Vertical Movement Of Conduit Patents (Class 166/334.1)
  • Patent number: 11920436
    Abstract: A downhole tool can be used as a fill valve to circulate a fluid, such as a spacer fluid, through the tool. The tool can include a top and bottom flapper valve and an inner and outer sliding sleeve. The sliding sleeves can be shifted together to allow the top flapper valve to close. Continued shifting of the inner sleeve can cause the bottom flapper valve to close. A cementing operation can then be performed through the tool. Sealing elements can be located between the outside of the inner sleeve and inside of the outer sleeve. Sealing elements can also be located between the outside of the outer sleeve and the inside of a tool mandrel. The sealing elements can prevent debris from becoming lodged within the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Vinicia Acosta Villarreal
  • Patent number: 11702908
    Abstract: An all mechanical counter dart including a mandrel, a plurality of shoulder members disposed upon the mandrel and movable from a more downhole portion of the mandrel to a more uphole portion of the mandrel, individual ones of the plurality of shoulder members moving from an inactive position to an active position and back to an inactive position while traversing the mandrel, and an upset on the mandrel supporting the individual ones of the plurality of shoulder members when in the active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Eugene Stolboushkin
  • Patent number: 11519234
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly can include a mill and a whipstock having an upper end and an opening. A retractable pin extends from the mill into the opening. A section of the whipstock is separable from the whipstock in response to a force applied to the mill. The section is positioned between the opening and the upper end. A method can include positioning a bottom hole assembly in a well, the bottom hole assembly including a whipstock releasably secured to a mill, and then releasing the mill from the whipstock by separating a section of the whipstock from a remainder of the whipstock. Another method can include conveying a bottom hole assembly into a well, setting an anchor, then applying pressure to a hydraulic release mechanism, and then applying a force to the mill, thereby separating a section of the whipstock from a remainder of the whipstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery Scott Pray, David W. Teale
  • Patent number: 11078741
    Abstract: A method includes landing a conductor housing on a wellbay. The method also includes engaging a first alignment feature on the wellbay with an orientation feature on the conductor housing. The method also includes engaging an alignment pin on the conductor housing with a wellhead housing. The wellhead housing includes a second alignment feature. The method further includes landing a tubing hanger alignment gasket using the second alignment feature of the wellhead housing. The tubing hanger alignment gasket provides orientation for a tubing hanger as the tubing hanger is landed through a blow-out preventer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Mattey, Paul Osborne, John Maher
  • Patent number: 10794143
    Abstract: A flapper valve system including a valve body having a valve seat, and a flapper base connected to the valve body. The flapper base supports a flapper selectively positionable on the valve seat. A flapper sleeve includes a first end arranged adjacent the flapper base, a second end, and an intermediate portion having an opening receptive of the flapper. The first end includes a flow tube travel limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Hair
  • Patent number: 10590733
    Abstract: A valve arrangement in a tubular having a first one way valve configured to prevent fluid flow in the tubular in a first direction; and a second one way valve configured to prevent fluid flow in the tubular in a second, opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Twardowski, Albert C. Odell, II, Tuong Thanh Le
  • Patent number: 9970259
    Abstract: A dump valve arrangement for a fracking tool coupled to a length of coil tubing includes an axially displaceable inner mandrel which cooperates with a valve arrangement to allow for releasing fracturing fluid through the central bore of a fracturing tool to an outlet port positioned at the bottom of the tool string. Displacement of the inner mandrel is effected as a result of the normal sequence of operation of the fracturing tool set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Felthager
  • Patent number: 9422792
    Abstract: A method can include closing a valve interconnected between sections of a washpipe of a service tool string by displacing the service tool string relative to a completion string, thereby preventing flow through the washpipe. A well system can include a service tool string reciprocably received in a completion string, the service tool string including a washpipe received in a well screen, and a valve which selectively permits and prevents flow through the washpipe. The completion string can include a structure which operates the valve in response to displacement of the service tool string relative to the completion string. Another method can include closing a valve by partially withdrawing a service tool string from a completion string, thereby preventing flow through a washpipe of the service tool string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary J. Geoffroy
  • Publication number: 20150129198
    Abstract: According to a first aspect, a fill-up and circulation tool includes a central assembly including a mandrel, a nose assembly disposed at a terminal end of the mandrel, an outer assembly coupled to the central assembly, and a valve configured to change position between a closed position and an open position, wherein changing position between the closed position and the open position includes movement of the outer assembly relative to the central assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Alex KUNEC
  • Publication number: 20150083419
    Abstract: A fracturing valve comprising a tubular mandrel having a through bore continuous with a tubing string, and a frac window through the side of the tubular mandrel. An outer sleeve is radially disposed around the tubular mandrel. The outer sleeve includes a sleeve port in a sidewall. The tubular mandrel slides relative to the sleeve by application and release of set down weight on a coiled tubing string. When the valve is closed, there is no fluid communication from the tubing string out of the frac window. When the valve is open, fluid communication from the tubing string is enabled. The valve may be installed in a downhole tool having a perforation device. The tool string can be used with one sealing element as the tool is pulled up the hole isolating lower perforations, or with two sealing elements to allow pin-point treatments isolating perforations both up and downhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Donald Getzlaf, John Ravensbergen, Douglas James Brunskill, Shawn Leggett
  • Patent number: 8985216
    Abstract: A sliding sleeve has an associated shock absorber to limit shock loading to the shifting apparatus when the end of travel is reached. An adjacent sleeve defined an annular cavity in a manner that does not reduce the drift dimension of the shifting sleeve. The cavity has a fluid in it and the movement of the shifted sleeve causes the movement of the shock absorber sleeve to reduce the fluid volume in the annular cavity. The volume reduction forces fluid through a restriction to regulate the speed of the sliding sleeve as a travel stop is reached. The fluid can be a gas, an incompressible fluid or grease. The restriction can be temporarily covered such as with a rupture disc. Room to compensate for thermal expansion can be provided in the annular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James G. King
  • Patent number: 8967269
    Abstract: A tubular valving system includes, a tubular, a seat, a sleeve movably engaged with the seat between at least a first position, a second position and a third position, a release member between the sleeve and the seat that maintains the sleeve relative to the seat in the first position until release thereof, a biasing member configured to urge the sleeve from the second position toward the third position, and a flapper sealingly engagable with the seat. A first threshold pressure against the seated flapper causes release of the release member allowing the sleeve and the seat to attain the second position. A subsequently drop in pressure against the seated flapper below a second threshold level allows the biasing member to move the sleeve relative to the seat to the third position thereby unseating the flapper from the seat and preventing the flapper from again seating with the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard YingQing Xu
  • Patent number: 8931567
    Abstract: A control mechanism for use with a safety valve adapted to seal a wellbore is described. The control mechanism comprises at least one valve actuator for engaging with the safety valve, the at least one actuator being moveable, in use, between a valve open position in which the safety valve is open and a valve closed position, in which the safety valve is closed. The control mechanism further comprises biasing apparatus adapted to bias the at least one valve actuator to the valve closed position, wherein, in use, the at least one valve actuator extends from the safety valve up to a wellbore wellhead. In one described embodiment, the safety valve is moved between the open and closed positions by movement of the at least one valve actuator with respect to the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Enovate Systems Ltd
    Inventor: Jeffrey Edwards
  • Patent number: 8893799
    Abstract: A safety valve for an effluent-production installation, the safety valve comprising a longitudinal shell in which there extends a production tube defining an inside volume for effluent flow. The tube is movable in translation inside the shell in an axial direction between an advanced position in which effluent flow is authorized from the bottom of the installation towards the surface, and a retracted position in which effluent flow is prevented. The valve includes a connection duct between a feed line for feeding at least one additive from the surface and an injection line for injecting the additive downhole, a safety plug being provided in the connection duct in order to close or open the duct depending on whether the production tube is in its retracted position or its advanced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Serge Garay
  • Patent number: 8881824
    Abstract: A tool string carrying an external tool, such as a liner hanger, on a release mechanism is lowered into the wellbore. Interlocking lugs and J-slot profile, defined between the exterior surface of the mandrel and interior surface of the release mechanism, allow relative movement of release mechanism and mandrel without releasing the release mechanism. The relative movement allows mechanical operation of a valve or other tool positioned below the release mechanism. Weight-down and rotation of the tool string and mandrel actuates the lower valve assembly by turning a sleeve into alignment with cooperating members of the mandrel. The sleeve, no longer constrained, moves longitudinally in response to a biasing mechanism. Movement of the sleeve allows closure of the valve. After actuation of the valve tool, further weight-down releases the release mechanism from the carried tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Stautzenberger
  • Patent number: 8820407
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a main housing having a central bore therethrough, an upper valve subassembly disposed within the main housing, the upper valve subassembly including an upper seat configured to contact a corresponding lower seat of a lower valve subassembly, and a flow diverter ring disposed proximate the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly, wherein the flow diverter ring is configured to direct a fluid flow radially away from the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Mohon, Vishal Saheta
  • Patent number: 8813850
    Abstract: A method can include closing a valve interconnected between sections of a washpipe of a service tool string by displacing the service tool string relative to a completion string, thereby preventing flow through the washpipe. A well system can include a service tool string reciprocably received in a completion string, the service tool string including a washpipe received in a well screen, and a valve which selectively permits and prevents flow through the washpipe. The completion string can include a structure which operates the valve in response to displacement of the service tool string relative to the completion string. Another method can include closing a valve by partially withdrawing a service tool string from a completion string, thereby preventing flow through a washpipe of the service tool string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary J. Geoffroy
  • Patent number: 8794329
    Abstract: A well system can include an inflow control device which resists flow into a tubular string. A selection from among multiple different flow resistances through the inflow control device can be performed in response to pressure manipulation. An inflow control device can include a piston which is displaceable to at least two positions. Flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a certain flow resistance when the piston is at one position, and flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a greater flow resistance when the piston is at another position. Fluid which flows through the inflow control device can be constrained to flow through an increased number of flow restrictors in response to displacement of the piston from the first to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Luke W. Holderman
  • Patent number: 8794331
    Abstract: A ported tubular is provided for use in casing a wellbore, to permit selective access to the adjacent formation during completion operations. A system and method for completing a wellbore using the ported tubular are also provided. Ports within the wellbore casing may be opened, isolated, or otherwise accessed to deliver treatment to the formation through the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: NCS Oilfield Services Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Getzlaf, Marty Stromquist, Robert Nipper, Timothy H. Willems
  • Patent number: 8776889
    Abstract: A flapper valve for a surface controlled, sub-surface safety valve has a seat and a curved flapper. The seat has a seating rim, and the curved flapper has a sealing rim and can pivot relative to the seat. The flapper's sealing rim corresponds in shape to the seating rim. Both rims have lobes disposed outside a circular perimeter. Also, the undulating edges of the rims have corresponding outcroppings and incroppings. When a flow tube moves towards or away from the flapper, the flapper's lobes protect the flapper's sealing rim as the flapper's inside surface engages the moving flow tube. Moreover, the rims can have a groove and a ridge that engage one another when the rims close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Roddie R. Smith, Serge Garay
  • Patent number: 8776890
    Abstract: A tool that is usable in a well and may include an operator, a switch, a resilient device and an indexer. The switch may be configured to selectively communicate a first force to the operator, thereby actuating the tool. The resilient device may exert a second force. The indexer may cycle through a sequence of positions in response to alternating between the second force and a third force. The sequence includes a predetermined position configured to actuate the switch, thereby communicating the first force to the operator to actuate the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Arin Basmajian, Brad Swenson, John R. Whitsitt
  • Publication number: 20140158370
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, comprising a sleeve system comprising a ported case, a sliding sleeve within the case and movable between a first sleeve position in which the sleeve restricts fluid communication via the case and a second sleeve position in which the sleeve does not, a radially divided segmented seat movable between a first seat position in which the seat restricts movement of the sleeve and a second seat position in which the seat does not, and a sheath covering a portion of the seat, the sleeve system being transitionable from a first, to a second, to a third mode, in the first mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its first position, in the second mode, the sleeve is in its first position and the seat in its second position, and, in the third mode, the sleeve is in its second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Cale PORTER, Kendall Lee PACEY, Matthew Todd HOWELL, William Ellis STANDRIDGE
  • Patent number: 8720587
    Abstract: A control mechanism for use with a safety valve adapted to seal a wellbore is described. The control mechanism comprises at least one valve actuator for engaging with the safety valve, the at least one actuator being moveable, in use, between a valve open position in which the safety valve is open and a valve closed position, in which the safety valve is closed. The control mechanism further comprises biasing apparatus adapted to bias the at least one valve actuator to the valve closed position, wherein, in use, the at least one valve actuator extends from the safety valve up to a wellbore wellhead. In one described embodiment, the safety valve is moved between the open and closed positions by movement of the at least one valve actuator with respect to the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Edwards
  • Patent number: 8708051
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an isolation valve with debris control. In one aspect, an isolation valve for use as part of a casing string is provided. The isolation valve includes a housing having a bore and a valve cavity. The isolation valve further includes a valve member movable between a first position in which the valve member obstructs the bore of the housing and a second position in which the valve member is disposed in the valve cavity. Further, the isolation valve includes a flow tube configured to allow movement of the valve member between the first and second positions. Additionally, the isolation valve includes an engagement assembly adapted to engage the flow tube to substantially prevent debris from entering the valve cavity when the valve member is in the second position. In another aspect, a method of operating an isolation valve in a wellbore is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. McDowell, Joe Noske, Paul L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8695710
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Todd Howell
  • Patent number: 8668016
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing system, comprising a tubular string, a first sleeve system incorporated within the tubular string, 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 first ported case while the first restrictor is disabled; a second sleeve system incorporated within the tubular string, the second sleeve system comprising a second sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a second ported case, the second sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the second ported case by a second restrictor while the second restrictor is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Cale Porter, Kendall Lee Pacey, Matthew Todd Howell, William Ellis Standridge, Jimmie Robert Williamson, Perry Shy, Roger Watson
  • Patent number: 8662180
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotationally activated downhole well valve for connection in a tubing string is disclosed that can be repeatedly opened and closed selectively to place the tubing string in communication with the annulus. The valve is moved between the closed position and the open position by rotating the string in the first direction. In another embodiment, the valve is opened and closed by rotating the string in the first direction and is reset in the closed position by lifting and lowering the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul David Ringgenberg, Charles Frederick Carder
  • Publication number: 20140008071
    Abstract: An apparatus for servicing a wellbore comprising a housing defining an axial flowbore and comprising high-pressure ports, high-volume ports, and a mandrel slidably positioned within the housing, the mandrel defining a mandrel axial flowbore and being alternatingly movable from a first position to a second position and to a third position, wherein, when the mandrel is in the second position, a route of fluid communication via the high-pressure ports is provided and a route of fluid communication via the high-volume ports is obstructed, wherein, when the mandrel is in the third, position, a route of fluid communication via the high-volume ports is provided, and wherein the apparatus is transitionable from the second position to the third position without communicating an obturating member to the apparatus, without removing an obturating member from the apparatus, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Brice PATTERSON, William Colt ABLES, Jon Jacob GILES
  • Publication number: 20140000909
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing tool comprising a housing at least partially defining an axial flowbore, the housing comprising one or more ports, a sliding sleeve being slidably positioned within the housing and transitionable from a first position in which the sliding prevents fluid communication via a route of fluid communication via the one or more ports, to a second position in which the sliding sleeve allows fluid communication via the route of fluid communication via the one or more ports, and a fluid delay system configured to retain the sliding sleeve in the first position until actuated and to allow the sliding sleeve to transition from the first position to the second position at a controlled rate when actuated, wherein the fluid delay system is actuatable via a wireless signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Adam Kent Neer
  • Publication number: 20130319695
    Abstract: A downhole isolation tool for insertion in a wellbore, for allowing, when a ported sliding sleeve thereof is slidably positioned in a first position and when coupled to a lower end of said pump apparatus, fluids within a hydrocarbon formation to be drawn through such tool and allowed to pass to the pump apparatus for pumping uphole, and when such sliding sleeve is positioned in a second position and decoupled from said lower end of the pump assembly, for preventing said fluids from passing therethrough and uphole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: OIL REBEL INNOVATIONS LTD.
    Inventors: PETER STEVEN DAVID KRAWIEC, GREGG J. LACUSTA
  • Publication number: 20130319694
    Abstract: A pump assembly for recovering hydrocarbons from downhole wells. The pump assembly comprising a seating surface adapted to sealingly engage an interior surface of a first circumferential seal means situated within production tubing when said pump assembly is in a downhole operative position. A downhole ported sleeve is further provided and comprises a first port means and a second port means. The ported sleeve is adapted to move within a seal sub comprising a lower seal means and an upper seal means. The first port means is positioned between the lower seal means and the upper seal means when the pump assembly is removed from the well, thereby preventing pressurized fluids and/or gases from reaching surface. A method for sealing a well upon removal of a pump is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: OIL REBEL INNOVATIONS LTD.
    Inventors: GREGG LACUSTA, PETER STEVEN DAVID KRAWIEC
  • Patent number: 8573304
    Abstract: A safety valve for use in a subterranean well can include a housing assembly having a flow passage extending longitudinally through the housing assembly. An outer diameter of the housing assembly is eccentric relative to the flow passage. A well tool can include a magnetic coupling between magnet devices. One magnet device includes a series of magnets which are unequally spaced circumferentially about the other magnet device. Another safety valve can include a longitudinally extending flow passage, a closure device which selectively permits and prevents flow through the flow passage, and an outer diameter which is eccentric relative to the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., Bruce E. Scott
  • Patent number: 8567509
    Abstract: A downhole tool and method for performing to provide a flow path from an inner bore thereof to a wellbore annulus, wherein the flow path is provided upon the application of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Petroquip Energy Services, LLP
    Inventors: Kevin Scott Kippola, Tracy Dean Blanton, Todd Ulrich Chretien, William John Darnell, Rodney Wayne Long
  • Patent number: 8550176
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bypass tool for a tubing string a wellbore. The bypass tool has a tubular body with ports in the body wall to inject fluid into an annulus. An axially shiftable sleeve is mounted to control flow through the ports. Spring-loaded detents in the body engage openings in the sleeve. In operation, the bypass tool is run into the wellbore in the closed position with the sleeve closing the ports. When bypass flow is desired, an actuation ball is pumped down the wellbore and engages the detents, unlocking the sleeve to shift to where ports in the sleeve align with ports in the mandrel. To return the bypass tool to the closed position, a second ball of the same diameter as the first ball is pumped down the well to engage and depress the detents to allow the sleeve to shift to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Benton T. Knobloch, Jr., Todd J. Roy, David J. Tilley
  • Patent number: 8522877
    Abstract: Systems and methods for locking a sliding sleeve valve in an open position and/or a closed position to prevent inadvertent operation of the sleeve valve during other operations. A sliding sleeve valve locking assembly includes an outer housing defining a locking bore portion with a first locking groove formed therein, a sliding sleeve collet member having a collet finger with a tab shaped and sized to reside within the first locking groove. The sliding sleeve valve locking assembly also includes a collet locking member that is moveably disposed within the sliding sleeve collet member to selectively lock the sliding sleeve collet member within the locking bore portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Clay Chambers, Jobby T. Jacob, Nicholas J. Clem, Hugo Figueroa, Travis E. Cochran
  • Patent number: 8522879
    Abstract: In one aspect, a flow control apparatus for use in a borehole is provided. The apparatus includes a tubular body, a check valve sleeve and a check valve, wherein a change of a pressure inside the check valve sleeve causes the check valve to control fluid communication between the check valve sleeve and the borehole outside the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald Powell Lauderdale
  • Publication number: 20130168099
    Abstract: An apparatus for fluid treatment of a borehole, the apparatus allowing initial outflow injection of fluids into a wellbore in which it is installed and then is actuable to allow fluid inflow control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Jon Themig
  • Patent number: 8469106
    Abstract: A technique facilitates actuating a variety of components in a downhole environment. The technique utilizes displacement based activation of an atmospheric actuation chamber. Activation of the atmospheric actuation chamber may be initiated via a variety of mechanisms, including manipulation of a restraining device, translation of a seal, and/or destruction of a seal. The atmospheric actuation chamber is coupled in cooperation with the corresponding downhole component to enable selective activation of the downhole component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Caminari, Arin Basmajian, Brad Swenson, Steven L. Anyan, Grigory Arauz, Mark Penner
  • Patent number: 8464795
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Aker Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Dyson, Charles Li, Oystein Mogedal, Paulo Cezar Silva Paulo, Casey Russell, Nick Newlands
  • Patent number: 8459363
    Abstract: A control mechanism for use with a safety valve adapted to seal a wellbore is described. The control mechanism comprises at least one valve actuator for engaging with the safety valve, the at least one actuator being moveable, in use, between a valve open position in which the safety valve is open and a valve closed position, in which the safety valve is closed. The control mechanism further comprises biasing apparatus adapted to bias the at least one valve actuator to the valve closed position, wherein, in use, the at least one valve actuator extends from the safety valve up to a wellbore wellhead. In one described embodiment, the safety valve is moved between the open and closed positions by movement of the at least one valve actuator with respect to the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Enovate Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Edwards
  • Patent number: 8459365
    Abstract: A downhole bidirectional apparatus, including a first engagement section; a second engagement section having a rotary device; a third engagement section; and a rotary source having a first rotary member and a second rotary member, the first rotary member disposed about the second rotary member, the first rotary member connected to a first gripping member and the second rotary member connected with a second gripping member, wherein the rotary device is rotatable in a first rotational direction when the second gripping member is engaged with the third engagement section and the first gripping member is rotatably engaged with the second engagement section, and wherein the rotary device is rotatable in a second rotational direction when the second gripping member is engaged with the second engagement section and the first gripping member is engaged with the first engagement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock Watson, Andrew Ferguson, Stanley W. Loving
  • Patent number: 8453748
    Abstract: A method of actuating a valve in a well can include storing energy as a result of a differential pressure across a closed closure device of the valve, and releasing at least a portion of the stored energy while opening the closure device. A valve for use in a well can include a closure device, a biasing device, and an actuator which stores energy in the biasing device in response to a pressure differential across the closure device. A well system can include a tubular string, and a valve which controls fluid flow through the tubular string. The valve may include a closure device and an actuator which actuates the valve at least partially in response to a pressure differential across the closure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130087323
    Abstract: A multi-function diverter tool is disclosed that allows positive-indication opening and closing of the tool in a downhole environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Jerry Allamon, Kevin O. Trahan, Javier E. Bolivar
  • Publication number: 20130075101
    Abstract: A dump valve arrangement for a fracking tool coupled to a length of coil tubing includes an axially displaceable inner mandrel which cooperates with a valve arrangement to allow for releasing fracturing fluid through the central bore of a fracturing tool to an outlet port positioned at the bottom of the tool string. Displacement of the inner mandrel is effected as a result of the normal sequence of operation of the fracturing tool set. The valve arrangement is in a closed position during both the insertion and positioning of the tool string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Felthager, SR.
  • Publication number: 20130068472
    Abstract: A stroker tool operates a subterranean tool between three operating positions. The stroker tool includes an outer housing defining a piston chamber within. A piston assembly having first and second piston members is moveable within the piston chamber between a first position, a second position, and a third position. A shifting member is operably connected with the piston assembly and is moved to an uppermost axial position when the piston assembly is in the first position, an intermediate axial position when the piston assembly is in the second position, and a lowermost axial position when the piston assembly is in the third position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald P. Lauderdale
  • Publication number: 20130056220
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: TEAM OIL TOOLS LP
    Inventors: Michael T. Sommers, Stephen L. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20130043040
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively enabling fluid communication between two volumes, the system including a tubular having a port housing with at least one port, a member disposed with the tubular and movable between a closed position in which the port is closed and an open position in which the port is open, a lock element positively engaged with both the member and the tubular for maintaining the member in the closed position, and an actuator in keyed engagement with the lock element for biasing the lock element, wherein actuation of the actuator releases the lock element to resiliently spring into engagement with solely one of the member or the tubular for enabling the member to move relative to the tubular to the open position for opening the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Peter J. Fay
  • Patent number: 8360154
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a main housing having a central bore therethrough, an upper valve subassembly disposed within the main housing, the upper valve subassembly including an upper seat configured to contact a corresponding lower seat of a lower valve subassembly, and a flow diverter ring disposed proximate the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly, wherein the flow diverter ring is configured to direct a fluid flow radially away from the upper seat of the upper valve subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Mohon, Vishal Saheta
  • Patent number: 8356669
    Abstract: A well system can include an inflow control device which resists flow into a tubular string. A selection from among multiple different flow resistances through the inflow control device can be performed in response to pressure manipulation. An inflow control device can include a piston which is displaceable to at least two positions. Flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a certain flow resistance when the piston is at one position, and flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a greater flow resistance when the piston is at another position. Fluid which flows through the inflow control device can be constrained to flow through an increased number of flow restrictors in response to displacement of the piston from the first to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Luke W. Holderman
  • Patent number: 8302692
    Abstract: A sand slurry valve that includes a mandrel within a housing and a seal assembly connected to the mandrel. A portion of the housing includes a seal bore. The mandrel is movable within the housing such that the seal assembly may be positioned within the seal bore. The mandrel includes a flow passage adapted to provide rotational fluid flow through the housing prior to the seal assembly being moved into the seal bore. The seal assembly may include a seal, a first backup ring, and a second backup ring with the second backup ring positioned between the seal and the first backup ring. The rotational flow through the housing may help to protect the seal from being damaged by particles carried within the flow. The first backup ring may have a harder durometer measurement than the second backup ring, which may have a harder durometer measurement than the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: John E. Ravensbergen