colin Smith, Daniel George Purkis
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Publication number: 20140102717Abstract: A method for successively releasing balls into a wellbore during wellbore operations is disclosed. The method includes providing at least a first ball injector for storing at least a primary set of primary balls and at least a second set of redundant balls, releasing a ball from the at least primary set of primary balls and determining if the released ball properly seats and engages its intended corresponding downhole tool. If it is determined that the released ball did not properly engage and actuate its intended corresponding tool, a redundant ball from the second set of redundant balls can be released without interrupting wellbore operations. In an alternate embodiment, the first ball injector can be a primary ball injector for storing and releasing the at least primary set of primary balls, and a second ball injector for storing and releasing the at least second set of redundant balls, the first and second ball injectors arranged in parallel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: ISOLATION EQUIPMENT SERVICES INC.Inventor: Boris (Bruce) P. CHEREWYK
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Patent number: 8695710Abstract: A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a first sleeve system comprising a first one or more ports and being transitionable from a first mode to a second mode and from the second mode to a third mode, and a second sleeve system comprising a second one or more ports and being transitionable from a first mode to a second mode and from the second mode to a third mode, wherein, in the first mode and the second mode, fluid communication via the one or more ports of the first or second sleeve system is restricted, and wherein, in the third mode, fluid may be communicated via the one or more ports of the first or second sleeve system, transitioning the first and second sleeve systems to the second mode, and allowing the first sleeve system to transition from the second mode to the third mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Matthew Todd Howell
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Publication number: 20140083678Abstract: Device and an apparatus incorporating the device for use in wellbore fracturing applications. The device is a ball seat that allows for use of a smaller difference in ball size versus the size of an opening in the ball seat. The ball seat is constructed of metallic material and polymeric material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Inventor: Brian Oligschlaeger
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Patent number: 8678098Abstract: An actuator includes: a carrier including an axially elongated fluid conduit therein, the fluid conduit configured to received a ball therein; and an axially elongated ball receiving element, wherein one of the ball and the ball receiving element is configured to produce a magnetic field, and another of the ball and the ball receiving element includes an electrically conductive material, the ball and the ball receiving element configured so that the electrically conductive material is exposed to the magnetic field as the ball advances through the ball receiving element, and eddy currents are generated in the electrically conductive material that cause a repulsive force between the ball receiving element and the ball to at least one of reduce a velocity of the ball and actuate the ball receiving element.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Mohan L. Soni, Gaurav Agrawal
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Publication number: 20140076560Abstract: A stage tool for reverse annular cementing a wellbore, comprising: a main body including a tubular wall with an outer surface and a longitudinal bore extending from a top end to a bottom end; a fluid port through the tubular wall providing fluidic access between the longitudinal bore and the outer surface; and a valve for controlling flow through the fluid port between the outer surface and the inner bore, the valve including a closure for the fluid port and a check valve for permitting one way flow through the fluid port in a direction from the outer surface to the inner bore, the check valve being normally inactive and only acting on fluid flows through the fluid port when activated. The stage tool may be run in closed and opened for cementing by hydraulic actuation of the valve. After sufficient cement has been introduced to the annulus, the stage tool fluid port can be closed to hold the cement in the annulus.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES INC.Inventors: Michael Kenyon, Daniel Jon Themig
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Patent number: 8672035Abstract: A pressurization tool comprises a body for connection to a tubular by box, and pin, and providing for flow of fluid by way of a throughbore of varying cross-section to form chambers. A lower chamber accommodates a spring that contacts a shoulder providing a reaction surface for compression of the spring under applied force. The chamber merges into intermediate chamber that accommodates a movable index sleeve that cooperates with an index pin inserted through the wall of the tool body. Associated with the upper part of the index sleeve is a valve seat assembly, positioned to abut the index sleeve and moveable therewith, said valve seat assembly being configured to receive a plug or ball, and in one unpressurised configuration, is located in a wider chamber that permits fluid flow around the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group LimitedInventor: George Telfer
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Publication number: 20140069654Abstract: A downhole tool incorporating a sleeve assembly with an actuatable element, such as the seat of a plug-and-seat combination, and a seal assembly, such as a flapper seal assembly. The sleeve assembly is movable between a first position, in which the seal assembly is opened and inhibited from closing by contact with the sleeve assembly, and a second position in which the seal assembly is closed. Upon closing of the flapper assembly, the downhole tool may withstand higher pressures with reduced risk of failure to maintain a pressure differential across the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Peak Completion Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Hofman, William Sloane Muscroft