Fluid Pressure Biased To Open Position Position Patents (Class 166/321)
  • Publication number: 20110203808
    Abstract: Hydraulic well fluid vented from a hydraulically controlled actuating device is disposed of by pumping the fluid via a pump and a valve into a production flowline of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Peter J. Davey
  • Patent number: 8002039
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a valve. In one embodiment, the valve includes a body having a first biasing member and a sealing member configured to axially move inside the body against the first biasing member to provide a path for fluid to flow from an interior region of the body to an exterior region of the body at a first predetermined pressure difference across the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Coon, Khai Tran
  • Publication number: 20110192590
    Abstract: An improved gas lift system for use in marginal well and small diameter production tubing is disclosed. The system uses compressed natural (produced) gas to lift formation fluids thereby enhancing produced gas. Incorporated in the system is a plurality of improved differential pressure control valves which are easier to maintain and more reliable and which provide the required lift capability with or without a standard jet pump, located at the bottom of the wellbore, to continue to lift produced fluids. The methods of use are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: James C. Morrison, Roy R. Vann
  • Publication number: 20110180270
    Abstract: To operate a device for use in a well, a counter mechanism is provided that is actuatable by pressure cycles to an active position that allows actuation of the device to a target state. A position retention mechanism is coupled to the counter mechanism to maintain the counter mechanism in the active position once the counter mechanism has been incremented by the pressure cycles to the active position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lauren M. Martin, Seth Conaway, Steven L. Anyan, Joseph O. Glasofer, Alexander R. Barnett, Anthony Villarreal, Brad Swenson
  • Publication number: 20110168410
    Abstract: A drill string flow control valve may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a biasing mechanism biasing the valve sleeve into a closed position, and a plurality of pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve. The valve may include a piston axially movable within the valve housing and bearing against the valve sleeve which piston may be used to initiate movement of the valve sleeve. The piston includes a flow passage therethrough in fluid communication with the interior of the valve sleeve and a ball valve disposed to control fluid flow through the piston. The valve may include a flow restriction in the flow path within the valve sleeve and disposed between pressure ports formed in the wall of the valve sleeve. Methods of use are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Luc deBoer
  • Publication number: 20110155396
    Abstract: An actuating component for a downhole tool is provided that includes a main actuating bore and an actuating liner configured to be accommodated within the main actuating bore. The actuating component may further include a piston configured to sealingly and translatably fit within the actuating liner and be coupled to the downhole tool wherein movement of the piston relative to the actuating liner actuates the downhole tool. A method of actuating a downhole tool is also provide that may include installing an actuating liner within a main actuating bore and providing a piston configured to translatably and sealably be accommodated within the actuating liner. The method may further comprise coupling the piston to an operative component of the downhole tool and applying pressure to a surface of the piston, thereby moving the piston relative to the actuating liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Geoffrey Pinard, David E. McCalvin
  • Publication number: 20110132614
    Abstract: A unique landing nipple has spaced control line connections and external control lines running from the surface to those connections. A hydraulic barrier valve, such as a ball valve, is run in to a predetermined landing nipple and latched in position where the control line connections are in the right locations to operate the valve. A landing nipple with a latching groove alone can be used with a wireline run barrier valve to latch it into position at the desired location. A shifting tool is used to operate the mechanically actuated valve. More than one valve can be positioned or used in the string at a time or the same valve can also be positioned at different landing nipples at different times to meet the production needs of the well operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald J. Garr, Kevin R. Plunkett
  • Patent number: 7954550
    Abstract: A system isolates a control system for a downhole tool from the internal pressures in the tubing in which the tool is mounted. Opposed seals are used on a moving component in the tool so as to offset pressure induced forces regardless of the internal operating pressure of the tool. In a particular application to a subsurface safety valve the control system can be isolated from tubing pressure by offset seals between the passage and the flow tube or around exposed portions of the operating piston for the flow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: David Z. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110120773
    Abstract: A circulating tool for use in drilling a bore hole, the tool including a plurality of pistons which, by the activation of fluid pressure, move between a first configuration in which a side port of the tool is covered by a piston and a second configuration in which two adjacent pistons separate across the port to allow fluid to jet from the port. In the first configuration, the tool has a continuous cylindrical bore to allow the passage of other tools through the tool, while a flapper valve closes the bore in the second configuration to achieve maximum jetting of fluid from the tool. A third or intermediate configuration is also described so that the tool is operable to switch multiple times between the configurations via an indexing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Hilliard
  • Publication number: 20110114333
    Abstract: A wellbore tubular set concentrically between an inner an and outer annulus has a pressure relief valve that opens when pressure in the outer annulus exceeds pressure in the inner annulus by an amount that can damage the tubular. The relief valve closes and reseats when the pressure differential is reduced to below the damaging threshold. The relief valve can include a spring for reseating the valve. A pressure gauge can be included within the outer annulus for monitoring whether or not the relief valve is operating properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Fenton
  • Publication number: 20110108279
    Abstract: There is provided a chemical injection line connector including first and second couplings configured to automatically seal shut when the members are disengaged. There is further provided a method for blocking contamination or pressure transfer of chemical injection lines by securing first and second couplings to corresponding ends of a chemical injection line and automatically sealing the couplings shut when the couplings are disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: David R. June
  • Patent number: 7938189
    Abstract: A technique includes providing a chamber in a well tool to receive pressure to control an operation of the tool. The technique includes providing a seal to isolate the chamber from well pressure. The technique also includes providing a pressure relief mechanism to relieve pressure from the chamber in response to the pressure exceeding a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Rytlewski
  • Publication number: 20110100643
    Abstract: A method for opening a port through the wall of a ported sub including: providing a sub with a port through its tubular side wall; providing a hydraulically actuable valve to cover the port, the valve being actuable to move away from a position covering the port to thereby open the port; increasing pressure within the sub to create a pressure differential across the valve to move the valve toward the low pressure side, while the port remains closed by the valve; thereafter, reducing pressure within the sub to reduce the pressure differential; and driving the valve to move it away from a position covering the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: DANIEL JON THEMIG, KEVIN O. TRAHAN, CHRISTOPHER DENIS DESRANLEAU, FRANK DELUCIA
  • Publication number: 20110083857
    Abstract: A bypass valve for use in tubing string which can be repeatedly opened and closed to selectively provide bypass fluid flow between the interior of the tubing string and the annulus to assist in flowing debris. The valve uses hardened valve elements which can be opened and closed while flowing fluids under pressure through the tubing string. The valve is actuated by placing the tubing string in a sufficient weight down condition to operate the valve. A trigger is provided to prevent unintended actuation of the bypass valve during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Wellbore Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Benton T. Knobloch, JR., Todd J. Roy, David J. Tilley
  • Publication number: 20110079393
    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: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Jimmie R. WILLIAMSON, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110067878
    Abstract: A flow controller device (50) for controlling a fluid flow between a petroleum reservoir (6) and a pipe body (2), in which the fluid flow is carried through a flow restriction (18), and a pressure-controlled actuator (30) is connected to a valve body (24) cooperating with a valve opening (20) connected in series relative to the flow restriction (18), wherein the actuator (30), on a closing side (34) thereof, communicates with fluid located upstream of the valve opening (20) and the flow restriction (18), and wherein the actuator (30), on an opening side (40) thereof, communicates with a fluid located downstream of the flow restriction (18) and upstream of the valve opening (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Bernt Sigve Aadnoy
  • Publication number: 20110067886
    Abstract: A completion assembly with a valve assembly for regulating fluid flow in a wellbore is disclosed. The completion assembly can include a base pipe with a sand screen. A flow control housing is disposed on one end of the sand screen. A first tubular port in the base pipe leads into the flow control housing, and a second tubular port is also formed in the base pipe. A flow path is formed within the flow control housing and communicates with both the base pipe and the inner annulus of the screen assembly. A valve assembly is located in the flow control housing and is in fluid communication with both the inner annulus and the base pipe. The valve assembly is positionable between multiple positions for controlling the flow through the flow control flowpath in response to fluid pressure applied to the second tubular port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Terje Moen
  • Patent number: 7891432
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for setting one or more packers in a well bore. A check valve is provided that controls flow of fluids into and out of an inflow control device on a base pipe in a production string. With the check valve in the closed position, a setting ball is passed through the inside of the base pipe and sealing seats in a seat sub, thereby preventing fluid from flowing out of the end of the base pipe. Increasing the pressure inside the base pipe causes the packers to set. Decreasing the pressure inside the base pipe creates a differential between the pressure inside the base pipe and the pressure of the surrounding reservoir that is sufficient to overcome the bias on the check valve and move the check valve into the open position, thereby allowing reservoir fluid to flow into the base pipe for production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Anwar Ahmed Maher Assal
  • Publication number: 20110036591
    Abstract: A flow stop valve (20) positioned in a downhole tubular (6), wherein: the flow stop valve (20) is in a closed position when a pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular (6) and inside the downhole tubular (6) at the flow stop valve (20) is below a threshold value, thereby preventing flow through the downhole tubular; and the flow stop valve (20) is in an open position when the pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular (6) and inside the downhole tubular (6) at the flow stop valve (20) is above a threshold value, thereby permitting flow through the downhole tubular (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: PILOT DRILLING CONTROL LIMITED
    Inventors: Swietlik George, Large Robert
  • Publication number: 20110011594
    Abstract: A mud pulser tool to be positioned into a downhole environment is disclosed. The mud pulser tool includes a control valve that is selectively opened to allow fluid to flow through the mud pulser tool or selectively closed to restrict the fluid flow, wherein the control valve is selectively opened or closed to produce a mud pulse signal transmitted through the fluid. The mud pulser tool also includes a sensor system to measure a pressure drop across the control valve. In one example, the mud pulser tool includes a control system to selectively open or close the control valve to adjust the pressure drop to produce a selected pressure drop across the control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: MULTI-SHOT LLC
    Inventors: Allen Young, Mike Meadows, James Huber, Laura Fore
  • Publication number: 20110011597
    Abstract: A tubular valve system including a tubular having a plurality of ports therethrough; a plurality of strokable sleeves disposed at the tubular being configured to stroke in response to a same external input; and a plurality of motion translating details disposed at at least one of the tubular and the plurality of strokable sleeves configured to alter a stroke of the plurality of strokable sleeves after a selected number of strokes to thereby open at least one of the plurality of ports and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter J. Fay
  • Patent number: 7870908
    Abstract: A valve that is usable with a well includes an indexer and a closing mechanism. The indexer includes a profile to establish a sequence of open settings for the valve, and the indexer is adapted to respond to first control stimuli to transition the valve through the settings according to the sequence. The closing mechanism is adapted to operate independently of the sequence in response to a second control stimulus to close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Laure Mandrou
  • 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: 7861790
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to controlling the flow of fluids in a wellbore. In one aspect, a valve for selectively closing a flow path through a wellbore in a first direction is provided. The valve includes a body and a piston surface formable across the flow path in the first direction. The piston surface is formed at an end of a shiftable member annularly disposed in the body. The valve further includes a flapper member, the flapper member closable to seal the flow path when the shiftable member moves from a first position to a second position due to fluid flow acting on the piston surface. In another aspect, a valve for selectively closing a flow path through a wellbore in a single direction is provided. In yet another aspect, a method for selectively closing a flow path through a wellbore in a first direction is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey John Lembcke, Robert J. Coon
  • Publication number: 20100307758
    Abstract: A valve system for use in a subterranean well, the valve having multiple closure devices, or a closure device and a device for protecting the closure device. A valve system includes a valve with a closure assembly. The closure assembly has a closure device and a protective device which alters fluid flow through a flow passage of the valve prior to closure of the closure device to thereby protect the closure device. A safety valve system includes a safety valve with a closure assembly having at least two closure devices arranged in series for controlling flow through a flow passage of the safety valve. Another safety valve system includes a safety valve assembly including multiple safety valves arranged in parallel. One portion of fluid from a fluid source flows through one of the safety valves, while another portion of fluid from the fluid source flows through another safety valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: James D. VICK, Jr., Michael Burl VINZANT, James M. WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 7836956
    Abstract: A method for positional control of an actuator includes applying pressure to both an input line and an output line connected to the actuator and then releasing a predetermined volume of fluid from the output line, thereby displacing a piston of the actuator a corresponding predetermined distance. A system for positional control of an actuator includes the actuator included in a well tool positioned in a well; the input line connected to the actuator and extending to a remote location; the output line connected to the actuator and extending to the remote location; and a fluid volume measurement device connected to the output line at the remote location. The fluid volume measurement device is operative to meter the predetermined volume of fluid from the output line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Welldynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell C. Smithson, Timothy R. Tips, Corrado Giuliani
  • Publication number: 20100288502
    Abstract: The present invention regards a device designed for injection of fluids in a well bore, typically an offshore well bore for petroleum production and gas injection/gas lift system for fluid injection. The device comprises a outer hollow housing (1) with an internal body (3) moveable within the outer housing (1) which in a first closed position is closed with a metal to metal seal system between the outer housing (1) and the internal body (3), which internal body (3) is operated by pressure differential across the internal body (3). The internal movable body (3) is connected to the outer hollow housing (1) by means of a retainer key (6). The retainer key (6) comprises a shear arrangement and is arranged to keep the valve in a fixed closed position, where fluid pressure is to overcome the pretension of the retainer key (6) in order to open the device. When the device is shear opened, it can be kept in this open position as the retainer key (6) is locked to the outer hollow housing (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY COMPANY AS
    Inventors: Oyvind Stokka, Erling Kleppa, Ole Sevheim, Magnar Tveiten, Tom Norland
  • Publication number: 20100282473
    Abstract: A novel aerator for use inside a well casing in conjunction with a submersible pump, the aerator comprising a check-valve with a nozzle for spraying a portion of a water supply that is being pumped by the pump. The spray is directed towards the well water within the well casing and is calibrated to provide enough agitation to promote the evolution of dissolved gases in the water both as it is sprayed and also as the spray contacts the surface of the well water. The check-valve is calibrated to operate at a pressure threshold to ensure that spraying occurs only when the pump is running.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Howard W. Zirkle
  • Publication number: 20100276154
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flow-actuated actuator. The actuator includes, a plurality of rings positionable within a structure, each ring having a full bore therethrough, and a plurality of elongated members in operable communication with the plurality of rings providing orientation of each ring to at least one adjacent ring, the plurality of rings and the plurality of elongated members configured to generate an urging force in response to fluid flow thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Lale Korkmaz
  • Patent number: 7814982
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that relates to a non-return valve. The valve comprising, a valve seat, a valve piston in operable communication with the valve seat. The valve further comprising, a first seal disposed at the piston to interact with the valve seat, and a second seal positioned at the piston to interact with the valve seat temporally after the first seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter Barnes Moyes
  • 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: 7762335
    Abstract: A system is provided for switching between redundant control systems for a subsurface safety valve (SSV) while being able to isolate the closure spring from hydrostatic pressure in the control line of the system that is not being used. There are two control lines that connect to discrete operating pistons that are both coupled to the flow tube. Each operating piston is connected to a control rod with the control rods terminating near opposed ends of a pivoting member. Pushing down on one rod pushes up on the other rod so that the other rod is held supported and the hydrostatic pressure in its associated control line doesn't affect the force needed by the closure spring to close the SSV. Releasing control line pressure puts the system in neutral to allow either of the systems to be reselected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David Z. Anderson, Darren E. Bane, Alan N. Wagner, John E. Gunnells, Anthony S. Coghill, Allen P. Carney, Barry Lee Brown, Troy L. Smith, Jeremy R. Johnson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7740075
    Abstract: An embodiment of a valve that is operable from one position to another position upon relief of an applied pressure includes a housing having a bore; a valve member disposed with the housing, wherein the valve member is actuated to one position in response to a certain applied pressure and actuates toward another position upon relief of the certain applied pressure; and a relief system relieving the pressure applied to the valve member when the applied pressure falls below a selected pressure level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Goughnour, Russell A. Johnston
  • Patent number: 7735560
    Abstract: Piston bore distortions in a sub-surface safety valve are reduced or eliminated when valve body is subjected to high working pressures. In one embodiment, a piston is disposed in a sleeve that is disposed in a piston bore. The bore can distort but the sleeve within will not distort to the point of losing sealing pressure around the piston. In another approach additional bore or bores are provided adjacent the piston bore to make the pin end of the connection for the valve housing more uniform in the region of the piston bore so that pressure loading does not result in sufficient distortion of the piston bore to lose the piston sealing relation in its bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Darren E. Bane, David Z. Anderson, Alan N. Wagner, Clifford H. Beall, Gary B. Lake
  • Publication number: 20100139910
    Abstract: An annulus isolation valve comprises a valve actuation bore and a flow passage capable of providing fluid communication between an upper annulus and a lower annulus. The flow passage comprises a first flow path and a portion of the valve actuation bore. Further, the first flow path has a second longitudinal axis that is different from a first longitudinal axis. The annulus isolation valve further includes a plug gate positioned in the valve actuation bore. The plug gate is configured so that in the open position it allows fluid communication between the upper annulus and the lower annulus. The annulus isolation valve further includes a biasing mechanism positioned in the valve actuation bore. The biasing mechanism is capable of forcing the plug gate into the closed position when the actuation force is not applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Andy Dyson, Charles Li, Oystein Mogedal, Paulo Cezar Silva Paulo, Casey Russell, Nick Newlands
  • Patent number: 7730953
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively operating multiple hydraulic pressure controlled devices (PCDs) within a borehole using a common inflow and outflow line and a common cycling line. A control system is used wherein each of the PCDs is operationally associated with a separate sleeve controller. The sleeve controller for each PCD controls whether the individual PCD can be actuated by hydraulic pressure variations in the common inflow and outflow lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Dario Casciaro
  • Publication number: 20100116502
    Abstract: A system isolates a control system for a downhole tool from the internal pressures in the tubing in which the tool is mounted. Opposed seals are used on a moving component in the tool so as to offset pressure induced forces regardless of the internal operating pressure of the tool. In a particular application to a subsurface safety valve the control system can be isolated from tubing pressure by offset seals between the passage and the flow tube or around exposed portions of the operating piston for the flow tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: David Z. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7703536
    Abstract: A gas lift system for use in marginal well and small diameter production tubing is disclosed. The system uses compressed natural (produced) gas to lift formation fluids thereby enhancing produced gas. Incorporated in the system is a plurality of differential pressure control valves which provide the required lift capability for a standard jet pump, located at the bottom of the wellbore, to continue to lift produced fluids. The methods of use are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Roy R. Vann
  • Publication number: 20100096145
    Abstract: The application discloses a safety valve to replace an existing safety valve in order to isolate a production zone from a string of tubing when closed. Preferably, the safety valve includes a flow interruption device displaced by an operating conduit extending from a surface location to the safety valve through the inside of the production tubing. The application also discloses a bypass-conduit which allows communication from a surface location to the production zone through the safety valve without affecting the operation of the safety valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Bolding, David Randolph Smith
  • Patent number: 7699108
    Abstract: Piston bore distortions in a sub-surface safety valve are reduced or eliminated when valve body is subjected to high working pressures. In one embodiment, a piston is disposed in a sleeve that is disposed in a piston bore. The bore can distort but the sleeve within will not distort to the point of losing sealing pressure around the piston. In another approach additional bore or bores are provided adjacent the piston bore to make the pin end of the connection for the valve housing more uniform in the region of the piston bore so that pressure loading does not result in sufficient distortion of the piston bore to lose the piston sealing relation in its bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Darren E. Bane, David Z. Anderson, Alan N. Wagner, Clifford H. Beall, Gary B. Lake
  • Publication number: 20100089570
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a well which is not flowing or in which fluid is pumped or injected into the well utilising a downhole located pressure monitoring device which is operative to monitor a characteristic pressure profile of the well, and to respond and generate a triggering output when a significant deviation to the pressure profile is introduced into the well as a control signal to the monitoring device by comparing two separate pressure profiles within a certain time span, the device only generating a triggering output when the same pressure profile is monitored twice within the time span; and an actuator which is initiated into operation to control any required operation of the well when the monitoring device responds to the control signal and generates the triggering output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: OMEGA COMPLETION TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Mark Buyers, David Forsyth
  • Publication number: 20100044054
    Abstract: Drill string flow control valves and more particularly, drill string flow control valves for prevention of u-tubing of fluid flow in drill strings are provided. Drill string flow control valves may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a piston axially movable within said valve housing and bearing against the valve sleeve, a biasing mechanism for biasing the valve sleeve into the closed position, a static pressure port for actuating said piston utilizing internal fluid pressure within said valve and a plurality of dynamic pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve during dynamic flow conditions. The differential pressure exerted on the valve sleeve may be the result of an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure during fluid flow through said valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: DUAL GRADIENT SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Luc de Boer
  • Patent number: 7665529
    Abstract: An improved lubricator valve arrangement for use within a wellbore to allow the passage of tools, such as perforating guns and the like, into the wellbore while it is live. The inclusion of two, independently controllable flapper-type safety valves within the lubricator valve will permit coordinated testing of fluid pressure both above and below the lubricator valve. The upper flapper valve includes a rotational flip-flap arm arrangement to positively open and close the upper flapper valve. The lower flapper valve is equipped with an integrated poppet-style pressure equalizing valve to allow the lower flapper valve to be opened more easily. The direction of opening of the flapper valves precludes or reduces the risk debris-related problems that might prevent or hinder opening of the flapper valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Graham E. Farquhar, David A. Hardie
  • Publication number: 20100032162
    Abstract: A fill-up and circulation tool includes a mandrel; a packer assembly is disposed around the mandrel; and a valve assembly connected to the mandrel, wherein the valve assembly is configured to selectively control fluid flow into the tool and out of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Delaney Michael Olstad, Russell W. Thompson, Russell Lee Morgan, Jim Hollingsworth, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, JR., Michael Hayes, Martin Liess, John D. Hooker, II
  • Patent number: 7637324
    Abstract: A valve for a line going to a subsurface safety valve can be blocked off with a valve that is initially held in a closed position. An upper spring pushes collets against a shoulder to keep a seal on a support assembly for the collets within an initial bore in a sealing relation. Application of pressure to the line urges the support assembly to move with respect to the collets and causes the collets to become unsupported. This initial movement of the support assembly is against a second spring that is weaker than the upper spring. The upper spring forces the collapsed collets into a smaller bore while the support assembly is retained against reverse movement at the urging of the second spring by a ratchet assembly. The seal is shifted into a bigger bore to allow flow through the valve and into or beyond the subsurface safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David Z. Anderson, Alan N. Wagner, Clifford H. Beall, Anthony S. Coghill
  • Patent number: 7624792
    Abstract: A safety valve system includes a safety valve having an actuator and a line connected to the actuator. The safety valve is operable by opening the line in the well, with the line being free of any connection to a surface control system. Another safety valve system includes multiple safety valves. An actuator of each safety valve is connected to an actuator of another safety valve via a line. A biasing force in each of the actuators is operative to close the respective one of the safety valves in response to opening of the line. The biasing force is produced at least in part by hydrostatic pressure in a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam D. Wright, Vincent P. Zeller, Harold W. Nivens, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 7617874
    Abstract: A valve control system for a wellbore includes a fiber composite actuator functionally coupled to a valve operating member and means for controllably charging an interior of the actuator with fluid under pressure. A valve for a wellbore includes a valve stem and a valve seat associated with a valve body. The valve stem and valve seat are configured to enable fluid flow from an inlet port in the valve body to an outlet port in the valve body when the stem is moved from the seat. An axial contraction fiber composite actuator is functionally coupled to the valve stem. The valve includes means for controllably charging an interior of the actuator with fluid under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Murat Ocalan
  • Patent number: 7614452
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively and safely reversing flow in coiled tubing used for wellbore cleanouts are disclosed. One apparatus includes a section of coiled tubing having a main flow channel, at least two flow-preventing valves in the section of coiled tubing, each adapted to close the main flow channel upon attempted flow reversal; and at least one actuator adapted to deter closing of the flow-preventing valves. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Kenison, Michael G. Gay, Robert Bucher, Mahmuda Afroz
  • Publication number: 20090260798
    Abstract: A downhole tool pumping apparatus comprising a body and an active valve block. The body comprises a cavity housing a reciprocating piston defining first and second chambers within the cavity. The active valve block comprises a plurality of active valves, wherein the plurality of active valves includes a first active valve fluidly connected to the first chamber of the body, the plurality of active valves includes a second active valve fluidly connected to the second chamber of the body, and each of the plurality of active valves is configured to be actively actuated between open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Willam E. Brennan, III, Bill Grant, Mark Milkovisch