Fluid Operated Patents (Class 166/319)
  • Patent number: 7900705
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Publication number: 20110048723
    Abstract: A fracturing and gravel packing tool has features that prevent well swabbing when the tool is picked up with respect to a set isolation packer. An upper or multi-acting circulation valve allows switching between the squeeze and circulation positions without risk of closing the low bottom hole pressure ball valve. The multi-acting circulation valve can prevent fluid loss to the formation when being set down with the crossover tool supported or on the reciprocating set down device and the multi-acting circulation valve is closed without risk of closing the wash pipe valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Jeffry S. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20110042092
    Abstract: A method of propagating pressure pulses in a well can include flowing a fluid composition through a variable flow resistance system which includes a vortex chamber having at least one inlet and an outlet, a vortex being created when the fluid composition spirals about the outlet, and a resistance to flow of the fluid composition alternately increasing and decreasing. The vortex can be alternately created and dissipated in response to flowing the fluid composition through the system. A well system can include a variable flow resistance system which propagates pressure pulses into a formation in response to flow of a fluid composition from the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. FRIPP, Jason D. DYKSTRA
  • Publication number: 20110042083
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of hydrocarbon production from a hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes providing a substantially horizontal wellbore having at least one productive interval within a hydrocarbon reservoir and forming at least one non-conductive transverse fracture in the reservoir along the substantially horizontal wellbore. An injection well is also provided. A fluid is injected into the reservoir through the injection well to displace hydrocarbons within the reservoir toward a production portion of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Hydrocarbons are drained from the reservoir into at least one production interval of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Fluid production from the at least one production interval into the substantially horizontal wellbore flows through an inflow control device that can restrict the fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Leopoldo Sierra, Loyd E. East, JR., Mohamed Y. Soliman
  • Publication number: 20110036590
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, comprising a first sleeve system, the first sleeve system comprising a first sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a first ported case, the first sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the first ported case by a first restrictor while the first restrictor is enabled, and a first delay system configured to selectively restrict movement of the first sliding sleeve relative to the ported case while the restrictor is disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jimmie Robert Williamson, Perry Shy, Roger Watson
  • Publication number: 20110024132
    Abstract: A valve system is disclosed. The system has a main valve that is adjustable for output flow and pressure. The system also includes an output flow transducer, an output pressure transducer, and a fluid depth transducer. A microcontroller is operatively coupled to the valve, the output flow transducer, the output pressure transducer, and the fluid depth transducer. The microcontroller operates the valve to selectively control the output flow, the output pressure, and the fluid depth according to inputs received from a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: PAUL T. PETTIT
  • Publication number: 20110024195
    Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Carel W. Hoyer, Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Melvin T. Jacobs, Nicky A. White
  • Patent number: 7878252
    Abstract: A control system for a surface controlled sub-surface safety valve has first and second control lines. The first control line communicates control fluid to the sub-surface safety valve and preferably has a sump and in-line filters. Hydraulic pressure applied to the safety valve with this first control line can open the safety valve. The second control line also communicates control fluid to the sub-surface safety valve and preferably has a sump. A connecting valve is connected between the first and second control lines. The connecting valve allows control fluid to communicate from the first control line to the safety valve but prevents fluid communication from the second control line to the first control line. To open the valve, the second control line is exhausted to a reservoir. The dual control lines provide redundant control of the safety valve and can also be cycled to remove debris from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Roddie R. Smith, Richard C. Jones, Stuart M. Dennistoun
  • Patent number: 7878256
    Abstract: A burst plug for positioning in a downhole fluid passage has: a shear disc installable in a sealing position in the fluid passage. The shear disc is openable by applying fluid at a burst pressure against the shear disc. The burst plug has a retainer and sleeve formed to retain the shear disc in a fluid flow blocking position after the shear disc is removed from its sealing position. The sleeve has a shear disc retaining position in locking engagement with the retainer when fluid at burst pressure is in communication therewith. The sleeve thereafter assumes a shear disc removal position when fluid in communication therewith is reduced to a selected pressure lower than the burst pressure. In the shear disc removal position, the sleeve and retainer disengage from the blocking position, allowing the shear disc and retainer to be expelled from the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Maurice W. Slack
  • Publication number: 20110011583
    Abstract: Systems and methods to filter and collect downhole fluids are described. An example system to filter and sample downhole fluids includes a first sampling chamber that includes one or more cone-shaped filters to receive downhole fluid, filter the downhole fluid, and store the downhole fluid, a second sampling chamber, a spool valve to allow the downhole fluid to flow into the first sampling chamber in a first position and to redirect the downhole fluid to the second sampling chamber or a base block in a second position, and a setting line to selectively move the spool valve from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Mijail Barranco Niconoff
  • Publication number: 20110005752
    Abstract: Water production produced from a subterranean formation is inhibited or controlled by consolidated water sensitive porous medium (WSPM) packed within the flow path of the wellbore device container. The WSPM includes solid particles having a water hydrolyzable polymer at least partially coating the particles. The WSPM is packed under pressure within the flow path of the wellbore device container to consolidate it. The WSPM increases resistance to flow as water content increases in the fluid flowing through the flow path and decreases resistance to flow as water content decreases in the fluid flowing through the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tianping Huang, Richard A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7866400
    Abstract: Phase-controlled well flow control. A well system includes a flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid in the well system, the flow control device being responsive to both pressure and temperature in the well system to regulate flow of the fluid. A flow control device includes a flow regulator for regulating flow of a fluid through the flow control device, and an actuator which is operative to actuate the flow regulator in response to a predetermined relationship between a phase of the fluid and both pressure and temperature exposed to the actuator. A method of controlling a phase change of a fluid in a well system includes the steps of: flowing the fluid through a flow control device in the well system; and adjusting the flow control device in response to both pressure and temperature in the well system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Steele, Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, Robert L. Pipkin, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 7866402
    Abstract: A circulation control valve. A method of controlling circulation flow between an interior flow passage of a tubular string and an annulus external to the tubular string in a subterranean well includes the steps of: interconnecting a valve in the tubular string, the valve including at least one opening for providing fluid communication between the interior flow passage and the annulus; applying an increased pressure to the interior flow passage while fluid communication through the opening between the interior flow passage and the annulus is prevented, thereby permitting fluid communication through the opening between the interior flow passage and the annulus; and then applying another increased pressure to the interior flow passage while fluid communication through the opening between the interior flow passage and the annulus is permitted, thereby preventing fluid communication through the opening between the interior flow passage and the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110000674
    Abstract: A downhole manifold configured to manage fluid flow to or from a subterranean formation including a housing in operable communication with two or more fluid pathways and having one or more ports for fluid communication with a flow channel; and a valve stem disposed within the housing and actuable to fluidly select one of the two or more fluid pathways and to fluidly communicate that pathway with the one or more ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: LUIS E. MENDEZ, PAUL JOSEPH, TODD C. JACKSON
  • Publication number: 20110000679
    Abstract: A tubular valve system includes, a tubular, a primary valve actuatable to control occlusion of at least one port fluidically connecting an inner bore of the tubular with an outside of the tubular, and a contingency valve actuatable to control occlusion of at least one port fluidically connecting the inner bore with the outside of the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Paul Joseph, John R. Abarca, Luis E. Mendez
  • Publication number: 20110004352
    Abstract: In a system for optimizing natural gas production in response to real-time variations in wellbore parameters, a PLC or other wellsite intelligence technology is used to monitor liquid and gas production from the wellbore under friction-loaded conditions. Using baseline production data obtained during production tests, the PLC determines and initiates the appropriate operating mode for the wellbore to optimize a selected production criterion to suit measured wellbore parameters. The operating mode either a continuous clean-out mode, in which gas is continuously injected into the wellbore to control liquid loading, or an intermittent clean-out, in which liquid loading is regulated by intermittent gas injection. In preferred embodiments, the system uses bladder-type control valves having upstream and downstream solenoids, to control production tubing flow rate within a range between upper and lower set points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Glenn WILDE, Dennis JONK
  • Publication number: 20110000684
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular and a formation may utilize a particulate control device positioned external to the wellbore tubular and a retrievable flow control element that controls a flow parameter of a fluid flowing between the particulate control device and a bore of the wellbore tubular. The flow control element may be re-configured in the wellbore and/or be used to inject a fluid into the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jack E. Charles, Benn A. Voll, Matthew Shane Clews, Eddie G. Bowen
  • Patent number: 7861788
    Abstract: Casing valves for selective well stimulation and control. A well system includes at least one valve interconnected in a casing string operable via at least one line external to the casing string to selectively control fluid flow between an exterior and interior of the casing string, and the casing string, valve and line being cemented in a wellbore. A method of selectively stimulating a subterranean formation includes: positioning a casing string in a wellbore, the casing string including spaced apart valves operable via a line to selectively control fluid flow between an interior and exterior of the casing string; and for each of multiple intervals of the formation in sequence, stimulating the interval by opening a corresponding one of the valves, closing the remainder of the valves, and flowing a stimulation fluid from the casing string into the interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Welldynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, Alfred Curington
  • Patent number: 7857050
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a flow conduit and a structure defining a tortuous fluid path proximate the flow conduit, where the tortuous fluid path receives a flow of fluid. The tortuous fluid path is defined by at least first and second members of the structure, and the first and second members are movable with respect to each other to adjust a cross-sectional flow area of the tortuous fluid path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Mark H. Fraker, Qing Yao, Adinathan Venkitaraman
  • Publication number: 20100314120
    Abstract: A downhole tool is hydraulically actuated through a control system that features rod piston(s) that are double acting. The piston bore is in a single housing component with an annular cavity that provides access to all piston bores to move the pistons in a first direction. The housing component that has the piston bore also includes an internal sleeve in a passage in the housing. A second control system connection communicates with a sealed annular space defined between the sleeve and the passage wall that holds the sleeve. A series of radial ports communicate from the annular space into each piston bore on the opposite side of each piston from the annular cavity so that each piston is double acting with a bore in a single housing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin R. Plunkett, John D. Lindemann
  • Patent number: 7849925
    Abstract: A system for completing water injection wells includes an injector well completion system. In an embodiment, an injector well completion system for liquid injection in a formation includes a casing string disposed in a wellbore having a tubing bore. The casing string includes a casing and a sliding sleeve. The sliding sleeve has a pressure control valve having open and closed positions, an actuator mandrel having a flow control device, and an injection pressure communication port. The open position of the pressure control valve actuates the actuator mandrel to align the flow control device and the injection pressure communication port to inject liquid from the tubing bore to the formation and generate fractures in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Publication number: 20100307769
    Abstract: Downhole tool fluid flow control apparatus including a first fluid valve between a first portion of a first flowline and a second portion of a second flowline. The first and second flowlines are adjacent each other. A second fluid valve is between a second portion of the first flowline and a first portion of the second flowline. The first and second fluid valves are controllable to cause fluid flow between the first portion of the first flowline and the second portion of the second flowline or between the first portion of the second flowline and the second portion of the first flowline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Stephane Briquet, Mark Milkovisch, Scott Dyas, Wade W. Evans, II, Kevin Zanca
  • Publication number: 20100300702
    Abstract: A wellbore shut-off valve is operably associated with a valve actuator so that the shut-off valve can be selectively moved between open and closed conditions when desired rather than opening and closing occurring automatically as portions of the production assembly are removed or replaced in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thad D. Andrews, Thomas Scott Myerley, Mona I. Desai, Martin Neil Farquhar, Andrew Haynes, Craig Coull, Jesse J. Constantine
  • Patent number: 7841412
    Abstract: A downhole valve features a flow port that can be selectively obstructed by a pressure actuated sleeve that is movable in a pin and slot mechanism to rotate while being cycled up and down by application and removal of pressure in a cyclical manner. When the sleeve is cycled to the port closed position, a flapper mounted near its upper end can fall on a seat on the sleeve to allow pressure to be applied to the flapper and sleeve, causing the sleeve to move to a position that will prevent fluid loss from the tubular string into the formation. The Closed flapper allows pressure cycles of the sleeve. A double closure against fluid loss can be affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rami J. Jasser, Robert D. Morton
  • Publication number: 20100294509
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole flow-actuated actuator. The actuator includes, a first tubular, a second tubular longitudinally movably disposed within the first tubular and movable in response to fluid flow therethrough, the second tubular having a full bore therethrough, and a movable member movably attached to the second tubular and movable with the second tubular relative to the first tubular. The movable member is movable between a first position and a second position, the movable member is unobstructive of the full bore when in the first position and at least partially occluding of the full bore when in the second position, the movable member is movable from the first position to the second position in response to movement of the second tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Namhyo Kim, Yang Xu, Lale Korkmaz
  • Publication number: 20100294508
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flow-actuated actuator. The actuator includes, a tubular movable relative to a structure within which the tubular is positionable, and a plurality of full bore flow-resisting elements disposed at the tubular, the plurality of full bore flow-resisting elements having a greater resistance to fluid flow therethrough than any one of the plurality of full bore flow-resisting elements has alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yang Xu, Richard Xu, Ronnie David Russell, Namhyo Kim, Lale Korkmaz
  • Patent number: 7832486
    Abstract: A gas lift valve has a flow restrictor, a valve part on one side of the flow restrictor, a flow deflector and a tubular member on another side of the flow restrictor, and a flapper valve on the side of the flow restrictor where the tubular member is located, the flapper valve being adjacent to the tubular member. When fluid flows into the gas lift valve at sufficient pressure, the valve part opens, the fluid flows through the flow restrictor and acts on the flow diverter thereby moving the tubular member and opening the flapper valve. The tubular member extends though the opening the flapper valve covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas White, James Garner, David McCalvin, Tyson Messick, Fahd F. Abdelall, Kenneth C. Burnett, III
  • Publication number: 20100282472
    Abstract: An eductor sub is used as a portion of a downhole debris removal apparatus. It features an eductor outlet port that is selectively closed for run in to allow flow pumped through a tubing string to all go to the lower end of the debris removal tool to fluidize the debris and help prevent the tool from getting stuck on the way to the desired depth. When the desired depth is reached a ball lands on a seat that is connected to a sleeve that is displaced to move the sleeve away from the eductor outlet so that future flow coming down the casing string will create a reduced pressure within the tool to draw some of the exiting flow after the eductor exit in a downhole direction along an annular space to the debris removal tool entrance for debris removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Neil A. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100282476
    Abstract: A tubing drain valve in a production tubing string, positioned above a pump, is operated to open drain ports in the housing for draining produced fluids from the production tubing when the pump is shut off. The drain valve incorporates a check valve assembly which is freely moveable within the drain valve to shift a sleeve to open and close the drain ports. An uphole end of the check valve assembly is above the sleeve and seals to the top of a sleeve to shift the sleeve downhole and open the drain ports. A downhole end of the check valve is positioned below the sleeve in the valve. When the pump is turned on, the downhole end of the check valve assembly moves uphole to seal to the sleeve, creating a positive force to lift the sleeve to block the drain ports. The produced fluids flow through the valve and the production tubing to surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: MSI MACHINEERING SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Lynn P. TESSIER, John P. DOYLE
  • Publication number: 20100276153
    Abstract: A valve, such as a ball valve, is assembled and carried by a running tool. The valve is actuated by an actuator that is triggered by the running tool, and thus opens and closes communication between the drill pipe and the volume below the running tool. An actuating cam is assembled below the running tool that interfaces the actuator. The actuating cam is threaded such that it travels axially as the drill pipe is turned. A profile on the actuating cam is timed with the function of the running tool and controls the action of the actuator such that the valve is open when the running tool function requires communication with the volume below the running tool and the valve is closed when the running tool needs to be pressurized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas P. Gette, Gregory M. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20100270030
    Abstract: Downhole valves comprise a housing having a bore, a port, upper and lower recesses disposed in an inner wall surface of the bore, the upper recess disposed above the port and the lower recess disposed below the port, and upper and lower pistons disposed in the bore. The upper and lower pistons each comprise a bore with a port in communication with housing bore. During run-in, the housing port is blocked by the lower piston. Actuation of the lower piston unblocks the housing port and aligns the lower piston port with the lower recess. Actuation of the upper piston closes the housing port and aligns the upper piston port with the upper recess. Alignment of the ports of the pistons with their respective recesses permits fluid flow through the tool both when the valve is opened by the lower piston and closed by the upper piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: THOMAS M. ASHY, JACE E. MELDER, PAUL L. CONNELL
  • Patent number: 7806184
    Abstract: A well tool is operable to receive a flow of fluid. The well tool includes a first hydraulic area on which the fluid acts tending to move a first body to substantially seal against passage of fluid through an aperture. A second, larger hydraulic area is provided on which the fluid acts tending to move a second body. The second body is movable by the fluid acting on the second hydraulic to displace the first body from substantially sealing against passage of fluid through the aperture. An energy storing device is provided that is configured to store energy from movement of the second body until at least a specified amount of energy is stored and release the energy when the second body is moved to displace the first body from substantially sealing against passage of fluid through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Wavefront Energy and Environmental Services Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Ken Michael, Pete Dagenais, Robert L. Pipkin
  • Patent number: 7806179
    Abstract: Two subs are held in a fixed position relative to each other when assembled to a string and run into a wellbore. A reservoir of fluid is defined in a wall between the subs. The reservoir has one or more outlets connected by a short jumper line to an adjacent tool to be operated. At the appropriate time, set down weight breaks a shear pin to reduce the reservoir volume and create pressure in the exit lines. The exit lines can be connected to operating pistons in adjacent tools to actuate them or to perform other desired functions using a stream of pressurized fluid. The device can be set for one time or multiple cycles where fluid in the reservoir can be replenished and re-pressurized for multiple cycles of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Martin P. Coronado, Carl W. Stoesz, Luis E. Mendez
  • Publication number: 20100243269
    Abstract: A well tool includes a generally tubular mandrel with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the mandrel, and a flow controller which initially prevents a fluid from contacting a swellable material, but which permits the fluid to contact the material in response to manipulation of pressure in the flow passage. Another well tool includes a swellable material, a generally tubular mandrel, and a conduit wrapped circumferentially about the mandrel, the conduit containing a fluid which, upon contact with the swellable material, causes the material to swell. A method of actuating a well tool in a well includes manipulating pressure in a flow passage extending through a tubular string, thereby opening at least one flow control device of the well tool which selectively permits fluid communication between a reservoir of the well tool and a swellable material of the well tool, whereby a fluid in the reservoir contacts the swellable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Kristian Solhaug, Alf K. Sevre, Mark D. Kalman
  • Publication number: 20100236781
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for one trip perforating and treating a wellbore, the bottom hole assembly including: a tool body including an outer surface and an upper end; a fluid passage extending into the tool body from the upper end; a valve to provide (i) in one orientation fluid access from the fluid passage to an outlet port opening to the outer surface and (ii) in another orientation fluid access from the fluid passage to a perforating gun actuation fluid supply channel while sealing fluid access from the fluid passage to the outer surface; an annular sealing member encircling the outer surface below the outlet port; and a perforating gun carried below the resettable, annular sealing member and hydraulically actuable to detonate by fluid communication through the perforating gun actuation fluid supply channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SERVICES LTD.
    Inventors: TERRY LEE MYTOPHER, NATHAN COFFEY
  • Publication number: 20100236793
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an activating mechanism (200) for guiding and controlling a downhole tool (100) and/or subsea equipment employed in connection with recovery of hydrocarbons. The activating mechanism (200) comprises an annular sleeve (21) provided with non-through-going recesses (22, 24) in the material of the annular sleeve (21), where separate replaceable elements are provided in the recesses (22, 24) to act as a pump (P), piston (S1), reservoirs (R1, R2), movable slide (S2) and pistons (25a, 25b), where these elements create a closed fluid circuit which on being subjected to a number of cyclical loads will open up a connection between the pistons (25a, 25b). A method for controlling the activating mechanism (200) is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: VOSSTECH
    Inventor: Stig Ove Bjorgum
  • Publication number: 20100224371
    Abstract: A method of controlling flow between a flow passage of a tubular string and an annulus includes: constructing a valve having an opening for flow between the passage and annulus; permitting flow through the opening; then preventing flow through the opening in response to applying pressure to the valve; and then mechanically displacing a closure device, thereby allowing flow through the opening. Another method includes applying a pressure differential across a piston of a valve, thereby displacing a closure device; and then displacing the closure device relative to the piston, thereby allowing flow between the passage and the annulus. A valve includes an opening for flow between an interior and exterior of the valve, a closure device for permitting and preventing flow through the opening, and a piston which biases the closure device to displace, the closure device being mechanically displaceable relative to the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom SWAN
  • Publication number: 20100212911
    Abstract: A downhole trigger mechanism and method for using the same are provided. The downhole trigger mechanism can include at least two contact points spaced a longitudinal distance from one another. The trigger mechanism can be actuated when the contact points of the trigger mechanism are simultaneously contacted by at least two contact points of an actuator. The contact points of the actuator can be spaced a longitudinal distance from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Chiang Chen, Gary Rytlewski, John Fleming
  • Publication number: 20100212908
    Abstract: The present invention regards a surface controlled device designed for injection of fluids in a well bore, typically Man offshore well bore for petroleum production and gas injection/gas lift system for fluid injection. The device comprises a outer hollow housing (1) with at least one inlet and outlet and an internal body (2) moveable in a longitudinal direction within the outer N housing (1). An inlet, in form of a variable orifice, is connected, through a mainly longitudinal bore of the internal body, with at least one slot. The present invention will give a fluid exiting the device with a minimal amount of energy or pressure loss over the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY COMPANY AS
    Inventors: Oyvind Stokka, Ole Sevheim
  • Publication number: 20100200245
    Abstract: Well tools are provided which although pressure responsive, may be maintained by a hydraulic lockout in a nonresponsive condition until a threshold actuation step is performed. This lockout may be achieved by a hydraulic mechanism which controls the rate at which pressure is transmitted to a fluid spring during periods of increased pressure at the pressure source. When the tool is desired to be responsive to pressure cycles, a valve may be opened by established a differential between the pressure in the fluid spring and the pressure source. Communication of pressure in the fluid spring to a movable mandrel will then allow operation of the well tool in response to pressure cycles at the pressure source in accordance with the established design of the well tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Harold W. Nivens
  • Publication number: 20100200225
    Abstract: A multi-functional completion tool which may be lowered into a wellbore coupled to a length of tubing, and then utilized to test various lengths of the tubing at pressure. The tool may also function as a positive plug, may be used to set a packer, and is also useable as a tubing self-filling tool. Various retention elements are disposed within the tool and configured to release at predetermined pressures, or within predetermined ranges of pressure, thereby transforming the tool from a first configuration to a second configuration depending on the desired function. The tool may use a flapper mechanism to regulate passage of fluids through the housing, and a piston and/or flow tube may also be utilized to lock the flapper in an open or closed orientation within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: DOWNHOLE AND DESIGN INTERNATIONAL CORP.
    Inventors: ADEL GHOBRIAL ABDELMALEK, S. Keith Fry, Lance C. Fry
  • Publication number: 20100193196
    Abstract: Bypass valve comprising a ported housing (1) and concentrical ported sleeve (2). Ported piston (3) is slidably arranged within the sleeve. Between sleeve and piston is a control system consisting of control element (5) fixed to sleeve (2) by means of plugs (7) passing through apertures (49) and holes (68). Noses (35) protrude into recesses (34) of drive element (4 ). Saw teeth (31) on drive element (4) interact with teeth ( 29) on rotatable timing element (6). Key (27) on element (6 ) interacts with teeth (32) on control element (5). Lower end (70) of key is abutting against ridge (67) formed on inner surface of sleeve (2 ). when key (27) is engaged to teeth (32), teeth (31, 29) on elements (4, 6) are misaligned. Pressure increase results in piston (3) and drive element (4) moving downward freeing key (27) from engagement with teeth (32). Teeth (31, 29) are forced into alignment with subsequent rotation of timing element (6). In this position, ports on piston and sleeve are partially aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce McGarian
  • Patent number: 7762324
    Abstract: Fracturing tools for fracturing multiple zones of a wellbore are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the fracturing tools comprise two or more crossover subs coupled together and having a crossover sub window alignment assembly operatively associated with either an isolation sleeve disposed within the bores of the crossover sub-assemblies or with the crossover sub assemblies themselves. Actuation of the crossover sub window alignment assembly opens and closes the windows of each of the crossover sub-assemblies so that different crossover sub-assemblies can be activated to fracture various wellbore locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Clem
  • Publication number: 20100175867
    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: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Adam D. Wright, Michael L. Fripp, Kevin D. Fink, Donald Perkins, Jimmie R. Williamson, Mark D. Kalman
  • Patent number: 7748461
    Abstract: A hydraulic actuator is connected between a downhole tool and a hydraulic control line for operating the downhole tool through an actuation sequence. The hydraulic actuator comprises a valve shuttle section having an inlet port in connection with the hydraulic control line, a first function port and a second function port. The hydraulic actuator also has a shuttle movable between positions providing fluid communication between the inlet port and the first function port and the inlet port and the second function port. Additionally, the hydraulic actuator has a pilot assembly in fluid connection with the hydraulic control line and in operational connection with the shuttle. The pilot assembly is movable in response to an actuation cycle comprising applying pressure from the hydraulic control line and bleeding the pressure off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ives D. Loretz, Alok Dwivedi, Darren Shove
  • Patent number: 7748462
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for use in a tool such as a plug used in oil and gas wells. The mechanism being operable under pressure in the well bore to set the plug in a first natural closed state for a pressure under a predetermined pressure range; a second closed state wherein the plug is locked closed regardless of the pressure; and a third open state by increasing the pressure to the predetermined pressure range and holding the pressure in the range for a predetermined time. Electronic and mechanical, dual piston, actuating mechanisms are described as is a method of controlling fluid flow in a well bore using the plug and performing a pressure test against the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Red Spider Technology Limited
    Inventor: Michael Adam Reid
  • Patent number: 7743787
    Abstract: A mud saver valve for retaining drilling fluid in the Kelly of a rotary drilling rig for insertion into a Kelly sub with an enlarged opening inside having a valve and hollow piston closing the flow in a first position and having flow through when the hollow piston is moved by flow against a spring to an open position compressing a spring to stack height, the spring being magnetized to provide magnetic latching to assist in holding the hollow piston in the open position at flow rates lower than it would otherwise be held open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: CMV
    Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
  • Publication number: 20100155079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve device comprising an external structure with a longitudinal axis and a valve seat, and a valve body mounted movably inside the external structure. The valve device comprises a first bellows device permitted to be moved in a substantially radial direction, in fluid connection with a first fluid, and hydraulically connected to a second bellows device permitted to be moved in a substantially axial direction. The second bellows device is connected to a first part piston cooperating with a second part piston, thereby giving the second part piston an oppositely directed movement relative to the first part piston, which thereby moves the valve body relative to the valve seat. The invention also relates to a method for operation of a valve device and the use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY COMPANY AS
    Inventors: Oyvind Stokka, Erling Kleppa, Ole Sevheim
  • Publication number: 20100147531
    Abstract: A fluid operated apparatus in the form of a flow cap, is mounted on an end of a downhole tool or sub, which itself has a screw thread fitting to a further tool, sub or tubular. The cap provides a number of fluid flow channels arranged in a spiral pattern upon the outer surface. The handedness of the channels matches the handedness of the screw thread fitting so that fluid flow from ports in the tool or sub, acts to tighten the screw thread fitting. A water injection valve including a flow cap is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Michael A. Reid, Blair C. Duncan, Stuart Gordon, Steven F. Nicol, Irvine C. Brown
  • Patent number: RE41979
    Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus for use in a mid-string location in a pipe string being run into a well has an open fluid flow route to the annulus above the apparatus to provide more flow area for upwardly moving fluid. Flow up the upper pipe string bore is resisted to reduce fluid overflow from the top of the pipe string. Fluid flow down the pipe string bore closes the fluid channel between the lower pipe string bore and the upper annulus and blows out a pipe bore flow resisting element for free down flow of fluids in the pipe string bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Burney J. Latiolais, Jr., Braxton I. Moody, V, Keith T. Lutgring, Donald E. Mosing